Nisha spent her first three days in the palace as a servant of Rajmata Kunti. The task assigned to her was simple yet delicate: braiding Rajmata Kunti's hair and washing her clothes. At first, it felt strange and challenging, a far cry from her usual work as an archaeologist. But Nisha was a quick learner, and by the end of the first day, she had mastered the skills with surprising ease.

The morning of the fourth day began early. Nisha was awakened by the gentle yet insistent voice of Adrika. "Chalo, Nisha, Ganga tat main nahane bhi to jana hai. Main ne tumhare liye bhi chandan ka lep le liya hai. Ab chalo," Adrika urged, her tone playful yet caring.

Nisha quickly shook off her drowsiness and got up, joining Adrika as they made their way through the palace corridors. The soft morning light filtered through the carved lattice windows, casting intricate patterns on the stone floors.

As they walked, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a loud wailing sound echoing from a nearby room. The cries were filled with such anguish that it sent a shiver down Nisha's spine. Without a second thought, they rushed toward the source of the noise.

Entering the room, they found several dasis huddled around a young girl who was sobbing uncontrollably. Her body shook with each breath, and her tears seemed endless. Concerned, Nisha approached a nearby girl and gently asked, "Kya hua?"

The girl's expression was grave as she replied, "Her brother was on his way to take her home for their village festival, but in the middle of the journey, a Brahman, a Kshatriya, a Vaishya, and a Shudra attacked him. They killed him and robbed his money. That's why she's crying."

Nisha felt a surge of anger rise within her. The injustice of it all made her blood boil. She looked at Adrika, who mirrored her own fury, her eyes dark with outrage. Adrika's voice was laced with tension as she asked, "What happened to the culprits?"

Before the girl could respond, a firm voice came from behind them. "They are in prison now. They will be taken to the court tomorrow for the hearing. And Devi," the voice softened as the speaker turned to the crying dasi, "chaliye, aapko apne parivar ke paas chhodne ka adesh aaya hai, aapke bhrata ke antim sanskar ke liye."

The dasi's sobs quieted slightly, but her grief remained palpable. Still trembling, she allowed the soldier to escort her out, her muffled cries echoing down the corridor as she went to join her family for the final rites of her brother.

Nisha watched her go, her heart heavy with sorrow and anger, knowing that the pain of loss would linger long after the tears had dried.

After the heartbreaking encounter, Nisha and Adrika quietly made their way to the serene banks of the Ganga. The cool water offered some respite from the turmoil they had just witnessed, and after their bath, Adrika swiftly completed her chores. But when she looked towards Nisha, she found her sitting peacefully by the river, eyes closed in meditation—a practice that always helped her find clarity and calm her racing thoughts.

After about ten minutes, Nisha opened her eyes to find Adrika watching her with concern. "Nisha, tumhara kaam ho gaya toh mahal lote?" Adrika asked gently. Nisha rose to her feet and replied with a reassuring smile, "Nahi Adrika, you go. I have mine and Rajmata Kunti's vastras to wash. You go, I will come after washing these clothes." Adrika hesitated, a flicker of worry crossing her face. She asked again if Nisha was sure she could return on her own, but Nisha assured her with a confident nod, reminding her that it was already the fourth day, and she was familiar with the way back to the palace. Reluctantly, Adrika left after advising Nisha not to take too long. Nisha then turned her attention to the task at hand, scrubbing the white sarees of Rajmata Kunti with care. Once finished, she sighed at the sight of the large basket still brimming with sarees, then glanced up at the sun, estimating it to be around midday. Gathering her resolve, she hoisted the basket and began the walk back to the palace, the path now a little more familiar under her feet.

After completing her task, Nisha made her way back toward the palace. As she walked along the riverbank of the Ganga, a divine glow caught her eye from a little distance. Intrigued by the ethereal light, her curiosity drew her closer.

As she approached, Nisha realized the glow emanated from a lady draped in a white saree, adorned with a stunning crown. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized Mata Ganga, standing serenely on the flowing waters of the Ganga. Infront of her stood Pitamah Bhishma, his posture radiating helplessness and deep tension. He seemed to be seeking solace and a solution from his divine mother.

Nisha quietly moved to the shade of a large tree nearby, positioning herself discreetly to overhear their conversation.

Pitamah Bhishma spoke first, his voice laden with respect and anxiety. "Pranam, Mata."

Mata Ganga responded warmly, "Ayushman bhava, putra. Tu atyant chintit aur dukhi lag rahe ho. Kya iska karan hai?"

("Blessings to you, my son. You seem deeply troubled and distressed. What is the reason?")

Pitamah Bhishma's reply was filled with despair. "Kal ka din Hastinapur ke liye bada bhari din hai, Mata. Kal achhe aur bure, nyay aur anyay, dharm aur adharm ke beech raj sihanshan ke liye sangharsh hone ja raha hai. Aur main durbhagya vash adharm ki aur khada hoon kyunki Hastinapur ke raj sihanshan par adharm hai. Aap to Devi hain, aap kuch kijiye, Mata. Aur ye din mere jeevan se hata dijiye."

("Tomorrow is a crucial day for Hastinapur, Mata. It will be a day of struggle between good and evil, justice and injustice, righteousness and unrighteousness for the throne. Unfortunately, I am on the side of unrighteousness due to the current state of the throne. As a Devi, please do something and remove this day from my life.")

Mata Ganga's voice was soothing yet firm. "Putra, honi ko kon tal sakta hai? Swayam Vidhata bhi nahi. Isliye tumhe ye jeena hi hoga. Tumhare jeevan mein sangharsh likha hai. Putra, bhagya tumhare liye atyant nirdayi hain, parantu jab bhi tumhe sneha aur ashirvad ki avashyakta ho, mera ashirvad aur sneha sada tumhare sath rahega."

("Son, who can alter destiny? Even the Creator cannot. Therefore, you must endure. Struggle is written in your life. Fate is harsh, but whenever you need love and blessings, my blessings and affection will always be with you.")

With these words, Mata Ganga began to fade, her divine glow dissolving into the shimmering waters.

Nisha, deeply moved by the divine encounter, began to quietly retreat. Her mind was racing with thoughts about the crucial events that were to unfold the next day and how she would stop these event from taking place.

As she made her way back, Bhishma's deep, authoritative voice suddenly cut through the stillness. "Thero dasi, tum to yah janti hogi rajgharane ki baatein sunke ke dand ke bare mein."

("You, maid, you must know about the consequences of hearing royal matters.")

Nisha froze, her heart pounding. The realization that she had been overheard paralyzed her. Should she turn around and apologize, or should she make a swift escape? Torn between the two options, she stood as still as a statue, her mind racing to decide her next move.

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