"Pitamah ! Pitamah !"

Bhishm was engrossed in reading scrolls detailing kingdom affairs, when suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps disrupted the quietude. Arjun burst into the room clutching a wooden ball pierced by a chain of reeds. The other princes followed him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wonder, but none matched Arjun's infectious enthusiasm.

Bhishm looked up from his scrolls, a faint smile playing on his lips at the sight of the commotion. Sensing something extraordinary, he set aside his work and welcomed Arjun onto his lap. The young prince eagerly showed Bhishm the wooden ball pierced by reeds.

"Pitamah aapko pata hai aaj kya huya !" Arjun was unable to contain his excitement.

Bhishm caressed his grandson's face, "Kya huya ?"

Arjun enthusiastically narrated, "Aaj humari gend kuen mei gir gayi thi, humne bahut prayas kiye kintu hum use nikaal hi nahi paa rahe the. Fir ek Brahmandevta aaye, unhone ghaas ki dandiyo se humari gend nikal di. Dekhiye !"

Bhishm takes the ball pierced by reeds from Arjun, he inspects it closely, his eyes widening in amazement. The intricacy of the chain of reeds woven through the ball leaves him speechless. He marvels at the skill and power required to perform such a feat.

Bhishm asked, "Kya naam bataya unn Brahman ne apna ?"

"Naam toh nahi bataya. Kintu yeh kaha ki unka roop aur gun aapko bata de toh aap jaan lenge." Arjun said and told the grandsire about the appearance and qualities of the Brahman they encountered, "Dikhne mei woh atyant tejasvi the, jata-dhaari the jaise koi tapasvi.... Aayu mei woh aapke aur Kripacharya jitne honge, kintu kisi 16 varsh ke balak jaise chust the."

Bhishm felt a sense of familiarity wash over him as he listened to the description of the Brahman's appearance. In that moment, he immediately knew in his heart that the Brahman who had performed this remarkable act could be none other than Dron, the husband of Kripi.

In that moment, Bhishm got the solution for the problem he and Vidur had been discussing earlier. Dron would be the ideal preceptor for the young princes. Her would be the perfect mentor to guide these young minds, shaping them into formidable warriors and wise leaders. Bhishm believed that under Drona's guidance, the princes would not only learn the art of combat but also gain a deeper understanding of life's complexities and moral principles, hence getting a chance to mature.

"Rajkumaro, jin mahagyaani se tum sabki bhet huyi, woh koi nahi apetu Saptrishi Bharadvaj ke putra Dron hai. Hume unka samman-sahit swagat karna chahiye." Bhishm stood up and announced.

He swiftly left the room, the heavy silk of his royal robes swishing behind him. The princes, entranced by his sudden decision, scrambled to their feet and followed him closely, their curiosity piqued.

Arjun, his eyes shining with excitement, takes the lead, eager to be part of this unfolding adventure. The group moves through the corridors of the royal mansion, their footsteps echoing in the silent halls. Bhishm's expression is a mix of determination and reverence as he navigates his way towards where he suspects Dron might be.

As they approach the forest, the rustling leaves and chirping birds surrounded them. They finally spot Drona lying under a tree, his eyes closed, lost in contemplation. The sight of the revered Brahman fills them with a sense of reverence and admiration.

Bhishm gestured silently for the princes to stay back at a distance, understanding the importance of this moment everyone obeys. With measured steps, he advanced towards Dron, and joined his hands.

"Bharadvaj-putro ko Gangaputra ka pranipat." Bhishm greeted.

Dron slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile gracing his lips as he sat up straight, and greeted back, "Pranam Gangadutt. Mujhe pata tha aap awashya aayenge."

"Kaise nahi ata ?" Bhishm smiled, "Aapse mile varsho ho gaye hai. Sab kaisa chal raha hai hai Brahman-shresht ? Kripi kaisi hai ? Aapka putra kaisa hai ? Koi kasht toh nahi ?"

Dron sighed, "Kasht toh hai, Mahamahim. Apmaan ka kasht."

"Kaisa apmaan ?" Bhishm frowned.

"Rishi Agniveshya ke ashram mei mai aur Drupad sahapaathi the. Dhanurved ka gyaan lete lete hum acche mitra ban gaye the..." Dron narrated the entire story of him and Drupad.

He recounted how Drupad was always willing to do what brought Dron happiness, how the son of Prishata would come to him and do things that were pleasurable for him, how Drupad would truthfully swear that when he'd be instated by the king of Panchal in the kingdom, it will be for Dron to enjoy.

Dron recounted how after completing his education under Parshuram, he had gone to Panchal to obtain riches trusting that Drupad would stay true to his words, and how he was insulted by the very same Drupad, as if he was an unimportant person just for being poor and not a king.

The princes, sitting at a respectful distance, exchange glances filled with a mixture of concern and interest. The Pandavas, especially, appear weary as Drupad was a close friend of their late father, Pandu.

Nakul muttered, "Pitashree toh kehte the ki unme aur Drupad mei koi antar nahi. Itni ghanisht mitrata thi dono mei...."

Sahadev said, "Log samaye ke saath badal jaate hai, Nakul. Dhan aur vaibhav ka ahankaar ho gaya hoga, Maharaj Drupad ko."

"Satyavachan. Ahankar santo ke samaan manushya ko bhi neech bana deta hai." Yudhishthir said.

Bhishm's expression remains stoic yet understanding, his eyes fixed on Drona as he listens with unwavering attention. As the son of Bharadwaj finishes his recounting, a silent understanding passing between the two men. 

"O Bhishm...." Dron said in a low voice, "Apmaan ke shabdo se mai krodhagni mei jal raha hu.... Iss liye mai Kuru-rashtra aya, jaha mujhe gunwaan shishya mil sake."

A warm smile appeared on Bhishm's face, as he said, "Toh aap yaha niraash nahi jaayenge, Dron. Meri bhi yahi iccha thi ki aap Kuru-rajkumaro ko shiksha pradaan kare."

The princes exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting excitement at the prospect of learning from the great sage. Drona, a sense of purpose in his gaze, turned to the princes and a warm smile played on his lips. He could see the promise and potential in these boys before him. 

Dron then turned his gaze to Bhishm and gave a nod of approval, "Toh apne Rajkumaro ko mujhe vidhivat roop se saup de."

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A/N

Dronacharya ka character thoda aisa hai..... He is an excellent teacher who would go out of the way for his student.... But he was a bit greedy for riches~ Not much but greed is there...
Like that is the reason he goes to Parshuram and then Panchal.

Also.... Kurukshetra war mei he was BRUTAL.... How much brutal ? So much that you'd be happy at his death~

But we'll look into that later ☺️