Yuvraj Shakuni, adorned in rich attire, led his sister Gandhari, draped in exquisite silks and adorned with jewels that glittered like stars in the night sky, to Kurus. The richness of the gifts they brought was a spectacle that left the assembly in awe.
However, what truly caught everyone's attention was Gandhari herself, who had chosen to blindfold herself, a symbolic gesture of her unwavering devotion to her blind husband, Dhritrashtra.
The hushed whispers of admiration spread like wildfire through the gathering, praising her commitment to the eldest prince of Kuru dynasty.
The marriage ceremony was conducted by the royal priests, who chanted sacred verses and performed intricate rituals to invoke blessings for the couple. The sacred fire burned brightly at the center of the ceremonial altar, symbolizing the divine witness to the union.
Amidst the rituals, the royal elders showered the couple with blessings, wishing them a prosperous and harmonious life ahead. The sounds of conch shells and the rhythmic beats of drums echoed through the city, signifying the joyous occasion.
The crowd erupted into applause, and the palace courtyards resounded with the cheers and well-wishes of the gathered assembly. Everyone was praising Gandhari's sacrifice and commitment. Her decision to blindfold herself was seen as a powerful expression of loyalty to Dhritrashtra,
However, amidst the cheers and admiration, there was one person who observed the ceremony with a thoughtful expression and it was none other than Pandu.
"Rajkumari ke pati-vrat dharm se hum prabhavit huye."
"Apne pati hetu aisa tyaag karne wali streeya, durlabh hoti hai."
Despite the apparent admiration from the others, a shadow of disapproval lingered on Pandu's face. His thoughts were consumed on what could have been, instead of what is.
"Aapke mukh par aprasanaata ka bhaav kyu ? Kya aap iss vivah se aapko kuch apatti hai ?" Vidur asked.
Pandu looked at him, "Nahi anuj. Mai atyant prasann hu, Jyesht hetu. Rajkumari Gandhari se yogya unke hetu koi nahi. Parantu...."
"Parantu kya ?" Vidur asked with a frown.
"Parantu kya tumhe nahi lagta ki yadi Gandhar-kumari ne apne netro par Patti nahi baandhi hoti toh uchit rehta ? Jyesht ke paas waise bhi drishti nahi hai, agar Bhabhishree unke netra ban, unka maarg-darshan karti, toh sarvadhik uchit hota. Kyuki patni toh purnaa hoti hai, jo pati ko sampurn kare." Pandu said.
Vidur nodded, comprehending Pandu's perspective on how it was a lost chance. The mahamantri himself would acknowledge that the king's assessment was accurate.
"Toh aapko yeh baat khatak rahi hai." He said.
"Nahi." Pandu shook his head, "Mujhe yeh baat khatak rahi hai ki kisi aur ko yeh kyu nahi dikh raha."
--- SOMETIME LATER ---
Gandhari had managed to captivate the hearts of all the Kurus with her impeccable acts, refined behavior, unwavering attentiveness, and unquestionable conduct.
Her devotion to her husband was unparalleled, and she never even uttered the names of other men in her speech. Her presence commanded respect and admiration, leaving no room for doubt about her loyalty and commitment.
Satyavati, draped in regal attire, reclined gracefully on the diwan, her eyes reflecting satisfaction. The air is filled with an aura of contentment as she contemplates the recent union Dhritrashtra with Gandhari, who had clearly won the Rajmata's approval.
"Gandhari ko paa, Kuruvansh dhanya ho gaya hai. Kyu Bhishm ?" She asked.
"Satyavachan, Mata." Gangeya, who was seated on a chair in front of her, said with a smile.
A satisfied sigh escaped the lips of Rajmata, as she said, "Mere anusaar hume Pandu ka vivah karwa dena chahiye. Iss rajya ko apni Maharani ki awashyakta hai."
Bhishm nodded and thought for a moment, "Mata, yahi 2 din pehle, ek nimantran aya tha. Maharaj Kuntibhoj apni dattak-putri, Kunti hetu ek swayamvar aayojit kar rahe hai."
"Dattak-putri ?" Satyavati raised her brow.
"Ha. Waise toh woh Yadavo ke Maharaj Shurasen ki putri hai, parantu unhone use apne mitra Kuntibhoj ko de diya tha, jab woh nistaan the." Bhishm said.
"Hmm..... Yaduvansh ki Rajkumari. Yadavo ka kul toh humare kul ke barabar hai. Unse sandhi karna humare liye laabh-dayak hoga." Satyavati said.
"Aur toh aur maine suna hai ki Rajkumari Kunti atyant sundar aur sarvagun sampann hai. Dharmparayan hai, aur satyanisht hai. Hastinapur ko Kunti jaisi Maharani hi chahiye." Bhishm said.
"Satyavachan, parantu.... Maine suna hai ki sundar toh Madra-raj ki behen Madri bhi bahut hai. Apne roop ke karan woh teeno loko mei aur samast Rajao mei prasidh hai. Sab kehte hai ki saundarya mei uski barabari koi nahi kar sakta iss prithvi par." Satyavati said.
"Ha toh ek baar Pandu aur Kunti ka vivah ho jaaye, fir Madri se bhi vivah karwa dunga Pandu ka yadi aap kahe toh." Bhishm said.
"Yeh uchit rahega." Satyavati nodded. A sigh escaped her lips as she smiled, "Pandu ka vivah ho jaaye, uske baad Vidur ke vivah ke baare mei sochenge."
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A/N
When Pandu gets cursed, he confides in Kunti and criticises his father Vichitraveerya, very few people in our itihaas have criticised their father.
When Arjun is born, there is a akaashvani that he will be the destroyer of Kurus, Pandu didn't seem upset about that.
So my interpretation of the character of Pandu is.... That he saw the flaw in the Kurus. He was the only one who saw it. This can be rather interesting.
Waise Gandhari ke acharan aur charitra par toh koi kuch keh nahi sakta, she was a noble woman indeed.... Lekin agar aakh par patti nahi bandhi hoti toh shayad apne putro ko sahi maarg dikha sakti thi.
Anyways... ITS TIME FOR THE MARRIAGE OF PANDU AND KUNTI MADRI ✨✨✨