"I heard Angrani has gotten some mystical chilies for liars?" Karna asked coming inside his sleeping chamber.

"Yes. I do. Do you want to taste Vrisha?" Subhadra asked playfully.

"No. I've too much spice in my life already." Karna replied coming closer to where she sat.

"That's good only, don't you think? Otherwise life would be too boring." Subhadra said smiling with mischief. Karna smiled hearing her.

"That's true. But sometimes too much spice ruins the real taste of life. Dullness holds its own satisfaction too." Karna commented sitting beside her.

Both of them were successfully sorting out the distorted Anga. Karna had given severe punishment to the minister who purchased a slave illegally and stopped the trafficking. Those associated with the traffickers were also in custody. Some of those sinners were arrested, but some managed to escape. As for the dreaded practice of Narakhet by Pundra's soldiers, a war was soon going to be commenced between the two Kingdoms.

As for Subhadra, she had finally gotten her holds over the Palace with a little difficulty. Jalpa had proven to be a great help by providing her with necessary informations and working as an ally among the servants.

As for Karna and Subhadra, they had fallen into a tricky phase. With all the troubles that followed them since their marriage, they hadn't had time to concentrate on their relationship or talk about themselves. And honestly both were hesitating not really knowing how to take a step forward. So much happened so fast, they hardly got the time to enjoy or celebrate their love. And now the awkwardness and hesitation had found space in between them.

On one hand, Karna wasn't good with expressing himself or romancing. He said what he felt back at Dwarka. And Subhadra became his point of confidence and grounded him at the most vulnerable stage of his life. He was grateful for her. She made everything seem so simple and uncomplicated. Never complained and instead invested her energy on finding solutions.
His Sthira deserved to know how special she was. He wanted to make her happy, to do something for her. But for the life of him, he couldn't figure out what exactly he should do. He was frustrated with himself.

On the other hand, Subhadra was feeling weird. She was happy that she finally got the love of her life. But the way their marriage happened was unusual. And she felt guilty for shattering the dreams, her family had of her wedding. She had hurt them all, specially her bhrata Balaram. Her eyes teared up whenever she remembered him. Balaram had never once been angry with her and always supported her at everything. And now she couldn't forget the hurt and anger of his. She missed her family very much.

As for her relationship with Karna, he had suffered such emotional turmoil recently and even now was busy with royal matters. She didn't want to bother him with her feelings too. Earlier she acted in fear of losing him. But now that the dust had settled, she didn't know how to act around him or what to say.

"I never asked before, but how are you finding Anga?" Karna asked after a while as Subhadra remained silent. Subhadra thought how to answer that. In a mess wouldn't be an appropriate answer, would it?

"The Palace garden is beautiful." She answered smiling slightly.

Karna frowned hearing her response and then it downed on him. Subhadra hadn't taken a step out of the Palace after coming here. He had been so immersed in his responsibilities that he never offered to give her a tour of the town and she never demanded either. He was also noticing the change in her behaviour. She wasn't as cheerful or talkative like before. She seemed lost in thoughts most of the time and kept fidgeting around him.

"I was thinking, why don't we go out for a tour tomorrow? There's many beautiful places and I think you'll like to see the town." Karna suggested.

"Are you sure? I don't want to take you away from important works. I know there are still unsettled matters in court." Subhadra said tentatively.

"I'm sure. And making sure my spice lover wife gets the full spice of life is also important to me." Karna replied with a smile. That's when a full faced hearty smile made its way to Subhadra's face.

"Tell me about it. Where are you going to take me? Which places can we visit in town? I heard Anga's market is famous for copper made things. I saw beautiful bangles made of copper. Will you take me to the market?" Subhadra asked in excitement making Karna chuckle.

Bheem and Valandhara stood at the entrance of Mayamehel as Devika did their veneration and welcomed Valandhara as the new member of their family. Everyone was happy with the new arrival. They took the blessing of Rajmata Kunti first.

"May God bless you with a long and happy married life. May you be blessed with brave and valorous sons." Kunti said blessing them wholeheartedly.

They then moved to take Yudhisthir and Devika's blessings. Devika was heavily pregnant now. Her pregnant belly clearly visible and she was glowing with life. She hugged Valandhara welcoming her new sister-in-law.

Arjun and Draupadi then came forward to take the newly weds blessings and to wish them.

"Welcome you to Indraprasth bhabhishree. Now our bhrata Bheem won't be found roaming the palace at nights." Arjun said smiling mischievously at Bheem. Bheem looked elsewhere in embarrassment and Valandhara blushed looking downwards.

"Welcome, jiji. I'm so excited to have you here." Draupadi said embracing Valandhara tightly.

Sahdev came forward at last to take their blessings.

"Bless him properly bhabhishree. So, his marriage also happens soon." Nakul commented smirking.

"No, brother. I'm thinking of fulfilling bhrata Bheem's wish of remaining celibate. What do you say bhrata Bheem?" Sahdev asked teasing him. Bheem took him in a headlock and said,

"What I say is your time will arrive soon brother. Just enjoy the bliss of bachelorhood before that."

Drisana was busy in the after marriage rituals with everyone. The family laughed and enjoyed together. The whole day passed and Drisana and Draupadi led Valandhara away to make her ready for her first night. They were teasing her mercilessly in between.

"Draupadi jiji, I was thinking we shouldn't keep sweets in the room." Drisana said frowning slightly.

"Why?" Draupadi asked pretending to be confused.

"Bhrata Bheem will get confused otherwise thinking which one to eat first." Drisana said pressurising the 'which' word with a playful smile. Valandhara avoided their gazes in embarrassment.

"Don't worry Drisana. Bhrata Bheem will eat whatever our jiji offers him with love." Draupadi replied making Valandhara's blush more prominent.

As Drisana and Draupadi were laughing together at Valandhara's expense, Kunti and Devika entered the chamber. Valandhara stood looking at her mother-in-law. Kunti smiled seeing her adorned in roses, jasmine and lilies.

"You're looking very beautiful, putri. May God protect your happiness from all evil eyes." Kunti said caressing her face. She then took the small box Devika carried and took out a red thread and a pair of bangles. The bangles were beautifully crafted.

"I have specially made six pairs of bangles. Not for my daughters-in-law, but for my daughters. This is neither the gift of the daughter-in-law of Kuruvansh, nor a blessing from your mother-in-law. I give it to you as your mother." Kunti said and took the red protection thread to tie on her hand first.

This tradition started with Devika's marriage. They were in exile at the time of Devika's marriage to Yudhisthir and Kunti couldn't give her anything. So, she tied the protection thread on her hand to protect her daughter's happiness and bless her to have a long and beautiful journey. Later she made the bangles together and happily gave each of her daughters the designated pair.

Devika's bangles represented a strong base, balancing and handling liabilities and showed its dependability.

Draupadi's bangles showed the curve that kept the whole thing joined and represented reinforcement where it was needed.

Drisana's bangles symbolised the merriment and exhilaration Nakul showered on the family. Always uplifting the environment and caring for everyone.

Subhadra's bangles showed the distinctiveness. Surrounded by all but still aloof. That's how Karna remained. But he was still present to fill the emptiness and to make it more exquisite.
Kunti hadn't gotten an opportunity to give Subhadra hers. But hoped to properly welcome her eldest daughter-in-law soon.

"My Bheem is uncomplicated and simple, just like these bangles. He sees everything in black and white. Protecting his closed ones is the single thread direction his mind works on. From now on, you'll share his responsibilities as his other half." Kunti said while placing the bangles on her hands. "It won't be easy to watch him risking his life standing in the front line sometimes. But you'll have to trust him and be his strength rather than weakness. And whenever you feel weak and need a comforting embrace, remember your mother is always here for you."

Kunti finished saying with a warm and gentle smile. After all, who could better understand the need and curving of a mother in one's life. Valandhara nodded returning her smile and feeling blissful to become a part of this family that was filled with happiness and unity.

"Yes. And there's an added bonus jiji. Mata can pull their ears too whenever they trouble us." Draupadi added mischievously making everyone laugh.

Nakul and Sahdev stood smiling together in front of Bheem, blocking his way. Yudhisthir and Arjun watched with amusement.

"Where are you going bhratashree?" Nakul asked.

"Don't you know, today various delicious sweets specially laddoos were made?" Sahdev said.

"That too by Mata." Nakul added.

"And as your younger brothers, it is our duty to make sure you don't remain deprived from their mouth-watering tastes." Sahdev said.

"Laddoos made by Mata!" Bheem's mouth watered at the thought actually. Nakul and Sahdev's face fell and they glanced at each other. Arjun laughed out loud. Yudhisthir also chuckled.

"Wrong trick anujo. Nothing can be more important to bhrata Bheem than his laddoos. Not even his first night." Arjun said controlling his laughter. Bheem frowned hearing him.

"You two were trying to trick me? Now you'll remain with me the whole night giving me company as I enjoy my laddoos." Bheem said taking both of their heads on his grips. Arjun's laughter resumed watching the twins faces.

"Bhrata Bheem, have some shame. It's your wedding night and you want to spend it by eating laddoos!!!" Nakul said screeching in horror.

"At least, think of bhabhishree. She must be waiting for you." Sahdev added in the same tone.

"And she will still be waiting when I finish my laddoos." Bheem said with attitude.

Arjun and Nakul raised their eyebrows. Seemed like Bheem still hadn't gotten the reality check. Wives did wait for husbands, but husbands had to pay the price of the wait later.

"Bheem, that's not right. You shouldn't trouble Valandhara. You can eat your laddoos tomorrow too. Now release them and go to your chamber." Yudhisthir ordered gently. Bheem released the twins.

"But I can eat just one basket of sweets before going, can't I bhrata? Just one basket. Otherwise I'll keep wondering about them whole night and my hunger will only increase." Bheem requested making a sulking face.

Yudhisthir shook his head. Arjun started laughing again. Nakul slapped his forehead in regret and Sahdev sighed in dejection.

Nakul came inside his chamber to find Drisana lost in thoughts. She was staring at the restless flame of the lamp standing near a window. He came closer and hugged her from behind resting his chin on her shoulder. Drisana wasn't surprised. She had felt his presence as soon as he entered the room.

"What is my Hridaya thinking?" Nakul asked.

"About upcoming time." Drisana replied and before Nakul could ponder on that asked, "Does bhrata Yudhisthir know what happened at Kashi?"

"Yes. I told him after returning back. He didn't like it, but was happy for Bhrata Bheem." Nakul replied releasing her. Drisana turned to face him.

"I need to tell you something." She said in a solemn voice.

Nakul only looked at her with curiosity. Drisana moved away and after a while came back with a small parchment. She handed it to him and gestured to read it. Nakul read it only to get confused.

"What does it mean and how is it relevant to anything to do with us?" Nakul asked.

"It was sent by bhrata Dridhaksh." Drisana replied sighing. Nakul frowned more before he got it.

"Rajkumari Shikhandini is the lover of Rajkumar Dridhaksh?! And she is soon going to the forest to pay austerities to Yaksha King to become a male?!!!!!" Nakul gasped in utter astonishment.

In Panchal :

Panchal, the city was known for its luxuries, beauty and specially the non-discrimination between genders. For a woman in a patriarch society, it offered pieces of freedom that was both appriciated and respected. And special praises were handed to the warrior princess of Panchal, Senapati Shikhandini. The tales of her courage and valour travelled far.

People whispered about the fierceness of her sword, the cold and frigid behaviour of hers and her frosty eyes that could even freeze the best of battle-honed warriors. Some admired her for her prowess in the battle field, some envied her for her privileges, some scorned her for not being a proper princess.

But rarely anyone acknowledged the hardships she went through to become a warrior, the price of the privileges she had to pay or the denial of her natural inclinations.

Shikhandini stood still looking around herself.

She looked at all the beautiful jewelleries before her. Made with precision and hard work by the best artisans. The expensive stones placed in them catched the light from the lamps and created a beautiful halo around.

She looked at the clothes of fine lining and embroidery. Months had taken to complete them. And the hard work was worth it. When a beautiful maiden wore it, her beauty would be enchanted by its impeccable crafts.

Her eyes moved towards the kajal (lamp-back/eyeliner). It was there to emphasise the depth of the eyes, so it looks larger, bolder and more attractive.

Ground red ochre was kept at its side which was used to tint the lips or apply on cheeks to leave a mild hue.

There was a bowl that contained grinded henna. Girls applied that paste to colour their hands on marriage, festivals or any other auspicious occasions. It looked fresh. Someone must had left it recently. She liked it the most among other things. It's dark reddish colour brought a joy to her. Though she never got the chance to apply it on her own hands.

She looked at the fresh flowers that was kept beside. Those flower petals looked so soft. Their fragrance filled the heart with joy. She wanted to smell them, touch them, feel them.

But she wasn't allowed.

All of them wasn't for her.

She remembered the one time she dared to put a flower garland on her neck as a teenager. It was a garland of the ever blooming blue lotus. Its fragrance so attractive and alluring that she had been unable to resist the call of its beauty. But in the next moment, she regretted it. She had been punished severely that day by her father, Panchal Naresh Drupad.

These things weren't meant for her. This life wasn't meant to be enjoyed. Her life was only a means to get revenge. Nothing else should matter. She had no right to live except for that sole reason. She should never forget that reason. Revenge was what ran through her veins. She was destruction. Bhishma's destruction. She had to spill his blood to take revenge of the death of her great-grandfather Ugrayudh. She had to take revenge of her previous birth. When as Amba, she was humiliated because of him.

Her life's single aim was Bhishma's death. And she could not waste her time and focus on these useless things.

"Yuvraj Dhristadhymn has arrived with his new wife, Senapati." A guard informed her.

"Who is she?" Shikhandini asked turning her eyes to him.

"Rajkumari of Saurashetra, Souparnika." The guard replied. Shikhandini dismissed him and after throwing a last glance around, left Draupadi's room.

King Drupad was already present there to welcome his son. He had after all returned gaining another ally for Panchal. Dhristadhymn and his new bride were welcomed by his first wife, the Yuvrani who wore a similar stoic expression like her. Shikhandini wondered how she felt this time. Was she as stung as she had been the first time? Or had she gotten over it and accepted the facts wholeheartedly? Had her insolent notions of eternal love and devotion being crushed after facing reality?

These thoughts took her in a forbidden route. Wondering how she would feel when Rajkumar Dridhaksh married someone else.

Rajkumar Dridhaksh. She had met him on one of her hunting trips where another arrow pierced the one she shoot to kill a baby deer.

'If you want to hunt, then kill the predators. What's the use of taking an innocent life that didn't even got the chance to experience life?' He had said to her smiling charmingly.

She had attacked him demanding to know who he was. He only defended saying he didn't give his introduction to strangers, but if she wanted to be his friend, he would tell her. Shikhandini had gotten more angry and thrust her sword at him, only for him to deflect and vanish from there in the next moment.

After that they met numerous times. They became friends and then the friendship bloomed into something more. For the first time in life, Shikhandini felt actually alive. She found beauty of the new budding leaves, heard the music of the flowing river, understood the whispers of birds and felt calm slip through her, giving relief from the ever burning volcano inside.

The one who only aimed to destruct, saw the beauty of creations.

But soon she was shaken awake from her beautiful dream. Those weren't for her. Those were meaningless to her. She was destinied to kill Bhishma, not to play house with some prince charming.

Her face hardened as she remembered the insult she faced a few weeks ago. Her father wanted a male child to be his heir. She understood. He made Dhristadhymn the Yuvraj and gave him the free reins to handle the army. She accepted. He commanded her to take orders from her younger brother. She obliged silently. He made schemes with him excluding her and was only informed later. She sustained.

But a few weeks earlier, her father declared he was going to discharge her from all her duties. Because she was a worthless female, not able to bring him victory. And he was the fool to waste his energy on her all these years. Look at Dhristadhymn, his son. How much he had achieved in such short time. He had gained him allies, made his army stronger, brought so much wealth by conquering Kingdoms.

And Shikhandini? She couldn't even do one thing that she was supposed to in so many years. And the reason was her being a girl. A girl could be decent with a weapon, but never a true warrior. She could neither challenge Bhishma, nor bring prosperity for Panchal.

Shikhandini's eyes still stung remembering his words. All these years, she had struggled hard to become a warrior. To earn respect and recognition. And now all of it was about to be snatched from her. Her very existence was in jeopardy. She had never been a true Rajkumari. Nor was she going to be the warrior she tried to become. Then who was she?

So, she had decided to remove the barrier that stood in the way of her fulfilling the purpose of her birth. She wouldn't be a worthless burden to her father anymore. She wouldn't make his efforts fruitless. She would achieve that thing which would enable her in challenging Bhishma.

Manhood.

Her father wasn't aware about her decision. He planned to remove her from her position after Dhristadhymn came back. And she would announce her choice then.

As for Rajkumar Dridhaksh, she had told him long ago that they could never act upon their feelings and it was better he forgot her. She wasn't an ideal princess to become his wife. She had nothing to offer him. Neither was she the heir of Panchal, nor was she familiar with the etiquette or beauty like Draupadi. And most importantly, she couldn't disappoint her father who had always scorned even at the slight mention of her getting married.

Even with all that, she had still been unable to ignore his call of love and scrambled to meet him unobserved, telling herself it would be the last time, everytime. Pretending, a letter to a friend could not really hurt. But all those pretense ended now. It had truly been the last time she wrote to him. Informing him of her decision and biding farewell in the letter, she had finally closed the doors to her forbidden realm.

Hello!!!

Most of you had already guessed it.

Shikhandini....💙💙💙

I find her to be another unfortunate soul of Mahabharat. First as Amba, she faced misfortune and then her next birth was solely based on getting revenge. Even being capable, she wasn't allowed to participate in Kurukshetra war just because she was a woman.

I know there are two more versions where she transformed her gender much before the war. But then why she wasn't allowed to participate in the war from the start.

So this version of Shikhandini seems more reasonable to me where she transformed herself after the war started. ☺

Bheem will be Bheem...😂😂😂
His love for laddoos will never reduce....😆

As for Karna and Subhadra, loving someone and building a relationship are two completely different things. They love each other. But shaping their relationship is still gonna take some working on...😊

And also, how can I leave Karna just like that after he troubled Subhu so much..😉😉😉