"Putra, I want you to come at Indraprasth with Subhadra." Kunti said to Karna. The Raj sabha had finally ended and they were outside at the hall.
"Yes, Jyesth. All are waiting for you there. Please come with us." Yudhisthir requested too.
"No. Not now. As Mahamahim said, I have ignored Anga for long. It's time to return there. As for coming to Indraprasth, I will. Just as soon as I handle the situation over there in Anga, I will." Karna replied smiling at both.
"Jyesth, you have forgiven us, right? You're not angry with us, are you?" Arjun asked in a whisper looking emotionally at his brother.
"No. I'm not angry. And I have forgiven you long ago. How can I hold any grudges against my brothers?" Karna replied smiling warmly and keeping a hand on his shoulder. "And please, I request you all to forget those things. I want to start anew. Don't beat yourself around for past anymore."
"Jyesth? Promise us, you'll come soon. Otherwise we all will come together at Anga. And you know bhrata Bheem. He will empty all the stored royal foods." Nakul said threatening him with a pout. The rest four laughed hearing him.
"I promise I'll come soon. But not in fear of an empty storehouse. Tell Bheem he is welcomed anytime at Anga. I'll gladly entertain him." Karna said smiling broadly.
"We will miss you Jyesth." Nakul said embracing him. Arjun also embraced him from the other side. Yudhisthir stood hesitating for a while, but joined the hug getting a sign from Karna finally. Kunti smiled watching her sons.
After breaking the hug, Karna touched Kunti's feet and left.
"Why isn't he coming back? It has been long he went." Radha said in concern.
"Radha maa, he will come soon." Subhadra assured her though she herself was tensed for Karna.
Karna came after a while. He slowly told them what happened at the Raj sabha. Radha and Adhirath felt overwhelmed that he respected and valued them so much. They blessed him and left Subhadra with him.
"So? Now we're going to go to Anga?" Subhadra asked him. Karna nodded solemnly.
"Paad yatra kar k jane wale hai waha bhi? (Are we going there by foot too?)" Subhadra asked tentatively. Karna turned his face towards her and stared. Karna knew the journey from Dwarka to Hastinapur had been tough on Subhadra. But she remained silent not wanting to bother him. But why would he take her to Anga by foot now?
"Nehi, main toh aise hi puch rahi thi. Paad yatra hi karni cahiye. Isse swasth accha rehta hai. Aur aapko to jarurat bhi hai iss aayu mein. (No. I was just asking like this. We should travel by foot only. This helps to keep fit only. And you also need it in this age.)" Subhadra said hurriedly.
"Iss aayu se kya tatparya hai tumhara? (What do you mean by this age?)" Karna asked narrowing his eyes at her. He was only 30 so years older than her.
"Arthat ki aap itne balsali hai, yuvabastha mein hai, abhi toh umar hai aapka paad yatra karne ki. (I mean you're so strong, youthful, this is the age to travel by foot only.)" Subhadra said stammering a bit. Karna still watched her with narrowed eyes.
Well, Karna wasn't anywhere near old. And their age difference wasn't a issue as girls were married even to men 80-90 years older to them. But Karna was much more mature and serious that he felt a lot older to her.
"Mata mujhe bula rahi hai. Main dekh kar aati hu. (Mother is calling me. I should go to see.)" Subhadra said smiling sweetly.
"Mujhe toh sunai nehi di. (I didn't hear her calling you.)" Karna frowned more.
"Maan mein bula rahi hai na isliye. (She's calling me in her heart.)" Subhadra replied and left quickly. Karna only looked dumbfounded at her way.
Yudhisthir, Arjun and Nakul didn't want to stay at Hastinapur for longer. So they started their journey towards Indraprasth that day only. Karna also left for Anga with Subhadra after a few days.
After reaching Indraprasth, they relayed what happened to all. Kunti retired to her room then. Devika, Draupadi and Drisana also left the brothers to spend sometime together. They needed that after all this mess.
"Why didn't you bring Jyesth to Indraprasth?" Sahdev asked in sadness.
"Yes. Now how will we ask for forgiveness?" Bheem added sadly.
"Don't worry Bheem. Jyesth has said he has forgiven all and he doesn't want us to remember past. He wants to start afresh." Yudhisthir said smiling pleasingly.
"Really?!" Bheem asked with suspicion. He was the one who disrespected and behaved rudely with him most. His guilt was eating him alive.
"Yes, bhrata Bheem. And Jyesth has also said you're welcomed at Anga at any time. He would love to entertain you." Nakul replied with a broad smile. Bheem gave a relieved smile hearing him. The burden of guilt lessening gradually.
"Yes. And what you said before that invitation, should I tell bhrata Bheem?" Arjun asked smirking at Nakul.
"We should forget who said what before. That's what Jyesth told us." Nakul said smiling nervously.
"Jyesth is right. We should move on forgetting our past, but only remembering the lessons." Yudhisthir said. All of them felt relieved and light hearted.
"By the way, I'm feeling really sad for Nakul." Arjun said suddenly.
"Why?" Nakul frowned at Arjun.
"Becare ne itni mehnat ki, papad bele, vivha bhi kar liya, parantu apne sangsarik jeevhan ka aarambh nehi kar paya. (He worked so hard, faced so many troubles, got married too eventually, but couldn't start his married life till now.)" Arjun said faking sadness and kept his one arm around Nakul's shoulders causing his face to turn red.
"Haan. Shadisuda brahmachari ban gayaa hai hamara Nakul. (Right. He has become a married celibate.)" Sahdev added mischievously.
"Mera toh phir bhi vivha ho gaya, aapni halat dekho. Aise hi kitabo mein magna rahoge toh sach much brahmacarya hi lena parega. (I at least got married, look at yourself. If you keep your head in books like this, you'll have to take brahmacarya only.)" Nakul said to Sahdev controlling his own embarrassment. Bheem laughed loudly looking at Nakul's face.
"Aap kya haas rahe hai bhrata Bheem? Aap bhi aab aapne vivha ki tayyari suru kar dijiye. (Why are you laughing bhrata Bheem? You also start to prepare for your wedding.)" Arjun said to him.
"Main nehi karne wala uss Rajkumari Valandhara se vivha. (I won't marry that Rajkumari Valandhara.)" Bheem said frowning ferociously.
"Parantu maine toh kisika naam liya hi nehi. (But I didn't take anyone's name.)" Arjun said with amusement.
"Haan, bhrata Bheem. Vivha ka naam sunkar hi aapko Rajkumari Valandhara kyu yaad aati hai? (Yes, bhrata Bheem. Why do you remember Rajkumari Valandhara whenever there's talk of your marriage?)" Nakul asked raising his eyebrows.
"Aisa kuch nehi hai. Aur tum aapna vivha sambhal lo. Barna kahi aisa na ho, ki Drisana baapas Dravida cali jai aapne bhai o ke paas. Aur uske bhai!!! Ek bar to muskil se laye ho use, phirse gaye toh tumhara kya hal karenge kya pata! (There's nothing like that. And you concentrate on your own marriage. Otherwise what if Drisana goes back to Dravida to her brothers. And her brothers!!! You brought her once somehow. If you go again who knows what they'll do to you!)" Bheem said to Nakul. Nakul gave a shudder at the thought. His brothers busted into laughter watching his expression. Even Yudhisthir laughed too.
In Dravida :
"Aagya dijiye Pitashree. (Give me your permission Pitashree.)" Rajkumar Dhikshit said touching his father's feet.
"Is it necessary, putra?" Maharaj Drishadvat asked for the last time.
"Yes. You know how worried Mata is for me." Dhikshit replied stiffly.
"You know I can manage her. It's not about her, is it?" Maharaj Drishadvat asked looking worried. Dhikshit took a deep breath stilling himself. He needed to give him the truth. His father deserved that and only then he would agree for this.
"I tried to kill Duryodhan just before Drisana's wedding." Dhikshit admitted. "Jyesth suspects. But he hasn't said anything directly as there's no proof."
Maharaj Drishadvat stared at his son in shock for sometimes. He knew Dhikshit absolutely hated Yuvraj Duryodhan. But to try to kill him at his own sister's wedding like this? That was something he hadn't expected even from the hot-headed Dhikshit.
"How can you do that? A Kshatriya doesn't hit from back. Is this what I taught you? Hitting from back like a coward?" Maharaj Drishadvat asked in anger.
"A Kshatriya doesn't hit from back. But when have you let me hit from front?" Dhikshit asked back, his eyes held the despondency and hurt. "You and Jyesth understand politics better. But I only want justice that was denied." Maharaj Drishadvat looked away unable to answer. He regretted stopping Dhikshit that day. But they had no proof, only suspicion. Without solid proof Mahamahim Bhishma himself would have protected Duryodhan. And knowing Dhikshit, he would have gotten killed than back out.
"I have developed so much hatred and anger inside, even I'm afraid of myself. No one else would understand but I expect you to. Please let me do this." Dhikshit requested in a low voice.
"Do your brothers know?" Maharaj Drishadvat asked sighing. Dhikshit shook his head in negative. They wouldn't let him do this if they knew.
"Kalyan ho. (Bless you.)" Maharaj Drishadvat blessed him with a heavy heart and turned to go back to the palace, leaving Dhikshit alone at the seaside.
In Indraprasth :
The next day Mayamehel was being decorated beautifully. The gloomy shadow of distress had finally lifted from Indraprasth. The previous night Rajmata Kunti had informed everyone there was going to be a veneration, praying for their family's peace and happiness; and also a prayer for blessing the newly wedded couple would be followed by a feast and giving of donations.
Nakul's brothers were teasing him endlessly as no one needed to be told that his first night was going to be celebrated tonight. Drisana was saved mercifully as Draupadi was busy in preparations with Devika resting as she wasn't feeling well.
Drisana was prepared like the new bride she was. Nakul's breath caught in his throat for a few moments watching her. They hadn't really gotten time to spend with each other after that day in the woodland. Yesterday night was for family as everyone including the women sat together at dinner and spend hours talking and laughing.
The Puja (veneration) went smoothly. Rajmata Kunti prayed for all of her sons wellbeing and prosperity. Yudhisthir and Devika prayed for their family and their unborn child. Bheem thanked God that his Jyesth had forgiven him, but also prayed for an opportunity to embrace him soon. Arjun and Draupadi wished for everyone's safety and prosperity. Nakul and Drisana prayed for a happy married life and united family. Sahdev only wanted God's blessings to be on them forever like this.
After that Drisana was formally introduced to all the important members of the royal court and their families. The donations were given by Drisana and Nakul's hand after the feast. The celebration continued with light banter, laughing and munching on snacks. As the day passed and night approached, Drisana was taken to her temporary room by Draupadi and Devika.
"Let's get you ready now." Draupadi said smiling at her.
"More?" Drisana asked with wide-eyes. She was already covered head to toe. Devika and Draupadi laughed slightly at her expression.
"You'll have to prepare for your special night specially my favourite sister-in-law." Devika said making a red hue appear on her face.
Devika went to her chambers after dropping Drisana to Nakul's. Yudhisthir was still with his brothers. He would be late as he had several works pending after his long absence. She looked around sighing. She also had a few errands to run before going to bed, but Draupadi took it all upon herself giving relief to her. Devika sat on the couch taking her jewelleries off. Just then a dasi came with a covered basket.
"Maharani, Maharaj has sent this basket for you." The dasi said. Devika lifted the cover to find it filled with sour mangoes. A broad surprised smile appeared on her face as her mouth watered. She had been craving for these for a few days now. As Devika was going to take the mangoes, the dasi took the basket away. Devika looked at her in confusion and surprise.
"I'm sorry Maharani, but Maharaj has ordered not to give you these until you finish the almond milk." The dasi said looking a bit nervous and scared. Devika's face immediately cringed hearing the name of milk. She absolutely hated milk, but the Raj vaiyd (royal physician) suggested to give her two glasses everyday during her pregnancy. Yudhisthir knew both the informations well and found new ways to make her drink this nauseous thing everyday.
Devika looked at the items and considered her options. Then being unable to restrain herself from mangoes, took the glass of milk and finished it in one go holding her nose. She made faces after. The dasis surpassed their laughter at their Maharani's antics. They gave the mangoes to her then and left to fulfil another of their King's command. Devika divulged herself in eating mangoes without a care and only concentrated on the taste. After eating her fill, she noticed the same dasi standing beside waiting.
"Do you want to say something?" Devika asked.
"Maharani, Maharaj has asked you to take a relaxing bath after this and go to sleep without waiting for him. I have already arranged for your bath if you would like to follow through." The dasi informed her.
Devika went to change for her bath smiling and thinking about what deeds she did to get such a caring and understanding husband like him.
"Nakul, have you checked the new weapons that arrived?" Arjun asked making a frown appear on his brother's face.
"That was supposed to be your task bhrata Arjun." Nakul replied.
"But can't you help me sometimes. I have so many works. What wrong will happen if you help me once in a while?" Arjun said dramatically. Nakul stared at him in boredom. Yudhisthir had thankfully taken away Sahdev for some work and Bheem was sitting and enjoying Arjun's attempts to keep Nakul busy.
"Let's go. We'll check the weapons together now. Then we'll go to the army camp. Then we will -" Arjun continued saying but was stopped by a voice.
"Arya?" Draupadi called him sweetly coming inside. Arjun gave a nervous smile at her sight making a smirk appear on Nakul's face.
"Are you going somewhere?" Draupadi asked in the same sweet voice.
"Yes, bhabhishree. We're going to check the new weapons. Then we -" Nakul hurried to reply, but Arjun caught his mouth to stop him with rounded eyes.
"We can do that tomorrow too. What's the hurry? The weapons are not going anywhere." Arjun said smiling at Draupadi. "Let's go. It's being too late. We should retire to our chambers. And you also go to your room before Drisana falls asleep waiting for you." He then left hurriedly followed by Draupadi.
"Yeh lo Nakul. (Take this Nakul.)" Bheem said offering one ladoo to him.
"Yeh kya!!!!! Aap apna ladoo mujhe de rahe hai? (What's this! You're giving your ladoo to me?)" Nakul said in surprise and confusion.
"Ladoo nehi. Aajadi ki akhri ladoo. Iske paschat tumhara halat bhi aisa hi hoga. (Not sweet. The last sweet of freedom this is. After this your condition will be like that too.)" Bheem replied looking at the way Arjun went.
"I'm not bhrata Arjun, bhrata Bheem. And she doesn't scare me like that." Nakul said.
"Who she?" Bheem pretended not to understand. Since morning they were trying to make him take Drisana's name unsuccessfully.
"Meri Dharampatni. (My legal wife.)" Nakul replied smiling with fake sweetness at Bheem.
Helllloooooooo readers!!!
So, you got to know who tried to kill Duryodhan.
Why??? Why Dhikshit hates him? That'll be revealed later.
A lot of things are on the list. You'll get answers eventually...😅😅😅
Till then keep patience....😈😈😈