In Indraprastha, the preparations for the grand Rajasuya Yajna were in full swing. The Pandavas had set out on their mission to conquer the kingdoms of Aryavart. Each brother, fueled by their duty and the promise of expanding the reach of their kingdom, marched with great valor.

Yudhishthir, the eldest, led with wisdom and strategy. Bhima, with unmatched strength, tore through armies like a storm. Arjun, the skilled archer, was unmatched on the battlefield, as his arrows rained down like fire. Nakul and Sahadev, too, proved their mettle, securing victory after victory for their brothers. The flags of Indraprastha fluttered high as they conquered each kingdom, bringing them under their rule for the sacred Rajasuya Yajna.

However, amidst the glories of war, life back in Indraprastha took a difficult turn for Arjun. One fateful evening, Draupadi and Yudhishthir were together in their private chamber, discussing matters of the kingdom. A sense of urgency pressed Arjun to enter, unaware of the sacred rule: no other husband should enter while Draupadi was with one of the brothers. In a moment of desperation, he broke the rule, shattering the balance that held their unique marital arrangement in place.

Upon realizing his grave mistake, Arjun did not protest. Bound by the vow they had all taken, he prepared to leave Indraprastha for twelve years of exile. His heart heavy, he sought solace away from the kingdom, setting out on a journey that would lead him to unexpected alliances.

During his exile, Arjun met Ulupi, the Naga princess. She was a warrior of immense beauty and wisdom, and their union was one of mutual respect. In her, Arjun found a companion who shared his thirst for knowledge and adventure. Not long after, he also encountered Chitrangada, the princess of Manipur. Charmed by her strength and grace, Arjun's bond with Chitrangada grew, and they too became one. Though his heart remained loyal to Draupadi, these marriages solidified powerful alliances for Indraprastha, securing Arjun's standing even in exile.

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In Hastinapur, Duryodhan found himself growing more restless as time passed. After his last heated encounter with Anya, he hadn't seen or heard from her since. Her absence gnawed at him. He had buried himself in rigorous training with Balaram, focusing on mastering the art of mace combat. Every strike, every movement was sharper, more precise, but no matter how hard he tried to distract himself, thoughts of Anya crept back into his mind like an unwelcome shadow.

One afternoon, Shakuni approached Duryodhan as he was polishing his mace, his face set in determination. "Duryodhan, my child," Shakuni began in his usual cunning tone, "it is time to discuss something important. You've seen how the Pandavas are making alliances left and right. Arjun has married a Naga princess and a Manipuri princess. Yudhishthir is growing more powerful with every passing day. You need an alliance that will make you stronger than them."

Duryodhan frowned, looking up at his uncle. "What do you propose, Mama?"

Shakuni smiled slyly. "I propose that you seek the hand of Princess Subhadra, Krishna's sister. She is not only beautiful but will bring the powerful support of Dwarka. With such a marriage, you will have Krishna and Balaram on your side, and no one will dare challenge Hastinapur."

"Subhadra?" Duryodhan repeated, surprised. His mind raced at the mention of her name. Subhadra was well-known for her grace, but his thoughts immediately turned to Anya. *Subhadra?* he thought, feeling a knot tighten in his chest. How could he even consider someone else when Anya still occupied every corner of his heart?

Shakuni's eyes narrowed, reading the conflict on his nephew's face. "I know you're fond of Anya," he said carefully, "but she is not a real princess. We don't know her origin, her caste. She is an orphan, raised by Balaram and Krishna. In times of war and politics, you must choose wisely. Dwarka will always stand with Subhadra, their blood, over an outsider."

Duryodhan's expression darkened. "Do not speak of Anya like that," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Shakuni raised his hands in mock surrender. "I only speak the truth, my child. You are thinking emotionally, but you must think with your brain in times like these. Subhadra will bring you power, support from the strongest kingdom in Aryavart. With her by your side, you will not only be equal to the Pandavas-you will surpass them. Think of the future, think of the throne."

Duryodhan clenched his fists. He hated how Shakuni dismissed Anya, as if she were nothing. But his uncle's words gnawed at him. Subhadra... Krishna's sister. The alliance would be powerful, no doubt. With Dwarka's support, he could solidify his claim to the throne, stand taller than Yudhishthir and the Pandavas.

But Anya...

His mind drifted back to their time together, the way she made him laugh, the way her presence filled the empty spaces in his life. The memory of her touch, her soft words as she comforted him, tugged at his heart. Could he really turn away from that? From her?

Shakuni watched his nephew closely. "In the end, Dwarka will choose its real princess," he pressed. "You must do the same, my child."

Duryodhan's brow furrowed as he grappled with the decision. His heart ached for Anya, but Shakuni's logic was undeniable. He had to think of his kingdom, his future. Power and alliances were everything in this game of thrones.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence, Duryodhan nodded slowly. "I will marry Subhadra," he said, his voice quiet but resolute.

But even as the words left his mouth, a dull pain settled in his chest. He had made his decision, but his heart still belonged to Anya. No matter how powerful the alliance with Subhadra might be, nothing could erase the feeling of longing he had for the one he had pushed away.

As he turned away, his thoughts betrayed him. *Anya... wherever you are, do you still think of me?*

As Duryodhan steeled himself for his upcoming marriage, he couldn't shake the lingering image of Anya. With every step toward Subhadra, it felt like he was moving further away from the woman who truly held his heart.

But in this game of power, there was no room for weakness-even if that weakness came in the form of love.

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