A month later, the bustling streets of Hastinapur were filled with crowds of merchants and commoners alike. Yet, unlike the usual bustling activity, today the crowd gathered in anticipation, eagerly awaiting the announcement they longed to hear-the announcement of Hastinapur's crown prince.

They hoped that Dhritarashtra would make the right decsion, not be blinded by his fatherly love, and announce Yudhisthira as the crown prince. Not only suiting the role in terms of seniority, but also the manner in which he treated the kingdom had made him a beloved choice. After all, who else but the most righteous man would be fit for such a role?

Yet they would have to wait, as to subside rumors of favoritism, and to display the utmost transparency in the decision, Guru Dronacharya decided to ask for his Guru Dakshina. His desire for revenge against King Drupad of Panchal, grown from a humiliating encounter years earlier, still burned within him. The shattered promise of friendship and the echoes of that humiliation in court continued to haunt him. Moreover, he could not let Dhritarashtra take the blind decision.

Devanya's connection with the Pandavas deepened with time. There was, of course, the eldest among them, whose presence quickened her heartbeat and caused her heart to melt inside. Yet, she also forged a steadfast sibling bond with the rest of the Pandavas, who would often tease her and their Jyesht Bhrata.

Meanwhile, Balaram, who had arrived at the palace to meet his disciples, was surprised when Dhritarashtra requested him. As he walked towards Dhritarashtra's chambers, he noticed a profound silence in the air, which only heightened his curiosity about the private audience requested by the elderly king.

"Bhrata Balaram! When you are meeting Dhritarashtra, are you meeting the father of your disciple, or the King of Hastinapur?" Krishna's ever omniscient words rang as Balaram shot him a confused look.

"After all, if the king himself is requesting a private audience with you, there are definitely some ulterior motives in mind. Let me accompany you." Krishna continued.

"Why Krishna? Do you not trust your brother to make the right decision?" Balaram playfully replied.

"Bhrata Balaram, the whole world knows how bhole you are. Never underestimate Hastinapur Maharaj. For the sake of his son, he can make any decision."

Both the sons of Devaki, Krishna and Balaram, made their way to the king's chamber. As they entered, Dhritarashtra rose from his seat to greet them, though his expression betrayed a hint of skepticism at Krishna's arrival. Nevertheless, he welcomed them to sit beside him. Seated nearby was Duryodhana, whom Krishna acknowledged with a subtle wink, silently understanding the purpose of their gathering. They also acknowledged Pitamah Bhisma who sat solemnly next to the king.

"Pranipat Maharaj! To what do I owe this honor?" Balaram courteously asked.

"Between strong empires, ties and bonds must inevitably be forged. And alliances, they strengthen the very fabric of an empire. Putri Devanya has already become accustomed to the grandeur of Hastinapur's palace. Why not make it her marital home? As the king of Hastinapur, I humbly ask for Dwarka Rajkumari's hand in marriage for my son, Duryodhana." Dhritarastra put forward his request, as advised by Shakuni.

Balaram's expression turned to shock as he anticipated having to decline, but Krishna spoke first, intercepting with his customary composure.

"Maharaj, we gladly accept the Yuvraj's proposal for Devanya's hand in marriage. Devanya, as the eldest daughter of the Yadav clan, is not just an ordinary princess. Having governed a kingdom with her own valor, it is only fitting that she become the Yuvrani!"

Turning to Duryodhana, who was still lost in the dreams of Devanya, he asked, "Are you confident that you will be able to become the Yuvraj! Do you accept that whoever becomes the Yuvraj of Hastinapur will get Devanya's hand?"

Duryodhana, brimming with his characteristic overconfidence and foolishness, retorted, "As if anyone besides me could be the Yuvraj. It's not even a question. We accept."

Pitamah Bhisma allowed himself a small smile as he observed Krishna's clever tactics at play. Indeed, Krishna's reputation for cunning was well-deserved. Krishna and Balaram left.

Duryodhana left in high spirits to meet Shakuni and Karna, eager to share the news of his engagement with them. Karna, taken aback and caught off guard, managed a forced smile and congratulated Duryodhana. However, his surprise was visible as he couldn't help but ask, "Mitra, how did this come to be?"

"After Pitashree put on the proposal, Balaram was hesitant to accept, but that Krishna, he accepted it immediately. Uncle Shakuni, I don't know why you told me to be wary of him. In fact, he helped propel our plans. Duryodhana replied.

Meanwhile, Shakuni was visibly pale upon learning that Krishna had accepted, despite his strong conviction that Krishna would refuse. He was left utterly shocked by the unexpected turn of events, but realized, that Krishna must have had some ulterior motive behind it. "What exactly did he agree to, Putra Duryodhana?"

"He said that whoever would be the Yuvraj, would be the fiancé of Devanya. And is there even a doubt that it wouldn't be me? Of course not!" Duryodhana's overconfidence once again rang.

Shakuni paled. "Foolish Duryodhan, what a grave mistake you've made. You underestimate cunning Krishna. He'll manipulate any situation to favor the Pandavas. How could you agree to such a significant concession? If we lose this alliance to the Pandavas, their influence will only strengthen."

Karna on the other hand, silently felt relieved for Devanya. As much as he liked his Mitra, he knew that Devanya's future with him was not plausible. But would he have to betray his friend's chances of the crown prince? How else would the situation play in his hands.

Meanwhile, Balaram, still shocked at the request, exclaimed, "How did you agree to that Krishna? How can we disregard Devanya's wishes. And just imagine, if Duryodhana is announced the crown prince, is this the line Devanya would like to lead?"

"In this world, everything is predestined. What is meant to happen, will happen. It is only a matter of when. Bhrata Balaram, fate will take things into its own hands, but I assure you, Devanya's wishes will not be gone against." Watching Balaram get in his chariot to leave, Krishna gave a surprised glance. "You speak so much for her, yet you won't even go to meet your priye behen?"

"I cannot look her in the eye after this decision Krishna. Only when Yudhisthira is announced as the crown prince and her engagement is announced to him, will I be able to meet her. Now I feel a sense of shame, for being unable to discuss this with her before."

"Okay Bhrata Balaram. But I'll go." The horses steady footsteps signaled the departure of Balaram. Watching him go, Krishna only sadly laughed to himself and said, "the obstacles you fear in Devanya's life will be due to her marriage of Yudhisthira."

"But within the obstacles, lie the fight for Dharma, the fight for justice."

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author's note:

so its been a while. rereading some of my previous chapters made me realize that there are quite a few mistakes and i do want to rewrite them. but at the same time i do want to update further chapters. so yeah. while i cant promise fast updates, i'll aim for at least a chapter every week? and im honestly so thankful for all the support you've showered on this book. 14k reads in unbelievable for me and u guys have really given me the support to keep writing. so thank you. ily all and keep voting/commenting on this story <3