"Nakul became the father-in-law of Ashwathama!"

The astonished voice of Arjun was fabricated to tease Nakul only.

"What kind of rubbish is that?" Nakul asked frowning.

"Of course, you are! Drisana is Buashree (aunt) of Rajkumari Chitrali. And you're her Fufashree (uncle). So, doesn't that make you Ashwathama's Fufasasur (uncle-in-law)?"

"That man is even older than bhrata Yudhisthir!"
Nakul groaned. He couldn't digest that out of all the people in entire Aryavarth, Guruputra Ashwathama was the one who won the swayambar of Rajkumari Citrali!

Drisana looked more angry than upset. She even commented that if Ashwathama got married at the right age, he would have already sired two daughters of Citrali's age!

On the other hand when Rajkumar Dhikshit got to know that it was Dussala who had leaked Citrali's birth secret to Gandhar Raj, he lost his temper once again.

Though he never raised his hand on Dussala, he resorted to different ways to break her haughtiness. Dussala was familiar with physical abuse. But the dear daughter of Kuruvansh had never once in her life done any chores. The haughty Princess of Hastinapur was pampered to the point where she forgot to give people respect and saw commoners beneath her. Physical abuse didn't scare her anymore. But after throwing a fit, when Dhikshit made her wipe the floor, or wash the clothes, or clean the cow barn, or sharing a meal with the maids, that did hurt her pride. No one interfered. Dhikshit had told everyone clearly, that he had married her respecting their choice. But after marriage how he handled his wife was no one's business.

It was both Dussala's punishment and lesson. Whenever she tried to oppose Dhikshit, he reminded her that now he was her husband and according to her logic only, a husband could do no wrong. When she never stopped Jayadrath, now also she had no right to stop him. The only time when he almost raised his hand to hit her was when she threw the anklets of Vaishnavi into the trash. But he stopped himself and left after collecting the anklets from the trash.

However, Dussala might not have the best interest of Chitrali at heart, but destiny did play it's game and the Rudra avtar of Mahadev found his Rudrani at last. Dronacharya and Kripi had happily welcomed their daughter-in-law as Ashwathama returned to northern Panchala with his bride. Despite all the odds and differences, the two were madly in love just a few weeks later.

While everyone was recovering from the shock of Drauni's marriage, Sahdev had reached Dwarka. After blessing Karna's daughter, he had set for his journey to bring Vijaya back to where she belonged. And that was beside him.

"Waaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaaaaoooooooooggggggggghhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii."

Yes! That was Vijaya after staring at Sahdev for a while. And Dwarka's air had not changed her even a bit!

"I am sorry for sending you away from your family and home, Madrika. I told you I will give you a family, and Indraprasth is your home now. But I was the same person to snatch it even before you could have it all properly.

But that changes now. Your home is awaiting for you."

"It's ---its no--not your fa--fault. I --I am too weak and---and embarrassed you!"

Vijaya said while trying hard to control her tears. Sahdev smiled warmly at her and cupped her face after wiping her tears.

"You're not weak, Madrika. You're soft hearted only. And I am ready to be embarrassed a thousand times if needed. I will rather be embarrassed with you than clinging to my false pride in your absence."

Indraprasth celebrated the return of it's youngest daughter-in-law for days. Just like the last time when Vijaya was here, this time also Drisana was heavily pregnant and nearing the delivery date.

The only one grimacing at the new couple was Rajkumar Bheem. He even said,

"And here we were talking about Ashwathama's marriage! Look at this! The kid doesn't even know up from down and this idiot kidnapped her."

Sahdev remained silent at his brother's grimaces. Bheem even tried to stop him from going to his chamber at his first night. Now, the big softie couldn't find any word to express his concerns to his Anuj, so it was his way of protecting Vijaya. Luckily Valandhara came and dragged him away.

Sahdev understood it all and smiled at the absurd thought! Though Vijaya had grown up physically, she was still a kid by heart and Sahdev intended to protect her only. As Sahdev had entered their chamber for the first time, Vijaya was very much afraid and unsure of things. She had heard things about nuptial nights and it scared her. But soon Sahdev's easy and friendly manner eased her worries. And Vijaya was once again babbling incoherently. The only physical connection they had was the time when Sahdev kissed her forehead and said,

"I promise you Madrika, I will never, ever let anyone hurt your pride or separate you from myself again. No matter what you will always remain by my side."

A/N:

If I was writing full story, we would have exceeded chapter 50 by now! 😮‍💨