Drisana had finished meditating and worshipping Mahadev. Then she got prepared for the day ahead. She was slightly nervous as Nakul or her brothers hadn't returned yet. She hoped everything had gone accordingly. There was chances for it to go all wrong and not work as planned. And that was the reason for her worries.

The plan was simple. Dridhaksh would call Dhristyadhymn to give him the Yamapasha beside the river at brahma muhurtha. Because that was the time Dridhaksh, Devyajot and Daiwik would together go to take bath there. Dridhaksh would make an excuse and telling them to go ahead, he would go to a nearby place of the river that was just out of their sight.

Nakul would keep an eye on them and just after Dridhaksh handed the Pasha to Dhristyadhymn, he would throw the first shell on the river near Daiwik. With the first shell fallen, the atmosphere would start changing on that particular area. Devyajot and Daiwik would start to come out of the river sensing the change.

But just at that time, the second shell would be thrown beside Daiwik creating the whirlpool. As it would be close to Daiwik, he would get stuck in it. And Nakul would arrive just at that time pulling Devyajot out.

Hearing the sounds, Dridhaksh and Dhristyadhymn would rush to that place. Then Nakul and Dridhaksh would suggest pulling Daiwik out using a rope. If Dhristyadhymn by then had hidden it, Dridhaksh would make sure to bring it on Devyajot's notice.

Just after Devyajot successfully used the Pasha on Daiwik, Nakul would throw the third and final shell in the river and it would end the Maya. And they would pull out Daiwik's lifeless body out of the river and restore his soul to his body.

A lot could go wrong in this plan. That's why Drisana was so anxious and unsure about it from the start. But when the stakes are high, you have to take the risk. Dridhaksh and Nakul had previously taken a tour around the river to fix a suitable place to execute it. As for the shells? Drisana had asked Dridhaksh to go to the Gandharva Kingdom with her message to her Sakhi, Dhamini. And Dhamini sent Murali, her bhahan (vehicle) at Indraprasth with the shells that helped in creating this Maya.

Drisana had promised Dhristyadhymn to get the Yamapasha for him and hand it to him. And the promise was technically fulfilled. She also promised Nakul, she wouldn't let Dhristyadhymn use it on Guru Drona. And that promise would also be fulfilled as the Pasha couldn't be used anymore. Deceitful it was. But Dhristyadhymns' intentions weren't pure either.

She also knew Dhristyadhymns' anger would finally burst open like a raging volcano. There would be nothing to stop him. He wouldn't stand a chance on a challenge against Dridhaksh. So, he would declare war. Even though a war between Dravida and Panchal wouldn't be a smart choice for him, his bruised ego and flared up anger wouldn't care for anything. Royals! They would rather get their heads chopped than bowing.

And marriage? Dridhaksh and Drisana both knew after this, Maharaj Drupad wouldn't give his daughter's hand to him. That's the primary reason, Drisana tried to get some sense into Shikhandini. So when the time arrived, she would choose Dridhaksh over Dhristyadhymn. Now only time would tell if Shikhandini really heard anything Drisana said or not. As for getting some wisdom on Maharaj Drupad and Dhristyadhymn, that was a tough task. But Drisana had a last stroke remained for that. Hopefully, they would listen to them at least.

Drisana released a deep sigh before going to her mother. But Maharani Mangalya was busy. Her Pitashree had just returned after meditating, worshipping and giving Arghya to Suryadev. So, Maharani Mangalya was now busy in helping him to get ready for the day. Drisana shook her head smiling in adoration. She knew, Maharaj Drishadvat sought out a few stolen moments with his wife more than getting help to be ready. So, instead of disturbing them, Drisana went to meet Priyala. As she neared the chamber, the loud wailing of Preesha was heard.

"What happened bhabhishree? Why is our little princess crying?" Drisana asked coming inside the chamber. Priyala was glaring at Preesha. A maid held her in arms and tried to console the baby. Drisana went closer to her and took Preesha in her arms cooing her.

"This girl! She is becoming stubborn day by day. She is crying for her Pitashree. Everyday Arya feeds her prasad (offering) after his prayers. But today, Arya hasn't come back from the river yet and she is hungry. I tried to feed her. But she's not listening. It's already time for breakfast. Don't know why he isn't back yet. I'm already feeling restless and this girl is troubling me more." Priyala said being frustrated.

"Don't worry bhabhishree. He'll come back soon. And till then, Preesha will eat from buashree's hand, won't she?" Drisana assured Priyala and then asked Preesha in a childish way. But Preesha hid her face in Drisana's neck. Okay, that meant a no. Preesha adapted her father's quiet nature when she got upset.
"I'm taking her with me. Let her mood get a little better. Then I will feed her." Drisana said smiling with assurance. "And stop worrying. Bhrata will come back soon."

"Drisana?" Priyala called from behind. Drisana turned to her questioningly. "Is everything alright? Arya never takes so much time. The sun has already risen and he isn't back till now." Priyala asked anxiously.

"Bhabhishree, what will happen to him? And bhrata Dridhaksh and bhrata Daiwik are also with him. Maybe they're busy in teasing and pranking bhrata Dridhaksh. You know how bhrata Daiwik is. He must have dragged bhrata Devyajot into it too." Drisana replied without missing a bit. Her smile didn't waver for half a second.

"I hope they come back soon. After breakfast, we also need to start the rituals." Priyala said returning the smile with a relieved sigh.

On the other side, Shikhandini after following her morning routine, got ready for Gauripujan. Draupadi and her sister-in-laws came to take her for the ceremony. And when they were busy in prayer Dhristyadhymn came back to the Palace and went straight to Maharaj Drupad after changing. Maharaj Drupad who was ready to dine with the guests, smiled at the sight of his son.

"Dhristyadhymn? The guests must be waiting for us. All the preparations----"

"This marriage can't happen."

"Hridi!" Nakul called her loudly finding her in the palace garden.

She sat with Preesha in her lap and was feeding her slowly. Drisana looked at him in surprise. Nakul had came straight looking for her without changing. A quick nod from him assured her that everything went as planned. Drisana felt a huge burden disappearing from her heart. She handed Preesha to Lalima telling her to take her to Rajkumari Priyala. And then went back to her chambers with Nakul.

Nakul explained everything to her while she helped him in getting dressed.

"I was worried for you." Nakul said with a frown.

"I understand. But there's nothing to worry. Dhristyadhymn is misguided and filled with rage. But he won't hurt a woman physically." Drisana said with a sad smile. Nakul didn't seem convinced.

"May I enter Rajkumari?" Tara asked knocking on the closed door. And getting permission she entered with bananas on hand. 

"Rajkumari, I have brought bananas." Tara said and nodding at her Drisana told her to leave them on the table. As Tara left, a very much confused Nakul asked,

"Why these?"

"Do you think we will get breakfast after the stunt we pulled?" Drisana asked smiling nervously. Nakul's eyes widened.

"We are guests. They won't kick us out without feeding." Nakul said shaking his head. But Drisana kept looking at him sheepishly.
"But it's better to be prepared then sorry." Nakul said again. Then handing one banana to Drisana, he started eating another.

The family members of the two families were supposed to dine together whereas foods for the guests were to be sent to their rooms. All were to be gathered in the sitting area adjacent to the dining hall and after everyone arrived, together they would sit for breakfast. Imagine Nakul's surprise, when he went inside the room to find all the family members of Drisana already there except Dridhaksh.

No. That wasn't the surprising part. The surprising thing was Maharaj Drishadvat, Rajkumar Devyajot and Rajkumar Daiwik sitting with an entire bunch of ripe bananas and eating them. He turned his surprised gaze to Drisana who only returned a nervous smile slightly shrugging.

Maharani Mangalya was frowning at the trio and Priyala looked severely confused. Nakul and Drisana greeted everyone coming inside. Maharani Mangalya gave an apologetic smile to Nakul.

"What are you three doing? Why are you eating bananas right now? Maharaj Drupad must be on his way. What will he think?" Maharani Mangalya asked in mortification.

"Drupad will understand that I got hungry waiting for him and he will be happy that we're well taken care of. Take my advice and you also eat two." Maharaj Drishadvat answered after gulping the fruit he was chewing.

"What kind of behaviour is this?" Maharani Mangalya said again gritting her jaw. She gave a glare to her sons.

"Mata, actually this morning I meditated so hard in the river that right now I'm feeling like I have taken a new birth. And you know new borns need to be fed quite frequently. So---" Daiwik replied before stuffing his mouth again. Devyajot almost chocked hearing him. Maharani Mangalya's expression was a cross between confusion and frustration.

"Jijashree, do you want some?" Daiwik asked offering one banana to Nakul.

"Yes, yes, Rajkumar Nakul. You also have some." Maharaj Drishadvat added. But Nakul refused politely.

"Where's bhrata Dridhaksh?" Drisana asked.

"He can't attend us. Remember he is the groom. So, he is fasting." Priyala answered her.

"Bechare. (Poor guy!)" Drisana said sighing.

"What?"

"Bichare! Bichare jane ki baat toh yeh hai ki, Maharaj Drupad aab tak aaye nehi apne paribar samet?
(The thing to be considered is, why Maharaj Drupad hasn't arrived with his family?)" Drisana said smiling at her Mata.

"Parnipat!" Just then Draupadi came inside with her four sister-in-laws greeting them. She was surprised too looking at the trio eating. But then smiled nonetheless as it wasn't very uncommon to have a snack while waiting for meal. "Sorry, we became late. It took a while to complete the rituals."

"It's okay, Putri Draupadi." Maharani Mangalya assured her smiling. "Are all the arrangements done? I hope Shikhandini is ready for today."

"Yes, Maharani. She is. And all the arrangements are done too. You stay relaxed. There'll be no lacking in the preparations." Draupadi replied smiling in satisfaction.

"Yes. There won't be any lacking. Because there won't be any marriage!" The voice of Maharaj Drupad was heard from the doorway. All eyes turned in that direction to find a very angry Maharaj Drupad with Dhristyadhymn standing behind.

"Pitashree? What are you saying?" Draupadi asked in surprise as both of them came inside.

"Yes. There'll be no marriage. I won't make alliance with these betrayers! Now there'll only be war!!!" Maharaj Drupad shouted angrily.

He had been very angry at Dhristyadhymn when he told him the real reason of why he wanted Shikhandini to marry Dridhaksh. He could forgive his son's foolishness, but he couldn't forgive these people who betrayed him by betraying Dhristyadhymn. Dhristyadhymn on the other hand, hadn't revealed Drisana's involvement fully. He was ashamed of getting outsmarted by a woman. He didn't need to prove himself to be a bigger fool than his father already labelled him as.

"What happened Drupad? Is something wrong?" Maharaj Drishadvat asked calmly. Too calmly for Drisana's liking. And that's the moment she realised, her brothers had shared the whole incidence with their father already.

"Why are you asking me?!!!! Ask that son of yours! Call that son of yours who came to take my daughter! Call him!!!" Maharaj Drupad said angrily.

"Daiwik! Go and call Dridhaksh." Maharaj Drishadvat ordered his son calmly though his eyes remained on Maharaj Drupad only.
The women were all confused and concerned except Drisana.

"Jiji, can you do one thing please?" Drisana whispered at Draupadi. At Draupadi's questioning gaze she said, "Please go and bring Rajkumari Shikhandini with you."

Draupadi gave a glance to all the men present there who stood rigidly in this thick tension filled air.

"Please." Drisana again whispered getting her attention. Nodding to her, Draupadi silently left the room.

Hello Guys!!!

Many of you may have thought what happened in the last chapter was just a coincidence.
Hope all your confusions are cleared in this Chapter. If you still have confusions, feel free to ask. 😊😊😊

Till the next time stay tuned.....😉