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"दासी तुम इस अपराध का परिणाम जानते हुए भी बातें सुनने का साहस क्यों किया?" Pitamah said

[Translation: Tell me, maid, why did you have the overhear a conversation when you knew it was forbidden?"]

Nisha's heart pounded in her chest. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her trembling nerves. Mentally, telling herself to calm down. She took a deep breath and spoke hesitantly, her voice wavering slightly.

"माफ कीजिये महामहिम ,मेरा उद्देश्य आपकी बातें सुनने का बिल्कुल नहीं था। मैं तो माता गंगा की पवित्र किरण की वजह से यहाँ अपनी जिज्ञासा के कारण आ गई थी। परंतु आने के बाद मुझे आपकी स्वरों की विवशता ने रोक लिया।"

[Translation: "Forgive me, Sir, my intention was not to eavesdrop on your conversation. I came here out of curiosity inspired by the sacred aura of Mata Ganga. But once I arrived, it was your pleading voice that held me back."]

Nisha then tried to lighten the mood, hoping to gain Bhishma's favor. This time with a confident voice she said "महामहिम, यदि आपका आदेश हो तो मेरे पास युधिष्ठिर को राजा बनाने का उपाय है।"

[Translation: "If it pleases you, I have a way to make Yudhishthira the king."]

Bhishma regarded her with a penetrating gaze, assessing her confidence and demeanor. Nisha stood still, waiting for his response, her heart racing.

Bhishma's eyes narrowed as he responded, "तुम्हारे तेज़ रूप और आवाज़ से तुम तो कोई ब्राह्मण या क्षत्रिय प्रतीत होती हो। तुम कौन हो और दासी के वेष में क्या कर रही हो?"

[Translation: "Your sharp appearance and voice suggest that you are either a Brahmin or a Kshatriya. Who are you, and what are you doing in the guise of a maid?"]

Nisha was taken aback. Even she was surprised by Bhishma's keen observation. She hadn't realized she was behaving like a Kshatriya woman, but she took a deep breath and replied.

"महोदय, अभी ये सब बात करने का उचित समय नहीं है। एक बार युधिष्ठिर को हस्तिनापुर का राजा बना देने के बाद मैं आपको सब बता दूंगी, पक्का।"

[Translation: "Sir, it is not the right time to discuss these matters. Once Yudhishthira is made the king of Hastinapur, I will explain everything to you for sure."]

Bhishma looked at her with a hint of confusion. "पक्का? अर्थ?"

[Translation: "For sure? What do you mean?"]

Nisha responded, "अर्थात यह वचन है मेरा।"

[Translation: "That is my promise."]

Bhishma considered her words and then said, "यह जगह राजनीति की बात करने की नहीं है। तुम दोपहर को भोजन के बाद मेरे कक्ष में आना, वहाँ मेरे साथ महामंत्री विदुर भी होंगे।"

[Translation: "This is not the place for political discussions. Come to my chamber after lunch; Minister Vidura will also be there with me."]

Nisha nodded, acknowledging the request, and bowed respectfully. As Bhishma turned and walked towards his chariot, Nisha watched him leave, her mind racing with the thoughts of the upcoming meeting.

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The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Hastinapur as Nisha, having assured Adrika of her whereabouts, quietly made her way towards Bhishma Pitamah's chamber. Her heart raced with anticipation as she approached the ornate door, her steps echoing softly in the grand corridor.

She stopped in front of the door and, seeing a guard nearby, asked for directions. The guard, without a word, pointed her towards the door. He then entered the chamber briefly before coming out and motioning for Nisha to proceed.

Nisha took a deep breath and entered the room. Inside, Bhishma Pitamah and Mahamantri Vidura were already seated. The room was richly decorated, reflecting the grandeur of the Kuru dynasty. Nisha moved forward, her demeanor respectful and composed. She bowed deeply to both Bhishma and Vidura.

Bhishma, raising his hands as if to bless her, greeted her with a solemn nod. Vidura mirrored the gesture, his expression thoughtful and attentive.

"बैठो, पुत्री," Bhishma said, his voice gentle but authoritative. [Translation: "Sit down, daughter."]

He turned to Vidura, sitting on his left, and continued, "विदुर, यह वही कन्या है जो मुझे आज माता गंगा के किनारे मिली थी। वह दावा कर रही है कि उसके पास युधिष्ठिर को राजा बनाने का उपाय है।" [Translation: "Vidura, this is the same girl I encountered today by the banks of the Ganga. She claims to have a method to make Yudhishthira the king."]

Vidura's interest was piqued. He looked at Nisha and asked, "तो क्या तुम वह उपाय बता सकती हो, पुत्री?" [Translation: "So, can you tell us the method, daughter?"]

Nisha's face lit up with a glow of satisfaction at being addressed as "daughter." She began to explain her plan with growing enthusiasm. "महामहिम, आज गंगा घाट पर जाने से पहले, एक दासी के भाई को चार पुरुषों ने बेरहमी से मार डाला। यह खबर एक सैनिक लेकर आया ताकि वह दासी को उसके घर ले जा सके उसके भाई के अंतिम संस्कार के लिए। [Pause] सैनिक ने बताया कि यह हत्या का मामला होने के कारण कल इसकी सुनवाई होगी, ऐसा प्रधान सेनापति ने कहा है। मैं कहना चाहती हूँ कि हम दोनों युवराजों को न्याय करने का अधिकार देंगे। जो अच्छा न्याय करेगा, वही हस्तिनापुर का राजा बनने के योग्य होगा। और एक बात, यह सब कुछ जन-साधारण के सामने सभा में होगा, जिससे महाराज दुर्योधन के पक्ष में चाहकर भी निर्णय नहीं ले सकेंगे। और मैं जानती हूँ कि उचित न्याय केवल युधिष्ठिर ही कर सकते हैं।"

[Translation: "Your Majesty, before going to the Ganga ghats today, four men brutally killed a maid's brother. A soldier brought this news so that the maid could be taken to her home for her brother's last rites. [ with pause] The soldier mentioned that this will be tried as a murder case tomorrow, as stated by the Chief Commander. I suggest that both princes be given the right to administer justice. The one who renders fair justice will be deemed worthy of becoming the king of Hastinapur. Moreover, this will be conducted in the assembly before the public, preventing Maharaj Dhritarashtra from making a biased decision. And I know that only Yudhishthira can deliver the appropriate justice."]

Nisha was so engrossed in presenting her plan that she started speaking with the authority of a team leader, a role she was accustomed to in her own time. Bhishma and Vidura listened intently, their expressions reflecting deep contemplation.

Bhishma broke the silence, his voice filled with admiration. "अद्भुत। यह उचित रहेगा, है ना विदुर?" [Translation: "brilliant . This seems appropriate, doesn't it, Vidura?"]

Vidura, considering the proposal, nodded. "जी पितामह, ऐसा करने पर शायद हम हस्तिनापुर को उसका सही उत्तराधिकारी दे सकेंगे।" [Translation: "Yes, Grandfather. By doing this, we might indeed be able to provide Hastinapur with its rightful successor."]

Nisha felt a surge of pride. "धन्यवाद महामहिम, आप पर विश्वास करने के लिए। आपकी आज्ञा हो तो क्या मैं अब जा सकती हूँ ?" [Translation: "Thank you, Sir, for your trust. If you permit May I leave now?"]

Bhishma responded with a smile, "महामहिम नहीं, पुत्री। पितामह कहो। मैं तुम्हारी योजना और तुम्हारी बुद्धिमत्ता से अत्यंत प्रसन्न हूँ। तुम जा सकती हो और कल सभा में जरूर आना।" [Translation: "Not 'Sir,' daughter. Address me as 'Grandfather.' I am extremely pleased with your plan and your intelligence. You may go now and be sure to come to the assembly tomorrow."]

Nisha smiled, bowed deeply, and left the chamber with a sense of accomplishment. As she walked away, Vidura turned to Bhishma and remarked, "पितामह, उसके पास एक उपाय था, केवल इसी कारण वश तो आपने उसे यहाँ बुलाया नहीं होगा ।" [Translation: "Grandfather, she had a solution, this might not be the sole reason why you called her in your chamber."]

Bhishma, still watching the direction where Nisha had left, replied thoughtfully, "उसके बुद्धिमत्ता, चिंतन शक्ति और हिम्मत को देखकर मुझे यह समझ आ गया कि वह कोई साधारण दासी नहीं है। निश्चित ही विधाता ने उसे हमारी सहायता के लिए भेजा है।" [Translation: "Seeing her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and courage, I realize that she is no ordinary maid. It is certain that fate has sent her to aid us."]

Both Bhishma and Vidura were impressed by Nisha's appearance and intellect, recognizing that she was more than what she seemed.

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