- || Before the Mahotsavam ||-
" Every crucial moment comes with family ".
p.s the header - yupadi
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"Maharaja"
Bhanu turned in surprise, his gaze meeting Suthanu's twinkling eyes. The unexpected address of 'Maharaja' caught him off guard, but it also ignited a sense of profound responsibility within his heart. She was the first to call upon him this title, and the weight of it resonated deeply within him. A gentle smile adorned his face as she gracefully stood by his side.
"Always Adi will do, Maharani," Bhanu replied, his smile tender and filled with affection. The palace of Indraprastha bustled with preparations for the forthcoming coronation ceremony, poised to mark their destinies as one.
"Yet, my love, I am won't turn a queen tomorrow," Suthanu spoke with a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Until we exchange our vows, I cannot formally assume the title of queen."
"You are the only queen in Bhanu's world, my love," he whispered, his voice carrying the warmth of his love as he placed his palm on her cheek. "Every corner of Indraprastha reveres you as their own daughter even before they look upon me. The love they hold for you, which I witnessed in their welcoming gaze, words fail to capture its depth. But what I do know is that you are deserving of all the adoration bestowed upon you."
Amidst the buzzing atmosphere, Suthanu keenly observed Bhanu's countenance, sensing an undercurrent of worry that he had yet to voice. With a touch of concern, she gently placed her hand upon his, which cradled her cheek. Bhanu was taken aback, his eyes reflecting the tenderness she saw within them. Though he had concealed his concerns, she understood intuitively.
"What worries you, Adi?" Suthanu's voice held both tenderness and curiosity. "Speak your heart to me."
Bhanu's grip tightened around her palm as he took into his other palm, his eyes filled with both concern and love. "Thanu, the Raj Dharma, the principles that govern our realm, can be rigid, even if its flexibility depends on the ruler. There are instances where it cannot be bent, even for the greater good. By entering this realm, I worry for your well-being. If ever I find myself caught between upholding Raj Dharma and safeguarding your welfare, Aaru..."
He sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension. Suthanu's gaze locked onto his, her expression conveying unwavering trust.
"Would you forsake me for Raj Dharma, Adi?" she asked, her words hanging in the air. Bhanu's eyes softened, his brows no longer creased with worry.
"Never, Rajkumari," Bhanu replied, his voice steady and resolute. "I would choose you over my Raj Dharma. Not because you hold a dearer place in my heart than anything else in this world, but because I honor the welfare of humanity above all. I believe the ultimate goal of Raj Dharma is the well-being of society. If ever a situation arises where I must choose between you and Raj Dharma, it would only be in a case where they attempt to tarnish your very identity."
Bhanu's gaze held an intensity that stirred Suthanu's soul, his words resonating deep within her. "Know that your Adi is not a man who would allow anyone's identity to be sullied," he continued, meeting her eyes unwaveringly. "Especially not that of a woman. You are my life, indeed, but before that, you are you. I wholeheartedly respect your individuality as much as I adore you."
Suthanu's smile enveloped her face, brimming with understanding and affection. She gently shook her head, her hand reaching out to hold his.
"Adi, when my Maharaja stands firm in his life principles, there is no cause for worry if Raj Dharma will ever come between us," she said, her voice gentle yet confident. Bhanu found solace in her words, understanding why she had posed such a question in the first place.
"The weight of a crown bears greater significance than our understanding, Thanu," Bhanu expressed, his words laden with contemplation. "I am certain that I shall never forsake your side, but the path it may lead us down is worth contemplating."
A serene smile graced Suthanu's lips as she took his hand in hers. "In times like these, Adi, let us place our faith in our Kula Devata and seek the blessings of our ancestors. I am certain that you will be a Maharaja we can all be proud of. And on this road, you shall always find me by your side," she assured, leaning her head gently against his shoulder. Bhanu's face brightened with a smile, his arm tenderly encircling her.
In the quietude of the palace, Yudhisthira's soft-spoken words pierced the air, causing Draupadi to startle. She hastily wiped away her tears and turned to face him, her eyes searching his soul.
"The palace reminds you of our children, doesn't it, Praneshwari?" Yudhisthira's voice carried a tender vulnerability, his words wrapping around Draupadi's heart like a gentle caress.
"The very air I breathe does, Swami. The land of Indraprastha intensifies that feeling," Draupadi responded softly, her voice filled with a mix of emotions. "You're here at this hour?"
"I have left you alone, in fact, left myself alone for far too long, Kalyani. For, in the end, staying away from you equates to losing myself. I have been running from my mistakes for too long, and now, I come here to embrace my sins," Yudhisthira confessed, standing beside Draupadi with tears glistening in his eyes. It had been years since he truly stood by her side, looking deeply into her soul. His gaze shifted away, overcome with remorse. "One can make a mistake once, but to repeat it is a sin. I committed a sin by returning to that fateful dice game once again , a sin of playing your stake. A sin that has cost me and our entire family dearly."
"Swami, let go of the past," Draupadi shook her head, trying to halt his self-condemnation.
"Allow me to speak, Kalyani, at least today. Please," Yudhisthira's voice was gentle yet insistent as he tore his gaze from her, his desire to unburden his heart evident , " I have failed as a brother , husband and a king ". He moved to fold his palms in a straightforward act of apology.
"That's enough, Swami," Draupadi's voice quivered with emotion as she held his hand in hers, her tears mingling with his pain. "Whether as a brother, husband, or king, a human is still human, Natha. Making mistakes is inherent to our nature. The place we find ourselves in today is not solely a reflection of your mistakes. What elevates you is your repentance, for not every human possesses the courage to rectify their wrongs. Years ago, you admitted your mistake, and now, your journey of repentance has reached its end because you stood strong in making amends. That is why I presented to you the gem of Ashwathama, for you have indeed won me over once again. Swami, you have fulfilled your duties as a brother, husband, and king with unwavering devotion."
Yudhisthira swallowed the lump in his throat, his arms instinctively opening wide to embrace Draupadi. He closed his eyes as she fell into his warm embrace, her tears mingling with his. In that moment, he felt his heart begin to beat with renewed vigor, infused with the vitality of her forgiveness. Her love for him was not a reward for his penance, but a blessing that she gave him , a reflection of the love she held within the deepest recesses of her soul.
"Tomorrow is a momentous day for our daughter, as she takes the Raja Sankalpa, pledging herself to become the future queen," Yudhisthira remarked, wiping away his tears. His brows furrowed as he noticed Draupadi avert her gaze.
"What's troubling you, Kalyani? Are you not happy about it?" Yudhisthira's eyes filled with genuine concern.
"I am indeed overjoyed, Swami," Draupadi turned to meet his gaze, her expression laden with worry. "But the seat of royalty always bears thorns, waiting to pierce the ruler's heart."
"Our daughter and Bhanu have already endured countless hurdles, Kalyani. They have paid the price," Yudhisthira assured her, placing his hand on Draupadi's shoulder with a gentle smile.
"No, Swami," Draupadi turned fully to face Yudhisthira. "This war may have uprooted Adharma, but evil is never completely annihilated. I worry about the acceptance of our decision among the citizens, our extended family, and other kingdoms. If some people stand against your choice, they will have to face that struggle. Honestly I never thought about Thanu to be a queen, Natha."
"It's not about thinking or wishing, Kalyani," Yudhisthira replied, his hand tenderly resting on Draupadi's shoulder as he fixed her with an unwavering gaze. "It's about Suthanu and Bhanu deserving that position. Our Thanu has proven herself worthy of being our heiress and ruling over Indraprastha. She possesses the understanding of what is right and wrong, a quality she inherited from you. She embodies the ability to discern between justice and injustice, a trait she shares with me. . She has the courage and strength to stand up for justice at the cost of her life too. Our Thanu knows how to enlighten everyone. She understands her responsibilities, Kalyani, and in all her struggles, let us stand by her."
Draupadi smiled through her tears, touched by the unwavering affection and hope that Yudhisthira held for Suthanu. In that moment, it reminded her of Drupada himself, who had stood by her side through every trial and tribulation.
Yudhisthira lifted his hand from her shoulder and placed it on her palm. Draupadi instinctively intertwined her fingers with his, knowing he had more to say.
"Krishnaa, throughout the years, whenever I laid my eyes upon you, I couldn't help but have at thought. You proved in strength , in courage and in selflessness ; you are the goddess to me. It is the greatest blessing that you bestowed upon Yudhisthira by becoming his Ardhangini , being his empress and bearing his children. Krishnaa, I have one request, if you deem it right, bless me with it. I am exhausted, Kalyani, weary from the trials of life. I can no longer keep everything to myself; I fear collapsing under the weight of these tumultuous emotions. Let all my battles find an end through the boon of your friendship, Krishnaa. It may seem strange, for friends may become life partners, but after all these years of living together, it is time to embark on a new dimension of our relationship.For the past thirteen years, we have lived apart, even while residing under the same roof. Let us begin this new phase of our lives with friendship, if you find it fitting."
Draupadi's tears flowed freely as her grip on his hand tightened.
"Throughout the years, I wished for us to share our emotions with each other, especially you, Swami. Swami, to start something new, something must first end. My love for you never died in the first place, and it cannot be erased to mark a new beginning. But after all the roller coasters we have experienced, when you ask for friendship, you are absolutely right. As an Ardhangini, as a friend, and as an empress, you will always find me by your side. In whichever phase of life we find ourselves, your presence is shall always be the happiness of my soul," Draupadi declared, her head resting on Yudhisthira's chest as he held her, overwhelmed by the depth of her love.
Their intertwined palms spoke volumes, affirming the bond they shared. Through tears of both sorrow, they embraced, knowing that together they could face whatever lay ahead, their souls forever entwined in a love that transcended the bounds of time.
" Can I come in ? " , Suthanu chimmed standing at the doorstep as she waited for response.
" Come in Bangaram " , Draupadi voiced as she drew away from Yudhisthira , " I had called her , Swami ".
" What can be more happy than to have her with us at this juncture " , Yudhisthira fondly looked at the opening doors as Suthanu pushed open it , running inside like a happy child causing Yudhisthira and Draupadi give a soft smile. She fell into their embrace with a wide smile as the three after ages shared a memory in the same room that witnessed such love thirteen years back.
Perhaps it was memories that the war could not snatch it from them , these little moments that significantly held a place in their life.
Bhanu immersed himself in the maps of Indraprastha, tracing every pathway with keen interest, delving into the intricate architecture of the palace. For the past week, he and Suthanu had been engrossed in this pursuit. While Suthanu possessed some knowledge of the kingdom's internals, there were still aspects that were new to her. Bhanu, on the other hand, had devoted himself to the study of Indraprastha from scratch. The enchanting magic woven by Mayasura had taken its toll on him, but his dedication to understanding the kingdom remained unyielding.
As he engrossed himself in the maps, Bhanu was suddenly interrupted by a soft voice that belonged to his mother, Satyabhama. Her gentle touch upon his head startled him, yet it brought a smile to his face. He looked at her with the joy of a contented child, directing her to take a seat on the nearby royal couch. Setting aside his crown on a nearby table, he settled at her feet, resting his head on her lap. Satyabhama smiled, her hand caressing his hair, gently ruffling it, even as tears of happiness filled her eyes.
"I never thought I would see such a day, lal," Satyabhama began in a soft, tender tone.
"Maa, are you happy about it?" Bhanu asked softly, still nestled in her lap.
"Very much so, lal. I have told you this before, yet such happiness in my life is not something I had anticipated," Satyabhama replied with a gentle smile.
"Is everyone in our family happy about it, Maa?" Bhanu inquired softly. Satyabhama's hand, which had been caressing his hair, came to a halt.
"Maa?" Bhanu looked up, meeting Satyabhama's gaze.
"Lakshmanaa," she uttered.
"Manaa?" Bhanu's brows furrowed. "Is she unhappy about it, Maa?"
"No, lal," Satyabhama continued, "She is unhappy with Thanu, my Vaidoryam."
"But why?" Bhanu questioned, seeking to understand the reason behind Lakshmanaa's discontent.
"Only she can answer that, lal. But because she is unhappy with Suthanu, this coronation isn't a cause for celebration for her, unlike the rest of us," Satyabhama spoke softly, her words laced with concern.
"Maa, thank you for letting me know and don't worry I will see what it is," Bhanu broke out of his contemplation, shifting his focus on other concerns as well. "How is Pitamahi Rohini? And how are my other mothers doing, Maa? I try to speak to them and share whatever I can, but you are a true part of them."
"Maa is fine, lal. She has witnessed so much in life that she knew the destiny of her maternal family was to perish in this war. Her strength, as you well know, is unparalleled. Yet, Pita Vasudeva and Maa Devaki are always by her side," Satyabhama's eyes sparkled with the admiration she held for Rohini. "As for your other mothers, they are slowly recovering, lal. When we have such loving children with us, it eases our burden."
"Maa," Bhanu held Satyabhama's palm in his, his eyes reflecting the unshed tears hidden within her own.
"Are you missing Matamaha?" Bhanu gently squeezed her palm, offering his unwavering support. He wiped away a tear that streamed down her cheek, his touch a tender response.
"Maa, your lal may become a king tomorrow, but he will always remain your lal-your little one. You are the power within Bhanu, Maa. If Pita is my guiding light, you are the very foundation upon which it stands. In any phase of your life, I will always be by your side, maiya," Bhanu's eyes shimmered with the love of a son emanating from the deepest recesses of his soul.
Satyabhama withdrew her palm from his, placing it affectionately on his cheek.
"Lal, on the path that lies ahead, I cannot always hope to have you by my side. But hearing from you how much you treasure your Maa, how you will always stand with her, warms my heart," Satyabhama smiled, patting his cheek lovingly. "Even at your tender age, your Pita taught you the four pillars of Ayodhya's Raj Dharma. Yet, you embraced them with a unique understanding, just as your Pita had wished-exploring them and finding your own interpretation. Do you still remember your answer?"
"I do, Maa," Bhanu smiled warmly. "For me, the four pillars were strength, courage, resilience, and hope. Strength to always aid the needy, courage to remain steadfast on the path of truth, resilience to embrace diverse thoughts and perspectives, and finally, hope that justice shall always prevail one day."
"Never forget these principles throughout your life, lal," Satyabhama placed her palm on Bhanu's head, offering her blessings. "May you, as a king, fulfill your duties to the best of your abilities. May victory always stand beside you, and may your strength be unwavering, akin to the mighty Shesha! May you continue to embody the true essence of your name. Lal, you shall vanquish all hardships in life-this is your mother's heartfelt blessing and so it shall be true ! Thathastu."
" You have my blessings too , child. May you be the life - giving light , Bhanu ! ".
Bhanu turned to look at Krishna who placed his palm on the former's head with a smile.
" You are my universe Maa and Pita , you are my light and will ever be so ! " , Bhanu fell into Krishna's embrace with a smile as even Krishna extended his arm as Satyabhama gently embraced him on his left side with a smile. Both Krishna and Satyabhama's one palm caressing Bhanu's head as the latter basked in the warmth of their love that sustained the universe !
Suthanu and Bhanu both knew at heart , they had grown enough to sustain a world but the world that sustained them , their existence was verily their parents and that truth shall always remain unchanged.
To be continued...
A/N : Quite like a page break - we have the Patta abhisheka coming next. We have quite a major plot - twist residing in it.
Yet again this chapter is quite my favorite. Hope you all enjoyed as well.
Please do leave your votes and comments.