Adrika's POV

           That day went exceptionally well for all of us. I didn't pay more attention to the conversation I had Droupadi by the waterfall. For me I was with my children and I was delighted. Around the lunch time we got a news of there will be some entertainment at night in the honour to celebrate the marriage.

"Entertainment? Dance.. Music.. Food.. " Vriti started.

"No my dearie. Here there will be someone who would tell stories." Jyeshth said. She sat down with a pout. Aarya laughed and said.

"It's ok Darling. It will be fun."

"If storytelling is fun for you then you sadly don't know fun. Mumma tells the best stories. More than even we want to hear." She said. That little..

"Yeyyy... " I said. Subhadra laughed and held me.

"No.. We like her stories. Some of them are very entertaining. Like 'the wizard boy', 'the war of ring', 'the horse men'. But what I like the most and even she tells more often is 'the adventures of a healer'." Vriti said. Oh.. No.. I looked at Bhrata Krishn. He was also looking at me. I nodded to him. And he let a sigh out and smiled softly.

"Adventures of a healer?" Sutosom asked.

"Yes... Unlikely our real healers. This healer went in an adventure. And ended up in a war zone." She said with a hearty laugh. God she is going to tell the whole story. Think Adrika. Think of a cover story. Why my daughter have to be such a blabbermouth.

"Tell us then..." Shrutasen said.

"Well there is this healer who accidentally found herself in a kingdom which was preparing for a war. She left her life behind and these people took her in. They accept her and love her like their sister and friend. Except for the young Prince, who fall in love with her. They got married and went to war side by side." She summarize the story. They all looked at her expectedly while she ship her juice. She then looked at them all and said.

"Oh I am sorry.. I didn't finish the story.. The End." I chuckled at everyone's confused expression. "This much I have."

"That's sounds like Adrika." Parth said looking suspicious.

"It's a story Tatshree." Aadi said.. But stopped abruptly. "But now if I think ab... Mumma.. It's your story. You are the healer. Tatshree yudhishthir the king, Tatshree bhim the big guy, Tatshree Arjun the Archer, Baba the young prince and kakashree is the Sheer." They all looked at me.

"Great way you found to make your kids know their family Adrike... You were always been the creative one." Bhrata Krishn said. Everyone smiled to the idea. I silently muffled a thank you to him.

           Before the evening starts I sent a letter to island. It was time they start the journey. After the marriage, war won't be long. Aeser needs to be here. I would be a panicking mess without him. Shain's team will leave tomorrow to Hastinapur. I called my bird. Aniela. A red bird of paradise. Extremely loyal and fierce bird. Dau bought it from forest for me some years back. She circled around me for some time before coming down to sat on my arm. I gave the letter to her. She hold it securely with her legs. Then wait for me to give instructions.

"Take it to Aeser, Aniela. Bring him to me my friend. As soon as possible." I said. She put her head on my hand as a gesture of understanding. She then flew away.

"Mumma! Aniela is going to island isn't she?" I heard my son's voice.

"Yes.. It's time we start preparing for it. But before that pumpkin we have your brother's wedding." I said smiling at him and tried to kiss his cheek and he just squirt away saying

"No kisses.. No kisses.." I laughed.

"Just one sugar..."

"No... No.. No. No. No kisses." My baby and his touch phobia.

"Fine.. You are a terrible son anyway. Ok. I'm going to get ready. You do one thing for me, tell Shain what she needed to know for tomorrow. Here is the information I need and information she need to get my information." I said and hand him the parchment before hurrying off.

Third person POV

       Aadi looked at the parchment his mother gave him. He needed to talk to Shain. He usually avoid any contact with her because he couldn't stand the hatred filled her bluish gray beautiful eyes. But he had to talk to her as per his mother's instructions. He called her.

"Shadow chief." She appeared which seem like from thin air.

"My prince." She greet with same monotonous tone as him.

"Are you aware of the expedition you are set to be off tomorrow?" He asked trying to suppress his frustration created by her lack of emotions in their conversation.

"I'm aware." She said as before.

"Well then you might find all that you need to know from this parchment. They aren't supposed to know about spying and give the letter to the blind king like it appear out of thin air." He said. Shain just nodded and started walking away.

"You can stay for the marriage. Abhi will appreciate it." Aadi blurted out. Shain stopped, looked back and said.

"Thank you for the offer my prince but I would rather join my sisters." Aadi could not stop himself anymore.

"Manen limbe hae Shain?" He said in elvish. The tongue of elves was one of the language used by islanders. Mostly warriors use it. Adrika emphasis on the matter so that in war the enemy would not be able to understand them.

"Mana hae Adhrith?" Shain asked back.

"Apsene- na- ilya ni méra."

"I amaurea ni feel i ni've serve mime tar-. Ni'll apsene- tye." She said not looking at him.

"Mal tye've." He argued back.

"An me vamme yet." She said and left.

        Aadi was as frustrated as ever but one thing that relived him that he was able to talk to the girl without her glaring at him. Maybe they could thank to the tension of the war. War is evil but it did make one thing. It beings people together.

(How much longer Shain?
What longer Adhrith?
I only asked for forgiveness.
When I feel I served my queen enough, I will forgive you.
But you did.
I don't feel so)

         In the palace everyone were excited about the entertainment program. They took their seats. Adrika decided to join her sister rather than sitting with the kings. The Vidusak started as his funny way. Adrika looked at her children, they both were laughing with their brothers. The Vidusak asked what would they like to hear. Subhadra suggested that they should listen the Krishna janma katha. And the story started. The children were transfixed about their uncle's unusual birth story. Then the Vidusak tell the part of Devi Jogmaya. Adrika held her Jogmaya. Subhadra just smiled.

"So what happened to Devi Jogmaya after that?" Prithvi asked. Adrika smiled at him.

"Devi Jogmaya is life of Narayan son. She always born to make tasks easier for him. This time Jogmaya split herself into two parts. Two unbelievable powers to aid the cause of Narayan. Maya and Shakti. They both came back to me."

         Vasudev krishn said looking at his sisters. Both Adrika and Subhadra looked down with a smile. No one said the words but they all knew who were these powerful goddesses and felt the divine presence of Maya and Shakti.

"Subhadra...!" Arjun said. He was aware of Adrika and vasudev referring his wife as Jogmaya. But still it surprised him how mysterious her birth was.

"They are the inseparable parts." Nakul said.

        Night progress and krishn gatha came to an end. The whole palace started the preparation of Abhimanyu and Uttara's marriage. In the room where Abhimanyu was getting ready, Aadi was looking at his chaotic brothers. Choosing outfits. He didn't had any intrest towards it so he just sitting at the window.

"Aadi... Did you talk to Shain about coming to wedding?" Abhimanyu asked.

"I did. She said thank you. But she would rather go on the mission." Aadi said lazily. The thought of that girl infuriated him.

"You must haven't invite her properly then. Aadi you have to be softer with the girl you fancy." Sutosom said.

"Yah. You will never be in her good books if you behave like this." Shrutasen said.

"Som! I don't fancy anyone. And nighter do I want to be anyone's good books Sani. I did something that I should not have. It affect her life unpleasantly. Until she forgives me I am in her debt. I don't want to be in anyone's debt. This is the only reason I talk to her." Aadi said in such steady voice that anyone of them could argue against him.

"You admire her though." Abhi said.

"Of course I do. She is a shadow. I admire her extraordinary skills. I respect her a lot. But that doesn't mean I fancy her. Love is a complicated emotion and I'm not ready for it. Now will you drop the topic and pick a new one." He said. He didn't even deny anything. That was the last effort of this brothers.

"Maybe he isn't there yet. We must not push him." Prithvi said to his brothers.

"Aadi here check your outfit." Vriti yelled.

"I'm wearing my outfit." Aadi said.

"You are not wearing those rags to the wedding Aadi. Change now." Vriti said.

"She is right brother. Come on it's my wedding." Abhi said. Aadi grunt.

"Fine." He said getting up.

"Ok. I'm going to get ready." Vriti said and went away.

Adrika's POV

         Listening the tales of bhrata krishn in this life was as Devine as ever. It is just I was now a part of that. Droupadi was still in a dark mood so I thought she should get some solitude. Me and Subhadra were talking all the rest of the night. Next day morning before I could get ready I heard someone coming to my room.

"Love.. " I heard my husband.

"In here dear.. I'm just searching .." I said.

"I have something for you." He said.

         A gift.  In 15years of marriage, we didn't have much opportunity for gifts. While in Indraprastha, sometimes he used to bring sweets or snacks once in a while in the evening. I came to him. There was a package on the bed. But the covering didn't look like anything from this region. He asked my to open it. I did. My jaw dropped. It was a beautiful dress. Light coral colours with pearls. Elvin made.

"Wow..." I said touching the dress.

"I wrote to your elf Prince for a favor." He said. I looked at him surprised. "Vriti lend her bird to me to carry the letter."

"It's very beautiful. I love you." I said and hugged him.

"Anything for my Queen." He said.

         He was already ready so he left me to it. Subhadra came to my room after a while with another outfit but she also had the same reaction as mine. We decided to check on kids. Vriti was already ready. She was looking like me.

"See mumma... I'm pretty as you." She said. I shook my head and sat her down. I started to undo her bun and said

"You are prettier than me. You don't have to be me. You have to be Vriti. The enchanting Princess Vriti." I placed the gold circlet on her. And her flaming red hair darken to a soft black with blue tips. She was now the Princess I knew.

"Jiji.. Let's go to the boys.. They have been taking a lot of time." Subhadra said. We walked towards their room. We just entered the room while I head a yell

"Mumma don't look I'm not wearing anything." Aadi yelled. We both immediately turned away.

"Aadi.. What are you doing here not wearing anything?" I said in irritation.

"Maa he is being dramatic. We forced her wearing clothes like us." Prithvi said. I sighed but when I turned around my eyes teared up. He was looking just like his father. I never saw my son so handsome.

"Aadi you look so good baby..." Subhadra said.

"Yah... And naked." He scoffed Trying to hide his toned chest.

"Here.. The jewellery will help." Subhadra forced jewellery on him.

"For the first time my son is looking like a prince not a fighter." I said and he looked down.

           The marriage ceremony took place as per tradition. It brought me back to the time of my wedding. In some years more then Aadi and Vriti will be married. It was time to take blessings. When they reached me. I saw Uttara wearing the circlet.

"Uttra.. My child. Be strong as your mother, my Subhadra. She is the most amazing mother and wife I know. I can't think of better blessing than that I wish you be like her in this marriage and I know you will have a beautiful life together. And Abhi... Respect her as you do to me, Subhadra and Droupadi." I said.

"What should I call you Mata.. Mata Subhadra calls you Jiji but pitashri takes you name. You are kakashri's wife yet you take pitashri's name?" Uttara asked with a smile. Everyone laughed. Parth gave me a side hug.

"Even if you are asking me but something tells me you already know dear." I said.

"Can I call you Maa. Like your sons."

"Nothing will suit her either Uttara." Prithvi yelled. Again everyone laughed including Uttara.

"Jyesth seems like our sons will follow our relationship with Adrika in their lives as well." Bhrata bhim said.

"They should. Otherwise maybe they will miss a chance of having such beautiful relationship in their lives." Jyesth said. He was right. I was so lucky to have them as they were with me. Uttara then tried to touch Aadi's feet.

"Uttara... Abhi is elder to me, so You are elder than me as well. " He said stopping her.

"I'm taking blessing from the courage, knowledge and wisdom brother. Age is just a number." She said. Aadi smiled.

"I promise you Uttara. You will be as dearer to me as Vriti... You both will be same to me." He said.

"And I promise you that I will love you like Mumma loves Maasi." Vriti added. Uttara touched her face affectionately.

"No blessings for me Aadi?" Abhi asked.

"Tu to jaan le lele bhai." Aadi said and they hugged.
(You can have my life.)

"I wish these words stay in speech only. I wish a situation for it to happen never come." Someone said. It was Kakashree Vidur. Kids took his blessings. Then pandavas. My kids didn't left their places. After Subhadra and Droupadi I went to him. He held my shoulder.

"No Adrike. I lost that right dear.." I held his hands. The man once was so brilliant was now equally broken.

"As much as I hate the fact, but I am still that family's badhu. And you are one of the few person who makes that fact little tolerable." We both laughed at my dark humor. "Apne pota poti ko dekhenge?" I asked.

"Nain taras gaye putri.." He said. I needed to my kids. Vriti bowed down to him first.

"I'm Vritika pitamah." She said.

"You look exactly like your mother my kid.. But you have your father's purity. Just like a drop of dew." He said. Vriti stepped down. Aadi bowed to him.

"He is Adhrith Kakashree. My son." I said on his behalf.

"With Nakul's appearance and your fierce. You got dream children meri Putri. Tatshree will be delighted.. " I cut him.

"Only Pitamah. But promise me one thing Kakashree, no one else will know about me or them. Gandhar raj will ask about us. You never met any of the lady of the house. Not even Uttara." I said. He nodded.

          Kids went out and let us talk in privet. I took off to woods afterwards with them. We all sat down as I served tea.

"Maa.. What was that about?" Prithvi asked.

"A truce attempt." I replied.

"That's rich... What's there to discuss?" Srutakarma said. Vriti held his hand to calm him.

"War is cruel my child. Very cruel indeed. We should avoid it at all cost. So many people are sacrificed on this. As much as I believe your strength my dearies I will still avoid sending you into war. Because they are unpredictable." I explained.

"What happens in a truce meeting?" Surosom asked.

"Two side propose clauses that are acceptable to them. And then a middle ground is found out." I said.

"And you think there is middle ground Mumma?" Aadi asked.

"We left it to our representative. He can decided what is acceptable to us." I said with a smile.

"And that would be?" Prithvi asked.

"Why my brother of course." I said. A thin line of smile came onto their faces.

         I started tucking them in their blankets. And kissing them good night. This last thing with them of the day makes me happy that I have such amazing children. I reached Prithvi and kissed his forehead.

"Sleep baby." I said. He held my hand.

"I love you Maa. You know that right?" He said. Why i didn't know.

"I know baby... I know."

           War would happen no matter what. And people will be killed no matter what. And I would do my work no matter what. I said to myself in my bed. I felt someone slipped into my bed.

"Good night my love."
"Good night my queen."

Next day morning

         After bhrata krishan left everyone came back to woods. We had our breakfast in silence. No one said a word. I decided to break the silence.

"Chhote Kumar! Let's start. Noah will help us in writing too." I said. They all looked at me confused.

"What Adrika?" Bhrata bhim asked.

"Isn't it decided that me and Chhote kumar will write letters to our alliance?" I said.

"But Adrika, Madhav said we should wait for his message." Parth said.

"The message will tell us the place and date Parth. The war is confirmed. In fact my army started their journey. They will reach here in 2 3days." I replied.

"Then why did even let vasudev try? If we are already going to the war." Jyesth bhrata said.

"So that we could answer to our heart that we did every possible try to avoid it." I replied.

"What Idie mean is war is invincible because doesn't matter how much reasonable our conditions are they will decline. So we better prepare." Aarya said. I haven't heard that name in a while. In very rare occasions where he had to take my name he preferred this.

"Jyesth.. Ab yudh hi hamara satya hai." I said. He looked up to me. I nodded.
(Now war is our ultimate truth)

"Let's accept it then. Prepare the letter format Adrika." He said.

"It's ready. Dristadyumn my friend can you spare 200 men. Your best of men?" I asked.

"Anything for you Adrika!" I gave him a faint smile.

            And preparation we did. My force came two days later. We practice ploys. Brush our skills. Everything was going on good. My shadows returned with a letter for me. That helped ease my tension a bit. We were creating a deadly side. But the best of which wasn't shown yet. I was waiting for them to be ready. I invited them one night. 200 of Dristadyumn's and 200 pack worriors were ready. They all reached. They were looking at everyone standing like that in confusion.

"What is this Maa...?" Abhimanyu asked.

"The best of what your Maa is known for." I said. They all looked around.

"Is is.. Is this a ploy?" Chhote kumar asked.

"Come.." I took them to the vintage point. They got my point now. They started talking about the working among them selves.

"It's so intricate.. So precise. Yet so confusing.. Like.. " Jyesth was cut by Parth

"Its a maze." I smiled.

"Yes.. A breathing maze." I said.

"But so is chakravyuh. It's way too small.." Parth said.

"It's not a ploy parth.. It's a ploy breaker." I said. Confusion was intensifying while I yelled "move.. " The maze starts to move.

"They will burst open their ploys." I said.

"Brilliant Chhoti bhavi. You aren't known as best for no reason." Chhote kumar said.

"We can use it anytime.." Dristadyumn said.

"We can't. It is dangerous for us as well. The maze fighters will have no clue if you are a friend or foe because they would be covered in such coverings. They will just destroy from inside and outside."I said

"Maa what if anyone sliped inside the maze?" Prithvi asked.

"Two worriors will be inside the maze for that." Aadi answered. He was the only one who knew this one more than me.

"But how would the warriors will survive inside it. They just have to constantly duct the weapons coming towards them." Parth said.

"They don't have to duck.. Because they won't see it." I said and jumped to the middle of the maze.

Parth's POV

        The maze was brilliant yet I didn't understand it a bit. When Adrika said the warriors would not see the weapons I was more confused than before. She then jumped down to the middle of the maze distracting me from thinking what she just said. She then started blindfold herself.

"What is she doing?" Bhrata bhim asked.

"Only person that can survive the maze is a blind warrior." Aadi explained.

"What?" I exclaimed.

"A blind warrior. When they won't see it they will depend upon hearing and they can easily avoid it. Their side have very good warriors that can break the maze. But they won't be able to survive the blind warrior." Aadi explained the whole thing.

         We saw her moving. Showing us the details. We spend hours studying the maze. When Adrika came back she explained every details. We practice it. But I was sure Adrika must have already decided who will be the one blind warrior. It must be Aadi. He knew awfully lot about it. The next day when we got to the practice we saw her doing something with herbs.

"No practice today. We will relax. I need volunteers to test my relaxation and sleeping potion on." She said not looking up from her work.

"Anytime." I said.

"Queen Adrika... Angraj Karn is here to see you." A guard said. We all looked at the direction where he stood. One look at us and I could see something broke inside him. Adrika went to him.

"If here stands Angraj karn the blind follower of Prince Duryodhan then I have no desire to speak with him." She said in a stone cold voice that even shudder us. "But if my Radhey is here to see me, then he is welcomed." She said it softly. The flung his arms around her small figure. I could see Adrika was crumbled under his weight but she then supported his body well to let him cry in peace.

"Let's go. They will need solitude." Jyesth bhrata said.

Adrika's POV

"Why are you here Karn?" I asked the man.

"Where should I go then Adrika? My whole existence was shattered. I was your Radheya right. Now I lost that as well." He said.

"You are my Radheya. Doesn't matter your origin makes you Kounteya." I said. He looked up to me.

"You knew? Adrika, why didn't you said so?" He asked.

"It wasn't my place to say. And what difference you could have made? I loved you as my own brother since the day we met. I was family to you. My kingdom calls you queen brother. They thinks you as family. Apne byah karaya tha mera. That wasn't enough for you to come to the right side. A birth mother who in your eyes abandoned you would have been enough?" I said.
(You married me off)

"I will not touch any of your family in war except Arjun."

"I can't say anymore to you karn. You always set respect over love. You are going to the war. I wish the satisfaction you get after the war is enough for all these people's love. And if you decide to come back to me. To us anytime in between don't forget you have a family here. A sister. Brothers. And sons." I said. I didn't know what would came after this from him but I did what i thought was haf to be done.

           We were almost ready for the war. Just we were awaiting the message from bhrata. And it came at lady.

An
Sorry guys I was out all day. So it was late.. Tell me how it is...

Please please please vote and comment. It really push me hard to write. So please...

Love
Pragyna