Hemant walked through the inner quarters of the palace, his mind racing with thoughts of how to approach Queen Aarvi. He fidgeted nervously, his fingers tapping a rhythm on his thigh. He knew that delivering this news would be like walking on a tightrope, one wrong word could set the queen off.

He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. He had to do this. It was his duty to obey the king's order. But how ? That was the question. As he pondered his next move, he saw his wife, Hemlata, passing through a corridor. She was carrying a hot copper pot, likely filled with a steaming beverage.

Hemant rushed towards her, his eyes filled with hope. Perhaps she could convey the message to Aarvi without causing too much disruption.

"Hemlata ! Bharya !" he called out, his voice filled with urgency. "Mujhe tumhari sahayata chahiye."

Hemlata turned to him, her face a mask of annoyance and urgency. "Abhi mai vyast hu," she snapped, her voice barely a whisper. "Rajkumari hetu dugdh leke jana hai."

Hemant persisted, "Maharani ko suchna deni hai ki Rajkumari se milne Kuru aaye hai."

Hemlata looked at him blankly, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and irritation. "Arya, Maharani abhi kisi ko bhi Rajkumari se milne nahi dene wali hai." She turned and continued on her way, her footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Hemant followed her, his voice rising in desperation, "Kintu yeh Shantanu-vansh ke Kuru hai ! Hastinapur se itni dur aaye hai, keval Rajkumari ke darshan hetu. Maharaj Dhritrashtra, Mahamahim Bhishm aur Mahamantri Vidur swayam padhaare hai."

Hemlata's stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with surprise. These were not just any guests. They were the most powerful men in the Aryavart, godly in their ways. The very thought of them standing in the palace sent a shiver down her spine.

"Inhe toh niraash nahi kar sakte." She murmured, her voice barely audible.

Hemant nodded, "Wahi toh, shigreh Maharani ko suchit karo. Mai yahi hu." He urged.

Hemlata turned and hurried towards the queen's chambers, her footsteps quickening with each step. She hurried through the corridors, the copper vessel clutched tightly in her hand. Her heart pounded in her chest as she approached the queen's chambers.

She burst into the room, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Aarvi, who was cradling Krishneshwari in her arms, looked up in surprise. Her face was flushed with exertion, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of love and exhaustion.

"Hemlata, kaha thi tum ?" she demanded, her voice laced with annoyance, "Itni der kyu kardi ? Rajkumari ko nidra bhi aane lagi hai."

Hemlata apologized, her voice filled with contrition, "Kshama Maharani."

She set the copper vessel on the table and glanced at Aarvi, her eyes filled with hesitation. She knew that this was not the right time to break the news.

Aarvi walked over to the chair, her daughter still nestled in her arms. With one hand, she picked up the golden paladai, the intricate designs shimmering in the soft light. Before dipping the paladai into the milk, she dipped a finger into the vessel, testing the temperature. She wanted to make sure the milk was warm enough for her daughter, but not too hot.

Satisfied with the temperature, Aarvi dipped the paladai into the milk, taking a generous spoonful. She brought the paladai to Krishneshwari's lips, her eyes filled with love and tenderness.

The baby, already drowsy, opened her mouth and took the paladai into her mouth, sucking on it with a sleepy contentment.

As Krishneshwari finished feeding, Aarvi gently burped her, her hand moving in a rhythmic motion. The baby let out a contented sigh, her tiny body relaxing. Aarvi cradled her daughter close to her chest and began to rock her gently. The rhythmic motion soothed the baby, and she soon drifted off to sleep.

Aarvi watched her daughter with a tender smile, her heart filled with a sense of peace and contentment. She stood up slowly and walked towards the side of the bed.

Aarvi gently lifted Krishneshwari from her arms and placed her in the cradle. The baby stirred slightly but did not wake up. Aarvi rocked the cradle gently, her movements soothing and rhythmic. As the baby settled into a deep sleep, Aarvi turned away, a contented smile playing on her lips. She had fulfilled her duty as a mother, and now she could finally rest.

Hemlata, who had been waiting for the right moment, decided to break the news to Aarvi.

Taking a deep breath, Hemlata approached Aarvi. "Maharani," she began, her voice filled with hesitation. "Hastinapur se atithi aaye hai, Rajkumari ke darshan hetu."

"Nahi honge darshan." Aarvi said, "Maine kaha tha na, ki Rajkumari ko ab vishram ki awashyakta hai."

Hemlata took a deep breath, "Kintu Maharani, Kuru-shreshth padhaare hai."

Aarvi's face hardened, "Kuru ho ya Panchal, ab darshan nahi honge. Bechari meri putri, janm se abhi tak thik se vishram bhi nahi kar paayi hai."

Hemlata knew that she had to persuade the queen. "Aryaa, Shantanu-vansh ke Kuru aaye hai, Bahlik vansh ke nahi...." she continued. "Maharaj Dhritrashtra, Mahamahim Bhishm aur Mahamantri Vidur swayam aaye hai Ujjain."

"Hemlata !" Aarvi’s eyes blazed with determination, "Mujhe nahi padi ki kaun aya hai. Rajkumari se koi nahi milega. Yeh mera aadesh hai."

Hemlata's heart sank, but she dared not challenge the queen further. She had seen the toll of previous visits—the exhaustion etched on the princess’s face. It was evident that Aarvi wasn't willing to subject her daughter to the endless parade of guests any longer. With a respectful bow, Hemlata stepped back, and left the room.

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A/N

Aarvi is so cute 😂🤣
Lekin bechare Kurus ka kya hoga ? 🌝🤣