A new morning had begun. The residents of Indraprasth were having different thoughts and feelings after the previous day's events. Almost all the guests had left. Karna left too as he didn't want to leave Subhadra alone for much long at this condition.

The discussion that Yudhisthir had with his family regarding Vijaya didn't please anyone. Even though no one wanted to meddle in between the two, they also didn't like the way Sahdev handled it. It was decided that this topic wouldn't be brought forth again. It concerned Sahdev and Vijaya's life. They were the ones who would have to support and live with each other. So, meddling in between wouldn't do any good if they didn't want to do it willingly.

The breakfast was a silent affair this morning. Everyone went back to their separate regular routines after that.

Arjun entered the family room where all the kids were gathered with their mothers. Valandhara held Shrutakarma whereas Draupadi had Mridvika in her arms. Shrutakarma's eyes were fixed on the girl that his mother held instead of him while he sported a cute pout. Devika sat with Yaudheya in her lap who was playing with his mother's bangles. And Drisana was trying to manage a fidgeting Nayanika.

"Why are you standing at the doorway only?" Nakul asked from behind grabbing Arjun's attention.

"I came to meet with the kids. And you?" Arjun replied.

"I was missing my princess." Nakul answered.

"Which one?" Arjun asked playfully.

"Very funny." Nakul commented giving him a bored expression. Before Arjun could say anything else, Nayanika gave a loud cry and Nakul was instantly gone. Drisana looked relieved as Nakul came at her rescue and took Nayanika from her. The little one immediately stopped crying feeling her father's warm embrace.

"I'm so tired. She keeps fussing all the time when you're not around." Drisana complained with a whine.

"Maybe because you keep scaring her instead of cooing." Arjun commented.

"I do not!" Drisana denied strongly.

"What is happening here?" Bheem asked coming inside with Yudhisthir.

"What are you doing here?" Valandhara asked narrowing her eyes.

"I'm just accompanying bhrata Yudhisthir. Why? Can't I come here to meet my nephews?" Bheem asked instead.

Valandhara didn't reply. It wasn't usual that all of them turned up together at this hour to meet their children. But to shake off the previous day's events, they wanted to spend sometime with their family.

"Nirmay? I want to visit Mahadev's temple today. But it'll take a long time to go and come back after veneration. Also the donations will take time too. Will you watch Nayanika today? She's being so fussy." Drisana requested.

"Of course, Hridi. You go without a worry. I'll take care of her." Nakul replied with an affectionate smile making her happy.

Yudhisthir heard them and thinking something said, "Davika? Why don't you accompany Drisana? I will watch over Yaudheya."

Devika smiled at him sweetly and nodded in affirmative. Here, Draupadi was giving a side glance to Arjun who had taken Shrutakarma in his arms. Arjun noticed her glance and was alarmed. But before he could think of a way to escape Draupadi spoke.

"Arya, I am going too. You spend sometime with your son."

Arjun's face fell and Bheem was smirking looking at him as he knew Arjun planned to have a long practice session today. Arjun narrowed his eyes at him before an idea struck him.

"Bhabishree Valandhara? Don't you want to go too?" Arjun asked and gave a side glance to Bheem who in return raised an eyebrow with a smug look.

"Yes. Yes. You go too. And you can also give the unborn baby to me to take care." Bheem said sarcastically.

Valandhara looked at him with irritation before her eyes went to Arjun. Something passed between them as both hid their smirks.

"Of course Arya. But before taking care of our baby, you should get some practice on handling babies." Valandhara said and handed Mridvika to him. Bheem's eyes widened as he held a smiling Mridvika gently.

"Sahdev will escort you all to the temple."

Absolute silence descended on the chamber with Yudhisthir's words. But no one commented on it. Yudhisthir sent message to Sahdev and soon the four woman left Mayamehel with him while Yudhisthir watched from the balcony.

"Maharaj?" The soldier who was waiting for his order grabbed his attention away from the view.

"Grant them entry to Indraprasth."

********

In Manipura:

Rajkumari Chitrangada sighed standing near the ground where he used to train her. Months had passed since he was gone. But Chitrangada came to this place every single day at this time in hope of seeing him again.

The conch shells had been blown. They were at war. They were giving the enemy a hard time. But they were facing hard times too. And at these times, she was remembering her warrior more and more.
Everyday before drawing her sword to attack the enemy, she wished to see him one more time. Who knew, maybe it would be the last time! She didn't fear to die for her kingdom. But she wanted to do it after seeing him once. Then again she wondered, would once be enough for her!

No, she didn't doubt. She was sure that he would come back. And when he did, she would open her heart to him. She would admit her feelings and desires. She would confess that her peace, her happiness, her joy had been gone with him too.

Through the haze of her thoughts, Rajkumari Chitrangada felt someone watching her. She looked over there to find a very familiar figure. He was leaning on a tree bark while crossing his arms on his chest. He wore a mask of indifference only watching her. For a few moments, Chitrangada thought she was hallucinating. But her erratically beating heart was screaming that he was real. Her warrior was here with her. In the brilliance of the moonlight, Chitrangada's eyes kept devouring the sight of him till the silence was broken by him.

"You should rest. The war would resume with the first rays of sunlight." Yuyutsu stated solemnly.

"Rest? How can I rest? When there's so much restlessness inside me." Chitrangada said. Her voice was just above a whisper.

"Parajeet hone ka bhay hai? (Is it the fear of defeat?)" Yuyutsu asked in the same manner.

"Nehi. Bhay hai tiraskar ka. (No. It's the fear of rejection.)" Chitrangada replied. She felt like she was in a trance.

"Yaudhya o ko toh bijay prapt hota hai, yeah parajay. Tiraskar ka bhay to srarnarthi o ko hota hai. (Soldiers either gets victory or defeat. Only the asylum seekers are afraid of rejection.)" Yuyutsu said.

"Srarnarthi hi to hu main. (I'm an asylum seeker only.)" Chitrangada replied. She felt an urging from deep within. She had to get this out. She had to tell him the way she felt. What if there was no tomorrow or he never showed up again?!

"Kya apke hriday mei thora sa ashray prapt hoga mujhe, Veer? (Can I get a little space in your heart, Warrior?)"

"What are you talking about?" Yuyutsu asked while a frown marred his rugged face.

"Exactly what you heard." Chitrangada answered while taking slow steps towards him.
"Since you left, I have waited for you to return. Every single day has appeared to be longer than a year. This wait has been so difficult yet so blissful at the same time. Every time I see the mirror, I see you in it. In me. And I ask myself why my eyes search only you everywhere." Chitrangada stopped as she stood close to him. So close that he could probably hear the thudding of her wildly beating heart.
"The answer that resonates through my heart is because I have fallen in love with you, my warrior."

"Parihas kar rahi hai aap mere saath?(Are you joking with me?)" Yuyutsu stated more than asking as his jaw clenched in anger.

"Meri bhabnay parihas pratit ho rahi hai aapko? (Do my feelings appear to be a joke to you?)"

"What else is it if not a joke? You want to tell me that you do really love me Rajkumari? That you have feelings for me?!"

"Why is it so unbelievable to you?"

"You don't even know who I am. You don't even know my name. You don't know where I come from or where I go. You don't know a single thing about me and you say you have fallen in love with me?"

"I told you before too. Your bravery, your kindness, your Dharma means more to me than a mere name or address. I have loved the person you are Rajkumar Yuyutsu, and I don't care for the titles."

Yuyutsu became speechless in surprise. She knew. She knew who he was already.

"Then you know that I am a Vaishyaputra. A Karana (son of a ksatriya father and vaishya mother)"

"And why should that matter?"

"I am the son of Maharaj Dhritrastra Rajkumari. Who has hundred more sons from his legally wedded wife. I became unnecessary to my father right after my birth. I never knew how it feels to sit close to him when he used to spend time with his sons. I wasn't raised like a Rajkumar who is free to do whatever he wishes. I used to sit close to my mother or help her in chores because Maharani Gandhari is reminded of her husband's betrayal every time I am around. And to my brothers, I am nothing more than a privileged servant." Yuyutsu said with a scornful smile and added, "So, the question is, why do you want to taint your blood by associating with me?"

Yuyutsu expected her to either be silent or deny the facts with emotional blubbering. But what she did next completely threw him off guard.
Chitrangada grabbed the back of his neck and brought his face closer to hers before speaking through gritted teeth.

"Listen to me carefully you Vaishyaputra. I have dedicated my heart to you and I will never ever tolerate you insulting yourself like that again. Your past has nothing to do with our future. By now you know that I get what I want by hook or crook. And I want you."

Chitrangada released him and added before she turned to leave, "Tomorrow I will finish this war and after that you will ask for my hand to my father."

"And if I don't?" Yuyutsu asked from behind finally getting out of his shocked state.

"Then I will come with my army to Hastinapur. Where is it written that wars can only be waged for princesses?" Chitrangada replied looking back and left with a smirk on her face.

********

In Indraprasth:

Maharaj Govasena of Sivi Kingdom got down from his chariot at the entrance of Mayamehel. His eyes took in the majestic palace and it's surroundings. His eyes fell on the two figure standing at front. Both held an intimidating powerful aura. The one who stood at right with calm patient eyes and neutral posture must be the King of Indraprasth, Yamaputra, Dharmraj Yudhisthir. The other one who stood a little behind on the left had to be Panduputra Arjun. He stood idly while observing him with his calculative eyes.

"Prarnipat Maharaj Yudhisthir." Maharaj Govasena greeted coming closer to stand before him.

"Prarnipat. Welcome to Indraprasth, Sivi Naresh." Yudhisthir returned the greeting along with Arjun. "Where is your friend whom you brought?"

"His chariot was behind mine. He must be reaching soon." Maharaj Govasena replied.

"Hopefully, you didn't face any difficulties in the journey."

"When the destination is important, the journey or difficulties matter little."

"True that is." Yudhisthir said with a smile. "If we had prior knowledge of your companion, we would have prepared to welcome him better."

"What's the need Maharaj Yudhisthir? We are family after all." A man sitting on top of his chariot said loudly. He got down and strolled to where they stood.

"Welcome." Yudhisthir greeted the newcomer politely.

"Welcome, Sindhuraj Jayadrath."