Kunti stood on the balcony of her grand royal mansion, gazing up at the vast expanse of the night sky. The moon's gentle glow casted a soft light on her somber face, evoking memories of her late husband. Despite the opulence that surrounded her, Kunti's attire was simple and modest, befitting her status as the Emperor's widow. Her white garments with subtle accents of muted colors, were a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the royal household

Her unbound hair cascaded down her back, a stark departure from the intricate styles she once adorned to please her beloved husband. The gentle night breeze played with her long locks, whispering echoes of a past long gone.

As emotions threatened to overwhelm her, she refused to shed a tear, her resolve unwavering. She knew she had to stay strong for her sons who depended on her for guidance and support. With a deep breath, she raised her head high and mustered a fragile smile, a silent promise to Pandu and Madri in the heavens that she would protect and nurture their children, and would grow to be as magnificent as their father.

As Kunti turns from the balcony back into her room, her eyes fall upon her five sons, the Pandavas, entering with laughter and joy. Their teenage exuberance fills the room with energy and light, contrasting with the somberness of her own solitude just moments ago. She watches them with a tender smile, her gaze moving from one son to the next.

With a gentle smile playing on her lips, Kunti watches as her sons bow before her, touching her feet in a gesture of respect and love. She reaches out to caress their heads, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance in their presence.

"Yashashvi bhava." Kunti said softly, "Aaj yaha kaise ana huya ?"

Arjun tilted his head, "Kya ab apni Mata se milne ke liye bhi, hume kisi padhadhikari ko suchit karna padega ?"

"Aisa kyu bolte ho ?" Kunti asked, caressing his face.

Arjun sighed, "Rajbhavan mei itne saare niyam jo hai. Koi bhi karya karne se pehle kisi na kisi ko suchit karna padta hai..... Bahar jana hai toh daas-daasiyo ko suchit karo, kisi se milna hai toh pratihaari ko suchit karo, nagar mei jana hai toh sainiko ko suchit karo..."

Nakul agreed with a nod and said, "Isse acche hum van mei hi the.... Apne iccha se kabhi bhi, kaise bhi, kahi bhi jaa toh sakte the."

Kunti shook her head, as she led them all to the bed, "Rajbhavan koi buri jagah nahi hai, vats. Van mei swatantrata toh thi, kintu yaha suvidha hai. Yeh bhi toh dekho. Aur waise bhi tum sab Rajkumar ho, praja tumhe ek udaharan ke roop mei dekhti hai. Iss liye itne padhadhikari yeh sunishchit karte hai ki tumhare acharan mei koi truti na ho."

Bheem lays down on the lavish bed, his strong frame stretching out comfortably over the soft mattress, "Waise Rajbhavan mei sukh-suvidha toh hai. Kintu...." He hesitated.

"Kintu kya ?" Kunti asked, She sat beside him, her hand gently brushing his hair.

Bheem said, "Kintu shaanti nahi hai, Mata. Pratidin humare 100 bhai humse ladte rehte hai. Woh humare saath khelte toh hai kintu hume swikarte nahi."

Kunti's eyes betray a flicker of sadness, her heart aching for her sons' struggles. The room falls into a heavy silence. Seeing the tension, Yudhishthir speaks up, "Kintu aaj Duryodhan ne toh tumse acche se baat ki hai. Keh raha tha ki tumhare liye usne Pramankoti banayi hai Gajasaharya mei."

Sahadev raised a brow, "Unhone kaha aur aapne maan liya Jyesht ?"

"Tatparya ?" Yudhishthir frowned.

Sahadev smiled, "Aapko lagta hai ki aap sadev satya kehte hai toh anya sabhi bhi satyavaadi hi honge...."

Yudhishthir also smiled, "Mujhe lagta hai ki koi itna nirbal nahi jo satya aur dharm ke path par chal na sake."

"Tumhe kya lagta hai Sahadev ?" Bheem asked, "Duryodhan ne Pramankoti kis liye banwayi hogi ?"

Sahadev shrugged his shoulders, "Pata nahi. Kintu itna toh keh sakta hu ki aapke anand hetu uska nirmaan nahi huya hoga..... Ho sakta hai ki swayam ke liye banwayi ho, aur mitrata hetu keh raha hoga ki aapke liye hai."

"Kam se kam mitrata toh kar raha hai." Kunti said, "Toh tumhe use thukrana nahi chahiye."

The Pandavas nodded, understanding the wisdom in her words. However, they remain wary, knowing deep down that Duryodhan's intentions may not be as genuine as they appear. But little did they know how unimaginably treacherous were the plans hidden behind Duryodhan's facade of friendship.

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A/N

Sahadev spitting facts 👁️👁️🔥