The grand hall of Maharaj Dhritarashtra's palace was a testament to the opulence of Hastinapur. Majestic tall pillars adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beings and floral patterns stood proud, reflecting the grandeur of the kingdom. Rich tapestries depicting scenes from great epics covered the walls, and the air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood, emanating from the incense burners placed strategically around the room.

Dhritarashtra sat on his grand throne, his face a canvas of deep contemplation. His unseeing eyes were closed, his thick brows furrowed in thought. The room's silence was interrupted by the firm yet respectful voice of a soldier who stood at the door.

"Mahamantri Vidur andar aane ki agya chahte hain, Maharaj," the soldier announced.

("Great Minister Vidur seeks permission to enter, Your Majesty.")

Dhritarashtra opened his eyes, though they gazed into nothingness, and nodded slightly, signaling his assent. The soldier bowed and stepped aside, allowing Vidur to enter. The minister, dressed in simple yet dignified attire, walked with calm confidence and stood beside Dhritarashtra's throne. Bowing slightly, he said, "Maharaj ki Jai ho!"

("Victory to the King!")

Dhritarashtra tilted his head in Vidur's direction and spoke with curiosity tinged with amusement. "Aaj tumhari vani mein ek alag hi anand samaya hai, Vidur. Batao, kya khabar hai?"

("Today, there is a distinct joy in your voice, Vidur. Tell me, what is the news?")

Vidur's face broke into a pleased smile as he replied, "Kampilya se badi hi khush khabri aayi hai, Maharaj."

("Great news has come from Kampilya, Your Majesty.")

Hearing this, Dhritarashtra rose from his throne, his excitement making his movements slightly unsteady. He placed a hand on Vidur's shoulder for balance and asked eagerly, "Batao, Vidur, kya mere priya jyesth putra Duryodhan ne swayamvar jeet liya?"

("Tell me, Vidur, has my beloved eldest son Duryodhan won the swayamvar?")

Vidur shook his head, his expression steady yet unreadable. "Nahi, Maharaj."

("No, Your Majesty.")

Dhritarashtra paused, his face reflecting his thoughts, then asked again with renewed hope, "Toh kya putra Dushasan ne jeeta? Avashya usne hi jeeta hoga. Woh bhi toh bada pratapi hai."

("Then has my son Dushasan won? Surely he must have. He is also quite accomplished.")

Once again, Vidur shook his head and said, "Nahi, Maharaj. Dushasan ne bhi nahi jeeta." ("No, Your Majesty. Dushasan has not won either.")

Dhritarashtra frowned slightly and leaned back as if searching for an explanation. With a tinge of impatience, he asked, "Toh aur khushi ki baat kya hai, Vidur?" ("Then what is the good news, Vidur?")

Vidur's calm voice carried weight as he delivered the unexpected news. "Swayamvar to aapke priya anuj-putra Arjun ne jeeta hai, Maharaj."

("The swayamvar has been won by your beloved nephew, Arjun, Your Majesty.")

Dhritarashtra's expression froze, his unseeing eyes widening in shock. His balance faltered, and he clutched Vidur's arm for support. The news seemed almost too much to bear as he asked in disbelief, "Kya? Arjun ne? Aur mere anuj-putra zinda hain?"

("What? Arjun? And my nephews are alive?")

Vidur, ever composed, replied, "Ji, Maharaj. Sabse badi khushi ki baat yeh hai ki aapke anuj-putra Varanavat ke hadse ke baad bhi jeevit hain."

("Yes, Your Majesty. The greatest news is that your nephews survived the incident at Varanavat.")

Dhritarashtra's face fell. His earlier enthusiasm drained away, replaced by a conflicted frown. He stumbled back to his throne and sat down heavily, his hands resting on his forehead. Vidur watched him, puzzled by the king's reaction. After a long silence, Vidur spoke. "Kya hua, Maharaj?" ("What happened, Your Majesty?")

Startled out of his thoughts, Dhritarashtra quickly regained his composure. Forcing a smile, he said, "Kuch nahi, Vidur. Main toh bada khush hoon. Parantu kya mere anuj-putra mujhe Varanavat ke hadse ka doshi manenge?"

("Nothing, Vidur. I am very happy. But will my nephews blame me for the incident at Varanavat?")

Vidur frowned, surprised by the question. He shook his head firmly. "Nahi, Maharaj. Jahan tak mujhe lagta hai, woh aapse naaraz nahi honge. Aapko unhe ek chithi likhkar yeh batana chahiye ki aap unke lautne par kitne prasann hain. Swayamvar aur vivah ke liye ek purohit bhi bhejna uchit hoga."

("No, Your Majesty. As far as I believe, they won't be angry with you. You should write them a letter expressing how happy you are about their return. It would also be appropriate to send a priest for the swayamvar and wedding.")

Dhritarashtra exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. "Jao, jao, yeh sab isi waqt karo, Vidur. Main toh bada khush hoon ki main apne purvajon ke samne lajjit hone se bach gaya. Ab tum turant Kampilya ko doot bhejo."

("Go, go, do all this immediately, Vidur. I am so happy that I have been saved from shame before my ancestors. Now, send a messenger to Kampilya at once.")

Vidur bowed respectfully and left the room. Yet, as he walked away, his heart felt uneasy. The king's words and demeanor did not align with the joyous news Vidur had brought. Something about the reaction didn't sit well with the wise minister, but he chose to keep his thoughts to himself for now.

In the dimly lit corridor of the Hastinapur palace, the sound of Shakuni's uneven steps echoed. His limp was pronounced, his one lame leg dragging slightly as he walked, his eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. His mind churned with frustration, questioning how his meticulously crafted plan to eliminate the Pandavas had failed. Suddenly, the laughter of his nephews broke through his brooding thoughts. The hearty guffaws, accompanied by a deeper chuckle-clearly Karna's-came from Duryodhan's chamber.

Shakuni's head turned sharply toward the sound. His expression darkened, and with hurried steps, he made his way to the chamber. Inside, he found Duryodhan, Dushasan, and Karna lounging together, immersed in their mirth. Shakuni stormed in, his face a mask of fury, and bellowed, "Tum jaisa murkh iss duniya mein aur kadachit hi kabhi dekhne ko milega, Duryodhan!"

("A fool like you might never be seen in this world again, Duryodhan!")

Duryodhan's laughter faded instantly, replaced by confusion and irritation. He frowned and asked, "Parantu maine kiya kya hai, Mamashree?"

("But what have I done, Uncle?")

Shakuni pointed a finger at him and spat, "Rone ke avsar par hansoge toh murkh na kahun toh kya kahun tumhe main?"

("If you laugh in moments meant for crying, what else should I call you but a fool?")

Turning to include Dushasan and Karna in his ire, Shakuni continued, "Dushasan se woh Rajkumar ka pad nahi chinenge, aur Karna se Ang Naresh ka pad. Woh toh tumse Hastinapur ka raj singhasan chinenge, vats."

("They won't take the title of prince from Dushasan, or the throne of Ang from Karna. They will snatch the throne of Hastinapur from you, my boy.")

The three men exchanged alarmed glances. Duryodhan finally asked, "Kaun, Mamashree?"

("Who, Uncle?")

Shakuni's voice dropped ominously as he replied, "Pandav, aur kaun?"

("The Pandavas, who else?")

Their eyes widened in shock. Dushasan let out a relief sigh and laughingly said, "Yeh aap kya keh rahe hain, Mamashree? Mere priya Pandav bhai toh Varnavat mein jal ke mar gaye-"

("What are you saying, Uncle? My dear Pandava brothers were burned to death in Varnavat-")

Shakuni interrupted sharply, "Mare nahi, putra. Zinda hain aur surakshit bhi. Aur unhi mein se tumhare ek bhai Arjun ne Draupadi ka swayamvar jeeta hai."

("They didn't die, son. They are alive and safe. And among them, your dear 'brother' Arjun has won Draupadi's swayamvar.")

Karna's brow furrowed as he asked, "Arjun ne? Parantu wah toh ek Brahman-"

("Arjun? But he was supposed to be a Brahmin-")

Shakuni let out a sinister laugh and said, "Haan, Angraj, wahi Arjun tha jis ke aage tum apna shish jhuka ke agaye the."

("Yes, King of Ang, it was the same Arjun before whom you bowed your head.")

Duryodhan's face twisted with anger as he asked in an annoyed tone, "Ab hume kya karna chahiye, Mamashree?

("What should we do now, Uncle?")

Before Shakuni could reply, Karna rose to his feet, his voice ringing with righteous defiance. "Mitra, Mamashree ke chal par nirbhar hona hi murkhta hai. Yadi Pandavon ki mrityu aur Hastinapur ka singhasan chahte ho, toh veeron ki tarah ek Kshatriya ki tarah astra pakdo aur yudh karo. Aise karne par itihaas tumhe kayar nahi kahega."

("Friend, relying on Uncle's schemes is foolishness. If you desire the Pandavas' death and the throne of Hastinapur, pick up your weapons like a true warrior. History will not call you a coward for that.")

Shakuni's face darkened with anger at Karna's interruption. He sneered, "Putra, main koi kayar nahi hoon. Shayad hi koi divya mantra nahi pata ho mujhe, par kutneeti aur rajneeti mein mujhse aage koi nahi hai. Issliye chup chap baitho aur apne bado ka adar karo, Angraj."

("Son, I am no coward. Perhaps I know no divine spells, but in politics and strategy, none surpass me. So sit quietly and respect your elders, King of Ang.")

Duryodhan placed a hand on Karna's shoulder, calming him. "Krodh thuko, mitra. Ye ghadi sochne ki hai. Baith jao aur Mamashree ko bolne do. Mamashree, aap bataiye, kya karna chahiye? Unn bhaiyon mein toh hum kabhi dwandh utpan kar hi nahi sakte. Unmein itni jo ekta hai."

("Let go of your anger, friend. This is a time for thought. Sit down and let Uncle speak. Uncle, tell us what we should do. We cannot create discord among those brothers-they are so united.")

Shakuni's lips curled into a sly smile as an idea formed in his mind. He said, "Ab dwandh utpan ho sakta hai, bhanje. Sunne ko aaya hai ki teen jyesth Pandav ka vivah Draupadi se aur Nakul ka kisi Brahman kanya se hone wala hai. Toh kyun na hum Draupadi aur iss Brahman kanya ke jariye inn bhaiyon mein khot daalein?"

("Now discord can indeed arise, nephew. It has been heard that the three eldest Pandavas will marry Draupadi, and Nakul will marry a Brahmin girl. Why not sow discord among them through Draupadi and this Brahmin girl?")

A slow, wicked laughter filled the chamber as Duryodhan, Shakuni, and Dushasan relished the devious plan. Karn, however, rose silently, his displeasure evident. He left the room, his mind unwilling to partake in their schemes. Meanwhile, the remaining trio continued plotting, their laughter echoing like a sinister promise of chaos.

After four days in Panchal, the long-awaited letter from Hastinapur arrived, carried by a Brahmin priest named Dhaumya, sent by Dhritarashtra. Coincidentally, Vyasji also reached Panchal at the same time. The entire kingdom was immersed in joy, celebrating the upcoming weddings of Princess Draupadi and the Brahmin girl, Nisha, who had won everyone's admiration with her simplicity. The royal palace bustled with preparations, adorned with flowers, rangoli, and lamps.

As news of Vyasji's arrival spread, a soldier informed the gathering of the letter's arrival. Draupadi, the Pandavas, Nisha, Kunti, King Drupad, Drishtadyumna, and Shikhandi rose to welcome the guests. Both Vyasji and Dhaumya were greeted with deep respect, and everyone touched their feet to seek blessings.

Vyasji, the eldest and most revered in the room, spoke in his calm, commanding voice: ""Ab jab Hastinapur se bhi sandesh agaya hai to shaadi turant hi kardeni chahiye. Kuch hi dino mein chandrama Pushya nakshatra mein jane wala hai, to jaldi hi sahi hoga."

(Now that the message from Hastinapur has also arrived, it is best to conduct the weddings immediately. In a few days, the moon will enter the Pushya Nakshatra, making it an auspicious time for marriage.)

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Yudhishthir replied respectfully, "Jaisi aapki ichha, Rishivar."

(As you wish, Rishivar)

Vyasji smiled and continued, "Pehle kramanusar Yudhishthir, tadantar Bheem, aur uske baad Arjun Draupadi ka pani grahan karenge. Inki vidhipurvak kushaltapurvak vivah hone ke paschat Nisha evam Nakul ka vivah hoga."

(The weddings will follow this sequence: first Yudhishthir, then Bheem, and after him, Arjun will marry Draupadi. Once their ceremonies are completed with proper rituals, Nisha and Nakul's wedding will take place.)

Sahadev glanced at Nakul with a teasing smile and nudged him gently. Nakul, who was smiling himself, quickly straightened his expression and gave Sahadev a mock-serious look.

With the arrangements finalized, the preparations for Yudhishthir's wedding began. The palace glowed with countless lamps, fragrant garlands, and intricate decorations. Draupadi looked breathtakingly beautiful, while Nisha admired her strength and poise. Over the past few days, their bond had grown into a sisterhood of mutual respect and warmth.

That night, as they sat together on the balcony admiring the starry sky, Draupadi's curiosity about Nisha's knowledge of future flared again. She turned to Nisha with an eager expression and asked, ""Achha, Nisha, mere vishay mein kuch toh bolo-mere bhagya aur mere bhavishya ke vishay mein."

(Nisha, tell me something about myself-about my destiny and my future.)

Nisha, who often avoided such questions, sighed and replied carefully, ""Didi, aap Aryavart ki sabse prasiddh patrani banengi. Bhavishya aur vartaman ki striyan aapke sahas ki hamesha samman karengi aur aapse prerna lengi."

(Didi, you will become the most renowned queen of Aryavarta. Women from both the present and future will always admire your courage and draw inspiration from you.)

Draupadi smiled, taking Nisha's hand in hers, and said, "Tum toh ye sab hamesha bolti ho. Kuch naya bolo-log mujhe kis vishay se yaad rakhenge?"

(You always say this. Tell me something new-what will people truly remember me for?)

Nisha hesitated, her heart heavy with the burden of knowledge she couldn't share. She gently ran her fingers through Draupadi's hair and said, ""Didi, aapke ye lambe, ghane, aur mazboot kesh hi aapki pehchaan banenge."

(Didi, your long, thick, and strong tresses will become your identity.)

Nisha turned away, wiping a tear as thoughts of Draupadi's tragic future flashed in her mind. How could this innocent, radiant woman transform into the fierce and resilient figure history would remember? Draupadi, sensing her unease, placed a hand on her shoulder and asked gently, "Kya hua, Nisha?"

(What happened, Nisha?)

Nisha turned back with a soft smile, embracing Draupadi as she said, "Main aapko kabhi duvidha mein nahi padne dungi, Didi. Main jitna ho sake aapki raksha karne ki koshish karungi."

(I will never let you face any dilemma, Didi. I will protect you as much as I can.)

Draupadi smiled warmly and said, "Yeh kehkar toh tumne mera dil khush kar diya, Nisha. Aur na keval tum, tumhari yeh Didi bhi tumhara har paristhiti mein saath degi."

(You've made my heart glad, Nisha. And know this-not only you, but your Didi will also stand by your side in every situation. )

They shared a tender, sisterly embrace, their minds filled with contrasting thoughts. Draupadi felt grateful and fortunate to have found such a loving family. Nisha, however, felt the weight of Draupadi's destiny, knowing that despite being married to the most powerful man of the era, she was fated to endure hardships and disgrace.