Within the ancient walls of Hastinapur, the rhythm of life continued unabated. In a secluded chamber, time seemed to hold its breath, the stillness punctuated only by the gentle flicker of oil lamps and the distant murmur of the city beyond.

The royal family was seated outside Gandhari's chamber. Dhritarashtra paced restlessly, his steps echoing the weight of his concern. Abruptly, the curtains parted, revealing the ayurvati as she emerged. At the sound of her footsteps, Satyavati rose gracefully from her seat, moving towards her with measured determination.

"Well, is there any progress?" She asked.

" No, your highness." replied Ayurvati.

"But how? A woman is supposed to deliver 9 months after her pregnancy. Why hasn't she delivered after 15 months!?"

"I'm sorry, Rajmata. But my most educated analysis does not seem to find a solution to this."

Rajmata Satyavati's brow furrowed momentarily before she sighed deeply. "You may leave," she said softly.

The royal family exchanged worried glances. They had all been delighted once it was announced that Gandhari was pregnant. But now the situation was worrisome. Slowly, one by one, they left the room, leaving an uncomfortable silence.

Dhritarashra, who was pacing till then, with a furrowed eyebrow marched into Gandhari's chamber, with a flushed face.

"Gandhari, why haven't our son taken birth yet? You have been pregnant for 15 months. You had a boon of having 100 sons! Why isn't even the first son born!?" He shrieked.

The young queen raised her head, looking at her husband. Tears streamed down her face.

"I don't know, Arya. I am helpless. I have been praying to God Shiva but he didn't respond." She replied grasping onto the sheets in her bed.

"But Arya, Lord Shiva's blessings never go in vain." She added, nodded vigorously.

Dhritarashra clenched his face and glared at her.

"Well, then pray more. I want a son at any cost. You are the daughter-in-law of Kuruvansh and my wife. You are the Queen of Hastinapur. It is your duty to gift it with a heir. Do not tempt me to take other necessary steps to secure the throne." He replied, emphasizing on the last statement.

He marched out of the room swiftly, his angavastra flowing in the air.

Gandhari clenched her fists, sobbing. Her shoulders shuddered and she found it difficult to breathe as she pondered upon her misfortune. She uttered the name of Lord Shiva wondering where she went wrong. The grief, and the pain along with the implications of her husbands words covered her, turning her sadness into despair. She furiously rubbed her stomach, cursing her fate. A flash of pain hit her and her screams made the maids rush in, filing them with a ray of hope.

Hours stretched on as they awaited news. Yet, when she finally gave birth, a stunned silence enveloped the labor room. Maids and doctors alike stared in disbelief; instead of the expected delicate form of a child, there lay a mass of flesh.

The royal family was informed and convened in the same hall, where a palpable sense of despair settled over them once more. Dhritarashtra appeared devastated, while the others wore expressions of grim contemplation.

Finally Bhishma looked up with a thoughtful face.

"What if this was a part of Lord Shiva's boon? Something might be there which we fail to comprehend." He mused.

Rajmata Satyavati looked at her son with thoughtfulness and pride.

"You are right, Putra." She said. " It was a mistake to expect Gandhari to give birth to a hundred children. It's not humanly possible! We must certainly find a way to clear our doubt. I shall quickly call my son, Ved Vyas to find a solution to this problem."

They all nodded, a ray of hope filling them once again.

Meanwhile, in the heart of a tranquil forest, where the whispering leaves and gentle murmurs of wildlife created a serene symphony, Pandu received a message from Hastinapur. As he shared the troubling news, the forest's peaceful ambiance seemed to echo the weight of the concerns. Kunti's face grew pale, her eyes reflecting deep worry. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, a subtle expression of despair for the hardships faced by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law in the distant city.

"Why is it that our sister and brother-in-law are facing this misery, my King? What sin had they committed to suffer such harshness?" She wailed.

"I know, Kunti. The whole of Hastinapur is filled with misery. Even I am incapable of producing an heir. Hastinapur's throne shall,
unfortunately, remain empty after Jyesth Bhrata's reign. You may have to obtain an heir by Niyoga." Her husband remarked, his voice shaking.

In that moment, Kunti's eyes widened with a sudden realization, as if a veil had lifted. The memory of Rishi Durvasa's boon flooded her mind, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.

She said, " Niyoga? Arya, I was hesitant to tell this to you but I had received a boon from Rishi Durvasa which gave me the ability to obtain a child from any God I wish."

"That's splendid news, Kunti. The whole of Hastinapur will remain grateful to you." He said with happiness.

"Arya, I have—" Kunti began, but as her lips parted to speak of Karna, he quickly interrupted her, still glowing with happiness.

"We should very soon pray to Lord Yamaraj for a son." He said.

The next morning dawned with a soft golden light filtering through the trees, casting a serene glow on Kunti and Pandu as they stood in deep prayer, their hands clasped and eyes closed in unwavering devotion. As months drifted by like leaves on a gentle stream, their meditation grew more intense, their focus sharpening with each passing day. Then, in a moment that seemed to suspend time itself, Yamaraj appeared before them, his presence radiating a gentle warmth, and his smile as comforting as the first rays of dawn after a long night.

"Kunti, I am pleased with your devotion and according to Rishi Durvasa's Mantra am willing to give you a son. He will be known for his righteousness and calmness. He will be without any enemies!"

The pious couple gazed at him in reverence. Suddenly, as Pandu looked on in astonishment, a small baby appeared in Kunti's arms, as if materializing from the ether. It was the first time he was witnessing such a miracle. He took the baby and said "According to the words of Yamaraj, my son will be righteous, calm and without enemies. I name him Yudhistira!"

Lord Yama blessed them for the last time and disappeared. Kunti and Pandu took their newborn to their home, eager to introduce him to Madri.

Months drifted by, each day weighed down by the growing concern. The news that Gandhari had yet to give birth reached them, deepening the shadows of worry that lingered over Hastinapur.

"Why is Bhabhishree's and Jyesth Bhrata's life filled with misery?" asked Kunti, her eyes reflecting the depth of her concern and despair.

"Not just them, the whole of Hastinapur's life is filled with misery. Including Putr Yudhistir. "
Madri muttered, letting her words linger with an elusive hint of deeper implications.

"What do you mean?" asked Pandu, his brow furrowing with curiosity.

"Trees alone are easily uprooted compared to trees in groups. Bhabhishree hasn't given birth yet. It is important for Yudhistir to have four younger brothers who act as his pillar and support. " said Madri, her gaze shifting between Kunti and Pandu.

"Madri is right. Kunti, let's call upon Vayudev to get a son who is strong enough to protect and support Yudhistir." said Pandu, nodding thoughtfully.

Kunti nodded in silent agreement. The next day, they meticulously packed provisions and embarked on a journey to find a secluded and serene spot ideal for deep meditation.