Yudhishthira wanted to go after Tiasha but Kunti stopped him.

-"No Putra, leave her alone, and you going after her would give Gandhar Raj another chance to insult and falsely accuse her."

Yudhishthira sighed his mother was right, so he obeyed his mother.

Duryodhan felt bad for Tiasha. She didn't do anything wrong. She just voiced her thoughts. He felt like her words were not intended to insult him or side with the Pandavas, they were fairly neutral. She was simply trying to stop him from insulting the arts of music and dancing.

He didn't understand why his Mamashree mocked her that way, "Why did you say that mamashree? Why did you insult her like that?"

-"That girl is an obstacle Putra, didn't you see how she defeated those Pandu Putras?"

-"But Mama Shree she defended Mitra Karna as well, her words were neutral"

-"Don't be a fool, Duryodhan. Can't you see her intentions? Next time she is around notice your dear cousin Yudhishthira's behaviour. She is trying to have everyone under her spell. She will never let you become king. Your Pitamah and Rani Kunti like her too much. I am sure they will want her as Yudhishthira's wife, and if she is married to him, will she let you become king? She is intelligent and very ambitious."

Duryodhan didn't want to argue with his uncle. He knew he could never win an argument against him. She looked so innocent. Someone so pure like her can never have such intentions, Duryodhan thought. So he decided to meet Tiasha the next morning and apologize to her.

He, The proud Rajkumar Duryodhan apologising to someone that too for something he didn't do?

Duryodhan didn't know why he felt protective over that unknown girl. He felt calm when she was around. He wanted to get to know her. He didn't know but he felt a magnetic pull towards the girl.

Maybe because she was different. Different from the other women he has come across in his life, his mother, his aunt or his sister.

Duryodhan was thinking all this while he was standing in front of Tiasha's chamber.

A Dasi came from her room and informed him that Kumari Tiasha had allowed him inside.

As he entered the room he was welcomed by the sweet and divine smell of Parijat. He saw several beautiful paintings all around the room. In one corner he saw straw sticks and clay. A half-done murti of devi Saraswathi stood there.

Tiasha came from another side of the chamber drying her hands with her own uttyaria.

Duryodhan was admiring the paintings when he saw Tiasha smiling at him.

-"Suprabhat Rajkumar, what great work did I do to have this honour?"

Duryodhan folded his hands, "Suprabhat Kumari, the pleasure is all mine." He pointed at the paintings, "You made all these?"

-"Yes, after so many years got some time to finally dedicate to my favourite hobby." Tiasha shrugged.

-"I must say, they are very beautiful, and you are truly very talented."

-"I don't think you only came here to appreciate my talent, Rajkumar."

-"Actually I came here to apologise Kumari."

-"Apologise?" Tiasha frowned, "For what Rajkumar?"

-"For last night Kumari, my mamashree insulted you in front of everyone, I want to apologise to you on his behalf. He is protective over me, I guess he thought you were trying to insult me..." Duryodhan trailed off. He didn't know how to justify his uncle's words.

Tiasha couldn't believe what she was hearing. The arrogant proud supposedly evil Rajkumar Duryodhan is apologising to her? And for his mama's words?

She remembered her Sakha's letter which she got last night.

After she stormed from the feast she came straight to her chamber.

Her anger reaching its peak. She was ready to break something but a familiar scent of Sandel wood and Kadamba reached her nostrils and immediately calmed her down.

Her brown orbs searched everywhere for the origin of the divine smell and another pair of brown orbs.

Her eyes fell on the small table beside her bed. A neatly tied yellow scroll along with a white peacock feather rested there.

Tiasha's anger died as she made her way towards her bed. She took the scroll and sat down.

She touched the white peacock feather on her forehead and chest remembering her Sakha.

Jayantah wrote asking how she was doing.

As if you don't know, Tiasha thought.

Then he wrote about his journey to Vidarbha, his fight with Jarasandha, Sisupala and Rukmi and finally his marriage with Rukmini.

Tiasha read all this with a smile on her face.

"Sakhi, you will see some things are a little different from what you know. A bond of true friendship, support and love can change a person completely. Be patient with those who are deprived of love and try to be there for them. No one is born evil. Try to protect innocent hearts from the poison of revenge."

Tiasha smiled, "I can only accept your apology on one condition."

Duryodhan frowned, he was apologising for something which was not even his fault and she was putting conditions, Ohh the audacity of this woman. But he became curious seeing her heartwarming smile, "What condition Kumari?"

-"Well Dushala showed me around the palace but she didn't show me one place. And I am very curious to see it. If you can show me that place I will forgive everything."

Tiasha's smile is contagious. Duryodhan smiled and played along, "What place Kumari?"

-"Your weaponry and practice arena."

Duryodhan was shocked, "You wish to see the weaponry?"

-"Oh and your animal shelter too."

Duryodhan kept looking at Tiasha curiously as they made their way towards the weaponry. She was now wearing a dhoti like them and a vest.

She told him to wait a bit when he finally agreed to show her the weaponry. Then she came out dressed like this.

-"It's considered rude to stare Kumar, if you want to ask something ask away."

-"Well, you are... Umm... I have never seen a woman like you before... You are a little... Umm... Little weird..." Duryodhan said. His voice died at the end of the sentence as he didn't want to offend her.

Tiasha smirked, "I prefer the term, Unique, Rajkumar."

Duryodhan laughed, "You are truly unique."

Tiasha bowed dramatically which made Duryodhan laugh even harder.

They entered the weaponry.

Tiasha started looking around. Ornate, ceremonial swords, maces, bows, arrows, Spears, battle axes and daggers, lavishly decorated with precious metals and gemstones, the weapons carried a symbol of status and authority of the great dynasty.

Duryodhan saw the curiosity and awe in Tiasha's eyes. He went and lifted a mace in his hands.

-"Come I will show you the practice arena."

Tiasha was admiring a dagger as she started poking its sharp tip with her index.

-"Don't do that Kumari, you will hurt yourself."

Tiasha smirked as she sprung the dagger in her hands and took another one, holding it in a position, which made her look like she was about to strike, "Really?"

-"It's not a plaything Kumari, your hands are made for paint brushes, not battle daggers." Duryodhan smirked seeing her action.

-"What if I say, I am skilled in both Rajkumar."

-"Women can't fight Kumari." Duryodhan said his face becoming serious.

-"How do you know that Kumar, is a woman ever given a chance? Were your own sister or mother ever given a chance to learn warfare? Even the basics so they could use it at least for self-defence?"

-"Women are not physically capable Kumari, they are not capable of enduring the amount of physical pain." Duryodhan argued.

-"Have men ever tried giving birth?"

-"So you are telling me if women are given a chance they can become equal with men?" Duryodhan frowned.

-"I can prove that to you Kumar." Tiasha said confidently.

-"How?" Duryodhan looked at her sceptically.

-"Pick up your best weapon and fight with me."

Duryodhan laughed, "I don't fight with women, Kumari."

-"Are you scared Kumar?"

This made Duryodhan growl, "I am trying to be nice to you and you are mocking me...how dare you?"

Tiasha smirked, "I am not mocking you Kumar, I am challenging you."

-"Ok fine then, I will show you, you arrogant woman. Prey to your istadev, ask for his mercy for the last time."

Tiasha smirked again, "What if I win Kumar?"

Seeing her smirking, Duryodhan became furious, "In your dreams, but if you win, I will do whatever you want."

Tiasha was scared, but she didn't let it show on her face. What was she thinking, she just challenged one of the best mace fighters in the entire Aryavarta. She was not thinking rationally when she said those words. It felt like someone else was making her say that. The voice was hers but the wards were someone else's. What have you made me do Jayantah?

She is capable of defending herself. She can fight against 4 men at the same time but they are all puny troublemakers from Kaliyuga.

But Kuru Kumar Duryodhan is a different story. These are legendary warriors from Dwapara Yuga. I mean have you seen his size?

Hey Jayantah please save me, Tiasha thought in her mind as she stood face to face with Duryodhan in the practice arena.

No no, stop thinking negative, you can never win if you keep thinking negative, Tiasha thought.

This thought made her feel warm. A rush of adrenaline in her veins made her feel confident.

Tiasha, with a mischievous smile, addressed Duryodhan, "Kumar, I hope you don't mind if I dance around you a bit in this fight."

Duryodhan chuckled mockingly, his eyes fixed on Tiasha's daggers, "I fight with warriors, not dancers. Show me what you've got!"

The duel began with a clash of steel against the heavy thud of the mace. Tiasha moved like a whirlwind, darting in and out, her daggers flashing with every strike. Duryodhan, despite his size and strength, struggled to catch her.

Tiasha, twirled her two daggers skillfully, taunting Duryodhan with a sly smile. "You may have the strength of an elephant, Kumar, but remember, the swiftness of the mongoose can defeat even the mightiest foes."

Duryodhan grunted, "You're quick, I'll give you that, Kumari. But remember, I am the heir of the Kuru dynasty. My might is not to be underestimated."

The fight raged on, with Tiasha's speed and agility proving to be a significant advantage. Duryodhan, his pride at stake, swung his mace with all his might, but Tiasha expertly dodged and weaved around him.

Duryodhan tried to close the distance between them, attempting a crushing overhead blow. Tiasha somersaulted backwards, narrowly escaping the attack.

Duryodhan teased "You can't keep jumping around forever like a hare, Kumari!"

Tiasha playfully said "Who said I planned to? I just need the right opportunity."

Tiasha's smile faded as she focused, and in a swift, calculated move, she disarmed Duryodhan. She stood before him, her daggers at his throat, victorious.

Duryodhan's eyes almost bulged out. He could not believe he, The Mighty Duryodhan lost to a small girl like her. But surprisingly he didn't feel ashamed of himself.

Duryodhan was rather impressed by Tiasha's skills. Tiasha extended her hand, helping him up.

-"And it's been an honour to face a warrior of your stature, Kumar. We learn from each other in such encounters, making us stronger."

"Well done, Kumari. You've bested me with your skill and speed. It's been an honour to spar with you as well. I never thought I would say this but you truly are an extraordinary woman and a skilled warrior."

Tiasha smiled, "Now it's time for my reward Kumar."

-"As I promised, anything you ask for Kumari." Duryodhan swallowed.

-"I desire nothing but your friendship Kumar, Will you be my Sakha?"

The shock was evident on Duryodhan's face. This girl never fails to surprise him. The genuine friendly smile on her face made Duryodhan's heart warm. He laughed, "Are you sure you want to be friends with the evil Rajkumar."

-"Evil is a very subjective term Kumar, A king who fights for the safety and wellbeing of his kingdom is like a god to his subjects but maybe outside his kingdom he is considered one of the cruellest kings."

-"I don't understand."

-"Let's take the example of Magadh Naresh Jarasandha, everyone outside his kingdom thinks he is evil, but for his subjects, he is like a god, his kingdom is one of the most prosperous ones in the entire Aryavarta, can we deny that fact, Rajkumar?"

Tiasha's words earned Duryodhan's respect. He got lost in his thoughts.

-"I didn't get my answer yet, Kumar." Tiasha smiled fondly 

-"I thought you were supposed to call me Sakha now, Sakhi" Duryodhan smiled raising his eyebrows. 

Tiasha raised her eyebrows too and both busted out laughing. 

-XX-

Yeah, it's a long chapter, and it took me so much time to write and edit. Tiasha's got a new friend. What do you think?

Thank you so much guys for reading and showing love to my story. You all are so cute. Comment and tell me which part you like the most. Also, tell me if you have any suggestions.

Take care, Adios, my lovely readers.