Adrika's POV

      I accepted the fact that I wasn't able to do anything for Droupadi and Prithvi. I just needed to give him time to understand everything on his own. I spend that morning in the woods meditating and trying to to connect with mother nature. When I returned they were already on breakfast table with kids. I called Vritti to help me getting ready fast. When we reached to my room she said.

" Mumma do you know abhi is getting married?" I looked up to her, so my brother had already informed everyone I nodded. " but why? Is he very young?"

"People marry young here baby." I said trying to read what was happening inside my my daughter's mind. She looked puzzled.

"You didn't. You married at a reasonable age. " She said while started combing my hair.

"Because I had your father beside me to take this decision with me. I had him to support me and love me. He loved me enough to wait for me to get ready for marriage. He got so many 'advices' from so many people to get married to another princess. And start a family otherwise his of springs will never see the lights. Because marrying so late I would not be able to bear a child. He stood up to them. For me." I said. I remembered all those years in Indraprastha.

"Mumma.. Have you ever thought what would have it be if you haven't met Baba? Would you marry anyone without even knowing them just like Abhi is doing?" She asked. I sensed an unnatural disturbance in her ever calm or playful demeanor. I knew what was bothering her.

"No my baby I wouldn't. I would have wait for love. And I want you to do so too. You don't have to think about marriage until you find your love." She was relaxed. She hugged me.

"Thank you mumma." She said.

"Don't you worry about Abhi, my pumpkin.. He likes Uttara. And knows her better than you think." She looked up to me.

"You talked to him?" She asked astonishingly.

"Haaaannn... You didn't thought I would let any of my kids getting into a loveless marriage." I said proudly. "Now lets go. Otherwise we would be late for breakfast and early for lunch."

         Chuckling we reached. They were chatting and laughing. Aadi was sitting in between Abhi and Prithvi. Three of them looked like they are in a deep conversation. Subhadra and Aarya was also chatting about something. Her eyes cought us first.

"Jiji is here." She said they all looked up.

"Come Chhoti bhavi."
"Come Maa"
Two voices said at the same time. Everyone looked at them amusingly then looked at me. Chhote kumar and Prithvi were giving me expecting looks with hands raised for me to take.

"This should be interesting." I heard my husband said. Then he and Subhadra leaned forward like they were watching a movie and an interesting scene come up. I flashed a smile to everyone and gave my left hand to chhote kumar. Everyone laughed at Prithvi's pouted face.

"Awwww.... My poor brother." Vriti said taking his outstretched hand and we sat down.

"You can have your Maa all you want through out the day but at dining table she belongs with me and me alone Son. Not even my dear twin here can change that. " Choote kumar said. Prithvi chuckled.

"Kumar... Stop being cheeky. What it was being discussed?" I asked while Droupadi passed me my tea.

"Adrike... There is so much they will see one after another. Several others are in your life who they didn't met yet but will be soon." Bhrata Krishn said.

"If that 'soon' is war then I don't want them to meet any of those Bhratashree. Let their affection be with people of their own. So that their hands don't shake, their weapons don't quiver while facing them." I said and looked to Dristadyumn who gave me a bow.

"You are My daughter Adrika. Panchal was first to celebrate your pregnancy. Adhrith and Vritika are prince and princess of Panchal just like Droupadi's children putri. They don't need anymore relatives." King Drupad said in his powerful voice. I looked down at my hand intertwined with Chhote kumar.

"Jiji... Abhi ye rehne dete hain na... It's happy moments for us.. Our son is getting married jiji... Your son is getting married. We were talking about that." Subhadra said. I smiled and nodded to her.
(Let's not talk about it right now)

"Adrika how about we present Uttara our sagan early? So that they have some time to think about her outfit." Droupadi said. Her mood seemed improved a little but still a dark shadow was covering her beautiful features.

"Subhashya Sighram. Today evening has an auspicious time for it." I said. I didn't know why I said so because I had absolutely no idea about astrology. But everyone supposed to agreed any ways so I continued "Please tell me what I suppose to present her so I can arrange it before hand."

"Jiji your presence and blessing is enough for Abhimanyu and Uttara to have a happy and prosperous life. You have been a shield for us against all harm. Fulfilling all our wishes. I recall no wish go ungiven which I expressed in front of you." Subhadra said.

(Here by "us" Or "our", Subhadra meant only she and Abhimanyu.)

            I smiled at her. My sweet sweet sister. I saw Droupadi's head jerked up to Subhadra. Then with a expression like someone saw a flickering light in a stormy night, she looked up to me. Our eyes met, first time in my life I saw a lifeless eye of my friend. We were looking at each other yet seemed like she didn't even noticed me. Her eyes went to the boys. Then it turned back to me. Then again to Subhadra. I was puzzled. What did it mean? What was she thanking. I wasn't the only one who was noticing.

"Adrike join me in a walk would you may? A chat may calm both of our minds. " I heard bhrata Krishn said. I nodded to him.

"Madhav... Let her have something first. " Parth said hurriedly passing me some food. But bhrata Krishn wasn't there to listen.

"It seems important Parth. I'll eat something later." I said taking a piece of sweet from the plate he was handing me and feeding it to chhote kumar in a hurry and got up I was midway while I heard two voices

"Chhoti bhavi"
"Maa" I turn in time to catch two apples flying towards me. I laughed at them both and bite into the apples to make them happy before hurrying away.

        I spotted bhrata Krishn in the garden. I looked around if someone was watching me. The corridor was deserted. I fly off to him to save time. Its not that people were new for me being able to my power but I didn't want to alarm anyone by doing anything beyond natural. He was unnerved by it and started walking without saying anything. I followed him silently. After a while he said

"You know Adrike what I love about you the most?" He asked.

"Except for being your sister?" I said without thinking. But he seemed to not heard it at all.

"Except for asking questions. You ask right questions at right time. And remained silent while necessary." He said. I never had such intense conversation with him ever.

"I don't recon."

"What do you think about Droupadi's behavior right now? What is happening inside her?"

"I believe she should have been here instead. Her emotions aren't this puzzled ever in my long years of knowing her. She isn't thinking anything straight for me to read her." I said. He stopped, looked at me and started walking again.

"Didn't you sense fear in her?" He asked.

"Fear?"

"Sakhi is fearing the war Adrike. She is doubting it." He said. I stopped dead.

"Out of all the people..." He cut me, that worked out well for me actually. I could not understand how to finish it.

"I don't say it is not justified.. " This time I cut him,

"It was her. All this suppose to because what happened with her. Inheritance? Who cares about that? My kids were so happy at Island. They are so eager to go back and start their life of knowledge there. They don't want a kingdom. We already lived a better part of our lives without it. For whom we fight this war of inheritance? No.. It was for the injustice that happened. The shame that brought upon us. Specifically her. How could she doubts it? Her dignity as a woman was shattered that day." I said in a single breath.

"The woman inside her is burning to destroy kuru dynasty. But the mother Adrike. The mother inside her is terrified. Terrified of loosing everything she has. Everyone she love. I could teach righteous to my Sakhi. But what would I say to the mother?" He said. It dawned on me. Upapandavas didn't survive the war. That means..

"Bhrata Krishn... My Aadi?" I asked. I could feel my voice trembling. I felt my windpipe squeezed. I felt out of breathe but I couldn't move a muscle.

"I'm as dark as you right now meri behen... When we turn the wheel of time and add you here. I lost my ability to see into your future. Maybe because of your power that shield your destiny to me but time will come.. I can see.. Time will come for you to decide" He said. "Notwithstanding! I summoned you to warn you."

"Concerning?"

"Sakhi will come to you with some plead. I don't know what but remember Adrika this war aught to happen. Adharm pe dhram ki vijay ki gatha ko hum aur nai tal paenge." His eyes were piercing into my soul. Hypnotizing me. Carving those words in my mind.

ADHARM PE DHRAM KI VIJAY KI GATHA KO HUM AUR NAI TAL PAENGE.
(We can't anymore delay of this war that leads the path of victory of justice over injustice.)  
 
             He didn't see into my future. But if Maa Prakriti bless I could. I started towards the woods once more.

Nakul's POV

           I was living my life like a dream. Savouring every second of my day. I had my beautiful children with me. My love, my wife with me. Everyday I wished that the days not to end. So that I could spend another hour talking to Aadi about political status and family tree. Or go on another trip to woods with Vriti to collect herbs and insects. Then when at night I get to see my Adrika reading a book on bed, scribbling something on a parchment, or generally roaming around the room doing usual things like making bed, sorting out clothes for next day totally oblivious that her husband was standing in a corner looking at her and enjoying, admiring his married life, I wish the sun to not rise again. I wanted time to stop where it was so that I could live these moments again and again.

          At breakfast after Adrika and Vasudev left everyone seemed to wonder what must have happened.

"Are.. Why you all are so tensed? It is quite common for them. My brother and sister has so much in common that they wonder same thing at the same time. They will be back. Let's proceed. Devar ji..." Subhadra bhavi said. And we all started eating.

"Subhadra...! What did you meant by wishes?" Jyesth bhrata asked suddenly.

"They took over the city jyesth bhrata. Not the palace. Me and Abhimanyu were allowed to visit our home anytime." She replied. Confused... Shocked.. So many emotions to even say which one was it.

"Whh.. What?.. How?"

"After Abhimanyu's birth I was upset that he will never see the places we had so many memories, while growing up.. I wanted him to take his first walks on the corridors where I had seen all of you walk while discussing, where countless running footsteps of Jiji and chhote devarji chasing each other, where jiji, badi jiji and me played blindfold. I wanted him to take his first weapons in a place where his brave father, uncles and Maa once trained. Practice in the courtyard where his Maa killed those assassins mercilessly in order to save me and him. I wanted him to know you all from those places Jyesth bhrata. So Jiji asked Maharaj Dhritarashtra her first wish. The land of the palace remained independent. Under my supervision. She appointed me as Lady of the palace before leaving. That's why I said that nothing ever was unfulfilled if I asked her. Even if it is impossible." She said. Kids were looking at her hearing all these transfixed.

"That's your Maa children." Droupadi said. That indeed.

         After breakfast Vriti went away with Shrutakarma. Aadi and me left for a walk. The topic of conversation suddenly turned to Abhimanyu's wedding. I knew Aadi was struggling grasping the idea of marrying so early. Who would blame him? The marriage rituals and traditions they are familiar with in island was both practical and reasonable.

"Abhi is happy Baba.. But still. Marrying a complete stranger in such a young age as us. What would I know what kind of emotional involvement the girl would required if I aught to marry now?" He argued. And the queen Virat wanted him to marry Uttra. He would have run away at the very mention of the proposal.

"Maybe he knows together they can figure things out." I said.

"He just met her."

"Sometimes just a look seem to be enough. You just know what your heart wants."

"How did you know that Mumma was the one?" He asked.

"Your mother was as unique as you could think off. Her look, her adequate and her wisdom was never seen by anyone. She choose me I like to believe when I didn't get any explanation. But all I knew that I would follow her blindly where her intelligence need to shine and protect her like a shield when ever harms blow to our ways." I said remembering the times.

"How will I know?" I smiled at him.

"You will feel like make her stay close and run away far from her at the same time." I said. He looked at me absentmindedly. "Do you have one?"

"Of course not." He said flushed.

"Fine. Don't tell me. But how about that practice session?" In asked. He smiled and said

"Right now?"

"Why not?"

"Ok. Where.. " He stopped at a sound come from upwards. We looked up. It was a beautiful bird with vibrant colors.

"Aniela... Mumma's bird." Aadi said. She came and sat on the fence near us. When we reached her she attached out her leg with a small note. I took it out and opened. Adrika's beautiful handwriting was visible.

Love,
There is some questions that need answering. I need to create the bond. Don't worry. Don't come. Keep children away from woods.
Adrika

"Son, lets get your brothers and have that practice session." I said while giving him the note. Both of us left for searching them. They were not anywhere. A panic crossed my mind. They must not see Adrika in this stage.

"Vriti. She must know." Aadi said and we reached vriti's room. She and Subhadra bhavi were talking.

"Vriti where are the boys?" I asked urgently.

"In the woods. They said they are bored so they will help mumma in building that kitchen." She said smiling but her expression changed when she looked at us.

"What happened Baba?"

"Nothing darling. We will tell you later." I said.

           Aadi and me started the run almost immediately. Like we read each other's mind. When we reached there it was already late. I saw five frozen figures in front of us. We walk slowly toward them making sure not to make any sound. Prativindhya would be the most affected one I knew. I held his arm. He was about to gasp, I clasped my palm oh his mouth to shut him up.

"Let's go from here." I said under my breath.

        His eyes were filled with tears. He desperately looked at her. I followed his gaze. Not so far i could see her. Her clothes were shattered all around in pieces. And there she was in her real avatar. Vines of flowers, herbs, fungus and mosses covered her body that was visible from inside the soil. Curved horns were visible from the vines and hair. She was magnificent yet terrifying. Right now she was most vulnerable yet most dangerous. I looked at all of them and silently signed them to back away slowly.

            I knew there will be a rain of questions. But what Prativindhya asked was beyond me. First they all asked about what was that, how, why. After I explained calmly that when Adrika need to excess her most secretive and dangerous powers she need to come into her original avatar in order to connect with nature. That's called bond. Normally she didn't do that most often. It was a very risky and complicated process. I saw her once doing it before to show me what to do and how if she ever need my help during this. They all had unreadable expressions. I reckon its because there was to much information in such short time. But one thing was common. That was the respect. Prativindhya was silent and still looking at the direction she were. We couldn't see her from here but I saw desperation in his eyes to go to her. Then he asked,

"Kakashree! Maa ko kasth to nai ho raha hoga?" Aadi looked at me curiously. He knew about it but I guessed he also never saw it happen. What would I tell your sons now my love. Then we heard a painful scream. Both him and Aadi were ready to run. I held both their arms.
(Kakashree! Maa isn't in pain, is she?)

"No.... You can't go there. She doesn't want any of you to see her in this stage. She isn't your mother right now my sons. She is just a celestial body. She is just nature right now. Understand my jewels! She is dangerous. To you and herself if you disturb her." I said in a desperate attempt to stop them. They both looked at me in panic.

         Waiting there while hearing her painful cries were as hard as it possibly could be. After hours it stopped. When for 15 minutes we could not hear anything, I knew it was over. They all were looking at me.

"The process is extremely hard and exhausting. We should give her some time to be sober before going there." I said.

"She must need help." Abhimanyu said.

"She has help." I said. I saw a girl as old as Vriti sitting behind a rock with her head in between her knees and hands covering her ears. She must be one of those Shadows.

       After a while we went to her. She was sleeping under a tree. Looking as beautiful as ever. She looked up to meet our eyes. She immediately knew that her worst fear happened. But before she could react all of them fall on her feet crying.

"Don't do this again Mas. We can't see you in pain." Shrutasen said.

"I am fine my babies." She said and pulled them all in a big hug. I smiled. Then I noticed the girl standing a few steps behind me.

"Thank you... " I stopped as I didn't know who she was.

"Shain My lord." She said.

"Thank you Shain. I know how petrifying it can be." I said remembering how scared she was.

"It's my pleasure My Lord that I was chosen for it." She said and I nodded.

Adrika's POV

       I didn't found what I was looking for. I got some answers. But not a clear one may be that particular future was too uncertain to even take a glimpse. I didn't want them to see me like this. Mostly because safety reasons but as well as fear of being judged. But instead of skepticism I saw concern and fear for me in my sons. A heavy burden was lifted from my heart. We returned home after that I was still exhausted but I didn't want them to worry so I agreed to the sword fight session of Aadi and Aarya. We reached the palace and everyone were informed. After a hour an arena was prepared. Prithvi came to escort me to there. I was resting in my room. We reached there. Everyone were there. Droupadi and Subhadra were sitting with queen Virat. While Vriti and Uttara were sitting with boys at front.

"Adrika... Come here putri." King Drupad said. There was a seat between him and jyesth bhrata. I went to them and took place.

"Who are you supporting Chhoti bhavi? Husband or Son?" Chhote kumar asked mischievously. Everyone laughed. I smiled.

"Tricky question chhote kumar. Both of them are mine. Win is mine. Then loss is mine too. So I would say I am neutral." I replied.

         The exact moment they both entered the arena. And the voice stopped. Aarya gave a curt bow to us. Aadi sat on his one knee. And said

"Mumma... " I gave a nod.
     
        And it began. That was just teat to the eyes. They looked like they were floating in the thin air. Gliding around each other like feathers. That maybe the most beautiful sword match everyone ever saw.

"Adrika.. This son of your will be the nightmare for the opponent putri. Just see the beauty of his wrist moments. Marvelous. Let Nakul train him. Refine him. He will be unstoppable." Maharaj Drupad said.

"For that he need to understand he need more training from his father. And for that Aarya need to be hard on him... Right now."

              I said and the air in the arena changed. They became more and more furious. Now we could see sparks come out of the places where swords touch. One moment Aarya was dominating the next moment Aadi took lead. Then again changed. We all were at the edge of our seat. Kids yelling support to Aadi. Then one swift move from Aarya and Aadi was on ground facing it. His swords in his father's hand. A lage commotion of ohhhs and awwwss were heard. And clapped followed.

"Well done Aadi.."
"Good try Aadi.. "

But I knew my son was far from over. He got up and said

"Let's do the same move again. I'll charge from left this time." Nakul looked amused and gave me a look and said

"Sure."

"What is happening?" Parth asked.

"Aadi is both angry and impressed." I replied with a smile on my face.

          They started again. This time it took some time but same results. Aadi was on ground facewise and weaponless. He got up and yelled 'again'. Of they go. Every time Aadi change his actions but Aarya counter it and everytime with same results. After too many attempts Aadi was frustrated now. He fall and gave a frustrated growl 'aaarrrghh... Again'.

"Your son is crazy." King virat said.

"Care to jump in. Otherwise we would be here all night." Dristadyumn said. I gave him a fake glare to which he smirked and everyone else laugh. I stood up and yelled.

"Look at his leg moment Aadi.."

          Boys looked up to me then to them. Aadi observed Aarya's legs for some time then in the brief moment of his leg turning he forced the swords upwards that unbalanced his father and this time he was on ground but he kept his swords. Nakul rolled on ground to look at his son. Aadi was standing in a attacking mode but his face was saying a different story. He was laughing. A full blown. Heartfelt. Open laugh. I never ever seen it before. The claps and cheers erupt the whole place. Aadi gave his father a hand to get up.

"Marvelous... Marvelous my child... " Jyesth bhrata was praising.

"Nakul you got your match brother... " Bhrata bhim was laughing hysterically.

"And it began pitashri." I said to king Drupad. He gave me a side hug.

            Bhrata krishn was anxious to meet me that evening. I explained everything to him. He nodded and his calm expression of came back. He said he now could relay upon me to handle Droupadi situation as I want. I was in my room while Subhdra came to get me. We headed toward Uttara's room. Subhadra had the dress she got for Uttara to wear on her wedding day and a headpiece from Droupadi. When we gift it to her she looked there was only two things and she looked at me. I smiled

"Subhadra gave you your dress... Which represents your pride. Droupadi gave you the headpiece which represents your rights. They both gifted you the things they have for Abhimanyu. What do you want from me putri?" I asked.

"Mata aap meri pariksha le rahin hain?" She asked. I smiled. "Mata Subhadra is Rajkumaar Abhimanyu's pride and Mata Droupadi is the protector of his rights. But you Mata is the reason of his strength and knowledge. You forge his body with strength and soften his mind with knowledge. I want you to give me the strength of being able to show him right direction with knowledge."

(Are you testing me mother?)

"I could not expect a better answer my dear. I present you the circlet of nature." I put the circlet on her head. "This will protect you and guide you though out your life." She touched my feet.

         You were right bhratashree, we could not find anyone more suited than this girl for our Son. Now I felt my son was lucky to have her. Next day I went to meet king virat.

"Adrika..! What owe me this pleasure?" He asked pleasantly.

"I'm here to ask you for permission my king." I said.

"Order me anything my Lady."

"I want to live in woods from now on my king. My force is restless here and full moon is coming." I said.

"I don't understand my Lady. Full moon? Force?"

         I describe all to him about full moon and werewolves. Then I explained why I wanted to live in woods. With much pleading he agreed at last. I went to woods after leaving a message to my family. I was done with the house when they reached. I turned to them to see shocked expressions.

"Maa.. This is so beautiful. Ahh.. I always wanted a place like this." Shrutasen said.

"Pack warriors and me will live here. But I don't want you all to join me as well. At least not now." I said.

"We will live with you Adrika. Doesn't matter what." Jyesth bhrata said. I knew this will Happen.

"Then I need to make some more room for everyone." I said.

"You don't worry. We will make our place. You just gave us food. I am so eager to eat just like in Island." Prithvi said.

          Droupadi, me, Subhadra and Vriti stated making food in the kitchen. We were chatting and watching everyone making hammock for themselves with vines. I smiled.

"Maa.. See.. It's so comfortable and relaxing. I can live like this for ever." Abhi yelled.

"Yes.. And yummy food from Maa... Best life..." Sutosom yelled back.

      We ate while chatting all about the marriage supposed to happen next day. I was giving glance to Droupadi. She was almost at his breaking point. And it happened. She came to me while I was sitting near the waterfall.

"Kids love you Adrika. More than anyone else. " I smiled.

"What happened to you Droupadi?" I asked.

"I'm fine."

"Don't question my intelligence Droupadi. I know you enough to know that you are not fine." I said and waited patiently for her to continue.

"What will happen to our kids in war Adrika?" She asked me.

"How can I possibly tell the future."

"Subhadra said you grant all her wishes. I have a wish Adrika. Give me my Son's lives." She said. What kind of dilemma you put me in bhrata krishn.

"It's a war my friend. Its always uncertain.. "

"Give me something to work on. Please. How could I lead them to this.. How... You are their mother too.. They call you Maa. . Please.." She cried. What could I possibly tell her? She then looked up to me.

"Ok.. If you can't give me my wish.. Then give me a promise.. Promise me Adrika you will save them. Save them with your life." She said. And at the same moment I could see everything.

"I promise."

An
We are getting into serious stuffs... Tell me how you like it..

Please please please vote and comment...
Love
Pragyna