His calculating eyes skimmed over the gigantic blackened expanse of land. It was truly an ugly piece of uneven landscape beside the banks of River Yamuna. Burned tree stumps stood out like sore thumbs. The charred bones littered along with grey ashes made it look more like a funeral site than a potentially inhabitable land.

His feet crunched over incinerated remains of plants and animals as he walked eastwards. The wind carrying the ashes of the dead made a feeble attempt of reminding him of the slaughter by forming a grey coat of mourning over his immaculate silken clothes. A casual dismissive gesture from the divine architect chastised the wind of it's misbehavior. It apologetically brushed away the ashes from his attire and blew towards the River to immerse the ashes.

There was no use carrying the cinders of the past. A delighted smile overtook his face as his eyes moved across the barren land.

"Perfect," he murmured seeing buildings, exquisite gardens, fountains, palaces second to only his best creation Amaravati. He saw a palace that would be called Vaijayanta on Bhulok; a palace worthy of the King of Gods. Viswakarma knew the Pandav Princes and Kampilya Kumari had a taste for finer things than the Yadus. While Dwarka was the pearl of the sea, this city would be the diamond that arose from the burned coal once called Khandavprasth.

He bent down to touch the soil. Placing a hand on the earth, he prayed to Bhudevi to open her treasuries for him.

Far away the onlookers stopped their chores to witness a once in a lifetime scenario. The Divine Architect himself was building a home for them. An awed hush fell upon the people as they watched the god bent down and pray.

Vishwakarma reverently chanted a few last salutations before standing up. The earth quaked dangerously. Scared, the people clutched the nearby bamboo posts for support. Seeing the cool gait of their Maharaj and the Rajkumars, they felt reassured quickly.

The god chuckled softly in amusement. Once again, the land shook vigorously. Long cracks appeared on the ground which expanded into numerous chasms. From them, flowed out gold, iron, coal, marble, limestone, clay and precious gems. Mounds of raw materials accumulated all over the blackened land.

As his pair of eyes moved along the land, the stones formed huge bricks. They aligned themselves to form walls. In minutes, gigantic walls of various buildings and the palace arose from the ground up like young seeds sprouting into saplings and then growing into large trees. The milk white marbles lined over the stone surface. Gold and precious gems creeped up the walls attaching themselves to various figurines forming intricate patterns. The palace walls bore the history of the Kurus and their ancestors before them.

Tiny blades of grass broke through the surface of the earth and covered the empty spaces like a plush green carpet. Various trees, their boughs heavy with fruits and flowers, grew instantaneously all over the city. Vishwakarma then turned towards River Yamuna. He folded his hands and invoked the goddess requesting her to let a part of her flow into the ponds and lakes.

The left bank of the river parted slightly to give rise to a small tributary. The waters of Yamuna sloshed into the depressions of the land filling them to that brim. Crystal clear lakes, ponds were created having fishes and various aquatic creatures in them brought in by the waters of Yamuna.

The grass parted to make wide even roads with huge shady trees on either sides which connected every house, store and the palace. In the backyard of the palace, the bricks and wood assembled themselves to form large spacious stables and sheds for the animals. In the northeast corner, huge blocks of granite aligned over each other to form temples for the palace people. The bare walls of temples molded themselves to speak of the various tales of gods and goddesses. Adjacent to it, taking up the entire southern part, series of different flower bearing plants sprung up. Roses, parijat, marigold, tube roses, jasmine and many more bloomed wafting the air with their fragrance. In the palace lake, bloomed water lilies, lotuses - white, pink and blue.

Amidst the garden, marble statues of celestial nymphs sprayed out water forming lovely fountains. Smaller water sprinklers were made among the grooves of mango, tamarind, banyan, litchi trees to provide water to birds and animals.

The gold, silver and the precious gems glittered as the descendant sun bathed the marble walls of the palace in the last rays of the day. Finally a gigantic wall arose surrounding the entire city protectively obstructing the view of the spectators with huge heavy iron doors as its two entrances.

Vishwakarma appeared before Yudhisthir. "My work here is done. Now, Son of Yama," he tilted his head slightly "name my creation."

Yudhisthir joined his hands and bowed his head. "We shall always remain grateful for blessing us with our home. We implore you accept our hospitality for as long as you wish to stay here. As for naming this city," he looked at Draupadi, Krishna, his brothers and Abhijishya once before glancing back at the divine architect. "I think we should all discuss and agree on an auspicious name worthy of your magnificent creation."

"My creation is of no true worth yet. This is a majestic city but it is empty. A kingdom's heart is neither it's palaces of grandeur nor its capital, Yudhisthir. It is the people. Bring prosperity to your people, Panduputras. Then only my creation's real worth will be felt by the world," Vishwakarma folded his hands as a farewell gesture. "I leave the naming of my creation to you, Son of Yama. I must return to my duties in Amaravati. Rule wisely." He dipped his head towards Krishna before departing for Swarglok.

The anticipation was high amongst the people as they spoke in excited murmurs speculating plausible names of a city that seemed like Amaravati of Bhulok. Yudhisthir turned towards his family. "What do you all think should be the name of this city?"

"How about Dyavaprithvi? Heaven on earth?" Bheem wandered out loud.

Arjun shook his head. "That is too obvious and common. Maybe we should choose such a name that pays homage to Dev Vishwakarma as he built this city for us."

"Sahadev is good at giving names," Nakul said while glancing at Sahadev who was standing a good distance away from him which was quite uncharacteristic for the twins as they tended to always be close to each other. Abhijishya was even more perplexed when Sahadev gave no sign of acknowledgement and an uncomfortable silence set it.

In an attempt to salvage the situation before the eyes of their subjects, Draupadi said,"I agree with Arya Arjun though I feel we should name our capital after Devraj Indra as it is due to his will Dev Vishwakarma built us our home."

"Jiji is right. The Khandava tract was under the protection of Devraj. It would be unbecoming of us to attribute our city to anyone else. I believe if we name this city after him then this land will continue to remain in his good graces," Abhijishya spoke up while trying to figure out what was wrong between Nakul and Sahadev.

Upon getting the nods of approval from everyone else, Yudhisthir announced," Then it is decided then. Our city will be called Indraprastha; City of the god Indra."

The people broke out in cheers praising the gods and the Pandavs. They returned to their huts talking animatedly to each other about their new beginning under the rule of the Pandavs.

"Deva listen-" Nakul tried to talk to Sahadev but was interrupted.

"May I be excused for the night Jyesth? Tomorrow we have to do a lot of work so I want to go to bed early," Sahadev said while ignoring him again.

"But Sahadev it is just evening. You will miss out on dinner," Bheem said with concern. He too had sensed the tension between his brothers.

"Not hungry, Bhratashree. Can I please leave?" Sahadev asked once more; this time looking frustrated.

As soon as Yudhisthir nodded, Sahadev wished everyone a good night and walked off.

"What was that about?" Bheem said before turning to Nakul. "Are you both fighting over something?"

"Don't worry Bhratashree. I'll talk to him soon," Nakul promised but the tremulous smile was not convincing anyone. Nonetheless they let it go for the time being. They needed to do preparations for moving in and soon the conversation shifted to the various tasks each of them would be looking over.

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The first week into the palace was chaotic to say the least especially because everyone seemed to get lost most of the times and they were extremely understaffed.

Most of the times Abhijishya would spot das, dasis and guards busy gawking at the decor instead of going on about their chores. She couldn't blame them really since she would do the same but her busy schedule forced her to stay focused. Sahadev was in charge of keeping records of the people coming in and settling. Abhijishya was given the task of crosschecking that as Jyesth had found a lot of mistakes in Sahadev's work.

Same applied to Nakul who was in charge of appointing guards and look after the arrangements for the people settling in along with Arjun. His absentmindedness left the bulk of work on Arjun who in turn would vanish with Krishna for the better half of a day and that load would land on Abhijishya as well. Thankfully Draupadi had taken up the entire responsibility of setting up chambers, making sure everyone was fed and assigning chores to dasis.

Grains, pulses and vegetables had arrived from the surrounding villages. Everyday more and more people were coming in the city to set up trade, settle down and ask for work. They had already started receiving letters from neighbouring kingdoms to negotiate on trade proposals, passage of people from their state to others and setting up treaties. Bheem ended up taking the responsibility of attending to foreign messengers and writing back to the kings who sent letters which he wasn't suited for. Sahadev was supposed to take charge but he refused as he still didn't want to talk to Nakul.

When Bheem was close to losing his mind, he took up all the parchments, letters and gave them to Abhijishya with an apologetic smile. Then proceeded to grumble about smacking his little brothers until they got their head straight. Arjun had suggested locking the twins in a room while Draupadi said they should talk it out. But she too had lost patience and supported Bheem and Arjun's suggestions.

Abhijishya didn't know what was going on in Jyesth's mind because he seemed to have taken up a challenge to call her abruptly as much as possible, ask her counsel, make her answer his potential court ministers regarding various issues when he could clearly answer them himself. So before nightfall she would be bone tired. The tasks were not physically demanding so she couldn't complain either. She too was irritated with her husband and Sahadev. Last night when Nakul had tried to initiate intimacy she had threatened to move to another chamber if he didn't behave. Even though his pleading face made her feel a little guilty, she was too exhausted to care.

The only person unbothered in this mess was Krishna who was having the time of his life whisking his Parth away to explore the kingdom and go swimming in Yamuna on warm afternoons. He could atleast help her out a little.

Sighing for the umpteenth time, Abhijishya set aside her quill and rubbed her eyes hoping to abate the oncoming headache. This was the sixth record she had to correct and rewrite. Her brother-in-law and her husband's quarrel had gone on enough. Nakul wouldn't tell her what the dispute was about and Sahadev would tell her to ask Nakul. Making up her mind, she decided to pay Sahadev a visit.

"Charu," the person in question looked up from her place on the ground where she was picking out bael leaves in triads for Shiv pujan tomorrow. "Yes, Rajkumari?"

"I am going to visit Sahadev for a bit. Please arrange my writing utensils and parchments. Oh and here," Abhijishya skimmed through the letter once more before handing it to Kumudini. "Give this Bhrata Bheem. Tell him I have discussed about this with Jyesth and compiled our side of conditions we want to place if the treaty were to be finalized with Avanti."

Taking the letter, Kumudini stood up. "I'll give it to him." She was about to leave when she turned back and said hesitantly," Rajkumari, don't you think you are exerting yourself too much? I mean you are pregnant so you should be taking rest."

"Kumod, I haven't even started feeling the symptoms of pregnancy. I am fine. All this work doesn't require manual labor. Though I too want some free time to look around this palace. I haven't gotten a chance to see everything yet. That's why I am going to visit Sahadev and get an idea of the reason of this problem between him and Arya," Abhijishya explained as she got up from her writing desk.

"Rajkumari is eating and sleeping well. I have kept an eye on that," Reva spoke up pausing her work of threading flowers together.

Inwardly Abhijishya felt warm from the care of her friends but she didn't let that show. Instead she raised an eyebrow and said," Are you spying on me? Should I be concerned?"

Reva's eyes widened and she hastily shook her head in denial. "No no Rajkumari. I just am worried about you so wanted to make sure-"

Her frantic explanation was cut short by Abhijishya's laughter. "Rajkumari! You always do this to me," Reva huffed and crossed her hands over her chest before turning away.

"Not my fault you always fall for it," Abhijishya replied cheekily. "Now, I have to go. Forgive me once more. Won't you Reva?"

Reva peeked at her and sighed. "Fine. It is not like I can stay angry at you, Rajkumari. Please don't rush through the corridors and-"

"Yes, yes and pay attention to where I am walking. I know, Reva. I swear you are such a mother hen at times," Abhijishya rolled her eyes but the fondness was imminent in her smile.

"Don't change the order in which I have stacked the parchments. I'll be back soon," saying that Abhijishya walked out of her chamber.

The walk turned out to be a long one since she took a wrong turn and ended up in Arjun's wing of the palace instead of Sahadev's. Tracing her steps back, she arrived at her desired destination and asked the guard to inform Sahadev of her arrival. The guard soon came back with Sahadev's approval and she walked in.

Sahadev was stationed beside the window of his sitting room with a thick stack of bound parchments in his lap. Setting aside his book, he stood up and approached her. "Come in Bhabishree. You could have called me. Come please, have a seat." He gestured her towards the arranged pillows over the mattress he was previously sitting on.

"I could have but then I don't think you would have come since you have made a point to avoid Arya," Abhijishya sat down keeping her eyes on Sahadev who grimaced slightly on her words.

Taking the seat opposite to Abhijishya, Sahadev asked," Have you come to tell me to talk to him?"

"No. I have come with complaints actually. This is the sixth time I had correct and rewrite your documented records. Then there was the messenger from Vanga whom you missed your meeting with. Bhrata Bheem had to talk to him instead. So, I think I deserve to know what has Arya done that you are this upset with him," Abhijishya said softly.

Sahadev clenched his jaw and looked away. Abhijishya reclined back on her pillows and sighed. "I know it is him because he doesn't think before speaking when his emotions are running high. But whatever is going on with you two is affecting all of us. And no I don't refer to only administration related things. You both are restless and absentminded most of the time. So atleast consider sharing the problem with your brother if you don't feel like doing so with me."

"Bhabishree, let it be please. I need some time. I'll be fine in a few days," Sahadev muttered looking out of the window. She shook her head and leaned forward. Placing a comforting hand on his forearm, she chided gently,"But the issue won't be resolved. Talk to each other please. Or tell us so that we can do something to solve this."

Sahadev looked back into her eyes. "We have been fine after- after" he blinked his eyes rapidly.

"Sahadev?" Abhijishya asked in confusion. He looked back at her as if seeing her for the first time. "You..." he let out a shaky breath.

"Wha-" she didn't get time to finish her statement before she felt a sharp pulling sensation.

Suddenly Abhijishya found herself standing at the edge of a forest. Feeling disconcerted, she glanced around and spotted Sahadev standing a little distance away staring at something ahead of them. His rigid posture and pale face worried her even more. Abhijishya looked in the direction he was gazing at to find thick smoke bellowing from a huge fire lit.

She was startled by rapid thumps of someone approaching their way. A bare bodied boy, perhaps nine or ten, wearing only a knee-length dhoti ran past them without sparing a glance. Another rushing set of feet altered her of a similar aged boy following the one who ran past them previously.

Abhijishya walked quickly in the direction the boys ran in. She had to see what was going on. Mostly she was worried about the kids getting hurt by the fire ahead. Her movement seemed to have roused Sahadev from his stupor.

"Bhabishree wait," he called as he started running towards her.

A sky piercing wail resounded in the air followed by a childish scream of anguish.

"Mataaa."

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A.N. - Dhi has qualified for Round 2 in Writer's Calibre Awards. I have received a review from janakinandini. Thanks for that!

So here it is -

Cover and Title : 8 / 10

Blurb : 4 / 5

Characterisation : 8 / 10

Plot : 14 / 15

Style : 9 /10

Creativity : 9 / 10

Originality : 5 / 5

Grammar : 14 / 15

Development : 9 / 10

Enjoyment : 9 / 10

Total : 89 / 100

Review: An idea we all praise but not many of us really look forward of it ― breaking of social norms.The author, has done pretty praiseworthy job in doing the same and still growing better to break socitial disallowances back in the past.The creativity aspect was greatly highlighted in the story with the inclusion of the four yugas in making up the time travel part and reasoning making it complicated yet original at the end.The choice of the male protagonist gives it a good creative flow.The thoughtful and brain storming ideas to weave all the time travelling events are very very creative and original.The title is great confining almost the entire plot within it. Short and meaningful.In my opinion, the story is on its great tracks but I would like to a see more wider perspective of Abhijishya as she is the main character.

All the best
~Bhumija

I am trying to make my story more aesthetically pleasing so I added a new text divider. Did you like it?

Lemme know in the comment below what you all think of this chapter.

How was my description of Indraprastha being built?

Any guesses about the cliff hanger?

Suggest me a better chapter name if something comes to your mind. No, not "Indraprastha: A new beginning." Something different.

Please vote too.

I will update after 15th December again I guess.

(I always forget to mention something or the other when I write author notes.)

Recs - The Fourth Dimension by Fab4 aka Sayra612 jimmyprotested29 mythooolover DrKanu. It is available on DrKanu's profile.

Received this beautiful cover from ScriptSociety graphic shop made by 18dzhang. Thank you so much!!

Chapter title suggested by frostymishti 🤗

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")