In the heart of the lush green forest clearing of Shatashringa, the golden rays of the sun filtered through the canopy of ancient trees, casting a warm glow upon the peaceful place.

Rajarshi Shuk stood tall in the center of the clearing. With a newly crafted bow in his hand, he raised it with a steady grip, pulling back the string with effortless grace. As he drew the string taut, the familiar sound of the bow resonated through the tranquil forest, a melody that seemed to harmonize with the rustling leaves and chirping birds.

Rajarshi Shuk's keen eyes focused intently on his target, a distant tree stump marked with a small, intricate symbol. With a swift release, the arrow soared through the air, its trajectory true and unwavering. It struck the target with pinpoint accuracy, embedding itself deeply into the wood with a satisfying thud. A smile of satisfaction graced Rajarshi Shuk's face as he admired his handiwork.

As he further tested the bow's durability and flexibility, the Pandavas, eager to learn, came running through the dense foliage, their faces flushed with excitement.

"Pranaam acharya !" They bowed to him.

"Yashashvi bhava !" Shuk raised his hand and blessed the boys.

And as he gazed at them, he saw the way Arjun was looking at the bow. Anything related to archery had always fascinated the boy. Understanding the unspoken connection between Arjun and the bow, Shuk handed over the weapon to him.

Arjun looked at him curiously, "Acharya yeh ?"

"Yeh tumhare liye hi hai, putra." Shuk said.

Arjun's initial confusion turned into disbelief, and his eyes widened in astonishment.

Shuk said, "Ab tum jab chaaho, jaha chaaho, jitna chaaho, Dhanurvidya ka abhyaas kar sakte ho."

Arjun accepted the bow with a mixture of gratitude and determination shining in his eyes. The weight of the bow felt perfect in his hands, as if it was meant for him and him alone. As Arjun ran his fingers along the smooth surface of the bow, a wave of elation washed over him. It was not just a bow; it was a symbol of his destiny, his strength, and his purpose.

"Dhanywaad Acharya !" Arjun giggled and bowed down to infront of him, touching the Rajarshi's feet.

Shuk chuckled as he patted Arjun head, "Pratidin abhyaas karna vats, ek din tum sarvottam awashya banoge."

"Mai jeevanbhar abhyaas karunga, Acharya !" Arjun said excitedly.

The other Pandavas watched in awe as Arjun's happiness radiated through the clearing, filling their hearts with pride and contentment. Yudhishthir, Bheem, Nakul, and Sahadev exchanged knowing glances, their brother's bliss reflecting in their own eyes. Arjun was indeed the pride and joy of the brothers, his happiness reflecting their own.

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As the golden sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the path, Krishna and Balram walked with steady strides the kingdom of Avanti.

Clad in simple saffron robes that gently swayed in the breeze, their heads shaved with a solitary lock dangling from the crown, the brothers carried a sense of tranquility and purpose in their demeanor.  The heat beat down upon them, the scorching rays making the journey arduous. The brothers walked barefoot, feeling the hot earth beneath their soles.

With sturdy sticks in hand and bundles of belongings strapped to their backs, they trudged forward with unwavering determination. Beads of sweat trickled down their brows, but their spirits remained unbroken. The heat was relentless, making each step a test of endurance. Despite the discomfort, the brothers pressed on.

As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden glow on the horizon, the brothers finally arrived at the sacred ashram of Sandipani. The air was filled with a sense of serenity and wisdom as they approach the entrance, welcomed by the melodious chanting of Vedic hymns.

Sage Sandipani sat cross-legged in deep meditation. His eyes were closed, his face was serene, and his mind was fixed on Narayan. Around him, his students sat in respectful silence, their faces illuminated by the soft light of the oil lamps. They watched their revered teacher in awe, absorbing the powerful energy emanating from his focused meditation.

Suddenly, Sandipani's eyes flickered open, a sense of divine presence washing over him like a gentle wave. The air seemed to hum with a subtle energy as he felt a powerful surge of emotion within his heart. It was as if Narayan himself had arrived at his doorstep.

He looks towards the gate, and finally sees Krishna, with his enchanting smile, walking gracefully towards him, accompanied by his brother Balram. The air seems to shimmer with a sacred aura as the two divine figures approach the sage. Sandipani's heart swells with joy and reverence as he stands up to welcome his beloved Lord. The students around him are awe-struck, sensing the divine presence that has graced their humble abode.

Krishna's eyes twinkle with affection as he greets Sandipani with a knowing smile, "Mahatma hum Mathura se aaye hai yaha, aapse Vidya praapt karne. Mai hu Krishna aur yeh mere bade bhai Balram."

"Hum dono Swargiya Maharaj Shurasen ke pautra hai. Vrishnivanshi Vasudev ke putra." Balram said.

Overwhelmed by the way the supreme lords were acting as humans, Sandipani sighed deeply, feeling blessed by their presence.

"Toh iss baar aap Chandravansh mei prakat huye hai.... Yadavo ke aho bhagya." Sandipani said, "Aap toh swayam sampurn sansaar mei gyaan ke shrot hai, jo bhi gyaan hai sab aapka hai, aapse hai, aapke baare mei hai.... Fir bhi aap mujhe apna guru banane aagaye. Aapki leela toh aap hi jaane prabhu, kintu yadi aapko lagta hai ki mai iss yogya hu ki aapko vidya pradaan kar saku, toh mai ise ek aagya maan, aap dono ko apne shishya ke roop mei swikarta hu."

Sandipani then turned to a Brahman boy, around the same age as Krishna and Balram.

"Sudama," Sandipani told him, "Krishna aur Balram ko apne parnkuti mei le jaao. Ab tum saath rahoge."

"Jo aagya Guruvar." Sudama bowed to him, and then turned to the divine lords, "Chaliye mere saath."

Krishna's eyes lit up with recognition. He saw in Sudama the ancient devotee who had once served him with unwavering devotion in another form. A smile played on Krishna's lips as he remembered the bond they shared in a different time and place.

Sudama, unaware of the divine connection, led them with utmost respect and hospitality through the bustling ashram, filled with students engrossed in their studies.

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A/N

SUDAMA KRISHNA MITRATAAAA
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