Vijaya's loud sobs filled the otherwise silent chamber. Manuja was trying hard to control her own tears. More than one prahar had passed since they were sitting like that and holding each other. Manuja was trying to console her and after much tries Vijaya's sobs subsided. Manuja then helped a tired Vijaya in getting up. After forcing her to take a relaxing bath, Manuja made her sit on a couch while drying and combing her hair.

Vijaya's thoughts were disorientated and hurting her too much though her tears had dried up.

"Vijaya?" Manuja called her softly. "Do not think about this so much meri bacci. Everything will be fine." She said assuring her by keeping her hand on her shoulder.

"Was my mother really a characterless woman Maani Maa?" Vijaya asked in a broken whisper. Why would Maharaj Dyutimata use such hateful words for her mother?!

"No, meri bacci. Don't think like that. She was your mother and she loved you very much." Manuja said instantly.

"I am not asking that Maani Maa." Vijaya said softly directing her wet eyes at Manuja. Manuja stared at her for a while before diverting her eyes. With a far-away look in her eyes, she started saying,

"Raani Prajwalaa was an ordinary girl with dreams and hopes before becoming a queen or your mother. Her heart was already dedicated to someone else when those dreams got shattered. I saw her. I saw her breaking in helplessness. I felt her despair and hurt. Her mind knew she was now a queen and a wife. She knew she should honour the vows taken during marriage. But her heart never listened. It kept mourning for those shattered dreams. She struggled. She tried. She really did. But at the end, could never pacify her heart."

Manuja took a deep breath before adding,
"She wasn't a bad woman Vijaya. She was just weak."

"Maharaj---he really did kill her?!" Vijaya whispered after staying quiet for sometime.

"Everyone in this palace knew how much he loved and adored your mother. Maharani Chitralata was actually jealous and mean towards her because of this. Raani Prajwalaa understood it too. But as I said, she was weak to win the battle with her unruly heart. That day, both of them lost themselves and became something that no one could ever expect or imagine. When he dragged her to the chamber, I was playing with you. I was surprised by looking at both of them. Raani Prajwalaa was looking lifeless and Maharaj had this enraged look in his eyes. I went outside immediately, but stayed close to the door. They were shouting at each other. And Raani Prajwalaa---" Manuja trailed off taking a shaky breath.

"She said some really inappropriate and hateful things that she shouldn't have. I think she was deliberately instigating him. Otherwise I can't think of a reason why she would act like that. And then---"
She gulped remembering the dreadful events. She remained silent for sometime before she said,

"I am not saying Raani Prajwalaa was at fault and Maharaj was right in his actions. None of them were completely right at their places. I am just telling you not to bring any negative thoughts or malice for either of them in your mind."

"Why did it happen Maani Maa? Why they had to be like that? Why couldn't they live happily together? And why didn't I get their loves? What was my fault in this?" Vijaya asked as her pain started to flow from her eyes freely again.

"There's no fault of yours in all of it Vijaya. The fault was of situation and destiny. And do not think that they didn't love you. They did. But the pain of their hearts poisoned their minds so much that they forgot to acknowledge that love." Manuja replied wiping her tears gently.
"The upcoming days are not going to be easy for you meri bacci. But always remember one thing. No matter what happens, never neglect your duties, never close your heart  and never let hatred grow in it."

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A few days later In Indraprasth.....

Nakul and Devika stood at the entrance of Mayamehel. Nakul to receive Bheem and Devika to welcome the new Kulvadhu. The news that came with Maharaj Kuntibhoj's message was known to all of them. Everyone was astonished to hear Bheem was marrying for the second time. But they had no choice but to welcome the new bride.

Valandhara had been calm and quiet about it though. Her bubbly and vibrant personality seemed lost somewhere. Draupadi once tried to talk to her, but she refused. And today since they got the news of Bheem's early return, she retired to her chambers with the excuse of feeling unwell.

A while later Bheem entered the premises of Mayamehel in his chariot. He got down with a smiling face. As he came nearer, he hugged his brother tightly asking about his wellbeing and greeted Devika. Devika's eyes searched the troupe to find the new bride. Bheem noticed her and asked whom she was searching.

"I--that---" Devika stumbled over her words finding it awkward. She glanced at Nakul who understood her hesitation.

"Bhrata Bheem, Devika bhabishree is here to welcome you." Nakul replied instead.

"Okay." Bheem said and stood straight so Devika could welcome him. Devika and Nakul shared a glance in confusion.

"Bhrata Bheem, Devika bhabishree is here to welcome you." Nakul repeated again.

"Yes, I heard. That's why I am standing in front of bhabishree." Bheem replied in confusion.

"Bhratashree, but how can she welcome you alone?" Nakul asked in confusion too.

"What are you saying Nakul? I went alone. I returned alone. So, she'll welcome me alone only." Bheem said in annoyance.

"You returned alone?!" Nakul asked carefully.

"Of course. Who else will be with me? Except our soldiers. You want me to call them too?" Bheem said.

"No. I mean---you---where have you left your wife then?" Nakul asked awkwardly.

"Bikshipt ho gaye ho kya. Use Indraprasth hi toh chod kar gaya tha. (Have you lost it? I left her in Indraprasth only.)" Bheem replied frowning slightly.

Nakul narrowed his eyes in utter confusion and then looked at an equally confused Devika before turning his eyes to Bheem again.

"Wait a moment. You are not returning from Kuntirastra after marrying the Rajkumari of Avanti?" He asked. Bheem looked surprised for a moment before he narrowed his eyes at Nakul and asked,

"How do you know about Avantikumari?"

"Matamah send a message few days ago telling about war, you and Avantikumari." Nakul replied nervously. Why was he getting the same feeling that he got everytime before receiving a beating from Bheem!

"Aur tumne pure Indraprasth mein mere vivha ki ghosna karwa di, haina?
(And you announced the news of my marriage in whole Indraprasth, right?)" Bheem stated with a tight lipped smile.
"Tabhi main sochu, meri dharmpatni jiska bhojan nehi pacta mujhse jhagre bina, woh mere swagat ke liye kyu nehi aayi. (That's why I am wondering, my wife who can't digest her food without fighting with me, why she didn't come to welcome me.)"

The tradition was whenever husbands went to war or returned from one, their wives did their tilak. (Putting vermilion on forehead) And though Bheem had noticed Valandhara's absence, he did not comment on it before.

"Arthat aap vivha karke nehi aaye?! (That means you are not coming back after marrying?)" Nakul asked frowning heavily.

"Iss prasna ka uttar mein dunga. Kintu aabhi nehi. Tumne mere vivha ke khusi mein dhol nagare nehi bajwaya na Indraprasth mein? Aab mein bajayunga.
(I will answer this question. But not now. You didn't played drums in the happiness of my marriage in Indraprasth? Now I will play.)" Bheem replied giving a toothy grin.

"Bhabishree jara mera tilak to kar dijiye. Mujhe bajana hai. Nakul ko.
(Bhabishree, please put tilak on me. I want to play Nakul.)" Bheem requested Devika making Nakul's eyes wide.

"Bhrata Bheem, but at least tell me what happened. We got the message that Avanti Naresh offered his daughter's hand to you and you accepted. Then? What happened?" Devika asked this time in curiosity.

"Aab aapse kya kahu bhabishree! Gaya to tha mein Avanti unke vivha prastab ko swikar karke. Baas sart itni thi ki Rajkumari Vikasvara aapne haato se bhojan pakakar mujhe ek waqt ka bhojan karwake santust kar de.
Parantu pata nehi kya ho gaya! Doo prahar baad Maharaj Vikasvarupa aake kehne lage, unhe aapni putri ka vivha mujhse nehi karwana. Suna hai pakshala mei murchit ho gayi thi unki putri. Mera toh aadha pet bhi nehi bhara tha. Yeh koyi tarika hota hai atithi o ke satkar ka?!

(Now what should I tell you bhabishree. I went to Avanti accepting their proposal of marrying the Rajkumari. There was just this little condition that Rajkumari Vikasvara will make food by her own hands to satisfy my hunger for just one meal. But then who knows what happened. After six hours, Maharaj Vikasvarupa came saying that he doesn't want to marry off his daughter to me. Heard his daughter lost consciousness in kitchen. My hunger wasn't even half satisfied. Is this any way to treat the guest?!)"
Bheem replied making a face.

Nakul and Devika stared at him together in utter shock. Did he just came back after breaking his marriage by overeating???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Aap dono mujhe waise hi kyu dekh rahe hai jaise Matamah dekh rahe the? (Why you two are staring at me at the same manner like Matamah?)" Bheem asked restraining his smirk.

"Matamah ne aapse kuch nehi kaha?! (Did Matamah not say anything to you?)" Nakul asked still staring at him in shock.

"Kaha tha na. 'Tum mahan ho Vrikodar'. (Yes. He said, 'You're great Vrikodar!')" Bheem replied smugly.

Devika chuckled after finally digesting the information. But Nakul still looked at him stupendously and said,

"Aap sach mein mahan hai bhrata Vrikodar! (You're really great bhrata Vrikodar.)"

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In Madra:

"Sahdev?" Yudhisthir called coming inside his chamber. The royal court was going to be held soon. Maharaj Dyutimata had not met with them after storming from there days before. In fact no one from Madra had shared any views or opinions on the matter. Everyone had locked their lips tightly, undoubtedly at Maharaj Dyutimata's order. Yudhisthir also did not pressurise them because Sahdev himself needed time to recover from the blow. So, these few days he gave time to both Madra and Sahdev to decide on their next plan of action.

He also sent a message to Indraprasth informing and assuring Nakul that Sahdev was fine and they would return soon. Now today after days wait, they were going to address the elephant in the room.

"Are you ready?" Yudhisthir asked a sombre looking Sahdev.

Sahdev inhaled deeply before nodding.

"Have you decided what you want to do?" Yudhisthir asked tentatively.

"Let's see first what Maharaj Dyutimata has decided."

♧♧♧

At the royal court of Madra....

Following the vibration of the large drums that were hit to announce the arrival of the King, Maharaj Dyutimata entered the royal court where all of the officials were waiting for him including Yudhisthir and Sahdev. Maharani Chitralata was on the balcony upstairs which was reserved for the women to watch the court.

"Maharaj, we are---" The Mahamantri of Madra started but was stopped by the raised hand of Maharaj Dyutimata.

"We all know why we are gathered here. There's no need for formality. The sooner it gets over the better." Maharaj Dyutimata said stoically. He then turned his eyes to Yudhisthir and said,
"Maharaj Yudhisthir first of all I accept my mistake in front of everyone. I accused your brother, Rajkumar Sahdev wrongly. The accusations were false. He never attacked anyone instead saved the honour of Madra. And in place of thanking him and catching the real culprit, I insulted and captured him."

Maharaj Dyutimata then stood from his throne and came down from the dais.

"Pandu putra Sahdev, I sincerely apologise to you for this misinterpretation. Forgive me." He said carrying the same impassive expression. Sahdev nodded acknowledging his apology.

"Maharaj Yudhisthir, I also apologise to you for the inconvenience." Maharaj Dyutimata said.

"I'm glad that it is solved now. And I hope there won't be a repeatability of this again." Yudhisthir replied nodding.

"Of course. I assure you." He replied and returned to his throne.

"Now that the matter is resolved, I would like to move on to the next issue that has arisen many questions in your minds." Maharaj Dyutimata said after settling on his seat again.

"The matter is still not resolved Maharaj." It was Yudhisthir who objected. "You're probably forgetting what you said."

"I am not forgetting anything Maharaj Yudhisthir. But I think that can wait as we have a more pressing matter here." Maharaj Dyutimata replied.

"But I feel this should be resolved first rather than leaving it halfway. You've already apologised to my brother and I think as you said, you should pledge your loyalty to him now only." Yudhisthir said again.

"I know what you're trying to do Maharaj Yudhisthir. You want my pledged loyalty before the other matter is addressed. So, you could have the upper hand and force your decision on me." Maharaj Dyutimata said narrowing his eyes.

"I have no such an intention Maharaj Dyutimata. I do not intend to force anything upon you. I want the decision to be taken on mutual understanding." Yudhisthir replied evenly.

"How do you think that will be possible? If I pledge Madra's force and my weapons to Rajkumar Sahdev, then how I will be able to oppose anything you say? Won't that be injustice to me and Madra, Dharmaraj?" Maharaj Dyutimata asked with a mock smile.

Yudhisthir paused and then met Sahdev's eyes. They stared at each other for a while before Yudhisthir diverted his gaze to Maharaj Dyutimata again.

"Aap satya keh rahe hai Maharaj Dyutimata. Mujhe aabhas hai ki yeh bisay madra ke pratistha se juri huyi hai. Isiliye, main, Pandu putra Yudhisthir, yeh bachan deta hu, ki aapka dia gaya rajanurakti kebal tabhi se karyakarin hoga, jaab Sahdev Madra ke sima se bahar cala jayega. Aur main iss bisay mei, aap dono ke madhya nehi aayunga. Sahdev kebal swayam par nirbhar hoga.

(You are speaking the truth, Maharaj Dyutimata. I understand this is a matter of Madra's reputation. So, I, Pandu putra Yudhisthir promise you that your pledged loyalty to Sahdev will be only effective after he crosses the border of Madra and I will not interfere in between you two in this matter. Sahdev will be on his own.)"

Yudhisthir declared with finality.

"Well. In that case, I, Madra Naresh, Dyutimata also pledge Madra's undivided loyalty to Pandu putra Sahdev for as long as I am sitting in this throne. Madra's force and support will be always with him." Maharaj Dyutimata announced before meeting Sahdev's eyes.
"Now. Tell Rajkumari Vijaya to be present in this court right now."

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Okay. This was very disappointing.

In chapter 53, there was 83 votes with 440 views in 2 days. And in the last chapter it was 82 votes with 209 views in just a few hours. 😑😑😑
And some of my regular readers are still due to read and vote. So I know it's going to increase.

Silent readers,

I personally do not like authors who blackmail the readers setting a target. But you made me understand why they do so....

Well...I am not setting any target here...but hopefully you will vote on your own if you like the chapter...😊😊😊