Don't forget to vote and comment guys Vote target - 40 Enjoy reading ------------

As the procession reached Khandavprastha, an eerie silence hung over the land. A vast stretch of barren, cracked soil lay before them, lifeless and desolate. In some parts, dense forests loomed, their tangled roots and thick foliage standing as the only remnants of nature's reign. It was a land untouched by civilization, not yet fit for human habitation.

Nisha's gaze swept across the stark expanse, her mind filled with the weight of what lay ahead. This place, once abandoned and forgotten, was now destined to be transformed into a city-a new home, a new future. Beside her, Draupadi and Mata Kunti stood, their expressions solemn yet filled with quiet determination.

The elders-Bhishma Pitamah, Guru Dronacharya, and Kripacharya-settled near the sacred site, their presence lending an air of reverence to the occasion. Shri Krishna and Balram stood beside them, overseeing the arrangements with divine serenity. The Pandavas, led by Yudhishthir, took their places, their faces reflecting a mix of responsibility and hope.

The ground was soon prepared for the sacred Bhoomi Pujan. A large yagya kund was arranged, its embers waiting to be kindled. The priests chanted hymns, their voices rising in unison as they invoked the blessings of the divine. Mantras echoed across the land, a call to Mother Earth, seeking her permission before they laid the foundations of a kingdom upon her soil.

Seated at the center of the ritual were Yudhishthir and Draupadi, the King and Queen of this yet-to-be-built land. The fire roared to life, its golden flames reaching skyward as offerings were placed into its heart. Smoke swirled into the heavens, carrying their prayers to the gods above.

As the sacred ritual unfolded, Nisha found herself drawn into its solemnity. She watched the fire flicker and dance, knowing that this moment marked the beginning of something far greater than she had ever imagined. Khandavprastha-once barren and forsaken-was about to become the land of destiny, a karmabhoomi where history would be written with sacrifices, and unwavering determination.

The sacred Bhoomi Pujan was halfway through when Kulguru Kripacharya turned to the gathered assembly. "The rituals are progressing well," he announced. "Now, You may begin the work on this land."

Mata Kunti, Bhishma Pitamah, Draupadi, and Yudhishthir remained seated in the puja with kripacharya and other priests, their focus unwavering as the priests continued the chants. Others rose, ready to transform this barren land into a kingdom worthy of its new rulers.

With a determined look, Balram handed a heavy hoe to Bheem. "Let's see how strong these arms of yours truly are," he said with a teasing smirk. Bheem grinned and, without hesitation, plunged the hoe into the parched earth, breaking its hardened surface. With each powerful strike, he aerated the land, preparing it for cultivation. The dry soil, once resistant, yielded under his strength.

Meanwhile, Nakul and Sahadev ventured into the dense forest nearby, searching for anything useful. The forest was thick with wild trees and creeping vines, but amidst the wilderness, Sahadev's keen eye identified valuable Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants. They carefully gathered the precious greenery before returning to the cleared land.

Sahadev walked over to the freshly ploughed field and gently pressed the roots of the plants into the soil, ensuring they would grow nicely in this new land. Nakul, standing a little apart, unsheathed his sword and brought it to his forehead, murmuring a sacred chant under his breath. Then, with a swift motion, he swung the sword toward the forest. A gust of divine energy surged forward, and in an instant, the tangled mass of wild dried trees vanished, leaving behind a land clear and making it fertile, ready for civilization.

The puja concluded just as the transformation began to take shape. Everyone gathered to witness the progress, their eyes alight with hope and pride.

Nisha, standing a few steps ahead of them, firmly gripped her sword. Closing her eyes, she whispered a mantra, allowing the divine words to flow through her. Then, with unwavering resolve, she drove her sword deep into the earth. A tremor ran through the ground, and then-like a miracle-water burst forth, gushing from the wound she had carved into the land.

A river was born.

The water swirled and expanded, winding its way around the kingdom's foundation. As if responding to Nisha's call, the land reshaped itself, forming a magnificent lake that encircled the emerging city. Waterfalls cascaded down from the rocky edges, their silver streams catching the sunlight, creating a breathtaking sight. The once-barren Khandavprastha had begun its transformation into the glorious Indraprastha.

Nisha turned around, her heart pounding, only to find everyone staring at her with admiration. Shri Krishna smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride, while Nakul's gaze held something even deeper-a quiet, undeniable appreciation.

But the work was not yet done.

Arjun stepped forward, his bow already in hand. He closed his eyes, murmured ancient Vedic hymns, then pulled back the bowstring and released his arrow into the heavens. The moment it disappeared into the sky, dark clouds gathered above, their thick masses rolling in with divine force.

And then-it rained.

For the first time, rain poured down upon the barren land.

The newly planted saplings drank deeply from the nourishing water, their leaves trembling in delight. The freshly ploughed soil darkened as it absorbed the life-giving rain. The river swelled, its waves rippling joyously. The air, once dry and lifeless, now carried the scent of wet earth and renewal.

The Pandavas, Shri Krishna, Balram, Kunti, Draupadi, and Nisha all stood under the downpour, reveling in the moment. The exhaustion of the day faded as the rain embraced them, washing away their weariness. A sense of peace settled over them-this was their land now, their karma bhoomi, where they would build not just a kingdom, but a home for themselve.

Nisha tilted her head back, letting the raindrops dance on her face, feeling their cool touch against her skin. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to simply exist in this moment.

Then, she felt it.

A warm hand slid down hers, fingers gliding along her palm before interlocking with her own. Her eyes fluttered open, and she turned her head-only to find Nakul beside her, smiling. His wet hair clung to his forehead, droplets rolling down his sharp features, but his eyes held nothing but happiness.

Nisha smiled back, their hands still entwined.

A new beginning had arrived-not just for Indraprastha, but for them as well. Away from Hastinapur, away from the plans of Duryodhan and Shakuni, they stood side by side, ready to build a future of their own. Together.

As the rain continued to cleanse the land, washing away the last traces of its barrenness, Shri Krishna moved toward the sacred yagya kund. He sat down gracefully, crossing his legs, his hands folding into a serene anjali mudra. Closing his eyes, he let his mind drift into deep meditation.

Nisha watched him closely. She knew whom he was summoning.

Shri Krishna, the Supreme Godhead, was calling upon Indradev, the King of the Heavens.

Far away, in Swarga, seated upon his golden throne, Indradev suddenly felt a divine pull. His celestial senses tingled as he realized he was being summoned-not by an ordinary mortal, but by Shri Krishna himself. Indradev already knew the reason for this call. As the King of the Devas, he did not hesitate. He immediately called Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the gods, and commanded, "Go to Shri Krishna at once. Your presence is needed."

Vishwakarma, the creator of celestial wonders, nodded in obedience. With a mere thought, he transported himself to Khandavprastha.

A brilliant flash of light illuminated the land, and suddenly, before Shri Krishna, Vishwakarma appeared, his divine presence radiating an otherworldly glow. With hands folded and head bowed in reverence, he spoke:

"Pranam, Prabhu. Kahiye, main aapki kya seva kar sakta hoon?" ("Greetings, Lord. Tell me, how may I serve you?")

Shri Krishna opened his eyes and smiled, his gaze filled with divine purpose.

"Pranam, Bhagwan Vishwakarma. Aapko yahan bulane ka vishesh karan hai." ("Greetings, Lord Vishwakarma. There is a special reason for summoning you here.")

He looked around at the land, his eyes reflecting the vision that only a divine being could hold. With a voice as commanding as it was godly, he declared:

"Yeh Khandavprastha Pandavon se jitna hua, unhone kar diya. Ab sesh yahi reh gaya hai ki aap iss bhumi par ek sundar, swarg samaan rajya ka gathan karein-ek nagari basaiye jahan nagarvaasi sukh-samriddhi se reh sakein, aur ek alokik, bhavyamahal Maharaj Yudhishthir ke liye." ("The Pandavas have done all they could for Khandavprastha. Now, it remains for you to transform this land into a magnificent, heaven-like kingdom-a city where its citizens may live in prosperity and joy, and a grand, ethereal palace fit for King Yudhishthir.")

Vishwakarma's lips curled into a knowing smile. He had built wonders beyond mortal comprehension, but this-this would be a creation to remember. With deep reverence, he bowed once more.

"Jo aagya, Prabhu." ("As you command, Lord.")

Closing his eyes, Vishwakarma raised his hands and began chanting powerful Vedic mantras. The air vibrated with energy as his divine form started rising toward the sky. Everyone gathered, their eyes filled with awe, watching as the celestial architect ascended.

When he reached a certain height, his eyes opened-gleaming with divine brilliance. Raising his right palm, he pointed it toward the barren land below.

A surge of celestial energy erupted from the ground.

Blinding light engulfed Khandavprastha. It was so radiant, so overpowering, that everyone shielded their eyes-except for Shri Krishna and Balram, the only two untouched by its intensity.

And then, as the brightness faded, the transformation was revealed.

A magnificent kingdom had risen where once only dust and dry land lay.

The streets stretched elegantly, lined with houses sculpted from the finest stone, their rooftops glistening under the setting sun. The grandest structure of them all stood at the heart of the city-a royal palace of breathtaking splendor, its golden domes kissing the heavens, its walls adorned with divine carvings. Surrounding it all was a towering fortified wall, its grand entrance adorned with an enormous Garuda, wings outstretched as if guarding the city with its divine presence.

Indraprastha was born.

The Pandavas, Shri Krishna, Balram, Kunti, Draupadi, and Nisha stood in silent awe, taking in the sheer magnificence of the kingdom before them.

Humbled, they bowed to Vishwakarma, who smiled at his masterpiece before fading into thin air, his task complete.

The once-barren Khandavprastha had become a divine paradise-a kingdom of prosperity, grandeur, and eternal splendor.

And as they all turned toward their new home, a deep sense of contentment settled in their hearts.

This was not just the beginning of a city.

It was the beginning of a legacy.

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With hearts brimming with joy and eyes filled with wonder, they all stepped into the royal palace of Indraprastha. The interior was nothing short of divine-every inch of the palace exuded artistry and grandeur. The walls, meticulously carved, depicted ancient tales and epics, each stroke narrating the glories of gods and warriors. The floors shone like polished moonlight, and the chandeliers, made of the purest crystal, reflected a heavenly glow.

As they explored further, they arrived at a vast open balcony, designed like a celestial pavilion overlooking the entire city. The golden rays of the descending sun bathed Indraprastha in an ethereal glow, making it look like a fragment of Swarga itself.

Shri Krishna walked ahead, standing at the edge of the grand balcony. He closed his eyes and softly chanted a mantra. At once, his divine conch, Panchajanya, appeared in his hand as if summoned by the very essence of his being.

Then, with a powerful breath, he blew into it.

The mighty sound of Panchajanya echoed through the entire kingdom, resonating in the walls, flowing through the streets, and reaching every corner of Indraprastha. It was a sound of triumph, of power, of divine blessing-proclaiming to the world that a new empire had risen, standing strong in its glory.

The Pandavas, along with Shri Krishna, Balram, Draupadi, and Nisha, felt the sacred vibrations stir their souls. They then proceeded towards Mata Kunti, their steps filled with reverence. Bending down, they touched her feet in unison.

Yudhishthir, with folded hands, said:

"Mata, iss naye nagar ke nirman hone par aur isko sambhalne ke liye humein aashirwad dijiye." ("Mother, bless us upon the creation of this new kingdom and for our responsibility in ruling it.")

Mata Kunti's lips curled into a proud smile. She placed her hands upon their heads, blessing them with all the strength and wisdom they would need for the days to come.

Having received their mother's blessings, they made their way to the royal chamber of Yudhishthir. The chamber was grand yet serene, embodying the righteousness of its future ruler. As they settled onto the cushioned seats, Shri Krishna, ever the playful yet wise one, turned to Yudhishthir with a teasing glint in his eye.

"Toh Maharaj ko apni karmabhoomi kaisi lagi?" ("So, my king, how do you find your land of duty?")

Yudhishthir smiled humbly and replied:

"Yeh toh aapki kripa hai, Vasudev. Aur yeh aap hi ki den hai." ("This is your grace, Vasudev. This kingdom is your gift to us.")

But Krishna gently shook his head in disagreement, his expression soft yet firm.

"Nahi, Rajan. Kisi ki karmabhoomi kisi doosre ki den nahi ho sakti. Wah toh uske khud ke bal, shram aur shubh karmon ki den hoti hai. Parantu ab baat yeh hai ki nagar ka nirman ho gaya hai. Ab iski suraksha ke vishay mein sochna arambh kariye." ("No, King. One's land of duty is never a gift from another. It is earned through one's own strength, labor, and righteous deeds. But now that the city is built, it is time to think about its protection.")

Nakul, exhausted from all the excitement, let out an exaggerated sigh like a child irritated over his lost rest. With a slight huff, he muttered:

"Kya woh log yahan bhi humein chain ki saans lene nahi denge?!" ("Will they not even let us breathe in peace here?!")

Shri Krishna and Nisha smiled at his dramatic tone, but they all knew his concern was valid. Duryodhan and Shakuni were not ones to stay silent for long-sooner or later, they would plot against them again.

Balram, watching Nakul's irritation with amusement, leaned back and said with a confident grin:

"Kyun nahi lene denge? Waise bhi main yahan se Hastinapur ja hi raha hoon. Main Duryodhan ko samjha dunga. Woh toh bohot hi susheel swabhav ka hai!" ("Why wouldn't they let you? Anyway, I am heading to Hastinapur soon. I will make Duryodhan understand. After all, he is such a well-mannered and gentle man!")

At this, Nisha let out a short, involuntary laugh, which she quickly tried to cover up with a cough. Everyone turned to look at her, and Shri Krishna, catching on to her fake coughs, smirked but played along With his usual playful charm, he poured her some water and passed it to her.

Still smiling, Krishna turned to Balram and asked in a deliberately casual tone:

"Toh kya Dau, aap Dwarika nahi chalenge?" ("So, Dau, won't you return to Dwarika?")

Balram, assuming his strict elder-brother expression, narrowed his eyes and replied:

"Ab tum bade ho chuke ho, Krishna. Meri ungli pakad kar chalna chhod do." ("You have grown up now, Krishna. Stop holding my finger to walk.")

Everyone chuckled at their familiar banter.

Balram then straightened up and added,

"Main toh Kunti Bua se aashirwad bhi le chuka hoon." ("I have already received Kunti Bua's blessings.")

Krishna, his teasing manner unshaken, tilted his head playfully and said:

"Aashirwad le hi chuke hain toh avashya jaiye, Dau." ("Since you have received blessings, then by all means, you should go, Dau.")

Balram nodded, but then, with a mischievous smile, added:

"Haan, main toh kehta hoon ki Bheem bhi mere saath chale. Duryodhan ke rasoi ke khane atyant swadisht hote hain." ("Yes, in fact, I say Bheem should come with me too. Duryodhan's royal kitchen serves the most delicious food.")

Bheem, who had been enjoying the conversation, immediately stiffened at the suggestion and said,

"Nahi Dau, main yahin theek hoon." ("No, Dau, I am perfectly fine right here.")

Nakul, who had been quietly observing the conversation, leaned toward Nisha and whispered with a knowing smirk:

"Haan, phir se zeher waali kheer khaani hai kya, Bhrata Duryodhan ke yahan?" ("Oh yes, do you want to eat another poisoned kheer at Brother Duryodhan's place?")

Nisha chuckled, and the two of them shared a brief moment of amusement before refocusing on the lively discussion. ------------

Sorry sorry sorry but there is a strong urge to put a picture here......



Samjh ayi ? Nevermind 😅 anyways let's proceed...... ------------

Shri Krishna, watching his elder brother prepare for departure, spoke again, this time with a playful twinkle in his eyes:

"Dau, bhojan ke samay hum logon ko yaad karna mat bhooliyega." ("Dau, don't forget to remember us during your meals.")

Balram, crossing his arms, looked at Krishna with mock seriousness and replied,

"Mujhe kya apni bhookh marni hai jo tumhe yaad karunga?" ("Why would I kill my own hunger by remembering you?")

At this, the entire chamber erupted into laughter, the joyous sound echoing through the newly built palace.

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Everyone had dinner, and since no one except them resided in Indraprastha yet, Bheem and Draupadi took charge of cooking for everyone, with the others lending a hand. However, Nakul firmly forbade Nisha from entering the kitchen, as everyone knew she would declare war on fire itself if she did. Nisha, slightly upset, wished to assist the ladies, but she resigned herself to watching from afar.

After dinner, they all retired to their rooms. Draupadi, however, remained in the kitchen, cleaning up. Nisha, unable to ignore the sight, walked in and said, "Jiji, ye main kar deti hoon. Mujhe khana banana bhale hi nahi aata, parantu bartan dhona aur jhadu lagana toh aata hai." (Jiji, let me do this. I may not know how to cook, but I do know how to wash dishes and sweep the floor.)

Draupadi turned to her with a soft smile and said, "Nahi, devrani ji, main kar lungi." (No, dear sister-in-law, I will manage.)

This time, Nisha gently held Draupadi's shoulders, her voice laced with playful insistence. "Behen ke nate bol rahi hoon, jiji. Aap subah se thaki hui hain, aur khana bhi aapne banaya. Main toh kuch bhi nahi kiya. Aap jaiye, aaram kijiye. Aakhirkar is pradesh ki patrani hain aap. Jaiye, jaiye." (I am speaking as your sister, Jiji. You have been working since morning, and you even cooked for us. I haven't done anything. Go and rest. After all, you are the queen of this kingdom. Go on, go.)

Draupadi chuckled, shaking her head. She knew there was no point in arguing when Nisha had made up her mind. With an affectionate smile, she washed her hands, placed a soft kiss on Nisha's forehead, and left.

As Nisha scrubbed the dishes, she couldn't help but smile. The warmth and affection she received here filled her heart. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could stay here forever! she mused.

When she finally stepped out of the kitchen, she was met with the sight of Shri Krishna and Arjun standing before her. Their gazes locked, and she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. With arms crossed, she questioned Krishna, "Keshav, aap Brihannala ke saath iss samay kya kar rahe hain?" (Keshav, what are you doing with Brihannala at this hour?)

Krishna burst into laughter at her choice of words, while Arjun exhaled, shaking his head, clearly exasperated.

"Ab jeth hoon tumhara, kuch toh aadar-samman karlo, behen," Arjun said dryly. (I am your elder brother in law now. At least show some respect, sister.)

Krishna, ever the playful one, turned to Arjun with a knowing smile. "Dekho, Parth, apne vakya ke ant mein 'behen' keh kar tumne swayam Nisha ko ye adhikar de diya ki wo tumhe chede. Kyun hai na, Nisha?" (Look, Parth, by ending your sentence with 'sister,' you yourself have given Nisha the right to tease you. Isn't that so, Nisha?)

Nisha grinned triumphantly and high-fived Krishna, her eyes twinkling in mischief.

The two men waited as she locked the kitchen, and together, they strolled towards the palace's beautiful garden. Under the soft glow of the moonlight, they sat, the cool breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers, their laughter echoing in the tranquil night.

As they sat under the moonlight, Arjun turned to Krishna and asked, "Apne rajya ki suraksha ke vishay par kyun kaha, Keshav?" (Why did you mention about the security of our kingdom, Keshav?)

Krishna smiled knowingly and replied, "Rajniti ka ek adhyay ye bhi hai, Arjun, ki adhik se adhik rajyon ke saath acche sambandh rakhe jayein. Aur jo rajya mitra swikar na karta ho, uske dushman rajyon ko bhi mitra bana liya jaye." (A lesson in politics, Arjun, is to maintain good relations with as many kingdoms as possible. And if a kingdom refuses friendship, then even its enemies should be made allies.)

Arjun pondered for a moment before asking, "To phir iske liye mujhe kya karna chahiye?" (Then what should I do for this?)

Krishna gazed at the glowing night sky and replied, "Dusre rajyon se mitrata badhao, Parth-dhan se, ya phir vanijya se, ya phir bal se." (Strengthen friendships with other kingdoms, Parth-through wealth, trade, or force.)

Before Arjun could respond, Nisha, who had been listening intently, interjected, "Parantu humein Gandhari Naresh Shakuni se bachke rehna padega, kyunki unki aankhein sadaiv hamari gatividhiyon par hi hoti hain." (But we must be wary of King Shakuni, for his eyes are always fixed on our every move.)

Krishna nodded in agreement and said, "Isliye jis bhi rajya ko jao, wahan akele hi jana uchit rahega. Yadi sena lekar jaoge, to apne aap hi sabko iss yojana ka pata lag jayega." (That is why, wherever you go, it is best to travel alone. If you take an army, everyone will immediately understand your plan.)

His gaze then shifted to the grand city before them, its newly built walls and golden glow reflecting the night sky. "Indraprastha,"he murmured. Then, turning to Arjun, he continued, "Ye tumhari katha ka ant nahi hai, Parth. Ye to ek naya adhyay hai." (This is not the end of your story, Parth. It is merely a new chapter.)

Arjun sighed, stretching his arms as he leaned back against the stone bench. "Parantu ye shanti badi achi lag rahi hai, Keshav. Un sab se door... Kyun hai na, Nisha?" (But this peace feels so good, Keshav. Away from all that... Don't you agree, Nisha?)

Nisha looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "Ji, Bharat Arjun. Parantu humein iss shanti se dhokha nahi khana chahiye, kyunki iss shanti ke piche andhi ban rahi hai, jiski aawaaz main sun sakti hoon." (Yes, Prince Arjun. But we must not be deceived by this peace, for behind it, a storm is brewing-I can already hear its whispers.)

Arjun's brows knitted in confusion as he studied her. "Andhi? Kis andhi ki baat kar rahi ho, Nisha?" (A storm? What storm are you talking about, Nisha?)

Nisha's voice was calm yet firm. "Duryodhan ke ghayal abhiman ki andhi, bhratashree." (The storm of Duryodhan's wounded pride, brother.)

Krishna's smile faded slightly as he nodded. "Haan, Parth. Kyunki yadi shatru krodh mein hote huye bhi chupchap rahe, to maan lo-yahi andhi ka pehla sanket hai." (Yes, Parth. Because if an enemy remains silent even in anger, know that it is the first sign of an approaching storm.)

Arjun fell into deep thought, absorbing their words. After a moment, he looked up and said with a chuckle, "Tum dono ki baatein sunne ke baad koi bhi sandeh nahi, Keshav, ki tum dono bhai-behen nahi. Tum dono ke vachan ek baar mein sirf koi gyani hi samajh sakta hai." (After listening to you both, Keshav, there is no doubt that you two are siblings. Only a scholar could understand your words in one go!)

Krishna and Nisha laughed, and Arjun, shaking his head in amusement, stood up with them. As they began to walk back, he suddenly turned to Krishna and asked, "Kya yadavkanya Subhadra bhi aise vachan kehti hai, Keshav?" (Does yadavkanya Sudhadra also speak in such riddles, Keshav?)

Krishna placed a reassuring hand on Arjun's shoulder, his smile holding a hint of mystery. "Ye to tumhe jald hi pata chal jayega, Parth." (That, you shall soon find out, Parth.)

With that, Krishna walked ahead, smiling at Arjun's confused expression. Arjun, still confused, glanced at Nisha, only to see the same knowing smile playing on her lips. She nodded at him before following Krishna.

Arjun sighed, shaking his head at the enigmatic duo before chuckling to himself. With the day's exhaustion weighing on them, everyone finally retired to their chambers, resting peacefully after a long day of building the magnificent city of Indraprastha.

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Huffffffff......... A really long chapter. Baapre main to thak gayi. Atleast vote to kardo yaar itni mehnat ke liye pleaseeeeeee. I hope you guys are still enjoying the chapters and not getting bored. Please vote and comment guys please don't let me down....

Have a good day cutiesss✨✨🫶