|| Bhanupriyaa : The Rule of Love ||

1 | A Night of Ghosts

Her back straightened as she heard the speeding chariots and horses. She shut her eyes momentarily calming her self down before turning to see her fathers noticing Nakula wasn't present.

Broken , would be a word less as she saw  Yudhishthira fall to the ground on his knees defeated by the circles of fate. Bhima holding onto Yudhisthira as his own eyes blurred. Arjun and Sahadeva gone entirely silent as even the four supported each other like always.

Her eyes met Arjun first as he was surprised at first later gestured her to come to Yudhishthira. Suthanu took slow steps towards the four not quite getting what Arjun meant. But she saw a little easy breath that Arjuna took once he saw her.

' Pita ' , her voice was softest but felt needed melody to the rest three.

" Bangaram " , the three exclaimed at once.Their eyes clouding with more tears.Yudhisthira took her in his embrace gently yet firmly.

" My daughter...is alive.. " , his words broke into pieces , " she is alive ". Suthanu's eyes widened as she heard the words. She had forgotten to add onto the message through the soldier that she was alive and it is she who sent the message. Understanding at once she whispered , " Pita , I am fine ". Instantly , she felt hands on her head which she knew would have been Sahadeva and Bhima.

" Panchala Naresh " , the loud wails of the women struck the four and Suthanu. They turned to look at the wives of Dhristadyumna.

They rose from their place , their entire heart focused on their children who were no more and eyes fixed on the women in front of them. Suthanu rushed to them as her aunts hugged her , crying their hearts out. Suthanu hugged Dhanya as the latter broke into shattering wails.

" Mamashree " , Suthanu got the sight of Krishna's chariot and Bhanu who had become his charioteer. Krishna walked towards the Pandavas as even Bhanu's eyes met Suthanu. The immense pain reflected in each other's eyes. Bhanu drew a deep breath trying to strengthen both himself and her. Why did fate had to be so cruel ? 

Understanding , she moved towards him.

" Thanu " , his voice was gentle yet all that she had to hear. " I remember Adi , I have to remain fine for our parents " , her mild tears brought tears to his own eyes. The sorrow of losing his brothers in abundance and her pain weighing prominent in his heart.

Bhanu interwined their hands as Suthanu looked upto him.

" My Thanu will be able to do this " , he whispered - his gaze seeping into her eyes. Suthanu realizing the sudden strength that came to her , it was him.

" Sons "

Suthanu turned alarmed. Her eyes widening at the sight of her mothers as even she glanced at Nakula entering.

" Vindhya , Dheya , Sarva , Soma , Sata , Suhotra , Mitra , Karma , Sena " , the names of the scions of Pandavas echoed through every pore.

Draupadi cried as even she made way towards their tent. Entirely shaken up , Suthanu rushed to her at once as did Bhanu move towards the Pandavas.

" Maa " , Suthanu held her as she was about to fall to the ground. Her eyes going to the other mothers who were equally pained as her fathers held them back.

" Tell me all this is a dream Thanu " , Draupadi whispered burying her face as Suthanu embraced her. It broke Suthanu to see her mother of all in such a state , she defined strength to not only her but she was the shakti behind her own fathers. To see her fall apart , she felt her own world had doomed. Draupadi raised to look at her , now shaking Suthanu to give an answer.