As days passed, Anya began to find her place within the grand palace of Hastinapur. She had grown close to Dushala, who enjoyed Anya's lively company, and Rajmata Gandhari had taken a special liking to her. Gandhari spoiled Anya with affection and kindness, treating her like a beloved granddaughter. Anya basked in the attention, loving every minute of it.

One day, Anya was introduced to the formidable Pitamah Bhishma. He was tall and imposing, with a long, flowing beard and deep, wise eyes that held years of knowledge and experience. His stern expression could intimidate anyone, but there was a warmth behind his eyes, a kindness that suggested he was more than just a fierce warrior.

Anya, naturally curious, bombarded him with questions. "Pitamah Bhishma," she began, her tone both respectful and eager, "is it true that you took a vow of celibacy just to honor your father's wishes? And you defeated Lord Parashurama in battle? And that you were so handsome in your youth that even the gods were jealous?"

Bhishma chuckled softly, amused by her barrage of questions. "Yes, child, it is true. But what is more important than these tales is to live a life of duty and honor."

Anya blinked and asked, "But Pitamah, don't you ever feel like, you know, going on a little vacation? You've done so much! Don't you deserve a break?"

Bhishma laughed heartily, a sound that echoed through the palace halls. "A break, you say? My duty is my rest, little one. But I appreciate your concern."

Anya grinned. "You're like the coolest grandpa ever. If I had to choose between you and a mango, I'd still pick you!"

Bhishma raised an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment, Anya?"

"Of course!" Anya replied earnestly. "I mean, mangoes are awesome, but you are like... Pitamah Bhishma, the legend! And you're not even afraid of mosquitoes!"

Bhishma laughed again, shaking his head at her. "You are a peculiar one, Anya. But I find your spirit refreshing."

--

Anya skipped over to the training ground, hoping to find her brother Balaram, whom she affectionately called "Dau." Instead, she was greeted by the sight of Duryodhan, who was engrossed in his mace practice. His powerful swings created a rhythmic whooshing sound in the air, and Anya couldn't help but stare, her thoughts running wild.

*Is he plotting something sinister?* she mused, recalling all the stories she had heard about Duryodhan being the villain of the Mahabharat. *I must keep an eye on him! Maybe he's planning some evil scheme right now!*

Suddenly, Duryodhan's deep voice cut through her thoughts. "Done staring?" he asked, his tone laced with irritation.

Anya snapped back to reality, putting her hands on her hips. "I was not staring at you! I was staring at the mace," she retorted with a huff. "And trust me, you're not handsome enough for me to waste my precious time staring at!"

Duryodhan's eyebrows shot up, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, really? And you think you're some kind of great beauty?"

Anya stomped her foot indignantly. "I am not just any beauty! I am *the* beauty! The most beautiful woman in Dwarka!" She lifted her chin, her confidence radiating. "People in Dwarka lined up just to see me! Even the birds would stop singing to hear my voice!"

Duryodhan's lips curled into a smirk. "Self-praise much? I'm not interested in childish, self-obsessed girls."

Anya's eyes narrowed, and she scoffed. "Childish? Ha! I am youthful and vibrant! And I am not self-obsessed - I'm just aware of my own unique charm." She tossed her hair back with dramatic flair. "Even the ocean waves paused to admire my reflection. The merchants in Dwarka called me more precious than their finest goods!"

Duryodhan tried to maintain a straight face, but his amusement was evident. *This girl is something else,* he thought, a mixture of annoyance and reluctant amusement brewing in his mind. *She talks like she's the goddess of beauty herself. Who does she think she is?*

Before their banter could continue, Karna and Ashwathama entered the training ground. Surprised to see Anya, they greeted her with a bow. "Pranipat, Princess Anya," they said.

Anya's face lit up. "Pranipat, Karna ji! Pranipat, Ashwathama ji!" she replied enthusiastically. Then, with no warning, she asked, "How do I look today?"

Karna and Ashwathama exchanged baffled glances. "Uh... you look very... charming?" Karna managed to say, trying to sound diplomatic.

Ashwathama nodded awkwardly. "Yes, very charming indeed, Princess."

Anya beamed with pride. "See? Even Angraj Karna and Ashwathama recognize true beauty!" She turned back to Duryodhan with a playful grin. "Unlike some people who are too proud to admit it!"

Karna found himself smiling despite himself. *She's certainly... unique. She has a spirit that's impossible to ignore. Most princesses are so reserved, but she's as open as a book.* His smile grew as he thought, *And a rather entertaining book at that.*

Ashwathama, too, was fighting back laughter. *She doesn't have a filter, does she? She just says whatever comes to her mind. It's oddly refreshing... like a cool breeze on a hot day.*

Encouraged by their reactions, Anya continued her shameless self-praise. "You know, Karna ji, in Dwarka, they called me 'the Jewel of Dwarka!' I had admirers who would write poetry just for me! Princes would duel over the chance to just speak to me!"

Karna chuckled, unable to resist her infectious energy. "Is that so, Princess? You must have had quite the fan club."

Anya nodded with gusto. "Oh, absolutely! Even the peacocks would dance whenever I walked by! I turned heads everywhere I went. I was the talk of the city!"

Ashwathama smirked, enjoying the lively banter. "And what makes you think you're so different, Princess?"

Anya's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, where do I begin? My eyes are like the brightest stars, my smile could light up the darkest night, and my hair - oh, my hair! - it flows like a river of pure gold!" She paused, then leaned in closer to Karna and Ashwathama, whispering theatrically, "And between us, I think the gods themselves took extra time making me!"

Karna's grin widened. *She's a piece of work, that's for sure. But there's something undeniably endearing about her boldness. Most people hide behind their manners, but she wears her quirks like a crown.*

Ashwathama nodded, his smile growing. *This one is a firecracker. I haven't met anyone quite like her. She could bring a smile to even the sternest face.*

Duryodhan, who had been listening with growing impatience, finally interjected. "If you keep praising yourself like this, Princess, there won't be enough air left in Hastinapur for the rest of us!"

Anya pointed a finger at Duryodhan, grinning mischievously. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Prince Duryodhan! Admit it, you're just a little envious of my natural allure!"

Karna and Ashwathama both chuckled. Karna leaned closer to Ashwathama and whispered, "She's quite the character, isn't she?"

Ashwathama nodded, still smiling. "She certainly knows how to keep things interesting."

Anya caught their whispers and turned back to them with a broad smile. "Don't be shy! You both are quite handsome yourselves, especially compared to Mr. Grumpy Face over here!" She gestured toward Duryodhan, whose exasperation was becoming more evident.

Duryodhan thought, *Does she ever stop talking? She's like a storm that never ends.* But he couldn't help the slight upward twitch of his lips. *She's annoying... but also a little entertaining. Not that I'd ever admit that out loud.*

Anya wasn't done. She leaned closer to Karna with wide eyes. "Angraj Karna ji, your earrings - do they have magical powers? Are they the secret behind your strength?"

Karna chuckled softly. "No, Princess Anya, they are just a gift. No magic, I assure you."

Anya then turned to Ashwathama with an inquisitive look. "Ashwathama ji, that bead on your forehead - does it help you see the future? Can it tell if someone here secretly admires me?"

Ashwathama laughed. "No, Princess, it doesn't have any magical properties. It's just a symbol of my vows."

Anya sighed theatrically. "Oh, what a shame! I was hoping it could at least help me find my lost earrings. But you're still better company than a certain prince who thinks he's too serious to smile!"

Just then, a soldier arrived and bowed before Anya. "Princess Anya, Rajmata Gandhari has summoned you."

Anya clapped her hands with excitement. "Ah, a royal summon! I must be off, gentlemen!" She gave a dramatic bow. "Goodbye, my dear admirers!" Then, she turned to Duryodhan and added with a cheeky grin, "And goodbye, Mr. Rude!" She stuck her tongue out at him before skipping away.

As Anya disappeared, Karna's smile lingered. *She certainly knows how to light up a room... or a training ground.*

Ashwathama nodded in agreement. *I've never met anyone like her. She's a breath of fresh air... maybe a bit too fresh, but still.*

Duryodhan sighed heavily, shaking his head. "She's like a hurricane with no direction."

Ashwathama laughed. "I came here to discuss something important, but now... I've completely forgotten what it was."

Karna chuckled. "We all did. But let's get back to business."

Duryodhan nodded, still amused despite himself.

They turned their attention back to their duties, but the small smiles on their faces remained, knowing that Anya had made the day far more memorable than they had anticipated.

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