"Why do you never complain?" She looked up from the pair of feet she was attentively washing.

Confused, she asked,"About what, my Lord?" Her husband placed a hand over her head and replied,"I never spend much time with you yet you are the one who attends to my every need without my utterance. After performing all austerities, prayers and meditation, your sisters ask me to accompany them. You neither complain nor put forward any such demand."

She smiled. "My Lord, I am content as I am. Your one relieved smile when I offer my services to you fills my heart with satisfaction and bliss. I have no reason to complain when I get every moment to worship you in my heart knowing that you too love me in turn."

His eyes crinkled around the edges as his lips curved upwards. "Oh dearest, your words have erased all hesitance from my mind. Ask dear, ask me of any boon."

Her cheeks flushed at his praise. Joining her hands, she pleaded,"My Lord, I already having everything a wife could ask for. I only yearn for a child who shall be born of your seed from my womb. Bless me with an ideal son."

"Let it be so," her husband placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her into his embrace.

The scene dissolved into nothingness. Another face floated up. "Maa," his childish voice bloomed a smile on her face instantly. She bent down and picked her eldest up in her arms. His younger sibling would be born in seven more months as well.

"Maa," soft hands touched her cheeks to grab her attention. His chubby cheeks were red with his lips turned into a pout. She gently caressed his face and asked," What is it my child?"

"You say we should love our family. But I don't think brother Hira likes us," his eyes welled up as he spoke.

Her heart clenched. "Sakra, maybe he just doesn't like you not calling him by his whole name." Sakra shook his head and cried into the crook of her neck. She could only comfort her son silently. Her conscience didn't let her spill sweet lies.

~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~

This time her dream refused to fade away. The faces and words kept repeating inside her mind. Sakra. It was her child. The yearning that erupted within her was immense. Where was Sakra now? Abhijishya fisted the cloth over her lower abdomen. The child within her was not Sakra. She knew that somehow. It was unexplainable. The connection she felt when Sakra came to her mind was not present when she thought of the child within her.

"Dear?" Nakul touched her hand over her abdomen. "I had a son. And a husband," Abhijishya pulled back from his embrace. His expression had become guarded. She sighed. "Actually I had more than one son. How many exactly I don't know. I have.. have dreamt of them before. Today I saw my husband and son. It was me with them I am sure. Me, I mean, not Abhijishya me but some other me."

Nakul was utterly confused. He put aside the twist in his stomach upon hearing about Abhijishya's some other husband and focused on his wife. "You are not making any sense, dear," he said gently. Abhijishya blinked then crinkled her eyebrows. She touched her face as looked confused as if surprised to find it wet. "Mohini?" he cupped her face.

"I- I had a son before. Yes, before I was Abhijishya. And Arya, I don't understand what exactly all I am feeling. I felt gut wrenching need to find my Sakra a few minutes ago and now it's gone. I don't know how to explain all this anymore," Abhijishya leaned heavily against her beloved's chest. She felt drained.

Nakul put a protective hand around her shoulders. "You have 'the sight'. Deva-" seeing her perplexed face, he clarified," Sahadev 'sees' too. I don't the extent of his ability. He doesn't talk about it. I think you have the sight to see your past lives, Mohini."

A cold sensation ran down her spine. She knew whatever she was feeling regarding her dreams shouldn't be so intense. It was her there but not. Why was she so emotionally entangled with visions of people long gone?

"Let it be so," her husband's voice floated in her mind.

She was slowly losing her self identity as Abhijishya. Holding Nakul's arms, she desperately said," Don't let go of me. Don't let go of us. Please."

Nakul kissed her forehead. "Never, my love. We- we are going to fine. Our child is going to be born in some months. Everything will be better soon." He stroked her back reassuring not just her but himself too.

"You have my heart, Arya," Abhijishya whispered and closed her eyes. "I should have told you. Forgive me. But know this," she sat up straight and looking into his eyes. "Never think you are secondary to anyone or anything for me. It is true that I try to think ten years ahead but it is to ensure your happiness, our happiness and well being."

His eyes moistened at her sincere words. "The quiet pondering outside while the healer attended to u made me understand you point of view. There is no need to ask my forgiveness. But I do not think I deserve your love and forgiveness after what I said-"

Abhijishya shook her and put her fingers over his mouth stopping him from speaking further. "Neither love nor forgiveness are deserved. Both are given freely and that is their beauty. I have forgiven you already. Let this incident not bring any taint to our relation."

Nakul smiled and nodded. " We'll figure this out together." He got up from the bed. Making Abhijishya lie down, he lovingly touched her forehead," You take some rest. From now on you will have to take care of your health more." He bent to place a kiss on her forehead. Grinning, he said" You have given me all the happiness of the world. I can't wait to hold our baby in my arms soon."

Abhijishya gave a strained smile. "Yes." The dread of being pregnant was creeping up inside her but she didn't want Nakul to be upset. So she kept mum.

Glancing back, Nakul saw his exhausted wife turning sideways. 'Looks like I'll have to speak to Deva as soon as possible.' He sent a prayer to his Godfathers the Ashwins for Mohini's and their child's continued good health and walked out of the hut to join the rejoicing people.

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

"We should go back now, Madhav," Parth squinted at the canopy overhead to get a glimpse of the sun. He estimated it was near noon.

"Why? Does the heart of valourous Savyasachi tremble at the prospect of venturing deeper into the woods?" Krishna gasped exuberantly. Tucking the pile of firewood under his left arm, he patted his friend with his free hand in a comforting manner," Do not worry, Parth. You are accompanied by me. I'll protect you."

Arjun laughed out loud at his friend's antics but the softening of his copper eyes were unmistakable at the last statement. "As long as you are with me, Madhav, I have nothing to fear. But-" he looked at his friend ," will you be able to appease a terribly cross Krishnaa (Draupadi)? She must have burned up all the firewood by now. She will need these to finish preparing the meal."

"I am sure she has optimal amount of firewood for another half an hour. And you know quite well that I can appease anyone because I managed to appease my dear Satya on many occasions," Krishna remarked cheekily. Arjun agreed whole heartedly. Both their wives possessed a fiery temper. He had a feeling they would get along very well. He told as much to Madhav.

Krishna chuckled. "They surely will. But both of us will have to go on a very important adventure trip then." Parth chortled merrily. His laughter seemed outlandish to the quiet of the forest. Despite numerous dense trees, Arjun had yet to encounter a wild animal or bird. He hadn't seen anything apart from insects and an occasional squirrels running up the trees. He wondered if he would find grooves of fruit bearing trees and exotic flowers. It was terribly dull and monotonous looking at various shades of only brown and green.

"Who are we looking for Madhav?" Arjun asked after some time. Krishna adjusted his pile of fire wood in his arms. "Why would you assume we are looking for anyone at all Parth?" His twinkling eyes said otherwise. "We are collecting firewood for Panchali's kitchen, are we not?"

"That we are but why do I feel like we are looking for someone?" Arjun asked perplexed. Krishna gave an enigmatic smile and said lightly," Maybe someone is looking for us instead."

Arjun heard a twig snap to their north-east. He turned sharply towards the direction he heard the noise. His eyes searched for any danger. Taking careful steps, he moved forward slowly but noticed Madhav hadn't moved from his spot.

A tall tawny well-proportioned man emerged into the small clearing Arjun and Krishna stood in. His eyes were like lotus leaves and his beard was reddish brown. Despite his dark shabby attire and matted hair, he glowed like the young sun with an aura of heated gold. Arjun was quick to realise this was no ordinary man.

Krishna and Arjun conveyed their reverend greeting. Pleased, the brahmin blessed them and said," I am a voracious brahmin who eats unlimited amount of food yet can never find satisfaction. You, the descendants of the Vrishnis and Pritha (Kunti), are noble and virtuous. I pray you give me food to satisfy my hunger.

Before Krishna could say anything, Arjun replied," Brahmindev, my sister-in-law is with child so Jyesth, my Maharaj has announced a feast for all in this happy occasion. Please come have food at the feast and bless my family."

The brahmin smiled. "If you can satisfy my hunger, then my blessings shall always be with you and your family, son of Pritha."

Arjun looked at Krishna who inclined his head. "Please come with us, Brahmindev," saying that Arjun, Krishna and the brahmin departed for the settlement.

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

"Rajkumari, please hurry. Maharani wants you to be the one to serve the food to the brahmins and ascetics. Thus, they shall bless you and your child," Kumudini came inside the hut with jasmine garlands.

"I am almost done, Kumod," Abhijishya said fixing the veil to cover her modestly. Charu coaxed her head to bend as she clasped another necklace around Abhijishya's neck.

"Enough already. I cannot bear to wear anymore jewellery," Abhijishya huffed.

"The people expect to see you in much more. It pleases them as it means their Maharaj is prosperous," Reva said who was putting mahawar on Abhijishya's feet.

"Jiji wears enough for five people. I still don't know how she gracefully moves around carrying so much jewellery. I did not get enough sleep hence I cannot bear anymore of you all dressing me up. I am done," Abhijishya stood up abruptly making Reva scowl as her mahawar design did not get a perfect finish.

Sending Reva a half-hearted apologetic look, Abhijishya took the garland from Kumudini's hands. "There are two garlands Kumod."

"Rajkumar asked me to put one in your hair and another around your neck as Goddesses should be worshipped with beautiful flowers," seeing Abhijishya's raised eyebrow, Kumudini remarked," His words, not mine Rajkumari." Taking the garlands, she and Charu put them on her. Reva smiled slyly,"Rajkumar does tell the truth. Many maidens dream of him yet his eyes never see anything else when you come near him. Even when you are not present, Rajkumar turns blind to every other woman." Abhijishya flushed pleasantly.

"Oh Rajkumari, you and Rajkumar are like Devi Mahalakshmi and Dev Vishnu. I wish if I were to marry then my husband would be devoted to me like Rajkumar is to you," Charu sighed wistfully. Then blushed in embarrassment realising how loose-tongued she had been. Abhijishya smiled," I am sure you'll find someone who will adore, love and respect you."

Charu beamed and continued to entwine the flowers with Abhijishya's hair. Reva said happily," It is so good to see you happy again, Rajkumari. We are glad you and Rajkumar reconciled. Otherwise your wilted face was truly becoming unbearable for us. Now you are going to birth the Kuldeepak (heir) of the Kuru in some months. Rajkumar's love for you will increase by thousand times-"

"Reva," Kumudini interrupted her and gestured towards their pale faced Rajkumari. Confused, Reva got up. "Rajkumari?" she called softly.

Abhijishya exhaled sharply. Seeing the concerned faces of her companions, she tried to smile reassuring but failed. "It is nothing. We should really go and aid jiji now. Come with me."

That was when Parnika came rushing in through the door. "Rajkumari! Rajkumari! We are in trouble Rajkumari." She panted heavily.

Abhijishya guided her to sit on her hay bed. "First calm down then tell me clearly what happened."

Parnika nodded. Regaining her breath, she said,"An extraordinary Brahmindev has arrived with Rajkumar Arjun and Yadavkumar Krishna on their way back from the forest. Maharani served him food foremost upon Rajkumar Arjun's insistence. Brahmindev ate everything we had. Even the raw vegetables and grains yet his hunger could not be satisfied. I fear he might curse us if we aren't able to satisfy his hunger."

Abhijishya's eyes widened. Without a word, she hurried out of the hut followed by her companions.

"Make way. Make way for Rajkumari," Charu shouted as they neared a gathered crowd. It was hard to make out what was being said from the buzz of many voices talking togther.

The crowd immediately parted upon noticing her. Jyesth Yudhisthir and Sahadev stood deep in conversation with some brahmins, sages and ascetics. Bhrata Bheem was talking to Nakul with a hand wrapped around his shoulders in unusual low tones. Draupadi, on the other hand, kept looking towards the forest.

Abhijishya was about to approach Draupadi when a loud twang reverted through the air. Everyone quietened down; their ears ringing from the reverberating sound. It was followed by thundering hooves drawing the chariot wheels fast against the ground. She squinted towards the horizon. Two chariots were rapidly moving to either side of the forest.

She recognised Krishna's chariot to the east which meant it was Arjun to the west of the forest. He seemed to be holding a different bow from his usual. An eerie silence prevailed for a moment. Dread crept up inside Abhijishya. This was the calm before the storm.

As if hearing her thoughts, Savyasachi, with his agile hands, released arrow after arrow into the forest. Abhijishya watched in horror as fire bloomed like numerous Krishnachura and Radhachura blossom in summer.

Khandava Van burned.

~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~

A.N. - When I published Chapter 57, I had 5.67 votes on my story. Now I have 6.11 votes. I.. I mean wow. The best feeling is seeing people voting and commenting on my story. So thank you to all my new readers who have started reading my work and have voted for my story. Really thank you. 💗💗💗

My old readers are like some weird combination of family and friends right now. Kudos to u ppl for putting up with my updating schedule. (Rather non existent schedule becuz I update when I finish with the chapter.)

I got a lot of notis about you all adding my book to ur reading lists. Major thanks for that. 💗💗💗

And also special super thanks to ppl who posted their review on Abhijishya's character. 💗💗💗

So here you have it widluvdaisy Ruqayiah. You ppl asked me when I am gonna update recently so I thought of notifying you both separately *winks*.

Do tell me in the comments how this was.

Don't forget to colour the little star.

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")