SHOUT OUT to shhsomebodyislooking . She guessed correctly the identity of the secret admirer.

It's Dussashan.

Go visit her profile and check out her work 'choices we make.' It is a Mahabharata fanfiction too.

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Sleep had eluded Abhijishya last night. Even after a hearty dinner with the Pandavs, Mata Kunti, Kakashree Vidur, Mahamahim and Sulabha Kaki; she couldn't evade the melacholy that had made home in her heart as she laid alone in her bed. She saw glimpses of her Maa, Baba, sister and friends everytime she closed her eyes. It was difficult accepting the fact that they would only exist in her memories.

So she got up before sunrise feeling more tired than anything. She took extra time to bathe. A guilty pleasure she indulged in back home as she occupied the bathroom for over an hour. She felt relaxed from the elaborate bathing routine and chose the clothes she wanted to wear.

Her neck was healed completely as well as her forearm. Only if someone looked closely then a faint pink scar was visible on her hand. Still, she didn't like wearing so much jewellery. Why would anyone put on extra weight to carry around was beyond her. She made her way towards Kunti's prayer room.

The Arti managed to fully calm her down. Feeling content, she accompanied Kunti to the Pandavas sitting room.

She greeted everyone. The Pandavs touched Mata Kunti's feet and she blessed them.

"Rajkumar Sahadev, may I borrow some of your books?" Abhijishya asked.

"Of course. But why the sudden interest ?"asked Sahadev curiously.

"These past days I spent a lot of time getting to know you all and other people of this palace. But I miss reading. There is much I do not know or understand about Aryavart. So you can say that I like knowing things," Abhijishya smiled.

"Then Nakul, Abhijishya is saying she will be stuck all day with Sahadev's books, what will you do now?"Bheem whispered the last part and ruffled Nakul's hair.

"No no, not just books. I have always been fascinated with sword fighting too. I wish to learn that," Abhijishya said eagerly.

Nakul who was looking indignant a moment ago trying to fix his hair now smiled brightly and said," I could teach you how to sword fight. If you wanted to learn from me that is."

"Thank you so much, Nakul. That is very sweet of you. You are just so nice to me," Abhijishya beamed. Nakul really was the sweetest person ever.

Nakul eyes widened and turned alarmingly red. Arjun disguised his chuckles with fake coughs while Bheem and Sahadev elbowed Nakul none too discreetly. Yudhisthir looked amused and clearing holding in his laughter and Kunti was looking at Abhijishya as if seeing her for the first time.

Abhijishya remained oblivious. "What? Are you alright? You look a bit red there? Wait, here have some water." She stepped forward to bring the glass of water to his lips which Nakul took it from her hand. He turned sideways, gulped the entire thing down in one go and mumbled a thank you. He glared at his brothers as if daring them laugh at his expense.

Kunti decided to take hold of the situation and said, "Putri, I sent various types of jewellery to your room yet you are wearing a simple tikli, nose ring and a few bangles. Don't you like the designs? Your neck looks too empty."

"Mata, everything you sent are really beautiful but I am not used to wearing so much jewellery. It is really heavy," said Abhijishya with a pout.

"Alright alright. But you must wear some when we set out for Varnavat today," Kunti smiled.

"Yes, Mata Kunti," Abhijishya conceded.

"We cannot delay our departure any more, Mata or else we cannot reach Varnavat before dinnertime," said Yudhisthir.

So everyone left to their rooms to pack a few last minute things.

Abhijishya changed her clothes to something that would highlight her current royal guest status. She just hoped she didn't fall on her face with such a heavy attire. Right now, she missed jeans and t-shirts soooo much.

She was walking through the corridor when she almost slammed into someone coming round the corner.

"You should watch where you are going, Devi Abhijishya, scion of Yadavkul or else anyone would get the chance to touch such a delicate flower as yourself,"one kaurav said.

Abhijishya bristled at the slight condescending tone but didn't let irritation colour her voice.

"Since you are aware who I am, it is only fair I know the identity of my well wisher," Abhijishya said stressing on the last part.

"I am Maharaj Dhritarastra's second eldest son Dussashan. Surely you must have heard about me," he said a tad too smugly.

"Ah, another of the Kauravs. Pardon me but it is rather difficult to keep track of so many of you. You aren't that distinguishable," smiled Abhijishya.

"Putri Abhijishya," called an approaching Kunti.

"Wha-" she stopped seeing Dussashan looming over Abhijishya.

"Pranipaat, Maharani Kunti," gritted out Dussashan, irritated at being interrupted.

"Kalyan ho, putra," Kunti said glancing over to Abhijishya.

"Let's go Mata, we are getting late," said Abhijishya and sharply moved aside from Dussashan. The longer she stood, the more she felt creeped out by him. Looks like she would need to make a pepper spray and carry it on her always after she gets back.

Kunti glanced at Dussashan. She stood beside Abhijishya and made their way to the palace gates. Abhijishya noticed Dussashan was following them. Trust her luck to gain the attention of the worst sort.

The Pandavs were already there and saying their goodbyes to Maharaj, Maharani, Mahamahim Bhisma and Kakashree. Duryadhan and Shakuni were standing some distance away with another man.

He was definitely dressed like a king. His figure seemed to exude the fierce rays of the sun itself. Abhijishya noticed gold kundals on his ears and had no doubt that this was indeed Suryaputr Angraj Karn.

She and Kunti finished saying goodbyes to Maharaj, Maharani, Mahamahim and Kakashree when Shakuni approached them.

"Your departure will make Hastinapur poor, Maharani," said Shakuni with joined hands.

Kunti gave a strained smile and walked towards Angraj. Meanwhile Duryadhan bent to touch Yudhisthir's feet. Abhijishya rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Gandharraj," Abhijishya grinned with joined hands.

"It is sad that you are leaving Hastinapur after spending only a couple of days here. The court would sorely miss your wit," said Shakuni.

"But you will be here ,won't you? Your cleverness will be enough for Hastinapur's prosperity," said Abhijishya stressing on the last word and sarcasm dripping from her tone.

Shakuni's laugh was bit strained. Abhijishya counted that as a win.

"Farewell, Yadavkumari," sneered Shakuni.

'Yadavkumari? What was that about? Dussashan also called me scion of Yadavkul earlier... I'll need to ask Gopal next time I see him,' she thought.

She heard Kunti bless Karn that he may never stray from the path of dharma.

Abhijishya made her way to him and greeted," Pranipaat Angraj Karn. I have heard great praise of your archery skills and that Ang Rajya is flourishing with you as their king. We didn't have a chance to meet properly before. I am Abhijishya."

"Pranipaat, Devi Abhijishya. I have just done my duty towards my kingdom and her people. I too have heard of your keen intelligence and good judgement," said Karn with joined hands.

"I had just given a solution to one problem in the royal court Angraj. A person can never be truly judged in an instance. That's why Bhagwan tests us all throughout our lives,"smiled Abhijishya. She observed him carefully. His eyes kept constantly glancing at Kunti. His forehead was beaded with sweat and his smile strained. His posture was tensed and fidgety. 'Oh, he knows.'

"Angraj," she looked straight into his eyes. "One piece of advice. When a relation starts burdening one's soul and goes against one's morals, it is always better to discard it. Or else it turns into regret which stays with us till our last moments."

Karn's eyes widened. He opened and closed his mouth to say something but nothing escaped his lips.

Meanwhile, Nakul didn't understand why he was feeling so irritated seeing Abhijishya smiling and talking to Angraj. He stormed off to his chariot. Arjun sent a confused questioning glance. Nakul shook his head.

Arjun turned to see Abhijishya smiling at Angraj. 'Ah, his little brother was jealous. I can't wait to tease him later,' he thought amused.

Abhijishya didn't wait anymore. She got up on Nakul's chariot. She sent a small prayer to Vighnaharta Ganesh so their journey be safe.

Kunti looked thoughtfully at them. Looks like she will be getting a daughter-in-law soon. She smiled and got on another chariot with Sahadev. Yudhisthir, Bheem and Arjun mounted their respective horses and their journey started.

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Nakul was unusually quiet for the initial part of the journey. So Abhijishya decided to read the book Sahadev had given her. It was on all the kingdoms that made up Aryavart.

"I thought you would travel with Mata," Nakul said.

"Oh? Why? I agreed to travel with you, didn't I?" said Abhijishya with a raised eyebrow looking up from the book.

"It's nothing. Just..." he trailed off. "So, what were talking to Angraj about?" If his voice sounded a bit off, Abhijishya chose not to comment on that.

"Introduced myself and gave him some advice," she shrugged. "He is not evil you know. Just entangled in wrong company."

"Of his choice. That Sutputr is the reason Bhrata Duryadhan has the courage to openly challenge us everytime," he said a tad too sharply.

Abhijishya narrowed her eyes. She had known that Bheem and Arjun called Karn Sutputr. It looked like Nakul was no better.

"Nakul, no need to insult a person based on their birth. You are not only insulting Angraj but also his parents. Yes, Angraj is proficient in archery that he rivals Arjun's skills and yes, he is the reason of Duryadhan's confidence. He is a praiseworthy warrior and it is nothing but the truth. You or anyone mocking his caste cannot take his capabilities away. It is unbecoming of someone whose brother is called Dharmaraj to speak in such a manner," she said coolly and went back to reading.

The air was tense between them.

"I... I apologise. I didn't mean to insult Angraj in any way," said Nakul softly.

Abhijishya blankly looked at him and studied his face. He was being sincere. She sighed. "I am not the one that you should apologise to. Sometimes in anger we say things we do not truly mean and we regret them later. So, tell me why were you angry?"

"It's just..." Nakul didn't know what to say.

"Halt," came the voice of Bheem.

"Looks like we will be stopping here for lunch," Nakul changed the topic.

Abhijishya let it go for now.

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Rest of the journey was spent in amiable conversation and harmless jokes.

It was already sundown.

"When will we reach Varnavat, Rajkumar Arjun?"asked Abhijishya. Arjun was riding his horse just beside their chariot.

"We are already in Varnavat, Abhijishya. We just crossed the Nagar but I don't understand why we are travelling to the outskirts of the city," said Arjun.

"Maybe Purochan built the mansion there," Nakul said.

"Huh, could be. But why would he make the mansion outside of the Nagar?" asked Arjun thoughtfully.

"Purochan will say that they needed a big area to build the mansion which could not be found in the Nagar," said Abhijishya.

"Purochan will say? You mean to say there another reason?"asked Arjun.

"Maybe, maybe not. I am just saying we should remain vigilant. Kakashree said that this wasn't a favourable time for you all to be away from Hastinapur," replied Abhijishya.

Arjun nodded. "Pitamaah said the same thing."

"Halt," said Bheem loudly.

"We are here," saie Nakul. He helped Abhijishya get down. 'Finally,' she sighed in relief. Chariot riding was no way comfortable through a forest. The road had been bad. Her back was aching from the jerks and jolts of the chariot. Cars were way more convenient.

Everyone got down. They stood before Purochan, his wife and son.

"Nothing is visible before us. Where is the mansion, Purochan?" asked Bheem impatiently.

"It is right before us. We have made it in such a way that it can be visible through moonlight, Rajkumar Bheem. Not a single mashal or diya is required to light the mansion," said Purochan.

His son pushed the mirror to face the moon. There stood before them a beautiful mansion ('Lakshagriha' she thought) which looked ethereal under the moonlight.

"Extraordinary" "Beautiful," the Pandavs and Mata Kunti praised.

"Deadly," Abhijishya murmured.

A.N. - Finally the Pandavs, Kunti and Abhijishya have arrived in Varnavat.

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I'll update again tomorrow.

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")