As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the city, the chariots made their way back to the palace courtyard. Bhishma, Vidur, and Dhritrashtra were filled with anticipation. They had spent the day exploring the Mahakaal temple, and now they were eager to meet the young princess. Surely, she must have woken up by now.

Dilip walked beside them, his mind racing with thoughts. He knew that the Kurus would be disappointed if they were unable to meet Krishneshwari. But he also knew that Aarvi would be adamant about protecting her daughter. How could he convince his wife to let the guests meet the princess? Dilip pondered the question, his brow furrowed in concentration.

The Kurus, a delegation of the most powerful figures from Hastinapur, had arrived with the sole purpose of meeting his newborn daughter, Krishneshwari. Yet, Aarvi, with the protective instincts of a lioness, had firmly decreed that no visitor, however esteemed, would be allowed to disturb her precious offspring.

As the Kurus ascended the stairs and reached the threshold of the palace, Bhishma turned to Dilip, "Rajan, kya Rajkumari ab nidra se jag gayi hogi ?Hum unse milne ke liye aatur ho rahe hai." he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Awashya." Dilip smiled nervously, his heart pounding in his chest.

Turning to Hemant, he leaned in and whispered, "Jaa ke Maharani se kaho ki Rajkumari ko Kuruo se milne de. Atithi ka apmaan na kare."

Hemant's heart sank. He knew that this was going to be a difficult task. Aarvi was fiercely protective of her daughter, and he feared her reaction. But he had no choice. He nodded and turned to leave.

As Hemant disappeared into the palace, Dilip couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. He knew that Aarvi was going to be upset, but he also knew that it was important for Krishneshwari to meet the Kurus.

Dilip turned to the Kurus, his face lighting up with a reassuring smile. "Padhariye na."

The Kurus nodded, their anticipation growing with each step.

On the other side, Hemant entered the Antahpur, the inner quarters of the palace, his heart pounding in his chest. He scanned the area, his eyes searching for his wife, Hemlata. He hoped that she could help him once again, that she could find a way to soften the queen's heart.

But Hemlata was nowhere to be seen. With a sigh of resignation, Hemant knew that he would have to face the inevitable. He would have to be the one to tell Aarvi the news. He asked a few maids about the queen's whereabouts, and they informed him that she was in the gardens. Hemant thanked them and made his way towards the gardens.

As he approached the garden, he saw a retinue of maids gathered around an ornate swing. Hemlata was among them, seated beside Aarvi. The other maids were either seated on the ground or standing around them, their eyes fixed on the queen and the princess with reverence.

In the tranquil garden, under the soft glow of the moon, Aarvi sat on a low stool, her daughter, Krishneshwari, nestled in her lap. The princess, since she was now a few months old, was being bathed in the cool moonlight.

The baby cooed and moved her arms as if trying to touch the celestial light, her eyes filled with wonder. The maids sighed in delight, their hearts melting at the sight of the adorable princess. Hemlata chuckled, her hand gently caressing Krishneshwari's hair. The queen, too, had a content smile on her face. She was lost in the moment, her love for her daughter overflowing.

Hemant approached Aarvi, his eyes lowered in respect. He knelt before her, his posture filled with deference.

"Maharani ki jai ho." He began, "Mai Haiheya-samrat ka sandesh laya hu."

Aarvi, her daughter nestled securely in her arms, stood up. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded Hemant, her tone expectant.

"Kya yeh Rajkumari ki bhet Kuruo se karane ke vishaye par hai ?" she asked, her voice firm.

Hemant nodded, his heart sinking. He knew that this was going to be a difficult conversation.

"Toh mera uttar 'na' hai." Aarvi declared, her voice unwavering, "Aur iska karan Avanti-raj jaante hai."

Hemlata watched the exchange between Aarvi and Hemant, her heart filled with a mixture of sympathy and dread.

Hemant hesitated, his heart heavy. "Kuruo ko niraash karna, atithi ka apmaan hoga. Aur atithi devta tulya hota hai, Maharani."

"Devtao ka vardaan meri goud mei hai, Aryaputra." Aarvi said, her eyes filled with a determined glint.

Little Krishneshwari clung to her bosom, her tiny fingers crawling around Aarvi's necklace. Aarvi walked away, her steps resolute, Hemlata and the other maids followed behind. Hemant watched them go, his heart heavy with disappointment. With a sigh, he stood up and made his way back to Dilip.

Hemant emerged from the Antahpur, his heart heavy with disappointment. He made his way to the hall, where Dilip and the Kurus were enjoying their dinner. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of delectable vegetables, fragrant spices, and sweet desserts. The table was laden with delicacies, a testament to the culinary skills of the Haiheya chefs.

As he entered the room, all eyes turned to him. The Kurus, their anticipation palpable, waited for his report.

Before Hemant could even approach Dilip, Bhishma spoke up. "Kya Rajkumari uth gayi hai ?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.

Hemant hesitated, his mind racing. "N-Nahi."

"Kya abhi tak nahi jaagi ?" Dhritrashtra asked, bewildered that the princess was still sleeping.

Taking a deep breath, Hemant replied, "Nahi Maharaj, Rajkumari nidra se uthi thi. Kintu tab hum sab Mahakaal ke darshan kar rahe the. Ab woh punah so gayi."

Dilip's eyes met Hemant's, a silent communication passing between them. He knew immediately that Hemant had failed to convince Aarvi.

To ease the tension, Dilip quickly said, "Lagta hai aap sabhi ko kal ki pratiksha karni padegi."

The Kurus smiled, their disappointment tempered by Dilip's lighthearted tone.

"Hume pratiksha karne mei koi kasht nahi, Avanti-shreshth." Vidur replied.

Dhritrashtra, however, was less enthusiastic. "Humare liye bahut lambi raatri hogi yeh," he grumbled, his impatience evident.

Dilip chuckled to ease the tension, "Kuru-samrat, mai vachan deta hu ki kal aap Rajkumari se awashya milenge"

As the conversation continued, the tension in the room began to dissipate. The Kurus, realizing that there was nothing they could do but wait, settled in to enjoy the evening.

Dilip leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in concentration. He knew that convincing Aarvi to let the Kurus meet Krishneshwari would be a daunting task

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A/N

Arre milne do Maharani.... Waise bhi puri zindagi Kuruo ka faelaya raita sametne mei jaane wali hai 🤣