Anya practically skipped down the hallway, the portrait clutched tightly in her hands. Her heart raced with excitement-she had finally found the perfect suitor for Dushala. She just needed to find out his name and confirm he was a good match. As she rounded a corner, too lost in her thoughts to notice her surroundings, she suddenly collided with someone.

"Oof!" she exclaimed, the portrait slipping from her grasp and falling to the floor.

Before she could react, Sahadev knelt down and picked it up, glancing at the portrait in his hands. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at the image. "Where are you rushing off to? And why are you carrying this portrait?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Anya, sheepish but unable to contain her excitement, smiled brightly. "Oh, I'm on my way to show this to Kunti Ma and Draupadi! And this portrait... well, it's of my future husband," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she spoke.

Sahadev's jaw nearly dropped. "Your... future husband?" His voice carried a mix of disbelief and surprise. The shock was evident on his face as he tried to process what he had just heard. Before he could ask more questions, Anya swiftly grabbed the portrait from his hands and rushed off, leaving him standing there stunned.

Sahadev, still holding onto the image in his mind, thought to himself, *Nakul, you better act fast. Anya's thinking about marrying someone else... and that man is our close relative.*

---

Bursting into Kunti and Draupadi's room with unbridled enthusiasm, Anya barely gave them time to greet her before she exclaimed, "I've found a suitor! I just need to know his name!"

Kunti and Draupadi shared an amused glance. "Really?" Kunti asked, chuckling. "Have you finally found your future husband? We were beginning to think you'd never decide, with how you've been rejecting all the other princes."

Anya nodded eagerly, holding up the portrait. "I'm serious! I need to know who this is!"

When she showed the portrait to them, Draupadi's eyes widened in recognition, and she fell silent for a moment. "That's... Drishtadyumna. My brother."

Anya blinked, her surprise quickly replaced by awe. "Your brother? Oh, no wonder he's so handsome! The perfect match-amazing genes run in the family, I see!"

Draupadi remained deep in thought. She knew Nakul had feelings for Anya, but now Anya seemed to be showing interest in Drishtadyumna. Confusion clouded her mind-how could she navigate this delicate situation?

Before Draupadi could fully process her thoughts, Anya dropped yet another bombshell. "By the way, it's a secret, but I wasn't actually thinking of marrying him myself," Anya said with a wink. "I think he'd be perfect for Dushala."

Kunti, startled, shook her head. "Anya, that's impossible. Dushala's marriage is already arranged with King Jayadrath."

"I know," Anya replied, her enthusiasm only slightly dampened. "But we all know Jayadrath isn't a good match for her. He's a womanizer! Dushala deserves better."

Draupadi sighed, her expression troubled. "You're right. We've heard the rumors, but the marriage was arranged by King Dhritarashtra and Prince Duryodhana. They won't listen to us."

Anya's brow furrowed in determination. "But what about Dushala's happiness? Can't you at least ask your brother what he thinks about the idea? I mean, the opinions that matter the most here are Dushala's and Drishtadyumna's, right?"

Draupadi looked conflicted but nodded after a long pause. "I will talk to him. But even if Drishtadyumna agrees, the politics are complicated. Hastinapur may not want an alliance with Panchal."

Kunti, worried, added, "Anya, I don't want you to do anything that could bring you harm. I'll speak to Jiji, Queen Gandhari, about it for you. But be cautious."

Anya beamed at them, grateful. "Thank you. I just want what's best for Dushala."

---

What Anya didn't know was that Dushala had overheard the entire conversation. She remained hidden until the room fell silent, then, with heavy steps, retreated to her chambers. That night, unable to contain her emotions, she visited Anya's room, her face streaked with fresh tears.

"Anya," she whispered, her voice trembling as she stood by the door. "Please... don't meddle in this."

Anya immediately stood up and guided Dushala inside, worry filling her heart. "Dushala, what are you talking about?"

Dushala wiped at her tears, her voice shaking. "It's my marriage. I'll handle it. I know you mean well, but please... don't get involved."

Anya frowned, stepping closer to her friend. "I can't stand by and watch you be forced into a marriage you don't want. I know you don't like King Jayadrath, and you deserve to marry someone you love."

Dushala's voice cracked. "I don't... I don't want to marry him, but... I don't want you to get into trouble because of me either. I can't ask you to fight this battle for me."

Anya's heart ached for her friend. She reached out and held Dushala's shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "You don't have to ask me for anything, Dushala. I won't let this marriage happen against your will."

Dushala tried to hold back her sobs, but the tears came flooding out as she broke down. "I don't know what to do. I don't want to marry him, but I feel trapped."

Anya pulled her into a tight hug, stroking her hair as she whispered comforting words. "You won't be trapped. I'll find a way. I promise, Dushala-your marriage won't happen unless it's with someone you choose. I'll make sure of it."

Dushala clung to Anya, her sobs quieting as she found comfort in her friend's unwavering support. "Thank you, Anya... I don't know what I'd do without you."

Anya continued to hold her, her resolve strengthening. "You'll be happy, Dushala. I'll make sure of it, no matter what."

As the night wore on, Dushala slowly drifted to sleep in Anya's arms, comforted by the knowledge that her friend would stand by her side. Anya, meanwhile, stared out into the night, determined to protect Dushala's happiness, even if it meant challenging the very foundations of Hastinapur.

"Hey everyone! Since aestheticvrushy18,sprinkles_in_hand guessed right yesterday, I'm publishing one more chapter for you! 😊"