Abhijishya woke up distorted with glimpses of familiar faces fading fast from her mind. She couldn't see anything and was lying on hard ground with her head cushioned on someone. Her mouth and throat was parched.

"মা? জল দাও না। আর লাইট জ্বালাও। কিছু দেখতে পাচ্ছি না যে।"she said in a scratchy voice. (Maa, give me some water and please switch on the lights. I can't see anything)

"Putri?"Kunti caressed her forehead.

The Pandavs stopped their conversation hearing Abhijishya speak in another language.

She shot up abruptly, then sagged. Oh. She was with the Pandavs in a tunnel.

"I.. sorry. I just thought I was back home with my mother," she whispered almost wistfully.

"How long was I asleep?"she asked; a bit louder than necessary to cover her earlier words.

"Tin prahar ( 9 hours)," Kunti replied.

"But you all should've woken me up. I could help in digging," Abhijishya protested.

"You were very tired. I tried waking you up so that you could walk as we proceeded forward but you just spoke something in your language and continued sleeping," Sahadev chuckled.

"Don't worry. Nakul was generous enough to carry you with much difficulty," Arjun said still digging.

Abhijishya was glad that no one could see her blushing face. "Oh," she replied in a slightly strangled voice. "Um, that was very generous. Yes, very uh generous Nakul."

"It was nothing. You are too light," Nakul muttered the last part.

Bheem laughed outright. His laughter echoed through the tunnel. Others sniggered.

Abhijishya wanted to drink water but decided she would drink later. She also felt a bit embarrassed because she hadn't even helped in digging yet wanted to drink water.

She cleared her throat and said," So which way are we going?"

"We are digging westwards to River Yamuna. I think we can reach there in four more prahars. (12 more hours)," replied Yudhisthir who was probably resting somewhere near Kunti.

"Here, have some water. We all drank some," said Nakul passing her the pitcher pot. She waved her hand around to feel for the pot. She took it and slowly sipped water. Just enough to wet her throat.

"Thank you," she said. "Do you need my help digging? Bhrata Bheem?"

"No, you sit down. You are so thin. Once we get out, I'll make sure you eat enough," Bheem said.

"I eat enough. If I eat more then I'll become fat," Abhijishya complained.

"Yes, Bhrata Bheem. She doesn't want to become like you," Sahadev said.

Bheem turned around and said,"Abhijishya, Sahadev,are you both calling me fat?"

"No no Bhrata Bheem. You have like sooo big muscles and you can shatter huge boulders with one punch. Of course you need to eat more or else from where will you get your strength. Sahadev is calling you fat, not me. I've always admired and respected your strength," Abhijishya quickly explained.

"Sahadev! Learn something from Abhijishya. She is truly knowledgeable and wise," Bheem said. "Abhijishya, next time when we have laddoos, I'll give you Sahadev's share. Wait, I'll give you one from Sahadev's share. Rest I'll have to eat because I have to work hard," Bheem said cheerfully.

"But... but that's not fair," Sahadev said.

"Well deal with it," Nakul laughed.

"It lightens my heart that you all still laugh and smile even in such difficult times," Kunti said with a smile.

Abhijishya felt around for her hand. She touched her knee and patted it. "My friend Ankita always used to say just because life gives you a cactus doesn't mean you have to sit on it."

"What? I never heard of such strange saying," said a slightly panting Arjun.

"It means just because we face difficult situations in life doesn't mean we have to feel hopeless and immerse ourselves into the problem. We should try looking at the brighter side of the problem," Abhijishya explained.

"What is the brighter side of us digging this tunnel tirelessly?"huffed Sahadev.

"Well, for me I'd prefer digging this tunnel than hear the fake praises from Gandharraj," Abhijishya said seriously.

Everyone laughed. Even Kunti chuckled.

"Come on, I've rested enough. Give me one of the plates. I'll dig for a while," with that Abhijishya stood up. She walked to where she assumed Yudhisthir was standing.

"Jyesth, it is only fair I help you all too. Please go sit down," she said and pulled the plate away from him.

"But-" Yudhisthir protested.

"Do you mean to say I can't do this?" Abhijishya narrowed her eyes. Yudhisthir couldn't see but understood from the tone of her voice.

"No-"again he was interrupted.

"I can do this. If I get tired I'll willingly ask one of you to take my place," Abhijishya said.

"Come sit down, Jyesth. Abhijishya has made up her mind. You have been digging for a long time," Nakul said.

================================

Abhijishya would like to say digging was very easy. Well much easily said than done. She had been digging for a while now. It seemed like they were proceeding at a snail's pace. Bheem was undoubtedly doing the bulk of the work. Arjun was now resting with Nakul taking his place.

But Abhijishya pushed on. One thing she hated more than anything was being useless. She didn't want to weigh the Pandavs down. They were so deep underground that it was getting more difficult to breathe. So once again, the chatter had died down.

Abhijishya had to pause every next turn to breathe deeply and then continue.

Sahadev noticed Abhijishya having trouble from hearing her panting.

He approached her and said," It's my turn now. Go and rest."

Abhijishya didn't even protest. She handed him the plate and stumbled back to where Arjun was sitting.

Her arms felt like jelly. She sat down and sipped some water which Arjun had passed.

She stretched her legs out and slumped against the tunnel wall.

"How long was I digging?"she asked.

"Over a prahar (3 hours). I didn't think you could do that," Arjun praised.

Abhijishya scoffed. "Ha ha, seeing your faith in me melts my heart," she said dryly.

Arjun chuckled. "Well, Mata was worried you would collapse after an hour."

"Mata!" Abhijishya gasped.

"It's not like that putri. You haven't eaten anything since lunch yesterday. My sons are used to facing hardship as they were trained by Guru Dronacharya. I too am used to fasting. So I was worried for you," Kunti smiled.

"I can take care of myself, Mata," Abhijishya insisted.

It was quiet again after that. Sitting in darkness with scant air was making her feel claustrophobic.

Abhijishya had no idea how much time had passed since she finished digging. She was starving and the burns were hurting a lot.

She didn't even notice when Yudhisthir got up to take Nakul's place and Nakul sat in front of her.

"Abhijishya, take this apple," Nakul pushed an apple in her hand.

"What about you all? Won't you eat anything?" she asked.

"We're fine. You need to eat something. I have been hearing your stomach rumble for a long time," Nakul said.

Abhijishya felt irritated. "My stomach and I were having a conversation. If you all won't eat then I won't eat too."

"Really." Arjun said flatly. "Your stomach and you are having a conversation. I have never heard such ridiculous lies in my life."

"Not a lie, it is called sarcasm, Arjun. The finest art of back talk. I am very good at it," Abhijishya proclaimed.

"But it is still a lie," Arjun insisted.

"If you know that I am joking from my tone, how come is it considered a lie? It's like ridiculously lying with words but the tone explains the truth," she said.

"I don't understand," Sahadev replied as he stopped digging momentarily.

And that's how Abhijishya ended up explaining and debating 'sarcasm' with the Pandavs for the next hours; hunger long forgotten.

================================

"Okay, okay I leave the fine art of sarcasm to a professional like you. There is no winning against you," Arjun said exasperated.

"But Abhijishya won't people be offended?" Kunti asked.

"Well that would mean they are too stuck up and have no sense of humour. Gopal is plenty sarcastic," Abhijishya said.

"Really? Madhav?" asked Arjun.

"Yes, he gives you mystical advice which makes no sense until later so you probably miss the sarcasm somewhere in between pondering what he actually means and how does he know when to say exactly the right thing," she said.

Arjun looked thoughtful. "I wish I could ask him."

"No no, I mean you can ask him but don't tell I told you that," Abhijishya said waving her hands.

"Why?" asked a confused Arjun.

"Well, I guess it's no use. Either way he will know I said that. Gopal knows everything," she stated.

"Really? I thought Vasudev was wise and knowledgeable but to proclaim he knows everything; isn't that a bit too much," Nakul asked.

"Gopal really knows everything. He has his ways. He is very clever so he can find the solution to any problem if he wants to," she replied.

"Oh? This is the first time I've heard you praise someone so much. You never praise me," Nakul grumbled the last part.

Abhijishya chuckled. "I generally never praise someone in front of themselves. But if you want I could sing your praises too."

"What praises will she sing about you Nakul? Like how patiently you can admire your own face in the mirror day after day or how often you run your fingers through your hair when someone is looking at you," Bheem laughed.

Everyone chuckled at this while Nakul huffed in indignance.

================================

Time was moving tediously in the tunnel. Part of her wondered how could the Pandavs even keep an estimated track on time without seeing the sun.

Earlier, they had given in to their hunger and had a fruit each. Except Bheem. He had 4 fruits which was a measely portion of a meal compared to the relentless digging he was doing.

In the endless darkness, Nakul seemed to gravitate around Abhijishya. He didn't speak much. Just sat down beside her. Sometimes held her hand.

Abhijishya saw the first ray of hope to the end of their digging when she felt the tunnel walls get moist and clayey. She could hear a faint burble.

Pandavs started digging with more vigour. It would be alright. They would finally be out.

Abhijishya was grateful that she wasn't alone in the tunnel. The meaningless chatter was definitely comforting especially when her mind went spiralling down.

"We are here," Yudhisthir said.

"Finally," Nakul whispered. He held Abhijishya's hand tightly.

Their way was blocked by some huge rock. Bheem punched it out of the way. Sunlight and fresh air streamed in along with the gurgling of a river.

Abhijishya felt like she was breathing after a long time. They were finally out.

================================

The Pandavs and Abhijishya were covered in dirt, blood and a few wounds. Bheem's hand were the worst. The skin of his knuckles were peeled and bleeding sluggishly. Mata Kunti was also covered in dirt.

Once they made sure no one was around, they moved out of the tunnel. Bheem moved the rock back in place to cover the mouth of the tunnel. They rested near the banks of the Yamuna. It was nearing sunset.

"We cannot roam around dressed as Royal princes or else we will be easily recognised. We are still in the middle of Kuru kingdom," Yudhisthir said.

"Yes Jyesth, we should disguise ourselves as ascetics," replied Arjun.

"Where will be go from here, Bhrata?" asked Sahadev.

"We will travel west to the forests where the memories of Pitashree and Mata Madri can surround us," Yudhisthir said with a smile.

"Now we should get some clothes first," Abhijishya said.

It was decided that Abhijishya and Sahadev would get clothes for them as they had the least chances of being recognised. Everyone removed their jewellery and put it into Abhijishya's cloth bag.

Abhijishya and Sahadev walked along the bank of Yamuna for a while when they noticed an ascetic young man going towards the forest.

"Look, there is smoke rising. There must be a hut," Sahadev pointed out.

Both of them quietly followed the ascetic back to his home. They hid behind a nearby tree.

An elderly woman was cooking outside while the young man went inside a hut. He came out soon. Then he joined another elderly man who was tending to their cow and her calf.

Abhijishya motioned Sahadev to follow her. They snuck inside the hut. Sahadev looked for suitable clothes for his brothes while Abhijishya looked for Kunti and herself. They gathered the necessary clothes and left their jewellery as a sign of gratitude in return.

They snuck out stealthily. Abhijishya didn't wait anymore. She tugged Sahadev along before they could be discovered.

They walked back quickly to the place they had left the others.

Abhijishya handed the clothes to Kunti and flopped down on the ground.

"That was nerve wracking. I was half scared that we would be caught and they would curse us to turn into earthworms without hearing any explanation. I've had enough of digging and tunnels for a lifetime," she said.

"Tapaswis (ascetics) don't curse anyone unnecessarily. Who told you that?" Arjun asked.

"Oh I've heard enough of the foul temper of Rishi Durvasa. How am I supposed to know which tapaswi or Rishi I accidentally end up offending?!" she whined.

"You are overthinking," Sahadev said dryly.

"Well, in your hearts you know I am telling the truth," she said.

"Can't really deny her words if you really think about it," muttered Nakul which only Abhijishya heard and sniggered.

Kunti came back. Abhijishya took her clothes and went a place near the bank that was shaded by a tree.

The water felt heavenly on her skin. She undressed and bathed in the river. It was very awkward to bathe in the open. She scrubbed her body of dirt. Then she changed into ascetic's clothes.

It was much different from the lehenga. The long cloth was probably saree and a narrow long cloth was for covering her chest. She bound her chest. It looked like a tube top. Then she proceeded to wear the saree in Marathi style which she had learned when she dressed as Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi in 'Go as you like it' competition.

The clothes were in earthly tones. She twisted her hair in order to get rid of the excess water and left it open to dry.

She made her way to the Pandavs who had also finished dressing. They were about to bury their old clothes when Abhijishya asked them to wait. She once again cut them into long strips of cloth using Arjun's dagger.

"We have to travel a long way. So tie these around your feet," she gave them each a few of the strips.

"But we are disguised as ascetics. They travel barefoot," Yudhisthir said.

"It's sandhya (dusk) already. No one will see us in the dark," Abhijishya insisted. Everyone agreed.

Afterthat, Abhijishya filled the pitcher pot with water and covered it with fresh Taro leaf which was growing nearby.

"We can travel for sometime still. Let's set out now," Yudhisthir said.

As if on instinct, Nakul was immediately beside Abhijishya. He bumped his shoulder lightly with her. Abhijishya looked at him. Seeing those soulful eyes gazing at her, made her feel funny in her stomach. She smiled softly.

Abhijishya looked around to see the Pandavs and Kunti lightly chattering away. She knew it was going to be very difficult but she also felt at ease knowing she would be with these people whom she had started to consider family somewhere along the way.

A.N. - Another chapter done. Varnavat arc is over. I am trying to follow the proper geographical route of Aryavart during the Mahabharata era.

Originally the Pandavs came out near the river Ganges. They travelled to River Yamuna and then River Saraswati. Then they went to Hidimba Van.

As Varnavat is nearer to Yamuna than to Ganga and Hastinapur is near Ganga, it is much more logical to come out far away from Hastinapur. So in my story, I made the Pandavs come out near the banks of River Yamuna instead . Walking time from Hastinapur to Varnavat is approx 12 to 13 hours.

According to the map, if they walked straight westwards they would reach bank of River Yamuna which would still be in Kuru Kingdom boundary. I compared the distance between Hastinapur and Varnavat to distance between Varnavat to River Yamuna. The later is shorter. So I estimated walking time 10 hours. Therefore, I said it would take approx. 21 hours to reach Yamuna banks. (11 hrs digging time seems illogical. Well Bheem was digging so that's enough.)

I am trying to keep this agreeable with geography of India. I hope the map helps you understand more.

I hope you liked this chapter. Please vote and comment.

Until the next time,

Byee ;")