(AN- Really long chapter!2500+ words)

It was the last week of the month..
Vrishasen got up, earlier than usual, he got dressed in yellow dhoti, his gold jewelry and he specially asked Snigdha to apply a tikka on his forehead... Snigdha found it weird.. While Vrish walked through the corridors to gather his brothers, his stance seemed as if he was going on a special mission!

Though, for Vrishasen it really was a special mission, he was 13 years older than the twins.. And the age gap never allowed them to spend time together.. Dvipat and Banasen went to Krishna when they were 7, and that time Vrish was 20 and had his own dreams...

In short, the only brother he knew very well was Chitrasen.. Chitra was the only one who saw him cry and gave him support in his early phase of adulthood. Shatrunjay and Sushen were a year apart hence they would stay in each other's company.. Vrishasen wanted to break this duo pattern and make sure the brothers stayed as one..

Vrishasen abruptly sat on the dining table.. He kept his eyes shut while eating his breakfast.. Madhura gestured Snigdha asking, what happened to Vrish.. Snigdha sighed she had no idea..

Karna-" Putra...Is everything alright? You seem to be lost in your own thoughts!"
Vrishasen-" Yes Pitashree.. I want to put forward a suggestion!"
Vrushali-" Yes dear, we are listening.."

He looked around, his younger brothers seemed curious.. Vrushali gestured her daughter in laws to take a seat..

Vrishasen-" Matashree, Pitashree I want to go on a small vacation with my brothers! Tomorrow itself!"

Karna was slightly suprised.. He was glad that his eldest wanted to spend time with his brothers.. Vrushali thought it was a good idea.. Nobody seemed to object..

Karna-" Alright than! You all can go!"
Vrishasen-" Really?"
Karna-" Yes!"
Banasen-" Oh oh can I start packing?!"
Vrushali-" Putra, do you want to go tomorrow itself? Like why don't you wait and plan this?"

Vrishasen-" Mata I have decided everything!"
Vrushali-" Than it's fine!"
Sushen-" Do I have to come too? Can't I stay back?"

Everyone seemed suprised.. Vrushali's eyes saddened.. She didn't understand what was going on with Sushen.. Karna noticed her, and tried to cheer her with a smile.. Shatrunjay had decided, if Sushen didn't join, than he wouldn't go.

Vrishasen-" I said everyone will come, it includes you too.. And anuj, trust me, it will be amazing! And Shatrunjay, Sushen is definitely joining us, so don't think your out!"
Shatrunjay-" Dang! Alright!"
Vrishasen-" Chitrasen and Dvipat do you both have some good excuse to not come? Or should I take it as a yes?"

Both of them looked at each other and nodded.. Vrishasen ordered them to take 2 pairs of clothes.. Sushen kept complaining that he didn't want to join, but Vrishasen didn't hear him.. Everyone had everything packed till nighttime...

Next day..

In Vrishasen and Snigdha's room...

Aahuk was half asleep, when Vrishasen told him that he was leaving.. Aahuk was sucking his thumb, and mumbled okay.. Vrishasen chuckled at his cute behavior..

Snigdha-" Well than, now tell me why did you plan this trip all of a sudden?"
Vrishasen-" It's because.."
Madhura-" Because Arya wants all bharats to bond.. He wants them to share their problems to find solutions.. Do you know didi anuj Sushen is having a hard time in the arena.. So is anuj Shatrunjay.."

Snigdha-" I see.. You didn't tell me any of that arya.."
Vrishasen-" Improve your observation skills.."

Vrishasen scoffed and harshly shove her.. He went to Madhura and creased her cheeks...

Vrishasen-" Do you feel alright now?"
Madhura-" Yes. I just felt dizzy that day nothing else!"
Vrishasen-" Well incase you don't feel any better,you can ask mata or Snigdha to get a vaidya.. Snigdha( turns towards her) Take care of Aahuk and Madhura."

Snigdha nodded, she picked up Aahuk who was now awake and they went downstairs...

Near the gates..

Karna-" Putra, you took long!"
Vrishasen-" Sorry Pitashree!"
Banasen-" Oh really! Seriously, first you organize a trip, everyone has to tag in and than you're late!"
Chitrasen-" Woah, Banasen! Calm down he is older than you!"
Vrishasen-" Shush! Everyone just shut your mouth! Aren't we getting late now?"

Banasen gave Vrishasen a apologetic look, Vrish simply nodded his head and before leaving he went to Aahuk.. Chitra went to Vatsala while Pradyu was in Raakhi's arms.. Raakhi didn't mind it since it wasn't like Shatrunjay would talk to her.. Their relationship was getting worse day by day.. He often lost his temper, it made Raakhi scared to talk to him...

Chitrasen looked around everyone seemed busy, he quickly placed his hand on Vatsala's baby bump... It was slightly noticeable since her third month was going to start soon..

Chitrasen( whispers)-" Hey little one, baba will be back in few days! (To Vatsala) Vatsu, I will be little bit busy the following month! Once we are back, Pitashree, bhrata Vrishasen and I have to go to Hastinapur.. I am not sure how long we might have to stay there, but I will be back soon.. Will you be able to take care of yourself?"

Vrushali-" Don't worry Putra! I am here for her! Just enjoy the trip!"
Chitrasen-" Thank you mata!"

Vatsala gave him a assuring smile.. The boys soon set out.. The entire point of this trip was too talk and share their thoughts... Vrishasen was slightly nervous on how Dvipat and Banasen would feel about it..

Vrishasen(thought-" I don't have a complete plan.. All I know is that we will stay in the forest.. Everyone needs a good break.. Dvipat and Banasen have entered the most crucial stages of their lives, it would be normal for them to fall in love, feel demotivated of their skills.. Before they officially enter the administration I want them to have a fresh start.. Chitra and Shatrunjay seem to be alright in their personal lives.. As for Shatu I think he is still thinking about his injury.. I have to snap him out of it.. But my main concern is Sushen... I can only solve his problem by talking.. But..Am I even doing the right thing?")

Vrishasen had a grim face..

Banasen-" Jhest! Are you just going to ride the horse like a grumpy old man! Haha or will you tell us the plan?"
Vrishasen-" It's nothing unique.. We would be staying in the forest for 5 days 4 nights.."
Dvipat-" Sounds like a good package.."

Vrishasen sighed, everyone shared a good laugh at the younger's joke.. Sushen seemed to be enjoying too..

Vrishasen-" Well we won't be going to deep in the forest! But just for safety reasons keep your weapons with you and stay alert!"
Chitrasen-" Got it.."
Shatrunjay- Jhest!"
Vrishasen-" Yes?"
Shatrunjay-" What will we eat?"

Vrishasen stopped his horse.. Thier journey had started barely few hours ago and the boys were already eating his head..

Vrishasen-" Is that the only thing you think about?"
Shatrunjay-" Food is very important for survival, if we dont eat well, and if a lion attacks us how will we fight back?"
Vrishasen-" Can't you think positive?"
Shatrunjay-" Just tell me the menu, and I will keep my mouth shut!"
Vrishasen-" Well we will cook vegetables and some drinks.."

Banasen and Dvipat's eyes lighted up as they heard the word "drinks"..

Dvipat-" WHAT?WE WILL DRINK?"
Vrishasen-" Idiot, Pitashree gave me orange and pineapple juice!"
Banasen-" Oww.. I thought we coul-"
Chitrasen-" let's end this topic here!"

Banasen dramatically sighed, Dvipat chuckled.. The journey into the forest took their entire day, they reached at their spot at dusk... The boys were sweating hard, but luckily there was a river.. Sushen and the twins had a good time swimming around, the twins would laugh when Sushen would flex his muscles..

Vrishasen quickly told Shatrunjay to get wood.. Chitrasen cleared the ground.. He made sure there were no stones or anything sharp.. They built a strong hut before the sun went down... There were fireflies, and the river looked really pretty... Banasen refused to get out.. Dvipat and Sushen somehow pulled him... Vrishasen and Chitrasen lightened the area...

Vrish chopped the vegetable...They didn't eat much during travelling, Shatrunjay was a real foodie and couldn't help but stare.. Chitrasen called everyone for dinner....

Banasen-" Jhest this is beyond my expectations! Just amazing!"
Sushen-" I wonder how you learnt to make this!"
Vrishasen-" I didn't do anything.. Chitra did the cooking.. All I did was chopping the vegetables.."
Dvipat-" But when did you get the time to learn this?"

Chitrasen-" Well, unlike jhest and you both( Dvipat and Banasen).. I never really got the privileges I expected.. I mean Dvipat when you were in Mathura did you cook your own food?"
Dvipat-" No.. Kaki Rukmini would get it for us.."

Chitrasen-" It wasn't the same case for me.. Jhest toke training under Suryadev there he was treated very well, and you both had a caring guru.. But I know you wouldn't know this.. But since my very childhood I was attracted to Hastinapur I always admired it's training grounds... When I turned 7, Pitashree told me that I could join Bhrata Vrishasen, but.. I wanted to go to Hastinapur to train under Guru Dronacharya.. His sword skills are well known.. I didn't want this once in life time opportunity to go away... But little did I know...

Flashback...

Chitrasen hid behind Vrushali as he saw his father conversing with his future guru.. He was 9 at the time...2 years of his education were watsed.. Dronacharya denied to accept Chitra as his student.. Karna had trained him enough,to be accepted by any guru...

Chitrasen-" Mata.. Will Guru Dronacharya accept me today?"

He looked up with puppy eyes, Vrushali looked at him and bent down to place a kiss on his forehead.. He stopped her bending down, she was expecting twins that time and was almost 6 months pregnant... Vrushali couldn't help but smile at her son's sincerity.. She ruffled his hair and creased his cheeks..

Vrushali-" I hope so putra..."

Bhanumati came in, she had Lakshmana in her arms, and kept an eye on Shatrunjay, Sushen and Laxman who were running in the corridors, giggling and screaming... She kept her hand on Vrushali's shoulder and gave her a positive nod.. Karna seemed to be losing, Dronacharya was probably going to decline his for the third and last time.. Just than Ashwatthama stepped in..

There expressions kept changing with every sentence.. After few minutes, Ashwatthama had a satisfied look while Dronacharya glared at him before leaving... Karna hugged Ashwatthama and they went to Bhanumati and Vrushali... Duryodhana came in...

Karna-" Chitra! Guru Dronacharya has accepted you! It's all thanks to Ashwatthama!"
Ashwatthama-" Mitra, you are giving me too much credit! Any guru would accept Chitra, for a 9 year old he has enough knowledge about weapons.. I didn't do anything, it's all thanks to his training!"

Duryodhana patted Chitrasen on his back making the boy go red with embarrassment.. He looked at Ashwatthama and hugged him, he was little and only reached his torso, Ashwatthama chuckled and picked him.

Chitrasen-" Thank you kakashree Ashwatthama.."
Ashwatthama-" My child, make sure you study hard! And yes let me tell you this won't be easy, you may feel that the other students or your guru himself if differentiating you! But don't give up! I know you will be one of the best swordsmen in entire Aryavarta!"

Chitrasen breathed deeply and exhaled. He was going to give his best.. Vrushali gave him a tearful goodbye, karna just gave him a hug and went stand near a pole.. Duryodhana noticed that...

With Karna and Duryodhana...

Duryodhana-" Mitra, what happened!"
Karna-" Duri.. I.. I cannot do this..I know they will go to Gurukul once they grow up.. It's not like I wasn't prepared.. I just became free from these previous wars and now everything is at peace.. But still I couldn't spend time with my two eldest sons.. It hurts to leave them.."

Karna looked down, Duryodhana felt bad.. He felt it was his fault.. He felt it was because of him, karna would leave everything in Anga and serve him in war.. In fact karna was barely there with Vrushali when they had Chitrasen. He would be absent in Anga for months and months yet Vrushali never complained.. After Sushen's birth, politics in Aryavarta were heated up.. It took years to settle down..

After he finally got a break, he spent all his time in training Chitrasen, to be a independent man in the upcoming future.. It was in fact his first time when he was with Vrushali, when they were expecting a child.. It was completely unexpected for both of them.. When he looked around during lunch or dinner at his older sons, he felt he had missed alot of their childhood...

Duryodhana gave him a comforting hug... Karna exhaled deeply before going to Chitrasen...

Chitra was really happy, he immediately left with his "Guru".. They went near Dronacharya's living place, it was far from Hastinapur.. Chitrasen noticed, there were many royals present.. Some were practicing archery while some were wrestling... Drona introduced him to them..

Chitra didn't have a good experience from the beginning... His guru would train him, but he was mentally tortured he was made to stand last and far away in line... He wasn't allowed to wrestle with the royals as he was a "sut putra's son"... He was the one who had to clean everyone's weapons.. Not to mention the princes felt superior, they did grab Chitrasen's colar and beat him if he didn't do their work..

Chitrasen didn't complain.. He was here to train.. Even if conditions didn't favor him, he was still going to train.. Just few months in Gurukul, Chitra was called in Anga for few days..

He was happy to be reunited with his parents and brothers.. Especially with Vrishasen.. Karna had noticed, Chitra was slightly thin, not lean.. Was he eating well? There were some reddish patches on his cheeks and back.. Was he being beaten? His thoughts were cut when he saw Duryodhana and Ashwatthama.. Just than his eyes travelled to the closed door, at had been long since Vrushali's labor pain started...

Vrishasen was asking Chitra about his gurukul... He would try to divert the topic just than they heard a scream.. their instincts made them grab their weapons and they followed their father.. They heard the dai maa screaming and shouting.. Karna was pacifying Vrushali.. The boys weren't allowed to come in for a while..

It was around evening when they met their newborn twin brothers.. Their condition, slightly scared Shatrunjay who was also little... Karna had instructed Vrishasen and Chitrasen to not disturb the twins while he and Vrushali will talk to a vaidya and be back soon...

Dvipat and Banasen slept peacefully.. Sushen was 5 and didn't use the washroom alone.. He convinced Vrish to join him.. Shatrunjay was sleeping on a bed and Vrish instructed Chitra to look after the three.. They hurried to the washroom.. After a while, the twins were whimpering..

Chitrasen looked at them, Dronacharya had come to get Ashwatthama.. He had heard about the demonic twins birth and felt it would be unfortunate if he stayed there any longer.. While passing by he saw Chitrasen had the twins in his arms and he lied on his back and rested them on his chest.. He placed infinite kisses on their foreheads.. Shatrunjay slowly approached them.. Chitra helped him and slowly his fear disappeared..

Dronacharya simply looked down and went away.. After few days, Vrish and Chitra had to go back.. Ashwatthama came to take Chitra.. When he reached the Gurukul everyone were staring at him.. Giving him dirty looks.. Chitra ignored them.. They started training as usual.. It was intense and soon everyone were hungry.. Dronacharya was extremely happy and had prepared amazing lunch..

All the princes rushed in.. Chitra picked up their weapons and kept them neatly, he was about to enter the house just then Dronacharya stopped him..

Dronacharya-" You will not be allowed to eat with them anymore.. You have touched those demonic twins and I don't want my other students to suffer because of you.. Get away..."

Saying so he closed the door leaving behind a hungry Chitrasen...

[Did anyone expect Chitrasen's childhood to be so rough? Clue: Someone is going to reveal big things in next chapter! Stay tuned!]