In Indraprasth:

Kambugreeva Cha Kamakshi
Kuladeepa Cha Kokila
Kutumbha Gaur Varna Cha
Kucha Kumbha Samanveeta

Koti Chandra Prabha Kavya
Komala Kama Lopama
Kalaki Kancha Gandharva
Gandharvi Gandha Lolupa

Karuna Sagari Kantha
Kalyani Manga Lalana
Gogopa Nayaki Gauri
Gananatya Visharadha

Daya Swarupini He Divya
Pashu Pakshi Priyeshwari
Vibooti Chandrakanta Cha
Chatur Shasti Kaleshwari

Braja Mandala Devi Cha
Venu Vacha Vinodini
Ashvineya suta Nayana
Bandhani Ya Cha Sarvada

Swagatham Arunika Putri
Swagatham Nakula Nayani
Swagatham Madhura De Cha
Swagatham Swagatham Sada

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

(Eyes as lovely as river Ganga
Lamp of her clan, voice sweet as Koel
Pride of her family
Skin pinkish like vermilion mixed in white

Enriched with virtuous qualities
Appearance like the lotus
Has love and affection in heart
Enjoys music and art

Ocean of compassion, embodiment of light
Beautiful auspicious is this lady,
The queen beloved by all
Is proficient in dance and drama

Merciful divine woman
Loves animals and birds
Shines like the moon
Skilled in sixty-four arts

Goddess of love who stays happy
Plays the veena, binds people in love
Nayana, the daughter of Ashvineya
Beloved and respected by everyone

Welcome, daughter of Arunika
Welcome, the pupil of Nakul's eyes
Welcome to the one who is sweet like honey
Welcome, welcome forever.)

------Original lyrics by Dr. S Kannan
'Improvised' by Raffesia 😉😆😅

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Nakul stared at the fragile little angel that he held in his arms. Drisana had a tired but satisfied look on her face as she watched them from her position on bed. Nakul wanted to say many things. That he loved her, that he was overjoyed with this blessing, that he would always protect her and never let her go. But for the life of him he couldn't get a single word out of his mouth. He wanted to hold her tightly close to his heart. But he couldn't in fear of hurting her. He squeezed her gently and nuzzled her head filling his lungs with her baby smell. The baby girl moved a little making soft noise before settling on her father’s arms again.

Nakul smiled kissing her head. He looked at Drisana with eyes wet and a smile of overwhelmed happiness in lips. Drisana smiled too feeling the same thing. This was a feeling that was impossible to describe and never could be explained in words. It was better not to try even and just feel. Devika was right indeed. This moment made every pain, every trouble worth bearing.

"She is ours!" Nakul finally whispered in awe. Drisana chuckled lightly.

"I still can't believe we became parents." She said touching the baby's soft cheek with a finger.

"And I can't believe I am the father of this precious bundle." Nakul replied making Drisana chuckle again.

"What will we do with her Nirmay?! I have no idea how to take care of a kid. God! I don't even know how to cook! How will I feed her?!" Drisana wondered in panic. This time it was Nakul who chuckled. He placed the baby beside her and leaned to kiss the new mother's forehead.

"She will teach us Hridaya. As she grows up, we will also learn how to become the best parent for her. She will teach us how to take care and provide for her. Whenever we will look at her innocent face and she will stare back at us holding our hearts captive, we will know." He said staring at her midnight black deepths and assuring with a soft smile. A slow smile curved Drisana's lips too as the worry lines decreased. She touched her forehead to his and closed her eyes.

"I love you."

"Always and forever my Hridaya."

♧♧♧♧♧

Vijaya stood in the middle of the chamber fidgeting nervously as the Dasi informed her that Rajkumar Sahdev was here to meet her. It had been days since she came here at Indraprasth. She had been severely surprised when Rajkumar Sahdev brought her here instead of taking her back to her father’s palace. She sincerely believed him when he had said that they were out for a trip. And why not? She trusted him. He was a nice honourable man. He had saved her life not once but twice. So, even though she didn't understand why he brought her out of the palace like that, she still trusted him.

But then, he brought her here and she was confused and scared. Maharani Devika had been very kind and helpful. She regularly visited and assured that Vijaya was comfortable here. But even amidst this luxurious room with all the facilities provided, her mind was restless and so was her heart. When she was first brought here, she had noticed the looks and whispers thrown her way. When she left the chamber to get some fresh air a few days before, she had noticed that people were coming to see her and pointed at her way discreetly. She had heard the whispering of the dasis talking among themselves. They were saying that Rajkumar Sahdev had abducted her from Madra.

Vijaya had rushed back to the guest chamber after that and never went out again. Her mind was in a jumbled mess not knowing what exactly was happening to her. She only wanted to go back to her Maani Maa.

"When will I return to Madra?" Vijaya had asked to Maharani Devika the next morning when she came to see her.

"If a time arrives and demands your return, probably then you will." Devika had replied with a soothing smile.

Though Devika had tried to assure her that everything was going to be alright, it had done nothing to answer the unspoken questions of hers.

And now, he was here. Rajkumar Sahdev. The one who was the centre of all the chaotic thoughts of her.

"Parnipat." Vijaya greeted him as he came inside and stood few feets away from her. Sahdev accepted her greeting and glanced around awkwardly. Mata Kunti wanted Vijaya to be present at dinner tonight. Now that Drisana had also given birth to her healthy baby girl without any complications, there was no reason to delay the inevitable and Yudhisthir had ordered him to talk to her. But he had no idea what to say to her or more precisely how to face her.

'Where is Nakul when I need him?!'

And here Vijaya was staring at the floor silently while her mind was screaming at her to say something.

'Ask him what's going on!!!'

"Why am I---"
"How are-----"

Both started to ask at the same time and then stopped staring at each other for a moment before diverting their eyes. Awkward silence descended again.

"Are you alright? I mean, are you comfortable here or facing any problems?" Sahdev asked finally to break the ice.

"Everything is fine." Vijaya answered in a small voice not looking at him.

"I know, there must be a lot of questions in your mind and I owe you an explanation. I should have talked to you much before. But I wasn't sure what to say. And I apologise for it." Sahdev said carefully. As Vijaya remained silent after throwing a quick glance at him, he suggested they sat down and talked. As they settled on the couch facing each other, Sahdev collected himself and started.

"When I went to Madra, I had no inkling that I was going to do something like this. I couldn't even imagine doing something like this. But I did it nonetheless. I---I abducted you from Madra's royal court." Sahdev looked directly at her to find Vijaya giving him a wide-eyed surprised look.

"I thought you must have figured that out by now. Trust me, I didn't want to do it. But I saw no other option." He took a deep breath before continuing further.

"When you put that garland around me, even then I was against the idea of marrying you. I know you didn't do it intentionally, but I still was offended. I thought your father may demand me to marry you after all the happenings and I didn't want that. But then I came to know something that opened my eyes to the whole situation and I was forced to think of you. My consciousness didn't allow me to leave you in Madra. I was hoping Maharaj Dyutimata would agree for our marriage and when he didn't, I saw no other way but to kidnap you."

Vijaya still stared at him with wide eyes absorbing the information. Sahdev waited for her to say something. Anything. But then his eyes widened as Vijaya sniffed.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

And then she started crying at full force. Sahdev was mortified as the dasis waiting near the open door of the chamber glanced at their way not so discreetly.

"Please stop crying. I am sorry." Sahdev requested.

"VvveeeuuuutteettttaaaeeeppphhhheeeeeMmmmmaaaaa"

"What?! Well, let it be. Please stop crying!" Sahdev requested again. After a while Vijaya calmed down gradually. Sahdev offered her a glass of water and she accepted. She wiped the residue of her tears after drinking it.

"Will I---never go back to Madra? To my Maani Maa? What will you do with me?" Vijaya asked finally with moist eyes.

"I keep asking myself the same thing. What will I do with you!" Sahdev said in dejection before realising what he said. At Vijaya's confused look, he composed himself and said,
"I mean-- . Now we will get married and you will live in Indraprasth henceforth as my wife. And as for going back to Madra, if you want to visit, I can take you. But Indraprasth will be your home in the course of time."

"And my Maani Maa?" Vijaya asked again as a lone tear slipped past her eye.

"I am sure your Maani Maa only wants what's best for you even if it means that she'll have to be away from you. I know you have no reason to trust me. But going to Hastinapur as your father wanted, wasn't in your best interest." Sahdev replied gloomily.

"Pitashree wanted to send me to Hastinapur?! Why?! I don't understand."

"He wanted you to marry someone belonging from that Kingdom. I can explain it all but it doesn't matter now. What matters is the fact that I have brought you here and now we're going to get married soon."

"What if I don't want to marry and wish to go back to Madra?" Vijaya asked in a whisper.

"I am afraid that is not possible." Sahdev answered slowly avoiding her eyes after a long pause. The silent tears slipping from her eyes increased his guilt more.

"Madrika (woman belonging from Madra)" Sahdev called her softly causing her to turn her eyes to him.

"I can understand what you're going through. You've suffered a lot lately. And I am forcing you to leave everything and everyone you know behind. I know how it feels to lose a mother or to start from the scratch. But I have been really fortunate to always have my family with me. Even though I lost my one mother, I have never been deprived of the affection of the other. And that's what I have to offer to you too. A family where you will always be loved and protected."

♧♧♧♧♧

Nakul and Drisana entered the living room adjacent to the dining hall where dinner was to be served. Everyone else was already present there except Sahdev and Vijaya.

"Putri Drisana, how are you feeling now?" Kunti asked gently. It has just been two days since she gave birth. They all had been worried about Drisana's condition. But thankfully no complications arose and she was alright.

"I am absolutely fine and healthy Mata. Though your granddaughter troubled me a lot before, she seems calm now." Drisana replied with a smile.

"Why not? The kid must be too afraid to do any mischief. The way you threatened and scolded her during your pregnancy, who knows what you'll do now that she's out." Valandhara whispered, but Drisana heard and narrowed her eyes at her cousin who gave a toothy grin in return.

"Devika, where is Rajkumari Vijaya? And Sahdev hasn't arrived yet?" Mata Kunti enquired.

"Actually Mata, Arya has told bhrata Sahdev to bring Rajkumari here. He must be coming with her soon." Devika replied just as Sahdev entered the chamber with Vijaya following behind.

Sahdev stood before everyone with Vijaya beside him feeling awkward. Devika was going to stand and come to a nervous and scared looking Vijaya. But Yudhisthir stopped her and signed her to sit quietly. Everyone was staring at Sahdev silently to get introduced to his would be wife.

"Mata? This is Rajkumari Vijaya of Madra, daughter of Maharaj Dyutimata. And Rajkumari, this is my mother, Rajmata Kunti." Sahdev introduced them first with a dried out throat. Vijaya upped her head and quickly glanced at Mata Kunti before looking back at Sahdev. Instead of greeting Kunti by folding her hands, Vijaya slowly moved towards her and touched her feet.

"Kalyan ho (Bless you)." Kunti blessed her with a pleased smile and Sahdev slowly released the breath he was holding.

After Vijaya came back to her place, Sahdev introduced her to everyone present one by one and she greeted them nervously. When at the end he introduced her to Drisana, she stood up and came in front of Vijaya. Drisana observed her impassively for a few moments before lifting her lowered head by touching her chin slightly.

"You're more adorable than I heard." Drisana said with a smile and then added with a mischievous one, "No wonder our bhrata Sahdev kidnapped you."

Sahdev almost groaned hearing her. He was never going to hear the end of it. Everyone looked amused at his expense.

"Kyu nehi! Itna buddhiman hai mera bhai. Aabsar dekh ke aapne buddhi ka prayog toh karega hi na. (Why not! My brother is so intelligent. Of course he will use his brain on right time.)" Nakul said teasingly.

"Aur sahas ka bhi. Waise mujhe nehi pata tha ki tum itne sahasi bhi ho Sahdev. (And bravery was used also. By the way, I didn't know that you're so brave Sahdev.)" Bheem added. 

"Aapne buddhi ke saath saath sahas bhi chupakar rakkha tha bhrata Bheem. (He hid his bravery with intelligence bhrata Bheem.)" Nakul replied.

"Sabhdhan Nakul. Kahi mere sahas ke carce mei tum aapna veergatha na bhul jana. (Be careful Nakul. In discussing my bravery, don't forget yours.)" Sahdev said this time.

"Uski cinta tum maat karo mere bhai. Baas ek baar bhrata Arjun ko bapas aa jane do, uske paschat tumhara jo bajayenge woh toh pura Indraprasth sunega. (Don't worry about that my brother. Just let bhrata Arjun come back once. Then whole Indraprasth will hear your sounds.)" Nakul replied with a smirk.

"Vivha ke dhol nagare! Bajayenge nah bhrata Bheem? (The sound of marriage drums! We will play them, right bhrata Bheem?)" Nakul added as Kunti gave him a look.

"Aabassya. Aakher hamare anuj ka vivha hai. Dhol nagare toh baaj kar hi rahenge. (Absolutely. After all its our youngest brother's marriage. We will surely play the drums.)" Bheem said matching Nakul's smirk and Sahdev gulped while the rest were laughing in amusement.

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Days flew by fast. Vijaya was settling in Indraprasth slowly. She had gotten quite comfortable around the women who helped her in coping and groomed her for the upcoming marriage. Whole Indraprasth was preparing for the upcoming celebration. Nakul and Drisana's daughter's naming ceremony was going to be held in a few days. Invitations were going out and blessings and wishes were arriving.

In midst of it all, arrived the Gandhivdhari. After staying away for long twelve months and completing his exile, he was standing before the entrance of Indraprasth. But he wasn't alone. With him was the massive army and servants of Malava carrying huge arks filled with gold coins, precious stones, clothes, ornaments, gems, pearls and corals and a few thousand elephants, horses and chariots accompanied them too. And in front of the huge troupe, just behind him was a palanquin surrounded by guards and dasis.

A guard approached him before bowing respectfully. A message had been arrived at Indraprasth days before informing them about Arjun's arrival.

"The gates of the city had been opened for you Rajkumar. The message of your safe arrival will reach the Palace in a while. Do you want me to send any message on behalf of you?" The guard informed him.

Arjun looked over the large troupe stoically for sometime. His gaze then fell on the palanquin. The delicate feet with red dye applied and wearing silver anklets was visible as a breeze lifted the curtain of the palanquin for some moments. A sigh escaped Arjun before he turned to the guard again.

"Inform the palace that the Rajkumari of Malava, the daughter of Maharaj Shankhadatta & Maharani Mridulata, Rajkumari Mridvika is coming with me. The palace should be ready to welcome her as the new family member of Indraprasth."

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