Vatsal's kingdom.. It was a flourishing kingdom and the king was very kind to his subjects. Or atleast that's what the entire Aryavarta thought. They were unmindful about the harsh and cruel treatment which was meted to the villagers. The one's who endured the most were the unholy and people's servants the Suta caste. They had to pay twice the tax, work day and night and what was the price?

Their weeping children were put to sleep on the uneven ground, with empty stomachs. But none of them rebeled against their king Indraj. How could they? What power did they possess? The answer was nothing. They were taught to walk with their heads down,a characteristic which was passed on from generation to generation. Despite the iniquity, the subjects absolutely adored their queen.

She was like a mortal goddess. Whenever they lost path she became their guide. Whenever the king tried to be unfair she became their savior. Her kindness touched the hearts of many. Not to mention, her presence had greatly affected the king. Rather than coming up with torturous conditions, he started thinking for the good of his people. Wells were constructed for farmers, the soliders were payed better and too express his love for Mithali, his sweet queen, he started donating gold to the poor on daily basis. The entire kingdom celebrated when the queen after hours of birth pangs gave birth to a lovely baby boy.

The heir prince was a boy with wheatish skin, thick and sharp eyebrows. He was the reflection of his mother. Unfortunately, only in terms of looks but not in characteristics. He was named as Dhruv meaning firm or unshakeable in Sanskriti. Since he was the first child, he was extremely pampered by both of his parents.

The next time when the queen was expecting another child, her pillar of support was away from her. He was out there on the battlefield, protecting their kingdom. The people were extremely supportive to her. They made sure that the administration was carried out smoothly. If there was any internal matter they would solve it, without bothering Mithali. After almost a week or so the victorious king came back.

After a span of 9 months they welcomed their second son who was named Rudra meaning someone who eradicates problems from their roots and it was also one of Lord Shiva's names.. His name had a special connection with the kingdom,it had went all dry and lifeless but after his birth there was rain and the crops flourished again. Indraj was extremely delighted to have such progenies. Mithali was slightly upset as she wanted a baby girl, but no matter what a mother loves her child. She was glad that he was born healthy.

When Indraj was at the peak of his success and people gave his rule a title " Golden age for Vatsal", something hapless happened. Their queen died. A beautiful soul had departed from earth and earned a place in heaven. But she was unaware that her exit would prove disastrous to the entire kingdom and her own daughter's future. She was the reason for her death,that's what the king announced.

Yes, on a wintry night, Mithali's painful screams were disturbing. Indraj was pacing in the corridor whereas Dhruv who had recently turned 9 was sitting with his 7 year old brother. Both them were equally worried, and Rudra would bury his face in Dhruv's chest everytime a scream left Mithali's mouth. All of a sudden,the surroundings went silent. Indraj turned his attention to the door, he was all over the moon ready to welcome his third baby boy. But the unexpected happened..

Urvi, Mithali's head maid came out with tearful eyes. She had wrapped the newborn baby in a clean cloth but refused to show its face. Indraj felt extremely irritated by the wailing of the women inside the chamber. His thoughts were answered by Urvi and it broke him..

Urvi-" Forgive us, our king. We couldn't save the queen when she gave birth.."

Indraj zoned out he was too shaken to react. When his eyes traveled to Mithali who was lying on the bed, he realized that she was dead. "MATA" was the cry before both the boys ran to her. Both of them cried their hearts out. Rudra almost screeched when despite his attempts Mithali didn't wake up. When Indraj saw them he knew that he couldn't go weak.. He turned to Urvi..

Indraj-" Is my boy born healthy?"
Urvi-" k-king.. It is a.. girl.."

Indraj's eyes widened. Anger clouded his head and he punched the wall so hard that trails of blood were seen. His eyes showed nothing but shame,regret, disgust and humiliation. Urvi flinched and held the baby girl close to her heart. She had promised Mithali, that she would protect her till her last breath. Mithali knew that Indraj loved her alot but she was aware that he was least interested in having a baby girl.

Indraj-" A GIRL?My Mithu died because of his wicked little devil! She doesn't deserve to live! And what good is a girl for the kingdom? Can she fight? No! Her roll is just getting married and bear kids for her future husband and who knows, they might be rebellious to us!"

Saying so he removed his sword, ready to slash her. Urvi's grip tightened, she won't let a single scratch get on the baby. Now she only had one option..

"Maharaj! Daughters aren't that useless! You may use her to make alliance with one of the strongest kingdoms in Aryavarta!" She said that in one breath, her eyes closed. She was waiting for the sword but never came. Infact she heard the voice of it being kept in. Indraj was in deep thought. Maybe it wasn't a bad idea. Urvi just hoped that the baby will understand her circumstances and will not hate her..

Indraj-" It isn't a bad idea. Fine I will let this bad omen live. But I won't forget the fact that she was the reason of Mithu's death. She will repay me by getting married to a prince of a strong kingdom! Also, there is no need for a naming ceremony. She doesn't deserve it, her name shall be Vatsala."

Vatsala's life was like walking on lava barefooted it hurted so much. Since the very beginning she knew that her father hated her. Everytime she would go to hug him, he would shrug her away. If any new king visited them with his family, Indraj would only introduce Dhruv and Rudra. For him Vatsala meant nothing. It broke the girl's heart several times but nevertheless she kept loving him. She expressed herself by massaging his legs when he was in deep sleep, she would leave a letter for him before he went for wars. But as she turned into a teenager she realized that she was nothing but a burden. And the feeling was terrible..

Midst of all this,she still had two people who loved her alot. Since Dhruv grew up in the company of Indraj and his wicked uncle, he had learned to flirt with princess at a really young age and no one told him that it was wrong. Nevertheless,he was an amazing brother. He would braid her hair and give her piggyback rides, something which a father does.

As for Rudra,she held a soft place in his heart. Every time she would fall sick, he wouldn't leave her side even for a second. He would bring gifts for her, after visiting a kingdom and when Indraj said that she wasn't pretty. He would add a flower in hair and give her a back hug. In simple words, he would do everything to make her smile.

Now she was an eighteen year old beautiful young girl. Her looks had matured, and her behaviour was naturally loyal. She wasn't clumsy anymore, infact she would sit upright in the darbar. After her birthday was celebrated in a pompous way, Indraj had made his mind and he wanted to get her married. According to him she was at a marriageable age.

On a fine day, Vatsala had dressed up in an eye catching dress of blur color. The sound of her anklets echoed in the palace, the way she made the dance look so easy and the way she swayed her body without making it look awkward, was admired by everyone. It was a quality passed on from a mother to daughter.

When she finished her performance in a dazzling way, an unexpected person clapped for her.. It was Indraj.Vatsala felt really happy, she had craved for appreciation and attention and she was finally getting it! Followed by him, Dhurv and Rudra entered.

" That was a splendid performance! I know it is your best one!" He said while cupping her cheeks. Dhruv agreed, and ruffled her hair with pride. But Indraj's next dialogue shocked everyone, and it hurted Vatsala.

Indraj-" Now that you are mature enough shouldn't we announce your swayamwar?"
"Pardon me father, but I feel she is still very young!" Rudra immediately spoke, he noticed how Vatsala's smiley face was filled with pain, but she masked it..

" So what! Your mother was also married to me at this age! It isn't a big deal! Also, one day she is supposed to get married and leave us! Rather than later why not now itself! Putri what do you think?" Indraj spoke anger was evident in his voice, Rudra silently scoffed. What was the use of asking Vatsala if he had already decided to get her married?

They turned towards Vatsala who was trying her best to hide her 'blush' or could you say the pain which a daughter feels when her father wants to get rid of her?

Vatsala decided to tease her brothers and lighten their mood" But Pitashree if I get married who will look after you?After all jhest bharat are always busy looking at the beautiful ladies of our kingdom!"

Saying so she chuckled, Dhruv pouted while Rudra pulled her braid. The three of them had a hearty laugh, but Indraj was running out of patience. He chuckled too but it was a forced one.

" That's true!But Vatsala do you want to get married? " He asked her again while emphasizing on the marriage point again. Vatsala finally gave up, and pulled him in a warm hug. She closed here eyes so that she won't crack up.

"Pitashree even if this was a command I would have accepted it."
Indraj smirked this is what he wanted-" Very well then! We shall call the best princes for your Swayamwar!"

Indraprastha.....

"King! My crops have failed due to some bacteria! How am I supposed to feed my family? Please do something!" It was a cry for help by one of the commener who lived in Indraprastha, his name was Rushab. Yudhisthir was the eldest son of Pandu and Kunti. Being the king,he thought for a solution. Suddenly Sahadev, the youngest Pandu spoke.

Sahadev-" I will inspect your field along with few medics. Till then, Bhrata Yudhisthir will provide you with grains, and Draupadi why don't give him some clothes for his children!"

Draupadi smiled, she immediately told her head maid to bring some clothes which were made by the finest silk in Indraprastha. Rushab was extremely pleased, he was sent with clothes and bag full of grains. The Upapandavas admired the way their parents worked. By the time Draupadi came to her throne, Prativindhya the eldest Upapandava decided to speak.

" Father,I feel rather than waiting for our subjects to come up with problems why don't we try to find solutions beforehand? I do not like to see my people suffer!"
"Yes Son! I agree, with you!" Yudhisthir said while rest of the darbar agreed. Just then the sound of drums was heard it meant that a messager had arrived.

The soldier was dressed in familiar clothes and the Pandavas recognized him. " King! It is an invitation from Hastinapur!!" The messager declared, Draupadi was shocked and so was the darbar. Hearing the word "Hastinapur" the two youngest Upapandavas left the arena and sprinted to reach the darbar, the three petals of Indraprastha were equally excited to hear about the invitation!

The eldest among the girls, was the daughter of Yudhisthir and Draupadi, Suthanu meaning beautiful. Being the eldest, she was a role model for her sisters and an absolute favorite of her father. Not only was she beautiful but equally wise, she would actively take part in the court, and go on daily rounds. The children loved her, she was like a breeze of fresh air. The princes from other kingdoms, were waiting for a chance to woo her. In simple words she was an ideal daughter and sister.

Next in line was Pragti, the daughter of Arjun and Draupadi. Her name meant progress, she was a girl around the age of 18 and just like any other teenage girl she was slightly sharp tongued. According, to some she was rude and aggressive but they never noticed her innocent and loving side. All she seeked was some love..

The youngest was Nitya, the daughter of the most handsome man Nakul and the prettiest woman Draupadi. She had inherited her features from Nakul, whereas her nature from Draupadi. Her name meant eternal. She was mature and had great level of understanding..

The girls left their dance practices and reached the darbar. Yudhisthir took a look and finally started reading the scroll. His face had mixed expression of suprise and doubt. After he kept the scroll, his silence made everyone impatient. Bheem finally decided to question him.

Bheem-" Jhest what is written in it?"
Yudhishthir- " It's an invitation from Hastinapur from kakashree Dhritarashtra. He has invited all of us to celebrate Diwali with them."

"It is definitely a trap for us!" Arjun almost yelled. Yudhisthir gestured him to lower his voice because the kids were listening. Everything was silent for a moment, Pragti cleared her throat and spoke..

"Are we going?!" To the Pandavas were shocked when Yudhisthir nodded, the younger generation ran to their room to pack, they would never miss a chance to meet their counsins!

Draupadi-" Arya ! Shouldn't we talk this out first? Like Arya Arjun said this could be a trap!"
Yudhishthir-" I understand your concern Draupadi. But Pitamah wants us over there!We must to go!"

The Pandavas were not sure, Yudhisthir was the wisest amongst them yet he was taking such risky step. All of them made their way to their respective rooms,with several questions but Sahadev remained quiet..

[ Finally! This is the first chapter! Here is glimpse of our main character Vatsala and the Upapandavas! This chapter was edited on 19th September 2023]