The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden hue across Dronacharya's ashram, where the air was thick with the scent of blooming kadamba flowers. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, as students lounged in the shade, their laughter mingling with the soft chirping of birds. The rhythmic sounds of nature seemed to lull even the most restless into a peaceful repose.

On the threshold of a modest hut, Nakul and Sahadev sat cross-legged, their eyes bright with curiosity. Beside them, the Yadava princes, Satyaki and Satyashree, leaned in closely, engrossed in their discussions. Scrolls, filled with intricate illustrations and ancient texts on Ayurveda, were sprawled out before them, the parchment's edges fluttering in the breeze.

Nakul, his brow furrowed in concentration, pointed to a diagram depicting various surgical instruments, discussing the nuances of each tool. Sahadev chimed in, recalling Dronacharya's teachings about the techniques that promised to mend the broken. Satyaki and Satyashree, shared the enthusiasm as they delved into the complexities of surgery. Their scrolls portrayed diagrams of anatomical structures.

Satyaki, with his experience, shared insights that transcended mere theory; he recounted his firsthand encounters in the surgical arts, detailing techniques and the importance of precision and care. The discussion flowed seamlessly, blending wisdom with youthful exuberance.

Suddenly, Sahadev's curiosity broke, "Shalya-chikitsa karte samaye toh bahut peeda hoti hogi na, Satyaki ?"

"Aisa nahi hota, Rajkumar." Satyaki smiled, a glint of wisdom in his eyes, and shook his head. "Shalya-chikitsa karne ke poorv rogi ko sammohan-churn diya jata hai."

"Sammohan-churn ?" Nakul raised a brow curiously.

Satyashree chimed in, "Sammohan-churn se vyakti achet ho jata hai, murchit ho jata. Dusre shabdo mei kahu toh woh itni gehri nind mei chala jata hai ki use pata hi nahi chalta ki uske saath kya kiya jaa raha hai."

"Aur punah uthaane ke liye Sanjeevani ka prayog kiya jata hai." Satyaki added.

Sahadev's eyes widened in intrigue, "Yadi vyakti ko achet hi karna hai, toh kya madira ka prayog kiya jaa sakta hai ?"

"Ho sakta hai." Satyaki nodded.

Nakul chuckled, his laughter mingling with the rustling leaves around them. "Fir toh rogi ko bhaang bhi khila sakte hai."

Satyashree raised an eyebrow, a smirk crossing his face. "Aap vishwas nahi karenge kintu... Kuch chikitsak iska bhi prayog karte hai."

All the princes broke into laughter, that echoed like music in the evening air, blending with the rustling leaves and distant chirps of birds, as the four young minds shared knowledge and folly, along with the absurdity of the thought, the seriousness of their discussion lightening with camaraderie.

In the adjacent hut, Arjun sat outside, a solitary figure against the vibrant tableau of camaraderie. Seated on the ground, he carefully balanced an earthen plate, savoring his simple meal with an air of quiet contemplation. The sounds of laughter drifted toward him, yet he remained undistracted, his focus was fixed on the day's lessons.

While some students practiced their swordplay in the distance, their steel clashing with fervor, and others recited scriptures, seeking wisdom from the verses, Arjun remained an island in the bustling sea of his peers. He had grown accustomed to this unusual routine-his meal served well before dusk, as if to distance him from the exuberance around him.

For many days, the servants had delivered his dinner earlier than the others, a peculiar habit that puzzled him. The servants, with their knowing smiles, had answered his inquiries with a single phrase, that it was Dronacharya's orders. Intrigued yet obedient, Arjun accepted their response without further question.

Just beyond his small hut, Kauravas, led by Duryodhan and Vasusen, strolled through the verdant grounds. As they approached, their laughter faded into expressions of contempt, particularly from Vasusen. Their eyes narrowed at the sight of their peer breaking bread so early.

To Vasusen, the sight reinforced his belief that Dronacharya's favoritism, a notion that gnawed at his pride. He drew in a breath, his thoughts swirling with indignation. As Vasusen's gaze narrowed, the unspoken tension thickened the air. Arjun, sensing the shift, glanced up from his food. The moment their eyes met, an electric silence enveloped the scene, the unvoiced accusations hanging heavily between them.

"Acharya ko tumse na jaane kaisa lagaav hai.... Sabhi gupt-vidya tum sikho, humse pehle bhojan bhi tum karo..." He scoffed, casting a disdainful glance at Arjun, who seemed so out of place amidst the princely arrogance of his brothers. Duryodhan chuckled, echoing Vasusen's sentiment, but the laughter was tinged with condescension.

Arjun felt the weight of their gazes but remained undeterred. He methodically picked at the food, each bite deliberate. The glances from the Kauravas felt sharp, but he chose to ignore them, focusing instead on the flavors, the textures. His silence was a statement in itself, a quiet rebellion against their taunts.

Vasusen's frown deepened, irritation bubbling within him. He stepped forward, ready to unleash another verbal assault, but Arjun raised a hand, a gesture of grace that silenced him.

"Yeh mat sochna ki tumhare kuvachano ko mai sunta nahi hu. Tumse vivaad karke, mai apna samaye vyarth nahi karna chaahta, iss liye kabhi prati-uttar nahi deta." He stated, rising to his feet, the dignity in his posture contrasting sharply with the envy of Vasusen.

With that, he turned, holding his earthen plate firmly, his back to them as he walked away. The Kauravas and Vasusen stood rooted, their expressions filled with resentment.

"Sabse badi murkhta hai," Satyashree, from the nearby hut remarked, "Ek maun vyakti ke shaanti ko uski durbalta samajhna."

His words pierced through the atmosphere, drawing the attention of the Kauravas and Vasusen, whose glares intensified. Vasusen's frown deepened as he raised a finger, his voice dripping with condescension.

"Mujhe ek balak se shikshan lene ki awashyakta nahi hai !" he retorted, disdain evident in his tone.

"VASUSEN !" Satyaki, stepped forward immediately, his demeanor shifting to one of ferocity. "Svar aur shabd, dono sambhaal ke baat karo." he snapped, a protective edge in his voice.

Nakul and Sahadev exchanged glances. Nakul's brows furrowed, sensing the brewing conflict, while Sahadev's eyes darted between the gathered princes, gauging their reactions. Duryodhan, sensing the brewing storm, stepped forward, placing himself between Satyaki and Vasusen.

His demeanor was calm, a practiced manipulator amidst the chaos. He smiled gently at Satyaki, attempting to diffuse the situation. "Mitra Satyaki, Vasusen ka woh arth nahi tha." he soothed, his tone laced with an air of authority.

Vasusen, still fuming, grunted disdainfully before storming away, his pride wounded. Duryodhan watched him go, a subtle flicker of dissatisfaction crossing his face. Satyashree watched him go, shaking his head and raising an eyebrow.

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A/N

Satyashree sees M-E-N and decides to be bigger M-E-N-A-C-E (⁠◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕⁠✿⁠)