Abhijishya was nervous. Or best way to describe it was silently freaking out. After spending some time with Dussala, she was informed that the Maharaj wanted her to be present in the royal court for the late afternoon session. She had asked the four younger Pandavs but they didn't know anything about it. She suspected Yuvraj Yudhisthir was avoiding her for some reason.

Mata Kunti was equally confused as to why she was being called. The Royal women could watch a session take place from a high up balcony. But never called before the court without reason.

"Rajatithi Devi Abhijishya is entering the royal court," the announcer said loudly.

She entered the royal court. Her eyes sought out Mata Kunti, Maharani Gandhari and Dussala looking from the balcony.

"Pranipaat, Maharaj," she said with joined hands. She turned to Pitamaah and said," Pranipaat Mahamahim."

"Pranipaat to everyone present in the reverend royal court of Hastinapur."she finished.

"Devi Abhijishya, you have been brought to the court as we are in a fix regarding a very sensitive problem," said Maharaj Dhritarastra.

"I feel honoured that you think I am capable of solving this problem, Maharaj," said Abhijishya with courtesy. Thank god she had read enough novels and books to know how to behave before a royal court. She had a niggling feeling that this was some sort test for her.

"Guards, brings those women," Bhisma ordered.

Yudhisthir looked calm as usual but Abhijishya could see the underlying worry in his eyes. So it was a test then.

Two couples walked in along with two guards. One guard was holding an infant

Gandharraj stroked his beard and stared at Abhijishya in a contemplative manner. He was curious because if she managed to solve this problem, the Pandavs would have a clever brain on their side.

"Both the women claim that the infant is their child. There have been witnesses from both sides who said that these women did indeed give birth at the same time. Their husbands also support the claim of their respective wives," said Yudhisthir.

"What about the nursemaids that helped them give birth?" asked Abhijishya thoughtfully.

Both the women were crying while their husbands comforted them.

"The witnesses are the nursemaids," Bhisma said.

"Ah, well the solution is very simple then," said Abhijishya calmy.

"What do you propose, devi?" asked Mahamantri Vidur.

"Divide the infant and give half to each mother," said Abhijishya casually as if talking about the weather.

The entire assembly was shocked.

"What are you talking about you crazy woman?"bellowed Duryadhan.

The assembly broke out in whispers. Maharaj, Mahamantri, Mahamahim along with Maharani, Mata Kunti and Dussala looked horrified.

The women started crying harder.

They fell on their feet and pleaded," Please don't do this. Please give my son back to me."

"He is my son. I swear. I fed him my own milk," one woman sobbed.

"Why are you lying? He is my son," the other woman screamed.

"We had come here for justice and getting our child back, Maharaj. What kind of justice is this," wailed one husband.

"She is a demoness. Otherwise she couldn't have said such a thing," yelled another husband.

"See Yudhisthir what this woman is saying? And you were agreeing with this woman to establish a council of woman in the royal court," bellowed Duryadhan.

"Calm down everyone," said Maharaj. The court immediately quietened.

"So I was right in my assumption that this was a test. But I still stand my decision. Let the infant be divided into two halves and given a half to each woman," said Abhijishya looking into Yudhisthir's eyes calmly.

Meanwhile Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev were disturbed. The calm demeanour with which Abhijishya was saying such a heinous solution didn't match the girl they knew these past days.

Nakul looked at Abhijishya carefully. She looked too calm and too sure about something. He stood up and said,"I agree with Devi Abhijishya. Her solution is just."

"Nakul, what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?" hissed Sahadev.

"I trust her. She must have realised something that we are not able to see about this case,"said Nakul confidently. Abhijishya was pleased that atleast someone had faith in her decision so she sent a grateful smile his way.

Arjun caught Abhijishya's eyes. She closed her eyes and opened them as if to reassure him. He too voiced his agreement to Abhijishya's solution. Soon, Bheem and Sahadev followed.

'Looks like the Pandavs want Yudhisthir removed from his Yuvraj position or they have lost their mind too,' Duryadhan thought and chuckled inwardly.

Gandharraj was oddly silent.

Hearing his brothers, Yudhisthir was sure Abhijishya had a reason behind her answer. He said,"Maharaj, I think we must give Devi Abhijishya a chance to explain herself."

"There is no need for explaination, Yuvraj," with that Abhijishya quickly took hold of the guard's sword with her right hand while held the infant gently in her left.

One woman shrieked and fell down before Abhijishya's feet.

"Please do not be so cruel. I don't want my son. Give him to Sunetra but let him live. Please let him live," she pleaded.

The other woman easily agreed," Yes, yes give him to me."

She eagerly stepped forward to take infant but Abhijishya pointed the sword at her.

"Stay back," she said sharply.

"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Dhritarastra.

"You have your answer, Maharaj. The woman who pleaded to spare the infant's life is the actual mother," she stated.

"Get up please. What is your name?"asked Abhijishya gently.

"Thank you devi. I am Sulogna and this is my husband Vinod. Thank you so much for returning our son to us," Sulogna said joining her hands in gratitude.

"Please explain your actions, Devi Abhijishya," said Vidur.

"A mother's love for her child is eternal and absolute. She can go through any pain to ensure her child is happy and safe. Sulogna proved her love for her son. She only cared that her son be allowed to live. Hence she is the actual mother. Though I am curious why Sunetra went so far to claim the child for herself. Also I think Sunetra's nursemaid who lied should be brought to justice," said Abhijishya.

"Excellent. Such clear judgement and cool head is worth much praise," said Vidur with a pleased smile.

"Very good, putri Abhijishya. Even though the means of proving the truth was a bit unconventional, I am very pleased that you are intelligent and have proper judgement," said an equally pleased Bhisma.

"Well done. Well done. It has been proven that the infant is Sulogna devi and Vinod's son. Guard, go bring Devi Sunetra's nursemaid. Now, I would like to hear what punishment should be given to Sunetra and her husband," said Dhritarastra.

"Maharaj, I believe they should be allowed to explain themselves before any punishment is decided," said Abhijishya.

"Agreed." He nooded and then ordered,"Explain yourselves."

Sunetra was shaking in fear while her husband looked confused and hurt. He said," Maharaj, I do not understand. I really believed Vinod's infant to my own. I do not know anything about this Maharaj."

"I also don't know anything," Sunetra quickly added. Her hands shaky and her eyes averted.

"Sunetra is lying. Tell the truth before Maharaj anounces a harder punishment," Abhijishya said coldly.

"I.. I. Nayantara didi said that my husband was meeting another woman behind my back. Even after many years of our marriage I was unable to have a child. So... so I decided to pretend to be pregnant. And my husband soon showered me with affection and care. It was going well but I knew I needed to do show an infant as our child. I sold my jewellery and gave money to the nursemaid so she kept quiet about my pretense. When I was in my nineth month, I heard Sulogna had gone into labour. I paid the nursemaid to steal her child and I pretended to give birth. I was scared my husband would leave me. Please have mercy, Maharaj. Please," Sunetra wept.

Her husband looked pained and furious. "I never looked at another woman, Sunetra. You could've talked to me first instead of giving into such folly."

"I am sorry, swami. I shouldn't have believed Nayantara didi," she cried.

"I guess it was my fault too. I was so busy working that I never thought I was ignoring you," her husband said.

Meanwhile the nursemaid was brought in. Abhijishya looked at her and asked,"And what was your excuse?"

The nursemaid joined her hands and pleaded," Please pardon me. I became greedy. I shouldn't have done so."

"Maharaj, Sunetra's husband is innocent here. Sunetra's punishment should be to work as a household helper to Sulogna for 3 years without pay. Seeing the child and his mother, Sunetra will realise how grave her actions are. As for the nursemaid, she should be prohibited from her occupation as she has betrayed the very ethics of it by trying to separate a mother from her child for money. She should serve as a dasi in the palace as it would be unjust to take away the only means of earning and leave her to starve," Abhijishya said.

"Truely excellent judgement. You have proved your intellect as well as compassion. I believe you have successfully passed the test," said an extremely pleased Bhisma.

"I agree with Abhijishya's assessment," Maharaj announced.

Everyone praised Abhijishya. Sunetra and the nursemaid thanked her for being merciful and wished her to have a long happy life.

"As Abhijishya devi has successfully passed her test, I announce that a council consisting of Maharani Gandhari, Kunti and Abhijishya will be formed upon the return of the Pandavs from Varnavat to remedy the problems of women in Hastinapur," Dhritarastra announced.

"Praise be to the King. Praise be to the wise Abhijishya devi," the court erupted in cheers.

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

After the court was dismissed, Bhisma, Vidur and the Pandavs went to congratulate Abhijishya.

"Putra Yudhisthir told us about your homeland and the idea of having a council of women. So, it was decided to test your sense of judgement. Your parents would have been proud of you today, putri," said Bhisma with a smile.

"I hope I can always bring pride to their names. I shall thrive to do my best while I am on the council," she said.

"I was sceptical at first but you have removed all my doubts. My wife would love to meet you," said Vidur.

"I hope I do not give you a chance to doubt me in the future. I have heard great praise about Sulabha kaki's food from Rajkumar Bheem. I shall meet her if only she makes me her famous rice pudding,"Abhijishya said mischievously.

"Call me kakashree putri. I'll go tell her that you'll be coming over for dinner," Vidur smiled.

"Huh? That is not fair. What about me? Sulabha kaki is our Kaki before hers," Bheem said indignantly.

Vidur laughed. "All right, then all of you are invited too. Bring Bhabishree too. Mahamahim, please come have dinner with us."

"Of course, putra. I will surely come," Bhisma smiled.

"Then I must inform Sulabha immediately. She has a lot to prepare," Kakashree Vidur and Mahamahim left.

"I wasn't allowed to inform you of the test, Abhijishya. I am glad you did so well," Yudhisthir smiled.

"It's alright, Rajkumar. I am just happy you all had faith in me," She assured.

Nakul was going to say something when Shakuni approached them.

"Praise be the wise Abhijishya devi," said Shakuni in a sickly sweet voice." We did not have the pleasure to be properly acquainted earlier. I am-"

"Who doesn't know the clever Gandharnaresh Shakuni, the esteemed advisor of the Maharaj and well wisher of the Kauravs. Such high praise from you warms my heart," said Abhijishya in an equally sweet voice.

"You seem very well informed. But a slight mistake. I am the well wisher of the entire Kuru family," grinned Shakuni.

"Of course, of course. How could I misunderstand the beloved Mamashree of the Kuru princes?! I am new here. I do not know much so forgive the mistake of this naive girl," Abhijishya joined her hands and grinned showing too many teeth.

"Enjoy your vacation in Varnavat. You'll have a lot of responsibilities after that," 'if you return at all' he didn't say.

"Yes, a lot to do after we all return from Varnavat. It was a such a pleasure to talk to you but I must leave. It is almost time for Lord Narayan's Sandhya Arti," Abhijishya said with a fake smile.

She left. The Pandavs quickly followed. "What was that, why was Mamashree praising you? He doesn't ever do that," asked a confused Arjun.

"He was sizing me up, Rajkumar Arjun," Abhijishya said. "Don't tell me you believed his mock sweet tone and sugared words?"

"No no, Mamashree has always schemed against us. But why go for you?" asked Arjun.

"He knows I am your ally and will be assisting you all from now. He wanted to get an idea about me," replied Jessy.

"Atleast we will be away from his schemes for some days in Varnavat," said Nakul.

'Oh Nakul, we will be in the middle of his scheme in Varnavat,' Abhijishya thought sadly.

"We shouldn't speak about him like this, he is family and our elder," Yudhisthir chastised.

"As you believe,Rajkumar. I must leave now. Mata Kunti will be waiting for me," said Abhijishya.

"I'll accompany you," said an eager Nakul. Sahadev elbowed him teasingly. Nakul glared.

"I mean you must not be well acquainted with the ways of the palace. So if you want I could accompany you," rambled Nakul.

Arjun whispered in Nakul's ear," Don't keep staring at her that you end up in some other part of the palace."

Nakul had a light pink hue on his cheekbones. "Bhrata," he hissed. Arjun chuckled and patted his back.

Abhijishya raised an amused eyebrow. But agreed. "That is very kind of you, Rajkumar." They left the rest of the Pandavs and walked towards Kunti's room.

"Nakul."he blurted out suddenly. "I mean please call me Nakul if you want. It is only fair as you asked me to call you Abhijishya."

Abhijishya was a bit confused with his behaviour. He was trying a bit too hard to befriend her.

"Nakul," she smiled. Nakul rubbed the nape of his neck and smiled.

"Thank you for having faith in me. It really means a lot," Abhijishya admitted softly.

"I knew you had a reason even though I didn't exactly know what then. I trust you," Nakul said.

"You shouldn't trust so easily, Nakul. The number of people we place our trust in, that is the number of people who are capable of betraying us. Trust should be placed in a few people only after they are examined thoroughly,"said Abhijishya.

"Still I know I am making no mistake in trusting you," Nakul said with a determined look in his eyes.

"Then I shall try my best to be worthy of it," Abhijishya promised.

They reached Kunti's chamber. Abhijishya was going to enter when Nakul caught her wrist. "Tomorrow, accompany me on my chariot on the way to Varnavat. Please," he said feeling a little nervous.

Abhijishya felt a fluttery feeling in her stomach. Huh, maybe she was hungry.

"Alright," she agreed. Nakul beamed as she turned away.

Later, Sahadev found Nakul enter the aim practice arena with a silly grin on his face. He shook his head in exasperation.

A.N. - I got a lot of positive feedback on my decision of finalising the pairing Nakul x Abhijishya.

Thank you for your love and support. I hope you all liked this chapter.

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Until the next time,

Byeee ;")