Guys I am deeply disappointed and gradually loosing my motivation I'm writing this story as I don't get desired no.of votes and comments. Theek hai comments nahi karte samjh ata hai it's fine but guys pleaseeee atleast vote on the story so that I would feel little motivated and determined to write the next chapter.

Hope you enjoy this chapter.

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Two days had passed since the grand wedding ceremonies had concluded, allowing everyone to rest and recover. The day of departure had arrived, and the Pandavas, along with Mata Kunti, Draupadi, and Nisha, the newlywed, stood before King Drupad, Drishtadyumna, Shri Krishna, and Balram to bid their farewells. Outside the palace, carriages, horses, and elephants stood ready to take them back to Hastinapur.

Draupadi and Nisha, their eyes brimming with reverence, bent down to touch the feet of their elders. Balram embraced Nisha, followed by Krishna, who held her for a moment longer. A wave of bittersweet emotions coursed through Nisha. She felt as though she was leaving the only true home she had ever known—the comforting presence of Shri Krishna, the embodiment of the universe’s eternal truth. Yet, she knew she had to move forward.

Draupadi hugged Shikhandi and Drishtadyumna tightly, their shared bond evident in their tearful smiles. Krishna and Balram, with their signature warmth, said, “Ab toh aap sabhi ko Dwaraka aana hoga, Draupadi aur Nisha ke saath, aur hamaare jamaiyon ko lekar.” ("Now you all must come to Dwaraka, bringing Draupadi, Nisha, and our brothers-in-law.")

Kunti smiled affectionately and replied, “Avashya aayenge, putra. Tum apne pita Vasudev aur mata Devaki ko mera pranam bolna.” ("We will surely come, son. Convey my regards to your father Vasudev and mother Devaki.")

After the final farewells, they descended the grand stairs of the palace. The Pandavas mounted their horses, and the ladies were escorted to their respective palanquins.

Nisha, unfamiliar with this arrangement, began walking toward the horses. Her steps faltered when she noticed Kunti and Draupadi staring at her in amusement. Nakul, observing the situation, approached her and whispered, “Kya hua, priye? Tumhari palki toh wahan hai.” ("What happened, beloved? Your palanquin is over there.")

She turned toward the beautifully decorated palanquin, which had arrived from Hastinapur that morning, and realization dawned upon her—she was the new bride and was expected to travel in the palanquin. Embarrassed, she glanced at Nakul, who smiled gently. She nodded in understanding, and he returned to his horse. Kunti and Draupadi exchanged a knowing laugh before settling into their palanquins.

As the procession began, the skies painted themselves in soft hues of blue with delicate clouds. The weather was pleasant, the breeze tender, as if congratulating Nisha on this new journey of life. She gazed outside her palanquin, the wind brushing her face. Closing her eyes, she let her thoughts wander. Kaash main kabhi yahan se wapas na jaun. Hamesha Nakul ke saath rahun, isi dharti par. Kaash aisa ho pata. (I wish I never had to leave this place. I wish to stay here forever with Nakul. If only that were possible.)

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of a horse’s neigh. She opened her eyes to see Nakul, who had deliberately done it to catch her attention. With a playful arch of his eyebrows, he gestured as if to ask, What happened? She shook her head lightly and pointed toward the serene weather, saying, “Aaj bada accha vatavaran hai.” ("The weather is so pleasant today.")

Nakul nodded with a soft smile, his loose strands of hair dancing on his forehead with the gentle wind. Nisha couldn’t help but admire him, lost in his beauty. Suddenly, Nakul looked back at her and asked, “Kya tumhe mere saath ghode par baith kar hawa ka anand lena hai?” ("Would you like to ride the horse with me and enjoy the breeze?")

Her eyes lit up with excitement, but she hesitated, saying, “Par Matashree ne toh kaha hai palki mein jaana hai.” ("But Mother said I must travel in the palanquin.")

Nakul chuckled and reassured her, “Hastinapur nikat aane mein abhi bohot samay hai. Issliye abhi aajao, baad mein wapas chali jaana.” ("We are still far from Hastinapur. Come now; you can return to the palanquin later.")

The procession halted briefly. Nisha stepped out of the palanquin, and Nakul extended his hand to help her onto his horse. He ensured she sat comfortably in front of him and gently brushed her hair to one side so he could see the path ahead. The wind played with her loose strands, and Nisha felt a rush of joy as she soaked in the open air. Nakul, meanwhile, was captivated by her happiness and the way the breeze made her look radiant.

He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. She startled for a moment but then smiled, saying, “Aap atyant manmohak lag rahe hain, Arya.” ("You look extremely charming, my lord.")

Nakul smiled warmly. “Dhanyawad. Aap bhi atyant—” He paused mid-sentence, suddenly realizing her choice of words. He looked at her curiously and asked, “Arya?” ("My lord?")

Nisha smiled shyly and looked ahead, replying, “Haan, aapne hi toh kaha tha, vivah ke paschat ‘Arya’ bulane.” ("Yes, you yourself said I should call you ‘Arya’ after the wedding.")

Nakul rested his chin again, his voice filled with contentment. “Duniya ka sabse khush insaan hoon aaj main. Aur, priye, aap bhi atyant pyaari lag rahi hain.” ("I am the happiest man in the world today. And, beloved, you look exceedingly lovely.")

They smiled at each other and then gazed ahead at the road, relishing the gentle breeze and the comfort of each other’s company as they journeyed toward Hastinapur—a new chapter waiting to unfold.

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Hastinapur was alive with excitement and joy. The news of Yudhishthir, the beloved prince, being alive had spread like wildfire, filling the hearts of the citizens with relief and happiness. The atmosphere was further electrified with the announcement of his arrival, accompanied by his new bride. The anticipation of Nakul's return with his wife added another layer of festivity. Everywhere, houses and the palace were adorned with colorful **rangoli** patterns and flowers, creating a vibrant, celebratory ambiance.

However, not everyone shared this joy. In his chamber, Duryodhan sat brooding, his jaw clenched in anger. His discontent was palpable as he considered the Pandavas' return. His closest ally, Karna, stood nearby, observing his friend's rage.

“Krodh chhodo, mitra, aur chalo. Tumhe Maharaj aur Pitamah ne bulaya hai,” Karna said calmly. (“Let go of your anger, my friend, and come. The King and Pitamah have summoned you.”)

Duryodhan snapped his head aside in frustration but, realizing the futility of resistance, stood up abruptly. His steps were heavy with defiance as he made his way to Pitamah Bhishma’s chamber.

Inside the chamber, Dhritarashtra sat with a troubled expression, his brow furrowed in silent contemplation. The thought of the Pandavas' return, their growing influence, and the inevitable disruption it would cause gnawed at him. As Duryodhan entered, Bhishma, the venerable elder, acknowledged his presence with a nod and gestured for him to sit.

After a moment of tense silence, Bhishma exhaled deeply and spoke, his voice steady yet carrying an unmistakable undertone of authority:

“Tum logon ko toh yeh pata hi hai ki mere liye sab ek hain. Jitna priya mujhe Dhritarashtra hai, utna hi priya Pandu bhi. Aur unke santano mein bhi koi bhed-bhav nahi. Aur sabse mehtvapurn baat, main Hastinapur mein kisi prakar ka yudh nahi chahta. Issliye, Duryodhan, tum Pandavon ko adha rajya adar sahit de do. Kyunki iss rajya par jitna adhikar tumhara hai, usse zyada adhikar Yudhishthir ka hai, kyunki wah jyest Kuru hai.” ("You all know well that I see no difference among anyone. As much as I hold Dhritarashtra dear, I hold Pandu equally close. Among their children too, I harbor no bias. And most importantly, I do not want any form of war in Hastinapur. Therefore, Duryodhan, you must grant the Pandavas half the kingdom with respect, for as much as you have a claim to this kingdom, Yudhishthir has an even greater claim as the eldest Kuru.")

Duryodhan’s face darkened with fury. His eyes darted to his father, seeking support, but Dhritarashtra remained silent, his gaze fixed downward, his helplessness evident. Consumed by rage, Duryodhan stood up abruptly, his fists clenched. Without a word, he stormed out of the chamber, his footsteps echoing in the silence he left behind.

Bhishma sighed heavily, his head bowing slightly in disappointment at Duryodhan’s behavior. He looked toward Dhritarashtra, whose silence spoke volumes about his inability to control his son. The elder statesman knew that peace in Hastinapur hung by a thread, and his heart grew heavier with the weight of this fragile balance.

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Inside Duryodhan's chamber, the tension was palpable. Duryodhan sat in a circle with Karna, Shakuni, and Dushasan, the air thick with anger and frustration. Duryodhan’s face was contorted in rage as he slammed his fist on the low table and growled,

“Yeh Pandav mare kaise nahi, Mama Shree? Aap pe toh maine poora bharosa kiya tha! Toh phir yeh chook kis prakar hui?” ("How are the Pandavas still alive, Uncle? I placed my complete trust in you! Then how did this failure happen?")

Shakuni, ever calm and calculating, gave a sly smile before responding. “Putra, tumhe kitni baar kahoon? Yeh Pandav koi saadharan manushya nahi hain. Aur ab woh aa hi rahe hain, toh yeh mat socho ke kaise aa rahe hain, balki yeh socho ke unke aane ke paschat unhe kis prakar rajya na dein.” ("Son, how many times must I tell you? These Pandavas are no ordinary men. Now that they are returning, don’t think about how they survived—think about how we can avoid giving them their share of the kingdom after they arrive.")

Karna, observing Duryodhan’s rising temper, added calmly, “Mama Shree theek keh rahe hain, mitra. Yeh sochne ki ghadi hai.” ("Uncle is right, my friend. This is the time to strategize.")

Duryodhan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and looked at Shakuni, who sat deep in thought, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the armrest. Suddenly, Shakuni’s eyes lit up with an idea. He straightened and said,

“Putra, yadi Maharaj ne Gangaputra Bhishm ke saath yeh nischit kar hi diya hai ki Pandavon ko adha rajya diya jaye, toh de hi dete hain.” ("Son, if the King, along with Bhishma, has already decided that the Pandavas will be given half the kingdom, then let us give it to them.")

Duryodhan shot up from his seat, his eyes blazing with disbelief. “Aapka dimaag toh theek hai na, Mama Shree? Yeh aap kis prakar ki baatein kar rahe hain? Main apna adha rajya un Pandavon ko de doon jinka ispe koi adhikar nahi?” ("Have you lost your mind, Uncle? What kind of talk is this? Should I give half my kingdom to those Pandavas, who have no rightful claim to it?")

Shakuni chuckled softly and shook his head. “Yahi toh tum mein kharabi hai, putra Duryodhan. Tum koi baat poori nahi sunte. Accha, batao tum Khandavprast ke vishay mein kya sochte ho? Uss jagah mein na koi jaan-samuday hai, na upjau mitti, aur woh banjar zameen hamare Hastinapur ka lagbhag adha kshetra le leti hai. Toh kyun na unhe yeh jagah de diya jaye?” ("This is precisely your problem, son Duryodhan. You never listen to a full explanation. Tell me, what do you think about Khandavprastha? That land has no population, no fertile soil, and is barren. It takes up nearly half the territory of Hastinapur. So why not give that land to them?")

Duryodhan’s fury gradually subsided. He sat back down, his face now showing satisfaction. He nodded and said,

“Dhanyawad, Mama Shree. Aur mujhe kshama kijiye, maine aapse yun bartav kiya.” ("Thank you, Uncle. And please forgive me for my behavior toward you.")

Shakuni smiled, placing a hand on Duryodhan’s shoulder. “Tum toh murkh ho hi, Duryodhan. Isi kaaran toh Vidhata ne mujhe tumhare paas bheja hai. Ab turant jao aur yeh baat Maharaj ko bata do. Warna woh Vidur aur Gangaputra phir se kuch kehke Maharaj ko vachanon mein bandh lenge.” ("You are indeed foolish, Duryodhan. This is precisely why fate sent me to you. Now go immediately and tell this to the King, or else Vidur and Bhishma will once again trap him with their words.")

Duryodhan, now brimming with excitement, stood up and hugged Shakuni. He rushed out of the chamber to inform his father of their new plan, his mind finally at ease with the prospect of outwitting the Pandavas.

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