The atmosphere in Vasusena's chambers grew heavier as the Pandu family, Bhishma, Vidura, Aruni, and Yuyutsu gathered. The flickering oil lamps cast long shadows, their dim light reflecting the seriousness etched on every face. All eyes turned to Niyati, whose serene presence commanded silence and respect.

Taking a measured breath, Niyati began, her tone steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "Pitamah and Kaka Shree," she addressed them directly, "the journey to Khandavaprastha is fraught with challenges. Takshaka, the serpent king, resides in those lands, and you must take great care not to disturb him. Observe the land closely. Understand its essence. Build your knowledge before attempting to build a kingdom. Change must be done with wisdom and the utmost respect for nature's balance if necessary."

Bhishma's brow furrowed slightly, his pride as a warrior momentarily tested by her cautionary words. Yet, he nodded solemnly when she fixed him with her unyielding gaze. "I understand, Putri. My arms shall remain at rest, no matter the provocation."

"Good," Niyati replied. "Once you both grasp the essence of the place, perform penance in devotion to Adi Shakti. If she chooses to reveal herself, implore her to grant you both a boon: No matter the trials or tribulations, you both will forever be bound to the path of Dharma, never straying into the darkness of Adharma. But remember, regardless of whether Mata chooses to reveal herself or remains elusive, we should meet at Varanāvata five and half years."

Vidura's piercing gaze narrowed with a hint of wariness. "Varanāvata"? he repeated, his tone measured. "What significance does this place hold, and why must we convene there in five years?

The air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken understanding as if the very mention of the place had awakened a sense of foreboding.

A small smile graced Niyati's lips, though a shadow of sorrow lingered in her eyes. "All will be revealed in due time, Kaka Shree. Let us say that Varanāvata holds a crucial place in our lives. All I ask is your trust. I hope our choices will lead toward a better path this time."

The weight of her words hung in the air, unspoken questions forming in every mind. Arjuna, ever curious and unreserved, broke the silence. "Anything I should keep in mind, Niyati?" he asked teasingly.

She chuckled the sound offering brief relief to the room's gravity. "Ah, Arjuna, you—my dear Brata Krishna's favourite cousin and mine too. Yes, there is something. Do not let arrogance blind you. Remember, Drupada and Drona were once the closest of friends. That bond, however, broken, signifies Drupada's formidable strength. Seeing you, I don't think he will play any, however, he is a master of illusions. If time comes, then you must first break the illusions within your mind to overcome him."

Her words struck a chord, leaving even the ever-confident Arjuna silent and thoughtful.

Unexpectedly, Vasusena stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "I will join Arjuna, not as a king, but as a brother. And I won't go alone. Yuyutsu, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva will accompany us."

Niyati turned to Vasusena, her gaze softening. "Fine. But remember, Vasu, when you speak to Drona, tell him this: 'No matter what the outcome of this duel—victory or defeat—I will bear its weight alone.'

And..." Her voice faltered, the first hint of vulnerability piercing her steady composure. "If anything goes wrong, remember to embrace it. As long as you walk the path of Dharma, I, Niyati, will ensure that all ends well."

Alarmed by her tone, Kunti interjected, "Putri, is something bad going to happen?"

Niyati nodded gravely. "That depends on the choices made by those involved."

Vasusena, undeterred, met her gaze. "You altered my destiny long before I was born, Niyati. If this is your path, I trust it. I will walk it, no matter the burden."

Later, as the royal court convened, Vasusena addressed Guru Drona. "Guru Drona, I will bear the responsibility for whatever the outcome of this duel may be."

Drona's face, stern as stone, softened into a rare smile of pride. "You have truly embraced the essence of Dharma, Maharaja Vasusena. You honour not only yourself but the entire Kuru dynasty."

And so, the seven brothers departed for Panchala, their steps heavy with the weight of their mission. Niyati's words lingered in their hearts, a compass guiding them through the unknown.

For Arjuna, this was a test of his valour and skill. For Vasusena, it was a burden, but he accepted it with unflinching resolve. And for the Kuru dynasty, it marked the beginning of a saga that would challenge their unity and reshape their destiny forever.

A Promise Kept

The sinless Arjuna, accompanied by Vasusena, Yuyutsu, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva, advanced towards the Panchala forces. The rattle of their chariot wheels echoed through the battlefield, striking fear into their enemies. Bhima, mace in hand and resembling the Destroyer himself, led the charge, his roars like the tumultuous ocean in a tempest. Like a lion entering a herd, he plunged into the array of elephants in the hostile force, wreaking havoc.

Bhima's mighty mace struck the massive elephants, breaking their skulls and felling them like thunder-struck mountains. Blood streamed from their wounds, and the earth seemed to quake under their collapsing bodies.

The Pandavas, united in their efforts, laid waste to the elephants, horses, and soldiers, their prowess unmatched on the battlefield. Bhima drove before him the enemy forces, chariots and all, like a herdsman driving cattle with ease.

Meanwhile, Arjuna, determined to fulfil his promise to Drona, focused his attacks on King Drupada, who sat atop a grand elephant. Arjuna's swift and precise arrows struck the king with unerring accuracy, toppling him from his mount. The son of Indra rained destruction upon the Panchala forces, scattering their soldiers, shattering their chariots, and felling their elephants. The air was filled with clashing weapons and cries of anguish as the two sides clashed with unmatched ferocity.

As the battle raged, King Drupada, supported by his general Satyajit, rallied his forces against the Pandavas. Satyajit, like a lion defending its pride, charged at Arjuna. The two warriors engaged in a fierce duel, arrows cutting through the air like lightning. Arjuna, displaying his extraordinary skill, swiftly cut Satyajit's bow and rained down a storm of arrows.

Satyajit, undeterred, retaliated with precision, but Arjuna's relentless attacks overwhelmed him. Breaking his foe's defences, Arjuna left Satyajit disarmed and his forces disheartened.

Witnessing the defeat of his general, King Drupada himself engaged Arjuna. The battle intensified, with Arjuna cutting down Drupada's bow, flagstaff, and charioteer. Finally, leaping from his chariot with a scimitar, Arjuna seized Drupada like Garuda, capturing a mighty serpent. At this sight, the Panchala troops scattered in fear, their morale broken.

Meanwhile, Vasusena, Yudhishthira, Yuyutsu, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva wreaked havoc across the battlefield, ensuring no resistance remained. Though eager for more bloodshed, Bhima was restrained by Yudhishthira, who reminded him of their purpose. "Drupada is a relative of the Kuru ancestors. Let us offer him to our Gurudeva as part of Arjuna's promise, but spare his people."

Thus pacified, Bhima ceased his assault, and the Pandavas, accompanied by Vasusena and Yuyutsu, escorted Drupada to Drona. Bound but unharmed, Drupada stood before the Kuru princes, his fate now in the hands of his former friend Drona.

As Drupada stood before Drona, humiliated and stripped of his riches and pride, the memory of their shared past loomed large over the moment. Drona, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of triumph yet tempered by the wisdom of years, addressed the defeated king.

"I have laid waste to your kingdom and capital," Drona began, his voice calm yet firm. "Now that an enemy has spared your life, tell me, Drupada, do you wish to rekindle our old friendship?"

A faint, knowing smile played on his lips as he continued, "Fear not for your life. We Brahmanas always forgive. Despite the enmity that circumstances have sown between us, my affection for you, born of our childhood days in the hermitage, remains unbroken."

Drupada's gaze, filled with defiance and shame, did not waver. Drona pressed on, his tone softening. "O Yajnasena, my friend, I offer you an olive branch. Friendship cannot exist between unequal parties, between a king and one who is not. Hence, as a boon, I grant you half of your kingdom. From this day forward, you shall rule the lands south of the Bhagirathi, while I shall claim the lands to the north.

The atmosphere on the battlefield was thick with tension as Vasusena stood firm, his gaze unwavering. His voice, calm but resolute, broke the silence on the field.

"Guru Drona," he said, addressing the revered teacher of the Kuru princes, "you have no claim over Panchal. This is not a Guru Dakshina. Arjuna made a promise that he would avenge you, and he did so by bringing King Drupada of Panchal before you. But now, Panchal belongs to me. I have said it before – win or lose, I will take full responsibility for it. And you agreed to that. You cannot go back on your word now."

Drona's face flushed with surprise and fury as if struck by a thunderous blow. His voice quivered with indignation. "Maharaj Vasusena, you are humiliating me," he said, his pride wounded.

Vasusena, unshaken by Drona's outburst, clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect, but his tone remained firm. "Guru Drona, I am not opposing anything. Arjuna's promise has been fulfilled, has it not? And when I said I would take the responsibility, win or lose, did you not agree? How can you now claim dominion over Panchal? Before you say anything, please think with a calm mind."

Drona's anger, already boiling, flared up once again. "You think you are great because you adhere to Dharma and your talent?" Drona spat bitterly. "I, Drona Charya, Son of Bharadwaj, curse you—"

But before Drona could finish, a voice like thunder interrupted him. "Drona." It was Rishi Bharadwaj, his tone stern and filled with divine authority.

"Pita Shree," Drona's voice broke, realizing that his father, the great sage, had arrived.

Rishi Bharadwaj's gaze fell upon his son with an intense, sorrowful look. "How is it that you, my Putr, are now attempting to curse someone who follows the path of Dharma?" he asked, his words like a river of wisdom. "Is this what I taught you?"

Then, in a voice that seemed to shake the heavens, the sage continued, "Drona, in your greed for riches, you have fallen away from the righteous path. You have failed in your vows.

Therefore, I curse you: You will lose all your knowledge at a crucial moment in your life, and in the end, you will embrace death without the wisdom you once held."

The sky above seemed to darken, and a thunderous sound rumbled as if the world reacted to the curse. Vasusena and Arjuna exchanged a brief but knowing glance.

In that fleeting moment, they understood: not Drona, the curse meant for Vasusena, but now it was turned upon the teacher himself, an ironic twist that left the brothers speechless.

"Pitashree..." Drona's voice cracked with sorrow, the weight of his father's words sinking deep into his soul.

Rishi Bharadwaj looked at his son, his eyes filled with sorrow and disappointment. "Arjuna fulfilled his promise, yet your greed did not cease. You, who once taught students, have become a merchant, trading knowledge for wealth. You broke your vow to Bhishma, and in doing so, you broke the essence of being a Guru."

Now understanding the severity of his actions and the consequences that followed, Drona stood before Vasusena with humility in his eyes. He bowed low, his voice trembling with regret.

"O Suryaputr, I beseech you. Please forgive me for my pride and my wrongs. I hereby grant you a boon: No one shall stand against the path of Dharma you walk."

Vasusena nodded silently, acknowledging the gesture, but his eyes remained focused ahead. He turned towards Drupada, King of Panchal, whose gaze was filled with disdain and resignation.

"King Drupada," Vasusena began, his voice gentle but unwavering, "Arjuna has fulfilled his promise. I know this is humiliating for you, but it was his vow to his Guru. I will return Panchal to you now. I do not need its riches or its lands. I ask only for your forgiveness."

Drupada's heart was torn between his pride and the bitter taste of humiliation. But as Vasusena and Arjuna walked away with their brothers, the King of Panchal could not shake the thought that consumed his mind: take revenge on Drona Charya.

Fractured Loyalties

The entire court of Hastinapur reverberated with cheers and praises for Vasusena, whose merciful heart and commitment to Dharma had won the admiration of all. Arjuna was hailed for his valour, and the kingdom seemed to bask in a rare moment of unity and peace.

Yet, amidst the jubilation, one figure brooded in the shadows: Suyodhana. The moment the Pandavas' jubilant slogans reached his ears, a seething jealousy burned within him, threatening to consume his resolve.

Unable to bear it any longer, Suyodhana left the coronation hall, his anger boiling over. His loyal advisor, Mantri Kanika, trailed closely behind, sensing the storm about to unfold.

The air was tense as they entered Duryodhana's private chambers in the royal palace. His brow furrowed with displeasure, Kanika spoke to Suyodhana and Dritarashtra, who sat in their royal seat, eyes clouded with concern.

"You make the laws of Hastinapur, Rajkumar," Kanika said, his voice laced with bitterness. "Yet, you are merely the Mahamantri. You have to make the people see how you would rule. Once they see your leadership, they will chant your name. But for that, we need to plan something grand. Something that will separate the people from the Pandavas and put us in control."

Kanika's words carried the venom of ambition. He was consumed with the desire for power, ready to orchestrate a scheme that would elevate him to the throne of Hastinapur, no matter the cost. Kanika, ever the manipulator, nodded sagely as she spoke.

"We must exploit the greed of the ministerial council, turn them against the Pandavas," Kanika suggested, her voice a cold whisper. "And there is one more thing – we must eliminate Yuyutsu."

Dritarashtra, who had been listening quietly, looked at Kanika in confusion. "Why Yuyutsu?" he asked, his voice filled with paternal affection. "He is my son, and his presence in Hastinapur will help Duryodhana."

"Rajkumar Dritarashtra," Kanika began, her tone soft yet sharp, aware that the term 'Rajkumar' cut deep into the heart of the former king. "I know he is your son, but consider this – if Yuyutsu remains in Hastinapur, he will not allow Mahamantri Suyodhana to take the throne. His loyalty to Dharma, his unshakeable moral compass, will stand in the way of your son's ambitions."

Dritarashtra's face contorted with a mixture of pain and realization. The weight of his own emotions clouded his judgment, but Kanika's words were too precise, too convincing. He had played his cards well.

"We need to send Yuyutsu away," he continued. "Only then will we be free to manipulate the council and, ultimately, the people. Once we've consolidated our power, we can call them back."

Dritarashtra sighed deeply, his heart torn between his duty as a father and his desire for his son to rule. After much deliberation, he reluctantly agreed to the plan. In his mind, he believed that this was the only way to secure his son's future. The thought of Yuyutsu standing in the way of Duryodhana's ascent to the throne pained him deeply, but he trusted Kanika's judgment.

The court was charged with tension as the next day's session began. Maharaja Vasusena, seated on the royal throne with an aura of calm authority, began issuing a series of proclamations. Each word he spoke carried the weight of wisdom and strategy, designed to strengthen Hastinapur and distribute responsibilities among its heirs.

"From today onwards," Vasusena declared, his voice steady and resonant, "I announce Rajkumar Yudhishthira as the Crown Prince of Hastinapur. Rajkumar Bhima will leave for Dwaraka to further his mastery of mace fighting under the guidance of Balarama. Rajkumar Arjuna will remain under the tutelage of Guru Drona while also addressing internal conflicts within the kingdom. Rajkumar Nakula and Sahadeva will focus on studying medicinal herbs and plants and establishing hospitals where they are most needed.

As for Prathamamba Gandhari's sons, each of the 99 brothers will be responsible for one village. Their task is to govern, improve, and uplift those villages. Mahamantri Suyodhana will hold them accountable if they fail in their duties, with punishments befitting their failures. In severe cases, the decisions will fall to me or Yuvraj Yudhishthira."

As Vasusena's words echoed through the grand court, murmurs swept the council. Some nobles nodded in approval, seeing the plan's fairness and strategic foresight, while others exchanged uneasy glances. Among them, Kanika rose to his feet, his expression a mask of objection.

"Maharaja," Kanika began, his tone measured yet questioning, "you have announced these decisions unilaterally. We, the council, were not consulted. Should these matters not be discussed with us first?"

Vasusena, unshaken by the challenge, maintained his calm demeanor. "Mantri Kanika," he replied, "is there a specific aspect of my decisions that concerns you? Every kingdom must have a Crown Prince, and Yudhishthira, as the eldest and most virtuous, is the rightful choice. I have also ensured that all my brothers and Prathamamba Gandhari's sons are given responsibilities contributing to the kingdom's prosperity. Additionally, Suyodhana, as their elder brother and Mahamantri, has been entrusted with overseeing their actions. If their failures stray into adharma, the Crown Prince or I will intervene. Now, tell me, what part of this troubles you?"

Kanika hesitated but pressed on. "Maharaja, you are sending the 99 sons of Mata Gandhari away while keeping your brothers close to you. Does this not create an imbalance?"

Before Vasusena could respond, Queen Gandhari rose gracefully from her seat. Her blindfolded eyes conveyed a mother and queen's wisdom and resolve. Her voice, calm yet commanding, silenced the murmurs in the court.

"I support Maharaja Vasusena's decision," Gandhari said. "My sons, taking leadership of 99 villages, will learn first-hand the governance challenges. This will teach them accountability, responsibility, and the importance of serving their people. Such experiences will shape them into capable leaders who understand the needs of society. Furthermore, Maharaja Vasusena has entrusted their oversight to my eldest son, Suyodhana, who is already the Mahamantri of Hastinapur. This ensures a balance of authority and responsibility. I fully understand and trust his intentions and stand by his decisions."

Vasusena's heart swelled with pride at Prathamamba Gandhari's words. Her wisdom and unwavering support for the path of Dharma fortified his resolve. Now silenced by her firm endorsement, the court turned its attention back to Kanika, who found himself out maneuvered. His lips tightened as he looked to Suyodhana for support, but the latter remained quiet, his mind simmering with schemes.

The court session concluded with Gandhari's blessing and Vasusena's unshakable authority. The seeds of a new chapter in Hastinapur's governance were sown, but the storm of jealousy and ambition stirred beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to rise.

The Weight of Words

As dawn broke over Hastinapur, the room was filled with a sombre atmosphere. Niyati, preparing to embark on her journey to Dwaraka, met the Pandu family one last time in Vasusena's chambers.

Kunti, unable to hold back her emotions, embraced her tightly. "Putri, you've been a pillar of strength for all of us, and now you're leaving. Forgive me if I sound selfish, but I must ask you—please don't go. Marry Yuyutsu, fulfil your destiny, and guide my sons in establishing Dharma."

Niyati, understanding the depths of Kunti's motherly plea, gently placed her hand on her shoulder. "Bua," she began, her tone firm yet empathetic, "for the sake of Dharma, I would sacrifice myself—and if necessary, even your sons. Dharma does not bend for kinship or relations. My presence alone cannot ensure their path; I can only guide them. They must choose their way. My departure is as much a part of their destiny as my presence has been."

She paused and looked directly at Kunti, her gaze piercing. "And Bua, remember this: your words carry weight beyond measure. Before speaking, consider the situation. Words might be mere expressions for you, but for others, they can either break their lives or rebuild them. Speak with caution, for your role is pivotal."

Her words reverberated through the room, leaving everyone in stunned silence. Yuyutsu, standing by the window, seemed to grasp the gravity of her words. At the same time, the six Pandavas exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that her message was also a subtle reprimand for their mother.

As Vasusena moved to intervene, Niyati raised a hand, stopping him. "This is not your Dharma, Jyeshta. It is hers. Let her bear it."

Turning back to Kunti, Niyati continued, her voice softening. "Bua, you are the mother of six sons by birth and a godmother to another. Together, they are as powerful as the seven avatars of Narayan. The weight you carry is like that of Prithvi (The Earth). So, think twice before you speak and tenfold before you act and execute."

The room was steeped in silence until Niyati's mischievous grin broke through. "Enough of this heavy talk! So much has happened, but Pitamah Bhishma still hasn't taken me around Hastinapur or bought me food, and now he has left for Khandavaprastha. It's Okay. I will tell my innocent heart that Bhima and I are off to Dwaraka to feast like kings! But, please, Bua, ensure he gets his ladoos, and I get my makhan."

Nakula and Sahadeva seized the moment, their eyes twinkling. "Ha Mata! Don't forget to send the entire stock of ladoos and makhan in Hastinapur with them!" Laughter erupted in the room, and even the usually serious Yudhishthira cracked a smile.

"And Nakula," Niyati added with a smirk, "make sure Sahadeva doesn't eat all the ladoos while pretending to study astrology. You know how he is."

"What about you?" Sahadeva retorted. "You'll probably steal all the ladoos from Brata Bhima's share!"

Bhima, folding his arms dramatically, joined in. "It's true. Niyati has never let me eat in peace. She'll call it 'sharing' but ends up eating everything!"

"Ah, Bhima!" Niyati exclaimed, feigning offence. "You wound me with your accusations! Fine, I'll eat my makhan quietly. But you better keep your ladoos safe from my Dau Balarama!"

Laughter erupted in the room, dispelling the tension. Smiling, Niyati turned serious once more as she addressed each brother. "The next five years are crucial. Learn all you can. Serve the sages and seek their blessings. Be vigilant. Sahadeva, deepen your astrology. Nakula, connect with as many wild animals as possible. Arjuna, my favourite—"

"That's unfair!" the others protested playfully, drawing chuckles from Yudhishthira, Vasusena, Yuyutsu, and Kunti.

"Arjuna," Niyati's voice took on a strategic tone. "Your Guru, Drona, guards his wisdom zealously, and a direct request may only heighten his caution. Instead, tactfully remind him of the curse that haunts his lineage and propose a solution: suggest that he impart his knowledge to you and Ashwatthama, thereby ensuring the continuation of his lineage and silencing any doubts he may harbor about your intentions."

"But isn't that adharma—cheating one's Guru?" Yudhishthira interjected.

Niyati's gaze hardened. "Yudhishthira, any adharma committed for the establishment of Dharma is, in itself, Dharma. Intentions matter."

With that, she turned to the group, her playful demeanor returning. "Well, this is goodbye—for now. Don't forget to send the ladoos and makhan. Until next time!"

As she and Bhima walked away, their laughter echoed through the halls, leaving the family smiling yet reflective. Each pondered her words, knowing the path ahead would demand all their strength and wisdom.