The sun cast a golden glow over the Dronacharya ashram. The air was filled with the earthy scent of the forest mingling with the faint aroma of sandalwood.

Inside their modest hut, Satyaki moved with practiced efficiency, unpacking their belongings. While Satyashree sat cross-legged on a woven mat, his large, inquisitive eyes observed his elder brother.

"Kuch sahayata karu kya Bhrata ?" Satyashree asked.

With a gentle smile, Satyaki replied, "Nahi Anuj. Mere rehte tum kyu kasht uthaoge ?"

But Satyashree’s expression turned earnest. "Kintu bina kasht uthaye, vidya praapt nahi hoti. Iss liye toh gyaaniyo ne vidyarthiyo ko tapasvi kaha hai."

Satyaki chuckled, stopping to ruffle Satyashree's hair. "Toh vidyapraapti mei kasht uthao. Baaki karya apne Jyesht par chhod do."

Satyashree’s frown melted into a smile as he shook his head, feeling a blend of admiration and affection for his elder brother. He knew his brother would always prioritize his comfort, even in a humble hut.

Once everything was neatly arranged, Satyaki turned to Satyashree, a playful glint in his eye. "Chalo pratham aahaar ka samaye ho raha hai."

Eagerly, they stepped out of their hut, joining a throng of other princes of their kin, their freshly bathed bodies radiating youth and vitality, and were already making their way to the bhojanalaye. As they approached, the aroma of freshly cooked delicacies wafted through the air.

The Kuru princes had already gathered at the Bhojanalaye. Duryodhan, seated at the forefront, was engaged in a conversation with his brothers, but his gaze shifted as the Yadavas arrived. His eyes narrowed, surveying each Yadava with calculated curiosity, but it was Satyaki who caught his attention first. A smile ghosted across his lips as he spotted his old friend.

"Yuyudhaan !" He bellowed, rising from his seat and striding toward him with open arms, his voice echoing through the bhojnalaye.

Satyaki’s expression shifted from surprise to confusion as he muttered, "Duryodhan ?"

But before he could retreat or respond, he found himself engulfed in Duryodhan’s enthusiastic embrace, the scent of sandalwood and oil enveloping him. Satyaki’s attempt to maintain composure faltered as he forced a smile, the corners of his lips twitching as he awkwardly patted Duryodhan's back.

Duryodhan let go after a moment, a chuckle escaping his lips as he playfully tapped Satyaki’s shoulders. "Mitra maine socha nahi tha, ki tumse punah milan hoga yaha."

Satyaki offered an awkward smile in response, nodding slightly, an acknowledgment of the unexpected affection.

"Hey ishvar kitna samaye beet gaya !" Duryodhan said, grabbing Satyaki’s arms and shaking him gently, "Aaj mujhe apne baalpan ke din punah smaran ho gaye. Jab mai aur tum Nagasaharya ke rajmahal mei khela karte the. Kripacharya se saath shiksha grahan karte the."

Satyaki’s expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his face, even as he remained nonchalant. "Woh din koi kaise bhul sakta hai ?" he replied quietly, a hint of warmth in his voice.

Duryodhan's gaze shifted from Satyaki to the youngest Yadav prince, Satyashree, standing confidently with one eyebrow raised, a knowing smile dancing on his lips, and arms folded across his chest. It was as if he was looking right through the Kaurava prince's reality concealed beneath his sweet demeanor.

Duryodhan arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Hum yoddhao ke bich, ek balak kya kar raha hai ?" he asked, a teasing tone lacing his words.

Satyaki, standing beside his younger brother, quickly interjected, "Yeh mera Anuj hai. Satyashree."

"Anuj ?" Duryodhan echoed, looking Satyashree up and down, assessing him.

Satyashree tilted his head slightly, eyes sparkling with mischief as he looked at Duryodhan. "Yeh aapke mitra hai ?"

The question, innocent in its guise, held a sharp edge, a subtle taunt that only Satyaki could sense. He bit his lip, reluctant yet compelled to affirm, and managed a nod.

Duryodhan, oblivious to the tension, laughed heartily. "Mitra nahi, ghanisht mitra kaho !"

Satyaki's gaze drifted away, as he felt the weight of Satyashree’s knowing smile grow. The younger brother's playful expression broadened, as if he reveled in the irony of the moment.

"Tum Satyaki ke bhai ho, mere bhi bhai jaise huye. Tumhe kisi bhi vastu ki awashyakta ho, toh sidha mujhe kehna." Duryodhan said and stepped forward, reaching out to ruffle Satyashree's hair.

But the young Yadava was quick, stepping back with a graceful agility. "Kshama karna Rajkumar," Satyashree replied nonchalantly, running a hand through his damp locks, "Maine abhi apne kesh dhoye hai."

Duryodhan's smile faltered slightly, his frown deepening, his brow knit in confusion as he took in Satyashree’s poised demeanor. He scanned the young prince from head to toe, noting the confidence in his posture. The boy's demeanor was strikingly confident for his age, and Duryodhan sensed a subtle challenge in the air, like a quiet storm ready to break.

This was no ordinary child; Satyashree possessed an undeniable presence that intrigued and unsettled Duryodhan.

As the tension between them lingered, Yudhishthir’s calm voice cut through the air. "Ah, toh Yadavo se mitrata ho rahi hai ?" He stepped forward, his presence easing the moment. Duryodhan turned, rolling his eyes at Yudhishthir's remark, irritation flickering across his face.

The golden glow of the morning sun illuminated their strong figures of the Pandavas, each prince exuding an aura of authority and grace. The Yadavas halted, momentarily entranced by the sight before them. Their admiration was palpable, but Satyaki's gaze was drawn to one figure above all—the third Pandava.

He stood confidently, his dark complexion accentuated by the soft sunlight, making him glow like silver. His untamed curls framed a face that was both handsome and fierce, and his striking red eyes held a depth that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of the universe. The bowmarks on his shoulders were enough to tell that he was Arjun.

Satyaki’s face lit up with admiration, and he felt a surge of excitement at the thought of meeting the legendary warrior, whose tales he had been listening to everyday for the last few months.

Meanwhile as Satyashree’s gaze swept across them, a genuine knowing smile blossomed on his lips, as if he could sense their potential and struggles—their destined paths intertwining in ways yet unseen.

Yudhishthir stepped forward, his demeanor calm and regal. His warm gaze swept over the Yadavas, and he joined his hand in greetings. "Pranipat, aap sabhi ka iss ashram mei swagat hai." he said, his voice imbued with kindness.

The radiant light around him seemed to intensify, drawing the attention of everyone present. The Yadava princes felt a rush of admiration; it was as if they were in the presence of a divine being.

With pleasantries exchanged, the Pandavas took their seats, exuding authority and camaraderie. Attendants soon filled the space, bringing an array of sumptuous dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas. Each prince settled in, the anticipation of the meal mingling with the electric energy of newfound connections.

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A/N

You know Dury ka character aisa hai... He'll appear to be the sweetest person alive with his words. And it's to lure you into supporting him, or to convince you to do some evil shit for him.

Although I had told you before, but in case you forgot, Duryodhan and Satyaki were childhood friends. But reading Mahabharat it felt very one sided with Duryodhan being affectionate and Satyaki couldn't care less 😂