Dhritarashtra's Chamber

Duryodhan entered his father’s chamber, his face lit with a cunning smile. Dhritarashtra was seated on a high chair, his head resting on his hand as if weighed down by the burden of the recent developments. Beside him stood Vidur, who was softly explaining something to the king. Hearing Duryodhan’s footsteps, Dhritarashtra raised his head sensing his sons presence and asked,

“Duryodhan, tum yahan iss samay kaise? Kya koi baat hai?” ("Duryodhan, why are you here at this hour? Is there something you wish to discuss?")

Duryodhan, in a calm yet determined voice, responded, “Pitashree, mujhe aapse aur kakashree se kuch mahtvapurn vishay pe baat karni hai. Main Pandavon ko adha rajya dene ke vishay main apna nirnay le chuka hoon.” ("Father, I need to discuss something important with you and uncle vidur. I have made my decision regarding giving the Pandavas their share of the kingdom.")

Vidur raised an eyebrow in surprise, and Dhritarashtra leaned forward, intrigued. “Kya tum sach mein apna adha rajya unhe dene ke liye tayar ho, vats?” ("Are you truly ready to give half your kingdom to them, son?")

Duryodhan nodded confidently. “Haan, Pitashree. Main sochta hoon ki unhe Khandavprastha diya jaye. Wah zameen banjar hai, na upaj hai na koi log baste hain wahan. Agar unhe rajya chahiye, toh unhe wahi milega. Aur isse Hastinapur ke mahatvapurn kshetra surakshit rahenge.” ("Yes, Father. I suggest giving them Khandavprastha. That land is barren, with no fertile soil or population. If they want a kingdom, let them have that. This way, Hastinapur’s important regions will remain secure.")

Vidur frowned, sensing the deceit in Duryodhan’s plan. “Duryodhan, yeh baat satya hai ki Khandavprastha abhi banjar hai, par kya yeh uchit hoga unhe aisi zameen dena jo rajya ke yogya na ho? Tumhe unke prati nyay karna hoga.” ("Duryodhan, it is true that Khandavprastha is currently barren, but would it be fair to give them land unsuitable for a kingdom? You must act justly toward them")

Duryodhan turned to Vidur, his expression hardened. “kakashree, yeh rajneeti hai. Nyay aur annyay ka prashn tab uthat hai jab samarth samne ho. Pandavon ko yeh rajya diya toh ja raha hai. Yadi unki utni khsamta hogi to wah uss banjar zameen ko ujau bana sakte hain. Par Hastinapur ke kshetra mujhe kisi bhi paristhiti mein nahi chhodne hain.” ("Vidur, this is politics. The question of justice and injustice arises only when equals face each other. The Pandavas are being given a kingdom. If they have the ability to make the land prosperous then they will manage,But I cannot let go of Hastinapur’s regions under any circumstances.")

Dhritarashtra, still conflicted, nodded slowly. “Tumhara prastaav theek lagta hai, Duryodhan. Khandavprastha Pandavon ko diya jaa sakta hai. Main Bhishma aur kakashree unke ane ke paschat is vishay mein charcha karenge.” ("Your proposal seems reasonable, Duryodhan. Khandavprastha can be given to the Pandavas. I will discuss this with Bhishma and the entire court after the arrival of pandavas.")

Vidur tried to protest again, but Dhritarashtra silenced him with a gesture. Duryodhan smiled triumphantly, knowing his plan was on the verge of being accepted. He bowed to his father and left the chamber, his mind already plotting how to further weaken the Pandavas.

_________

The golden sun had begun its slow descent as the Pandavas and their companions neared the grand gates of Hastinapur. Their long journey was nearing its end, yet the city remained just beyond their reach. With exhaustion settling in, they decided to halt briefly, allowing themselves a moment to breathe and gather their strength.

As the procession came to a stop, the women descended from their palanquins, and the warriors dismounted their horses. Nisha, draped in her heavy bridal saree, found herself struggling to get down. During her training days, she had worn light sarees, easy to maneuver in. Now, clad in the elaborate attire of a newlywed princess, she hesitated. Nakul, ever observant, noticed her predicament. Without a word, he swiftly dismounted and extended his hand toward her.

Nisha met his gaze, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, before placing her hand in his. Trusting his grip, she leaped down, landing softly against him. One hand clasped his tightly, while the other instinctively rested on his shoulder for balance. For a moment, time seemed to pause as they found themselves standing too close, their breaths mingling. Nakul’s eyes, which had locked onto hers, slowly drifted downward—to the vermillion adorning her forehead, marking her as his wife.

A tender smile curved his lips before he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Nisha’s heart fluttered at the warmth of his touch, and she smiled in return.

A light cough interrupted their moment, making them pull apart. Sahadev, standing nearby, cleared his throat with an amused expression. Realizing the others were watching, Nisha quickly pushed Nakul’s in embarrassment before turning away and walking toward Mata Kunti and Draupadi. Nakul let out a quiet chuckle, running a hand through his hair before following her.

As they rested, some found comfort in fresh fruits, while others simply sat in silence, lost in thought. The air was calm, but the weight of the journey ahead loomed over them.

Arjun, breaking the silence, spoke with a tinge of suspicion in his voice. "Pata nahi woh Duryodhan na jaane phir kis prakar ka sadyantra rach raha hoga hamare aane ki suchna paakar." (I wonder what new conspiracy Duryodhan is planning upon hearing of our return.)

Yudhishthir, ever composed, responded with his usual optimism. "Chinta mat karo, anuj. Duryodhan ka hriday atyant vishal hai. Wah avashya hamare lautne par khush hoga." (Do not worry, brother. Duryodhan has a great heart; he will surely be happy upon our return.)

Bheem let out a sarcastic laugh, shaking his head. "Bharatashree, nishankoch Duryodhan ka hriday vishal hoga, parantu uss hriday mein hamare liye koi jagah nahi." (Elder brother, no doubt Duryodhan’s heart is vast, but there is no place for us in it.)

Everyone nodded in silent agreement. Nisha, her voice calm yet firm, added, "Bharat Bheem theek keh rahe hain, Jyesth Rajkumar. Duryodhan keval humein ek cheez de sakta hai, woh hai nafrat." (Brother Bheem is right, Crown Prince. The only thing Duryodhan can offer us is hatred.)

A heavy silence followed her words, for they all knew them to be true. They steeled themselves, preparing for whatever lay ahead in Hastinapur.

With their brief respite over, the group resumed their journey. The women returned to their palanquins, while the Pandavas mounted their horses. As the royal procession moved forward, the grand city of Hastinapur loomed ever closer, its towering gates awaiting their arrival.

______

Arrival in Hastinapur

As the Pandavas entered Hastinapur, the streets were alive with joy. The wide paths were decorated with vibrant rangolis and strewn with fragrant flower petals. Men, women, and children of the kingdom gathered on both sides, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they showered flowers upon the royal palanquins and their beloved princes. The air buzzed with cheers and whispers of admiration. Some had tears in their eyes, overwhelmed by the long-awaited return of their righteous prince, Yudhishthir. Others clapped and chanted their names, their hearts swelling with pride.

As they neared the grand gates of the palace, the rhythmic beats of dhols and nagadas echoed in the air, announcing their arrival. The sound reverberated through the golden walls of Hastinapur, marking this day as a momentous occasion.

At the entrance stood the great figures of the kingdom—Pitamah Bheeshma, Mahamantri Vidur, the blind king Dhritarashtra, and his wife, Queen Gandhari. Gandhari held an aarti thali, its flame flickering in the breeze, ready to welcome her nephews home.

Yudhishthir, the eldest, led the procession. At his side stood Draupadi, the queen of the Pandavas. Arjun and Bheem flanked them protectively, their presence strong and reassuring. Behind them walked Nakul and Nisha, while Mata Kunti stood with Sahadev, her youngest son.

Kunti was the first to step forward, her eyes filled with warmth as she approached Gandhari and bowed, taking her blessings. "Didi, yeh meri putra-vadhu Draupadi hai," she introduced, her voice steady and proud. (Elder sister, this is my daughter-in-law, Draupadi, the wife of my first three sons.)

Gandhari smiled and performed the aarti, moving the thali in slow circles before Draupadi and the three Pandavas. After the ritual, Draupadi, Yudhishthir, Arjun, and Bheem bent down to touch her feet. She placed her hands over their heads in blessing.

"May your married life be filled with happiness and strength," she said.

One by one, they then took blessings from Dhritarashtra, Bheeshma, and Vidur.

Then came the moment for Nisha’s introduction. Kunti placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and addressed Gandhari, "Didi, yeh Nisha hai, Shri Krishna aur Balram ki behen, Nakul ki patni, aur meri putra-vadhu." (*Elder sister, this is Nisha, the sister of Lord Krishna and Balram, Nakul’s wife, and my daughter-in-law.*)

Gandhari’s smile widened as she performed the aarti for the young couple. She then placed a hand on Nisha’s head. "May your bond with Nakul be strong and everlasting, my dear."

As Nisha and Nakul stepped forward to take blessings from Pitamah Bheeshma, his wise, aged eyes gleamed with pride. He gazed at Nisha and then at Nakul before saying warmly, "Mujhe badi prasanta huyi, Nisha, ki tumne mere Nakul ka varan kiya. Ek doosre ka hamesha khayal rakhna aur apni patni ki hamesha raksha karna, Nakul." (I am very pleased, Nisha, that you have chosen my Nakul. Always take care of each other, and Nakul, always protect your wife.)

The couple smiled and bowed before him, then proceeded to Vidur, who placed a reassuring hand on Nisha’s head and blessed her as his dear disciple.

Then, Kunti turned to Gandhari once more and said, "Didi, ab mere sabse chhote putra ka bhi aarti utaar dijiye." (Elder sister, now please perform the aarti for my youngest son as well.)

Gandhari nodded and performed the aarti for Sahadev, who then bent down to take her blessings. As he rose, she asked with a teasing smile, "Tum apne saath kise laye nahi, vats?" (*You haven’t brought anyone along with you, my child?*)

Sahadev chuckled, understanding the meaning behind her words. "Jyeshth Mata Shree, shayad mera abhi vivah ka yog nahi tha, isliye saath main aapki bahu na la saka." (Eldest Mother, perhaps my marriage was not yet destined, so I could not bring your daughter-in-law along.)

Gandhari caressed his cheek affectionately. "Koi baat nahi, vats. Ab toh do-do bhabhiyan aa chuki hain, woh tumhare liye ek atyant pyaari kanya khoj lengi." (No worries, my child. Now that you have two elder sisters-in-law, they will find a lovely bride for you.)

Everyone laughed at the light-hearted moment before proceeding inside for a grand feast.

---

A Special Gift

As the evening settled, the family gathered for a grand feast. The Pandavas and their wives dined together, conversing and relishing the delicacies before them. Bheem, true to his nature, ate with enthusiasm, declaring that he must enjoy every dish he had been deprived of during their years in exile. Draupadi watched him fondly, shaking her head in amusement, while Nisha and Sahadev chuckled at his antics.

Suddenly, Nakul, who had finished eating rather quickly, rose to his feet. Taking blessings from Kunti and Yudhishthir, he excused himself and left for his chamber.

Nisha noticed his odd behavior, but before she could say anything, a loud call echoed through the hall.

"Priyeeeee!!!!"

Nisha’s eyes widened, her cheeks immediately turning pink at Nakul’s affectionate call.

Her eyes widened in shock, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks. Everyone turned to look at her with teasing smiles.

Sahadev smirked, nudging her lightly. "Jaiye, Bhabhishree. Ab na ye hamare saath baithenge, na aapko hamare paas baithne denge." (Go, Sister-in-law. Now neither will he sit with us, nor will he let you stay here with us.)

Laughter erupted once more as Nisha, utterly embarrassed, rose from her seat and quietly made her way out.

As she entered, her breath hitched. The room was beautifully decorated, adorned with delicate flowers and softly lit lamps. Her eyes were drawn to a painting hanging on the wall—Nakul astride a horse, his twin swords glinting at his sides. He looked every bit the warrior prince—majestic, powerful, and breathtakingly beautiful.

She turned to find Nakul standing before her, holding out a small box wrapped in rich silken cloth.

She hesitated, eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Ye kya hai, Arya?" (What is this, my lord?)

Nakul smiled—a smile so pure and childlike that it made her heart flutter. He looked as if he had just received his most treasured gift.

Nisha sat on the bed and carefully unwrapped the box. Her breath caught when she saw what lay inside—bangles, not just any bangles, but the very ones she had longed to buy but couldn’t.

She turned to Nakul, astonished. "Ye aapko kahan se mila, Arya? Iss chudi ko toh main kharidna chahti thi!" (Where did you find this, my lord? I wanted to buy these bangles!)

Nakul took her hand gently, his fingers tracing over her palm as he said, "Jis purush ko apni premika apni dulhan ke roop mein mil jaye, usse duniya mein sab kuch mil jata hai." (A man who is blessed to have his beloved as his bride has already received everything in the world.)

He continued, "Aur yahi toh mere pyaar ki nishani hai. Iss din maine tumhe pehli baar dekha tha." (And this is a token of my love. The day I first saw you.)

Nisha frowned in confusion. "Tum kaisi baatein kar rahe ho, Nakul? Mera matlab, aap kis prakar ki baatein kar rahe hain? Aapke samne toh pehli baar main pustakalay mein aayi thi!" (What are you talking about, Nakul? I mean, what do you mean? The first time I saw you was in the library!)

Nakul’s brows knitted together before realization dawned on him. He chuckled. "Uss din pustakalay ke andhere mein tum thi, Nisha? Tabhi main sochu, ye aawaaz mujhe suni-suni kyun lag rahi thi!" (That day, in the dim library, it was you, Nisha? No wonder your voice felt so familiar!)

Nisha smiled, recalling their first encounter. "Parantu, kya aapne mujhe usse pehle mele mein bhi dekha tha?" (But did you see me before that in the fair?)

Nakul nodded. "Haan, uss din main nagar-bhraman ke liye nikla tha. Ussi dauraan tumhe dekha aur apne hriday ke singhasan pe tumhe bitha diya." (Yes, that day, I was out for a city tour. That’s when I saw you and placed you on the throne of my heart.)

Nisha laughed at his poetic words. They fell silent, gazing at each other, admiring each other.

And then Nakul burst into laughter.

"Kya hua, Nakul? Kyun hans rahe ho?" (What happened, Nakul? Why are you laughing?)

Between his chuckles, he imitated her from the library, "‘Main shaadi-shuda hoon, mere pati ko mera bina ghoonghat mein rehna pasand nahi!’"

Nisha gasped before laughing along, their room echoing with joy and love.

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Hello, dear readers!

I am backkkkkk (padhne kaa Maan hi nahi ho raha tha kya karti main)

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Apologies for the delay—I truly appreciate your patience. I also hope you haven’t forgotten this story and that you’re doing well. Thank you for sticking with me on this journey!✨✨🫶