It's been a week since Tiasha arrived at Hastinapur Palace. Everyone has taken a special liking towards her. Specially Bhishma.

This young girl seemed very intelligent and witty. She holds strong opinions and doesn't hesitate to voice them. She is confident yet calm. She is brave. She knows how to win hearts. Seems like a perfect combination for the Samrajnyi of Hastinapur. Bhishma thought.

-"Pranam Mahamahim"

-"Putri, all my grandsons and my granddaughter call me Pitamah, I would be happy if you could also call me that."

Tiasha smiled, "Pranam Pitamah."

Bhishma smiled. And she knows how to make anyone smile any time.

Kunti also wished that one-day Tiasha would be her eldest putrabadhu. This girl is a perfect match for her eldest.

It was the day of kalapradarshan. The royal arena was packed with people. Every Praja has come to witness the strength and valour of their princes.

All the royal men sat on the stage set for them. Maharaj Dhritarastra is in the middle. On his left sat Mahamahim Bhishma and Kula Guru Kripacharya. On his right Gandhara Raj Shakuni and Mahamantri Vidur. Sanjay, who was narrating everything to Dhritarastra stood beside him.

In the royal balcony of the arena sat the women. Maharani Gandhari in the middle. On her left sat Mata Kunti and on her right was her daughter Dushala. Tiasha sat beside Kunti and Subhadra beside Dushala.

Everyone was eagerly waiting for the arrival of the Kuru Rajkumars.

A middle-aged, tall lanky man in a simple orange dhoti and uttyaria entered the arena followed by a young tall and muscular man who had a mani embedded on his forehead, the Syron-rathna which resembled Mahadev's third eye. He was carrying a bow with him. His face was calm yet nobody could miss the fire in his chestnut brown eyes.

Tiasha could easily tell who they were.

The older man folded his hands.

"Pranam Maharaj Dhritarastra, pranam Mahamahim Bhishma, pranam Mahamantri Vidur, pranam Gandhara Raj." He greeted the men. He looked up towards the women and continued, "Pranam Maharani Gandhari, Pranam Rani Kunti. Pranam Putrio". Tiasha folded her hands and bowed her head, Dushala and Subhadra followed her action.

"Pranam Kurujano."

After greeting everyone he started, "Today you will see what your princes and your future kings have learnt in Gurukul. I am Guru Drona. Today, this is a test of my Shiksha. You will witness the strength and valour of your Rajkumars. The only rule for today is that not a single drop of blood should be shed on this ground. All of my students will show the best they can. There is a wheel and you can have all the names of the kumaras written on it. My Putra Ashwatthama is going to hit one name at a time and the princes will arrive accordingly." He turned to Maharaj Dhritarastra and asked, "Shall we begin, Maharaj?"

Dhritarastra nodded his head and permitted him to start. A conch shell was blown by Drona himself to mark the beginning.

Ashwatthama took an arrow and hit the spinning wheel.

Vikarna. One by one all the Kauravas came in and showed their respective skills.

Duryodhan was the last to enter the arena after Dushasan. He folded his hands to his elders. Dhritarastra's proud smile became wider at the mention of Duryodhan's name.

He started showing his skills with his mace. Kunti narrated Duryodhana's actions to Gandhari. Tiasha was impressed by his control and strength. A deafening applause roared from the audience. A sly smirk appeared on his face hearing the audience cheer. the cheers made more adrenalin pumping through his veins and his performance became better. the cheers got louder and louder with every single move Duryodhan made.

Duryodhan's skill with the mace in the arena was a formidable combination of strength and aggression. He wielded his mace with a commanding presence, delivering powerful, bone-jarring strikes that showcased his raw physical prowess. His style was more reliant on sheer force and relentless attacks, making him a formidable opponent. While he might not have displayed the finesse and agility of some other warriors, Duryodhan's relentless determination and unwavering resolve in mace combat made him a fierce and imposing figure on the arena floor. His approach emphasized overpowering his adversaries, and the resounding impact of his mace strikes left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his skills in action.

Gandhari felt proud of her son. She was happy that all the Kuru Kumaras were returning after twelve years.

Kunti was also eager to see her sons after so long.

Next, the Arrow struck the name of Pandu Putra Sahadev. Sahadev entered and showed his skills with his Parashu or battle-axe.

Sahadev's skills with the axe in the arena were a captivating blend of precision and finesse. With his expertly crafted axe, he moved gracefully and with incredible dexterity. Each swing of his weapon was executed with remarkable accuracy, and he demonstrated an innate understanding of timing and positioning. Sahadev's ability to strike with pinpoint precision, often targeting vulnerable areas of his opponents, was a testament to his skill. His agility and quick reflexes allowed him to seamlessly transition between offence and defence, making him a challenging adversary for anyone who faced him. The crowd marveled at his mastery of the axe, as he combined both grace and deadly efficiency to create a mesmerizing display of combat prowess in the arena.

Following his twin came Pandu Putra Nakul. His skills were just like the blade of his sword, sharp and shining.

Nakul's skills with the sword in the arena were a breathtaking display of precision and grace. With his finely honed blade, he moved with an almost poetic elegance, and every strike was a seamless fusion of art and combat. Nakul's footwork was impeccable, allowing him to glide across the arena with a fluidity that was both mesmerizing and deadly. His swordplay showcased a deep understanding of technique, and his attacks were executed with remarkable accuracy. Nakul's ability to combine swiftness and control, often parrying and counterattacking with finesse, marked him as a true master of the sword. The crowd was enraptured by his display, as Nakul turned the arena into a stage for a captivating performance of martial skill and artistry.

-"Bharata Nakul is the most good-looking among all my brothers." Dushala said to Subhadra.

-"Why is Kumar Arjun not coming yet?"

Tiasha smiled at their conversation.

-"Subhadra, I think your Kumar Arjun will be the last one to arrive in the arena. I heard he is, who Guru Drone says is his best student. He is saving his best for the last." Subhadra blushed at her sister's tease.

Vrikodar Bheem followed Nakul. He is also a mace fighter. Vayu Putra looks like a walking mountain. The very first strike of his mace on the ground felt like an earthquake. Loud cheers were heard from every corner of the arena.

Bheem's skills with the mace in the arena were a sight to behold. With a massive mace in hand, he moved with an impressive blend of power and agility. Each swing of his weapon was a thunderous display of strength, creating shockwaves as it struck its targets. His timing was impeccable, as he seamlessly transitioned between powerful, bone-crushing blows and deft maneuvers that left his opponents in awe. The crowd watched in amazement as he effortlessly wielded the mace, displaying both finesse and brute force, making it clear that he was a formidable warrior who had mastered the art of mace combat. Bheem's skills with the mace in the arena were a true testament to his prowess and a captivating spectacle for all in attendance.

Kunti looked down proudly at her sons.

Next came Dharma Putra Yudhishthira. Kunti turned her face from Gandhari to Tiasha but was disappointed that Tiasha's normal expression didn't change. She hoped that the sight of Yudhishthira would have at least some effect on Tiasha but unfortunately, it didn't.

Kunti took it upon her hands to praise her elder son as she had been doing for the past few days when Tiasha was around, "...Putri, he is very kind and gentle, you know. After their father's death, he looked after his younger brothers like a father figure. He stayed strong for his brothers all day when they cried."

-"Ohh my! look at my Yudhishthira, he is all grown up now, good-looking like the moon itself. valorous like a lion king."

Kunti continued praising him as Yudhishthira showed his skills with his spear.

Yudhishthira's skills with the spear in the arena were a testament to his measured and strategic approach to combat. With a finely crafted spear in hand, he displayed a unique combination of patience and precision. Yudhishthira was known for his calm and composed demeanour, which he brought into his fighting style. He would carefully gauge his opponents, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His thrusts with the spear were characterized by accuracy and efficiency rather than brute force. Yudhishthira's defensive manoeuvres were equally impressive, as he skillfully parried and countered attacks with calculated movements. His spear work demonstrated a deep understanding of tactics and strategy, making him a respected and formidable presence in the arena. While his style may not have been as flamboyant as some, Yudhishthira's measured and strategic use of the spear was a true reflection of his wisdom and martial prowess. The audience appreciated the depth of his skill and his ability to turn the arena into a platform for strategic mastery.

When he finished, Tiasha just said, "He is indeed very talented, Mata." Kunti smiled and mistook her appreciation of his skills as liking.

Drona came to the arena and announced, "All the Kumaras are exceptional with their skills. Yudhishthira with his spear, Bheem and Duryodhan with their mace, Vikarna and Sahadev with their axes and Chitrasena and Nakul with their swords. but the finest and most skilful art is Dhanurvidya. And I can say, that only one in this entire Aryavarta has mastered it like no other. Such passion, such dedication, such skills. He is gifted. My words aren't enough to describe his qualities..."

At this point, Tiasha was almost about to roll her eyes but she stopped herself. He might be the best guru but he is biased.

"...My best student, Kumar Arjun."

Arjun entered the arena. The audience busted out in applause. Tiasha heard a shriek coming from Subhadra's mouth as her eyes fell on the young prince. Tiasha smirked. Oh, young love.

A proud smile made its way on several faces like Kunti, Bhishma and Vidur. Gandhari and Dhritarastra stayed neutral.

A scowl formed on the faces of Shakuni Duryodhan and Dushasan.

Arjun started with a simple arrow that turned into flowers mid-way in the air and fell on all the elder's feet. Tiasha smiled at his humble gesture.

Arjun's archery skills in the arena were nothing short of mesmerizing. With his finely crafted bow and an unwavering focus, he showcased a level of precision and expertise that seemed almost otherworldly. His arrows found their marks with unerring accuracy, threading through intricate rings and splitting tiny objects in mid-air as if guided by an unseen hand. Each shot was a symphony of fluid grace and power, leaving the audience spellbound as they witnessed the art of archery elevated to a level of mastery that transcended the ordinary. Arjun's archery was not just a display of skill; it was a breathtaking testament to the profound connection he had with his bow and the mastery he had achieved at Gurukul.

Tiasha was awestruck. It was already like a dream come true to see this happening in front of her eyes. Now she realized why Drona spoke so highly of him, his biases seemed fair.

When he finished Drone came and set a hand on Arjun's shoulder. Arjun touched his Guru's feet.

Drona announced, "I don't think there is anyone in the whole Aryavarta who can match Kumar Arjun's skill in archery, undoubtedly he is the best archer on earth."

A voice sounding like a rumble of thunder came, "That is indeed, a very bold assumption Guru Drona."

-XX-

Yes, I am finishing it here. Well, you already know who the voice belongs to. But I am just feeling too lazy to continue this chapter further.

1.7k reads! Wow, thank you so much guys, for showing my story this much love I hope you liked the chapter. Don't forget to comment.

I will see you soon take care, my lovely readers.