Adrika's POV

Battle of 14th day wasn't same as ever. It continued past sunset. And resulted with us loosing another son. I never met Ghatotkach. Or Hidimba jiji. Because the first ever meeting of him with the family wasn't a pleasant one. After that he never came back. During war he lived in a different part of the camp and somehow I never had the chance of meeting him. But that didn't stop me from mourning him. At the end of the day he was a son of mine. Never met. Never talked. But still.

"The war.. It has it's effects. On everyone." Bhrata Krishn said. We both were standing in a place where we could see the battle field.

"You did it. Right? You didn't let me meet him. Because I remembered several times, I thought about going to him. But somehow it always slipped out of my mind. And if I know my mind, things like this doesn't slip though it quite often." I asked.

"They don't say that only person that can understand Vasudev krishn is Adrika idivita, for no reason." He said. Not again.

"You know God or not you have a bad habit of avoiding conversation. Once in a while when someone makes the bed they actually want to lay on it. So please.." I said Irritated.

"What do you want to know? What answer should I give to you dearie? You didn't asked a question. You just said what is truth." He said.

"I want to know when our relationship became so cold and toxic? Since when you play tricks with me?" I asked.

"Well.. You have this tendency dear sister, you want to save everyone and at a point you need to learn that you can't. But unfortunately we don't have that time for you to actually learn so I had to do the next best thing." He said mater of factly.

"Bhrata Krishn, we both know what is coming.. So please let's agree on a term.. Both of us.. That we don't play with each other's mind. Let's just keep our secretive selves aside for rest of this war. Shall we?" I said.

"We shall. Now why do you think our relationship is toxic?" He asked to irritate me.

"Nagging are we? Seriously brother! Very mature." I said.

"What... You like me like this." He said holding me in a side hug.

      I did like him like that. Of course he was my brother. But sometimes even I could not understand him, which was ironic, because it was he who said I understand him better than himself. Just like now. I didn't get what he hinted. Because this much I knew that he did hinted something. Next day of the war wasn't at all pleasant for us. The ferocious ploys of Guru Dron scatter our force. Our warriors were defending today. But still we lost two most important people. Maharaj Virat passed away when shadows were bringing him over. But the news that froze me came when I was checking the supplies.

"Mumma.. Come fast.." Vriti said urgently. I looked up to her. "It's pitamah Drupad." She finished.

My heart sank. What could you expect from a daughter while she hears something about her father. I didn't know how Vriti pulled me all that way but when I reached the tent. My senses left my body. He was broken. Way too broken. Just watching him like that was beyond the level of my tolerance. I was just still. I could feel everyone yelling at me from all directions but I was just paralyzed. He was my father. Blood or not he was. He loved me as his own. A faint voice reached me.

"Adrika....!" It was him. I broke with a gasp of wind. I didn't know for how long I was holding my breathe.

"Ohhh.. M.. Un.. Gi.. give me. . Adrenaline potion and prepare shock.." I rambled looking aimlessly around.

"No.. Putri.. Don't.." He said..

"I can heal you. I promise" I said fighting my tears and miserably loosing.

"I know you can.. You always do. But I don't want to anymore.. If my heart stops.. Don't make it start again." He said.

"Don't say that.. You are the only father I have left.. You can't leave us." I sobbed.

"That's why I need to leave. My life purposes are over my dearest. I had trained your and Droupadi's sons. Fought along with them. What else could have remain? Now let me go." He said again.

"No.. No... You can't.. I won't let you.." I sobbed.

"What is happening? Why she not healing him?" Droupadi asked. "Adrika.. Stop talking. Heal him."

"Panchali.. He doesn't want to fight anymore. Potions can't keep him alive if he himself doesn't want to." Chhote kumar explained.

"Your heartbeat is lowering.. Please give me permission to at least keep you alive untill you say goodbyes to everyone." I begged. He slowly nodded. But I couldn't. My hands were trembling.

"Can anyone handle an injecting device?" I yelled. Shain took it from my hand and stabbed it to his heart.

"I'm sorry my grace, we were running out of time." She said and stepped down. I nodded and get up so that everyone could have a chance to say their farewell. After a while he called for me.

"My... Beautiful girl.. Why you didn't born from me?" He said.

"Does it matter?" I asked.

"No.. You are still my daughter. Promise me Adrika.. Promise me you will take care of your sisters. Like you always did. Even if it only caused you pain." He said.

"I promise. I'll take care of them." I said.

"And Dristadyumn. He would lost everything with me. His own family never called for him. He loves them but he doesn't care for them like he did for me. Take care of him as well. He can be a handful sometimes for you. But do this for me." He said.

"I will. Besides there are so many people for him." I said softly while wiping blood from his mouth. Felt like taking care of a sick son.

"They aren't you. Nobody is you to him. I feel I am dropping a lot on you." He said and I smiled.

"Old men dump their responsibilities on their young men or women at some point or another. And as I said you are the only father I have.. I'm your young woman, baba..!" I said tried to hide a tear with a smile. "Believe it or not I love that man. A lot unfortunately. Despite of his behaviour sometimes. He is family."

"Adrika.. What kind of austerity I must have gone through to have a boon like you!" He said.

"Do you need anything to ease the pain?" I asked.

"No it won't be long. Stay with me. Call your sisters." He said. I gesture them to come close.

"Droupadi... Adrika is the best thing that could ever happen to you daughter. Don't question her. She is the only one who knows what you feel. And I know what ever happens she will do everything for your best interest. Sometimes more than hers." He said.

"I know father." She said.

         I didn't thought about it. Maybe because I didn't had much time after that. Baba as he said passed away not long after that. While they were busy with last rituals. I was searching words for Droupadi, Srikhandini and most importantly Dristadyumn. Who was as expected lost. After I put Droupadi to bed with much effort I thought to visit Dristadyumn. He was sitting away from the camps near fire. I went to him and covered him with a shawl. He leaned to me.

"How are you?" I asked running my fingers in his hair. He leaned back and said.

"I'm fine." I sat down with him.

"You don't have to be tough with me big guy. I know he was the only person you were truly cared for." I said.

"It's a war. People die in war." He said.

"He was your father."

"And a warrior. His words, you have the best death if you die as a warrior. I'm at peace with his going, Adrika. Seriously." He said.

"Good. I have something that can make you in peace a little more." I said taking out a tiny flasks. "Here." He eyed me suspiciously while taking the flask and drank.

"Woah.. Alcohol.. Wow.. We have this?" He said smelling it. Then handing it back.

"For medical purposes only. It's for special occasion. But how did you know it is alcohol. I don't think it's something you might have tasted before?" I asked taking a sip myself. It was wine. I prepared it.

"Every alcohol taste the same. Its different but taste is recognisable." He said. Tanking another gulp.

"You are a drinker. Wow.. You thought you know a guy.. Thank God I didn't married you." I said.

"Like Nakul don't have secrets." He said.

"He is annoyingly honest." I said putting my hand to my heart like it was hurting.

"My condolences." He said with a chuckle. I joined in. "You love him too much. Don't you?"

"More than my life." I said. "He is just.. He makes me happy. Like really happy. That's a privilege." I smiled at just the thought of my husband.

"I agree." He said. When I looked at him, his eyes were fixed on me. "My father wasn't the only one you know."

"What?"

"He wasn't the only one I really cared. Loved!.......Love!...There is a another one." He said. I didn't need to ask who.

"I never asked you this.. We never talked about it.. But why?" I asked.

"I don't know. Why? I don't blame you either for marrying Nakul. Because even I didn't know I love you this much. Or maybe I was in denial. I realised it in your wedding actually. The pain I felt made me realised what I lost. And what it value for me. How? I don't know. It just.. I just do. Maybe because we both are different. Both are abnormal. Celestial." He said. "Maybe it's a curse for celestial beings. They just fall in love. Once and for all. You fall for Nakul. I fall for you. You couldn't leave him for me. I can't leave you for anything. I guess I'm just doomed to love you for ever." He said the last part with a chuckle.

"Wow.. You just made me feel like a total pain in the.. I wish I could do anything about it." I said. Poor guy. Why it have to be me?

"You can. Accept me." He said. What?

"News flash genius! Married with two kids." I said taking a big gulp of wine.

"Not as husband dirty mind. As a companion." He said. And I chuckled. Then I took his hand in mine.

"You are." I said honestly.

"Forever?" He said squeezing my hand. I smiled and nodded.

Nakul's POV

     I knew death of maharaj drupad would not be easy for anyone. And I knew Adrika would try to make sure they were alright, even if being broken herself. When she didn't return from Droupadi I went out to see if she was upset herself. I saw little away from the camp they were sitting. Chatting. Drinking. She looked happy. I liked how light her mood always was around Dristadyumn. This was the gap in her life that he was fulfilling. I smiled and leaned on a pole stands.

"Are you spying on your wife?" My twin said.

"Watching. There is difference." I said.

"Whatever floats your boat. What are you watching?" He asked.

"The most beautiful scene ever. Pure love." I said.

"True. They don't expect anything from each other. Just be there." He said. "How are you not jealous?" He joked.

"Why would I be? Everyone has their people in their life. She too has. Dristadyumn is like her escape room. She goes to him when she need a break from reality. When she is overwhelmed. She can be crazy with him. Because what ever happens he won't judge her or stop loving her. She can be something with him, that she can't be with me. And let me tell you brother having someone like that is wining a treasure. And if my Adrika has one, Why I would be upset. I or no one has the right to take away what they have for each other. I'm happy that they have each other." I said smiling at them.

"Sometimes I forgot you actually married my Chhoti bhavi. You got to have that influence." He said and I laughed. "You are right. I'm also happy they have each other."

"Not only him. She has you too." I said.

"Are you saying you are jealous of me?" He joked.

"No. I have Subhadra Bhavi. She is too much.. As Vriti says 'fun'.. " I said.

"Of course she is. And stuck with bhrata Arjun." He said. We stayed silent for a moment then said together,

"Poor Subhadra Bhavi."

       This time we laughed too loud because they noticed us. Dristadyumn waved and motioned to join them. We did. We talked. Drank. Ate. Till late at night. That was one joy of a night.

      We needed that lightness to clear our mind and plot for next day. Because vasudev came with a trickery for the next day. We knew we could not win against guru Dron. That's why vasudev decided to strick on the weak spot. His son. Aadi took the responsibility to take Ashwatthama away from Giru Dron. And he did splendidly. We also knew Guru Dron would not believe anyone but Jyesth bhrata. Him and lying was nearly impossible. The sentence

"Ashwathama Hatahath, Naro Va Kunjaro Va"

Wrote the fall of guru Dron. There was an elephant died named Ashwatthama. But he couldn't heard the elephant part, because Vasudev decided to play the sankh at that exact moment. Devastated Guru Dron left his weapon and accepted the death from Dristadyumn. We almost win the war that day. Next day its day 17th. The day finally Angraj Karn would be leading. That day evening, Adrika was missing from the strategy meeting. When I reached the camp around midnight she was there lighting lamps all around.

"Love? What's all this?" I asked.

"Nothing. Just wanted to have a nice evening with my husband here. Is that too much to ask?" She said. My heart stopped at her face. She was looking beautiful. Not just beautiful. The enchantress beautiful.

"Absolutely not." I said before kissing her. When we broke she laughed.

"Typical men. I knew you would forget." She said. What?

"Forget what?" She smiled and came close to my face and said

"Happy anniversary Husband." Oh.. Dear.. Lord.. How could I..

"You are right. Typical men. Happy anniversary to you too my queen." I said. She laughed before kissing me.

"I have a gift for you." She said playfully.

"I know that.." I said in her same playful tone.

"Not that you one track mind... Something else.." She laughed. "And that also." She winked and walked to the sitter next to the window. I followed.

"You don't have gift for me. Do you?" She asked.

"I'm so sorry Love.." I said. She smiled.

"I understand. So as a gift promise me one thing. You won't see your gift until I say." She said. What kind of gift are that?

"Ok.. I promise. Now tell me what is my gift?" I asked. She gave me a locked box. Light weight.

"These are the letters I wrote for you. In those years... In a hope that one day you will read them. But I never send it. All those years of laughter, tears, joys, struggle.. Everything that I went through. That you were supposed to go through with me is in there. Your children's childhood. Their first  word. First walk. First fall. First question. First fight.. Everything. Their whole life, that you supposed to know is in there. I'm giving you those thirteen years of your life that you missed. I'm giving you the chance to be the father you always wanted to be." She said. I could not express my feelings in words. All those memories. In details. I just looked at her.

"What you seriously thought I would let you miss 13 years of our marriage. And would do nothing about it. You are just crazy then. You will have to suffer from those memories with me too mister. No slacking off." She said. I just hugged her.

"Thank you.. Thank you so much.. This is the best thing I ever received.. Or imagined to receive. After you and the kids of course." I said. "This is why you never talked in details about your and kids past."

"Yah.. You did try hard to ruin my gift. Glad I didn't give in." She said laughing

"I'm glad too. And it worth the wait. I will wait for you to tell me when to read. Happily." I said. She was about to say something when we heard,

"Baba... Mumma.. Can we come in? Are you guys busy?" Vriti's voice.

"They remember.. My kids are better than you." Adrika said to me. And I was in clouds. This was may be the best family moment of my life. I just wanted to live it to fullest. "Come in darling.."

        Vriti poke her head from the gap of the door. Then Aadi. They both were smiling playfully.

"Oh.. Good.. We aren't interrupting anything." Vriti said while walking in. She ran to her mother to hug her  "happy anniversary Mumma..."

"Aww.. Thank you baby..." Adrika said.

"Baba.. " Aadi said to me. I turned and get engulfed in a hug. "Happy Anniversary.. We have been waiting to celebrate this for so long."

"Thank you son.. I love you.." I said.

"I love you too..." He said.

"We won't take much time.. We just have one last thing... Come in guys..." Vriti said. Boys came in with a table full of food and drinks with Shain and Uttara. Those were all mine and Adrika's favourite.

"When did you all plan all these?" I asked to Adrika.

"I don't know anything about it." She was equally surprise. We all looked at the kids who were busy setting the table. "And Abhi.. Who allowed you out of bed."

"I have been supervising these monkeys from bed Maa.. I promise. Just now I got out. Anyways Happy Anniversary Maa... Kakashree." He said and limped to us to hug with Uttara.

"Happy Anniversary Maa." Uttara said to Adrika.

"Thank you so much my darling.."

         Everyone followed. What could possibly be better than this? Amazing wife. Beautiful children. Who just love you so much. This is my paradise. Shain was last and uncomfortable one. It was understandable. She wasn't exactly our kid. But we did considered her as our own. And clearly children did too. She gave a formal bow,

"Congratulations My grace.. Prince consort."

"Nall- nin tirana ir mín eriol" Adrika said. Shain smiled.

"Happy anniversary Tirana Adrika." She said.

"What was that?" Abhi asked.

"Tirana means Aunt.. She was reminding me that I should call her aunt when we aren't in official business." Shain explained.

"You are family Shain." I said as she gave me a hug. She laughed.

"I'm honoured. But if kidnapping me from my camp in the middle of night is common in this family then I need warning before hand." She said. Wait what?

"I didn't kidnap you." Aadi said.

"Yah you did. Cloth in mouth. Hands tied up. The whole nine yards." Shain said to me.

"Okay.. I maybe did that. But I can explain. We were getting late and she was screaming." Aadi argued causing all of us to burst out laughing. Aadi fold his arms on his chest frowning. Uttara went to him and encircled her arms around Aadi's torso. He held her immediately.

"Aww..my poor brother. You all are so mean." Uttara said.

"Yah you all are... You are my favourite Uttara.. She is my favourite." Aadi said to us holding her close. I was just mesmerised. Such a beautiful family I had.

"We should go. Maa.. Kakashree.. Enjoy. Sweet you in the morning." Prithvi said holding a hand for Vriti. They left.

"Ahh.. Love.. Such a family you gave me.. I want nothing more."

Adrika's POV

"Ahh.. Love.. Such a family you gave me.. I want nothing more." He said. So do I.

"I know. They are just perfection of our world. And you are the source. My perfect husband." I said.

"The perfect husband who forgot the anniversary by the way." He said. I laughed taking a sip of the drink. A virgin mojito. Kiwi. My favourite. Kids did went above and beyond.

"Doesn't matter." I said.

"I'll make it up. After war, we will have a good celebration. I'll organise it." He said. Yah.. Just two day remain.

           One of the best memories of my family was that anniversary. My favourite. We had sons, daughter, daughter in law and a potential future daughter in law. It was just everything and more for me. I didn't had this sleep in a long time. I was ready for the next events. Next day war was memorable. Yes it was. Bhrata bhim defeated Angraj Karn. He did. But didn't kill him. Karn kept sparing  other pandava's lives. But the end was aught to happen. He had to fall. And he did. I was sitting in my camp feeling all of this. Another one of my pillar of bond was falling. I was sitting eyes fixed on clock the moment the sankh was blown i was on my feet. When we reached the battle field. They were there. All of them. And my radheya...was wounded. Gravely. I have seen a lot of blood but this wasn't something I ever wanted to see. A brave man in a vulnerable state. I heard bhrata Duryodhan said,

"Mitra.. See.. Adrika's here. She will fix you. Like before. She can fix anything. Right Adrika.. You will fix him right. Say something sister.."

       He said shaking me up. I felt like dragged to the real world from my thoughts. I looked at his tear strain face and nodded. He hold my hand and dragged me to the wounded man. We both sat down near him.

"See.. I brought the best healer. I told you nothing will happen to you. As you said Karn. I talked to her. She is very nice. She said she doesn't hate me, friend. She will help us. Maybe she can make Nakul and Sahadev help you too. They are good people. She will help us. Adrika.. You will... " I was just stunned. How grief could make you such a different person. Kumar Duryodhan was loosing his mind. He was rambling because his friend was dying in front of him. I was about to start when

"Stop Adrika... You need permission of Angraj before treating him." Bhrata krishn said.

"I don't have time for this bhrathashri.. He is dying." I said in a pleading voice.

"He need to ask for help himself." He said sternly.

"Please Vasudev. I know she is your sister and she will do as you say, so please don't stop her. My friend is dying. Please let her save my friend." Bhrata Duryodhan said.

"What's happening.. Why.." Parth was asking but I stopped him

"Don't ask anything Parth. You will be grateful if I save him. Bhrata krishn please." I pleaded.

"You need his permission to heal him. He is beyond your normal method of healing. You will be using your powers to heal him. That's why you need his permission." He said.

"Then I am giving you permission Adrika. Save him. Please my sister. Save him. He is your friend too." Bhrata Duryodhan said to me. I was nodding but my hands were tied.

"No mitra.. I have done enough damage to her. Don't make her do this. I fought against her. I plotted to kill her son. I almost kill her son. I don't deserve her mercy." Karn said.

"You knew. You knew he is in regret that's why you are saying that he need to give permission." I said to my brother.

"It's celestial rule my sister. Prakriti can give, only when she is asked. He need to ask for your help. Your mercy." He said softly.

"I don't care.. I am going to heal him anyway.." I said stubbornly.

"You may give him a life Adrika. You can. But if you break the celestial rule for this, then that life will be cursed. You and me both know my sister how a cursed life is. He will live and relive his worst memories again and again till it broke him too far to send him into darkness or completely loose his conscious. You will not want that life for your worst enemy let alone your dearest friend. I'm begging you now Adrika don't do this to him. He is a warrior if he wants then let him have a dignified death." Bhrata krishn said.

"No.. I can't do this to him. But he will live. Karn ask me to help you. To save you. Now." I said to him. He smiled.

"I'm not worth saving Adrike. Give up my friend. I don't deserve to be saved. After all I have done to you.. To my own brothers. I don't." He said.

"Don't say it friend. Ask her to save you. Please. She will save you. She loves you. Please. Just ask." Bhrata Duryodhan said.

"How can I? I choose respect from unknown over love of my family. Of her. How can I ask for mercy?" He said. Anger flooded inside me. How dared he?

"You.. You selfish... All your life only thing you did was make wrong choices.. Now you want to run away from those. Face them you coward.. Live and atone for rest of you life. Live and ask for forgiveness to everyone you hurt. And accept the love of everyone that you deserve. Train those kids you tried to kill. Get defeated by them in training hall. Be the elder brother you should be. Ask for my help." I said angrily.

"What does that mean Adrika? What are you saying? Madhav what is happening?" Parth asked.

"I'll give answers to that son."

         I heard Maa. I hung my head. I knew it's a lost case now. I got up and hold out my had for bhrata Duryodhan. He took it and got up. We both walked away giving pandavas chance to talk to him. Ashwatthama came to us. Gave me a silent bow. I returned. For what ever he did and would do, I still respected him. Because it was his destiny. And till now he didn't did the unspeakable. Mata Kunti described the secrets. Biggest secrets of Mahabharata. Pandavas met their elder brother. Then he called me. I was supporting a mourning Bhrata Duryodhan. I motioned Ashwatthama to hold him as I went to Karn. He held my hand,

"Calm down Adrika... You already gave more than I deserve. You gave me a sister, love of at least one brother, respect of a kingdom. I don't deserve more than that my friend. Let me go. Let go of the love you have for me. The affection that binds you to me. Let go of those. If you hold on to that I can't be at peace my dearie. Please let go of me." He said and I cried.

"Why.. Why I have to let go.. Everytime I have to let go... Why it is my job to let go of anything I love? Pitamah.. Guru dron.. Baba Drupad.. Iravan.. Now you.. Why I have to let go of everyone? Why can't you let go of your stupid pride and ask me for help?" I said crying.

"You want me to ask for help.. Then I am asking for help.. Adrika help me rest in peace. Let me sleep a dreamy sleep for ever. Let me feel your forgiveness for eternity." He said. I cried louder. But put my hand on his heart.

"Be at peace with me."

       I said and his body light up. And his soul in a form of visible light get inside my body then to elements of nature. Everything was blacked after that. I must have passed out because of high energy. I lost one more person I loved. Slowly and steadily everything was falling into place. That day we all mourn. At the fall of a great warrior and a loyal friend. Angraj Karn left with everyone's love and leave behind some broken pieces of his loved ones.

An

I don't have anything to say. This chapter was challenging. But in a way very different way calming to me. I struggled a lot with it. Sure. But I am glad the way it turned out.

Let me know what do you all think..

Vote and comment.

Love
Pragyna