The preparations for Yudhishthir and Draupadi’s wedding were in full swing. The grand halls of the palace buzzed with activity. The aroma of freshly prepared delicacies wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of garlands and the vibrant hum of musicians tuning their instruments. Kunti, though joyful, remained in a constant state of prayer, her lips moving silently as she invoked blessings for the success of the ceremony.

Nisha, on the other hand, was lost in a whirlwind of emotions. She had barely recovered from the earth-shattering revelation Krishna had shared with her. The words still echoed in her mind, each syllable heavier than the last.

Krishna’s face bore a seriousness Nisha had rarely seen. His enchanting smile was absent, replaced by a look of profound gravity. “Sakhi,” he began, his voice deep and resonant, “jis brahmand mein tum thi, keval ussi brahmand ka janak, sanchalak, aur dhwansak main nahi hoon. Main keval ek brahmand ka swami nahi hoon, anant koti brahmand ka swami hoon, aur unme base sekdo grah aur nakshatraon ka bhi swami main hi hoon.”

("Dear friend, the universe you came from is not the only one I oversee. I am not merely the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of one universe; I am the lord of countless universes, each with its own planets and constellations, and I govern them all.")

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. “Har brahmand ka apna ek gati hota hai. Aur sakhi, rahi baat tumhari—tumne sirf kaal yatra nahi kiya, tum dusre brahmand se aayi ho.”

("Each universe has its own rhythm and progression. And as for you—you did not merely travel through time; you have crossed over from another universe.")

Nisha’s breath caught as her mind raced to grasp the enormity of his statement. Krishna’s eyes softened, but his tone remained firm. “Inn sabhi brahmandon mein jo kuch bhi ghatta hai, woh lagbhag ek saman hota hai, parantu pura saman nahi hota. Do cheezein jo saman hai, woh yeh hai ki inn sabhi ka janak aur srishtikarta main hoon, aur main hi inn sab ka dekh-rekh karta hoon.”

("In all these universes, many events are similar, but not entirely the same. Two constants remain: I am the creator and caretaker of all these universes.")

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing yet comforting. “Aur dusri baat yeh hai ki hamesha buri shaktiyon ka har brahmand mein nash hota hai, aur hamesha devya shakti aur unpe vishwas karne walon ka hi vijay hota hai.”

("And the second truth is this: evil forces are always defeated in every universe, and divine forces, along with those who trust in them, always triumph.")

Nisha stood motionless, staring at the elaborate designs on the palace walls, though her eyes were unfocused. Krishna’s words had not just given her answers; they had expanded her understanding of existence itself. She was not merely a visitor from another time; she was a traveler from a different universe.

As she shook off her daze, the sounds of celebration around her pulled her back to reality. Laughter and the tinkling of anklets filled the air. Kunti’s voice echoed faintly as she instructed the maids to ensure everything was perfect for the wedding. Nisha knew she couldn’t let her thoughts overwhelm her now; today was a day of joy and unity.

With a deep breath, she stepped forward, her resolve renewed. Whatever mysteries lay ahead, she would face them—just as Krishna had said—with faith in the divine and confidence in the power of good.

Few mins later

Nisha sat in her room in Panchal, gazing out of the balcony at the bustling preparations below. The people looked like colorful, moving specks from her vantage point. A soft smile graced her lips as she watched Bheem effortlessly carrying a massive trunk, helping the workers with a natural ease. Sahadev, on the other hand, was pretending to help. He lightly touched a giant wooden beam with his shoulder, feigning effort. Nisha chuckled as Nakul, standing nearby, gestured toward Bheem. When Bheem turned to see what Nakul was pointing at, he caught sight of Sahadev’s mischief. In response, Bheem playfully twisted Sahadev's ear, eliciting a laugh from everyone nearby.

Her amusement was interrupted by the creak of her room door opening. She turned her head over her shoulder and saw Drishtadyumna standing there, his smile tentative, wavering as if unsure whether it belonged on his face.

Nisha greeted him warmly. “Pranipat, Rajkumar. Aap yahan kaise?” ("Greetings, Prince. What brings you here?")

Drishtadyumna remained at the door, his posture formal yet hesitant. “Rajmata Kunti ne yeh adesh diya hai ki aapke hisaab se aapke vivah ke liye sahayak pandit, jo Hastinapur ke rajpurohit Dhaumya ke saath aapka vivah kara sake, iss vishay mein puchhna aur jinhe aap chunein unhe chitti likhni hai.” ("Queen Mother Kunti has instructed me to consult you about selecting an assistant priest for your wedding, one who can assist the royal priest Dhaumya of Hastinapur. I am to write a letter to the person of your choosing.")

Nisha tilted her head slightly, pausing for a moment before replying. “Ji, Rajkumar, maine Matashree se kaha tha ki mujhe ek Brahman purohit ko mere vivah ke liye bulana hai.” ("Yes, Prince, I informed Queen Mother that I would like a Brahmin priest to perform my wedding rituals.")

Drishtadyumna, his gaze fixed anywhere but on her, asked cautiously, “Aap naam kahiye, Devi. Main unhe chithi likh deta hoon.” ( "Please tell me the name, Princess. I will write to them.")

Nisha laughed softly, her voice carrying a trace of playfulness. “Chithi mein unhe bulana sahi nahi hoga. Aap chinta mat kijiye, main aur Naku—mera matlab, Rajkumar Nakul swayam unke yahan jayenge unhe bulane.” ("Writing a letter to invite them wouldn’t be appropriate. Don’t worry, I and Naku—I mean, Prince Nakul will go ourselves to invite them.")

Drishtadyumna gave her a brief nod, his expression unreadable, and left without another word.

As the door closed, Nisha turned back toward the balcony, her eyes scanning the grounds below in search of Nakul. Just moments ago, he had been standing there, laughing with Sahadev, but now he was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, she felt something soft hit her head. Startled, she looked around and spotted a marigold flower at her feet.

Her eyes followed the trajectory of the throw, and there he was—Nakul, standing on a higher platform with his usual princely smile and mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He gestured playfully, his hands asking, Whom are you searching for?

Nisha smiled, gesturing back with a wave, motioning for him to come up. Nakul’s smile widened, and he appeared ready to leap down. However, just as he bent his knees to jump, he froze. His gaze darted to his right, and a dramatic, mock expression of fear crossed his face.

Nisha followed his line of sight and burst out laughing. There stood Bheem, arms crossed, his towering figure and stern expression promising trouble for Nakul’s antics. Nakul, now visibly cautious, sat back on the ledge as if deciding to stay put for the moment.

Nisha shook her head, her laughter barely suppressed. She decided to save him from Bheem's mock fury and headed downstairs, her steps light with amusement and a growing fondness for the moments she shared with the Pandavas.

As Nisha descended, she found Bheem standing nearby, looking directly at her. She smiled warmly and said, "Pranam Bharata Bheem aur Rajkumar Nakul." ("Greetings, Brother Bheem and Prince Nakul.")

Bheem glanced at Nakul with a mock-stern expression and said, "Dekho Nisha, yeh mera anuj to din-pratidin yeh bhulta ja raha hai ki apne bado ka haath kaise bataye." ("Look, Nisha, my younger brother is forgetting day by day how to show respect and help his elders.")

Nisha laughed lightly and replied, "Aap chinta na kijiye, Jyesth. Main inhe kaam karwane hi bula rahi thi." ("Don’t worry, Elder Brother. I was just about to call him to help me with something.")

Bheem nodded, seemingly appeased, and Nisha walked alongside Nakul toward Mata Kunti’s chamber. Upon entering, they greeted Kunti and Yudhishthir, who was seated beside her, discussing something in a low voice.

Kunti looked at them with a motherly smile and asked, "Arey Nakul Nisha, kya vishay hai? Koi pareshani?" ("Tell me, my children, what is the matter? Is there any trouble?")

Nisha shook her head gently and replied, "Mata, woh hum soch rahe the ki jis Brahman parivar ne humein Ekchakranagar mein rehne ke liye sthan diya tha, kyun na unhe sahayak purohit banaya jaye. Isme unhe unke karya ke liye maan-samman bhi milega, aur raj-vivah karne ke liye unhe dakshina ke taur par bahut saari cheezein milengi, jinse unhe gareebi se mukti milegi aur woh ek sukhi jeevan vyatit karenge. Mujhe laga, Mata, humein unke liye itna to karna chahiye, kyunki unhone humein rehne ke liye sthan diya tha, woh bhi tab, jab unke paas khud ke liye kuch nahi tha." ("Mother, we were thinking that the Brahmin family who gave us shelter in Ekchakranagar should be made the assistant priests for the wedding. This will honor their work, and the royal wedding will provide them with many offerings that will help them escape poverty and live a happy life. I felt, Mother, that we should at least do this for them because they gave us shelter when they themselves had so little.")

Kunti’s eyes softened with admiration. She cupped Nisha’s chin lovingly and said, "Dhanya ho, Putri. Aur tum aur Nakul zaroor jao. Ekchakranagar toh yahi paas hai, toh shaam tak laut aana." ("Bless you, daughter. You and Nakul should definitely go. Ekchakranagar is nearby, so return by evening.")

Nisha and Nakul nodded respectfully. Yudhishthir, who had been listening quietly, added with a warm smile, "Aur priya Nakul aur Nisha, tum dono ke ashwa bhi aaj Hastinapur se aa gaye hain. Hum sabke bhi. Toh usi mein hi jaana." ("Dear Nakul and Nisha, your horses have also arrived today from Hastinapur—along with ours. You can ride them.")

Acknowledging his words, Nakul and Nisha bowed and left for the shed where the horses were housed.

As they walked, the sense of purpose and unity between them grew. Nisha felt a sense of gratitude for being part of this family, while Nakul’s usual light-hearted mischief was replaced by an air of quiet determination. Together, they prepared to ride toward Ekchakranagar, a journey that held both responsibility and a hint of adventure.

Nisha and Nakul approached their respective horses, greeting them with affection. They hugged and caressed the loyal animals, whispering soft words of endearment before mounting them. Once settled, they began their journey to Ekchakranagar. The atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and playful banter as the two rode side by side, their bond growing stronger with every mile.

As they reached the humble Brahmin household, Nisha dismounted gracefully and stepped forward. The moment she entered, the young boy of the family screamed with delight and ran to embrace her. Nisha knelt and hugged him warmly, her face lighting up with a smile.

Rohini, the Brahmin's daughter, appeared next and asked, "Nisha didi, aap aur Bharata Nakul—" ("Sister Nisha, you and Brother Nakul—")

Before she could finish, their mother entered the room. Her eyes widened in shock at the sight of Nisha and Nakul standing before her, dressed in royal attire. Nisha quickly approached her, gently holding both the lady and her daughter by their hands. She guided them to sit on a simple mat, then sat on the floor alongside Nakul, breaking any sense of formality.

The Brahmin, hearing the commotion, soon joined them. Nisha and Nakul exchanged glances before beginning their story. They spoke openly about their true identities, the challenges they had faced, and the circumstances that had led them to seek shelter in this house.

When they revealed the purpose of their visit—that their wedding was approaching and they wished for the Brahmin family’s blessings, as well as the Brahmin priest's assistance alongside Rajpurohit Dhomya—tears welled up in the eyes of the family. Overcome with joy and gratitude, the Brahmin couple promised they would attend the wedding and offer their services wholeheartedly.

As the sun dipped lower and the evening began to transition into night, Nisha and Nakul prepared to leave. They bid a heartfelt farewell, assuring the family they would meet again at the palace. Mounting their horses, they began the return journey, the night air cool and calming as the stars started to dot the sky.

Back at the palace, Nisha and Nakul knew they had little time to rest, for the next day held a grand occasion—the wedding of Yudhishthir and Draupadi. Smiling at the thought of the upcoming festivities, they parted ways to prepare for the long-awaited celebration.