In Indraprasht:

Whole Indraprasht was decorated beautifully to welcome their Rajmata, Maharani and Rajkumari Draupadi. Pandavs were busy in preparations and in making sure their people wouldn't face any problem in settling there.

After the city was built, a large number of Brahmins, well versed in the Vedas and many merchants from various places came to live there. People skilled in various arts also came there to take up residence in the new city. The city had many gardens adorned with various kinds of trees. Various animals and birds came to the place because of the natural habitat created by the planting of trees. The city also had many artificial hillocks, lakes and other water bodies.

Everything was beautiful and peaceful, but there was no peace in Nakul's heart as he had not been able to contact Drisana in all those months. Every beauty, every facility, every progress seemed pale without her.

"What happened Rajkumar Nakul? Why is your face so pale? Are you not happy with Indraprasht?" Krishna asked him.

"Everything is fine." Nakul answered with a forced smile.

"How can everything be fine when he doesn't have his Hridaya with him?" Sahdev said teasingly earning a glare from Nakul.

"His who?" Bheem asked looking between them.

"His Hridaya bhrata Bheem. Drisana." Sahdev said as Nakul threw a pillow right at his face with Krishna, Arjun, Bheem and Yudhisthir chuckling.

"Bechare. Do hanso ke jode ko aab aur aalag rakhna uchit nehi hoga Dharmraj. Aap Dravida mein sandhi prastab ke saath saath vivah ka prastab vhi kyun nehi vhej dete? Dravida ke saath sandhi aur sammandh dono hi lavdayi hoga. (Poor souls. It won't be right to keep these love birds apart anymore, Dharmraj. Why don't you send marriage proposal with peace treaty to Dravida? Treaty and alliance with Dravida both will be valuable.)" Krishna said to Yudhisthir.

"But will they agree? I've tried to talk to them many times, they declined every time." Yudhisthir said with concern.

"At that time we were in Hastinapur. And they didn't wanted any connection with it. But now that we have settled here, maybe they'll agree." Arjun said hopefully.

"Yes, bhrata Yudhisthir. You just send the proposal, my behna will handle the rest." Krishna said smiling mischievously as Nakul turned red and the rest laughed.

In Hastinapur:

"What are you saying, Maharaj?" Kunti asked aghast.

Message was sent in Hastinapur for Kunti, Devika and Draupadi to come at Indraprasht. As Karna promised, he himself would take them to Indraprasht safely. Mahamahim Bhismeh also announced he was going to Indraprasht too. Earlier he didn't say anything as he didn't wanted Dhritarashtra to blackmail him by changing Yudhisthir's punishment. But now he had enough. He wasn't going to stay there anymore. With them large numbers of residence of Hastinapur also wanted to go to Indraprasht. They were preparing to leave when Maharaj Dhritarashtra stopped Kunti. Saying that Devika and Draupadi could go, but not Kunti. She was his late brothers wife and her place was at Hastinapur.

"Are you in your senses Dhritarashtra!!! Kunti is Pandavs mother. She has right to go to her sons. You can't stop her." Mahamahim Bhismeh said.

"You're right. But what about the duty of a daughter-in-law? This is a time of difficulty for us. She can't leave. That's my decision." Maharaj Dhritarashtra said firmly.

"What dificulty are you talking about? You have to let her go. Don't force my hand in this." Mahamahim Bhismeh said angrily.

"Have you become so blind in your love for Pandavs Tatshree that you don't see the difficulties? After Vrikasthala, our subjects are not happy with us, we've lost their trust. That's why so many people are ready to go to Indraprasht. Moreover, you're also leaving Hastinapur. There's a possibility of uprising, but you don't see any problems. If Kunti remains here, that'll be a sign to outsiders that even though Pandavs left Hastinapur, they're still with us. But if Kunti leaves, then what's there to stop them from attacking us. I understand a mother should not be separated from her sons, but I have to think of my Kingdom as a King. There's nothing more important than fulfilling Raj Dharma. You only taught me that Tatshree." Dhritarashtra said.

"Try to understand Dhritarashtra, a mother's most glorious moment is when her sons become successful. Don't keep her away from her sons. As for a uprising, if you feel so, I'll remain here. But let her go." Bhismeh said realising this was to stop him front leaving.

"Forgive me Mahamahim. You'll remain here for now, but if you leave later than Hastinapur will be vulnerable. What then? To ensure Hastinapur's safety it's in our best interest if Rajmata Kunti remains here unless you promise not to leave Hastinapur ever and always stay by Maharaj's side." Gandharraj Shakuni gave his input.

"Yes. And also Tatshree without you I'm nothing. No one will care for a blind King. Our subjects, our soldiers, our ministers everyone listens and respects you. I'm on the throne as long as you stand beside me." Dhritarashtra said.

So, that's what they wanted. They would only let Kunti go, if Bhismeh became their servant. If not, then a war would ensue as Pandavs wrath landed on Hastinapur. On the other hand, though this was a play to get him on their side, Dhritarashtra's words were true. No one would care for a blind King. That was why Pandu even being the youngest, was made King. The alternative was to make Duryodhan King as Dhritarashtra and Gandhari took exile. But Duryodhan would ruin what was left of Hastinapur.
Again Hastinapur was demanding one more sacrifice from him. Every time when he thought there was nothing left to give, they demand more. Now only death could free him from these demands. He looked at Kunti who also understood their plan.

"Fine. I vow to remain at Hastinapur and by your side Maharaj. Let Putri Kunti go to her sons." Mahamahim Bhismeh said with a blank face.

Kunti came to take blessings from Mahamahim Bhismeh before leaving.

"What have you done, Tatshree?" Kunti said sadly.

"I tried putri. I tried my best to keep my family united. To protect Hastinapur. To see a capable King on the throne. But don't know where I failed, where my teachings fell short. Tell Pandavs even though I'm not there, my blessings will always be with them." Mahamahim Bhismeh said with a heavy voice. Kunti nodded and left with her daughter-in-laws and Karna.

In Dravida:

Drisana wanted to scream in joy as she received Nakul's letter after so many months. He described everything that happened shortly and also wrote how much he missed her. He also wrote about places in Indraprasht that he wanted to take her to. And at last about the marriage proposal that was on the way. Drisana was feeling like jumping. Finally.

But she had to make sure this time the proposal got accepted. She couldn't talk to her Pitashree about her own marriage. Was she blushing? No. That's Nakul's job. Nakul and his blush. He looked so cute while blushing.
'Concentrate Drisana.' She scolded herself.
Okay. So she couldn't talk to her Pitashree. Then who could talk to him that he would listen.

Dwijendra.

Determining to talk to her eldest brother, she went to his chambers. As she neared, she saw Prathamesh and his little sister, Chandrani hiding behind a pillar. She went close to them.

"Why are you two hiding?" Drisana asked.

"Quiet bua. Mata is searching us to give music lessons." Prathamesh whispered. Drisana got it. If Yuvrani Aanandini had taken music lessons properly, those innocent kids wouldn't have to hide.

"Where's your Pitashree?" She asked them.

"Pitashree escaped saying he had urgent work." Chandrani replied.

"Okay. Continue hiding." Drisana whispered back and went from there to find Dwijendra.

After searching everywhere, she finally found Dwijendra with Dhritimat at the library. This was his urgent work.

"Jyesth, I'm searching you for so long. What are you doing here?" Drisana asked.

"First tell me -
'If I stay with you, you wish to share me with others and if that is the case than you never acquired me, tell who am I?'
What is the answer?" Dwijendra asked. Drisana understood what was happening. Her bhrata Dhritimat must had bet something on the question and he didn't want Dwijendra to win and Dwijendra didn't want to lose.

"It's not fair Jyesth. You can't take anyone's help." Dhritimat said.

"Anyone's. But Drisana isn't just anyone, is she?" Dwijendra said raising he eyebrows.

"Yes. That's right. But Jyesth why should I help you?" Drisana said sweetly as Dhritimat smirked hearing her.

"Because otherwise I'll have to go to Chedi for royal matters and I don't want to see Chedi Naresh's face." Dwijendra said hopefully, pleading with eyes.

"And if Jyesth answers, I'll have to go to Chedi and I also don't want to see Chedi Naresh's face." Dhritimat said also pleadingly. This was just what she needed. Drisana sent her thanks to her bhrata Krishna.

"And I want to go to Indraprasht and see Rajkumar Nakul's face. Who will help me with that?" Drisana asked smiling sweetly. Dwijendra and Dhritimat both's eyes widened and jaw slackened.

"Look Drisana -" Dwijendra started to say, coming out of the shock.

"Before you say anything, hear me first. Pandavs are not in Hastinapur, nor they're going back. You said you'll never let me go to Hastinapur as my life and honour both will be at risk there. But in Indraprasht, under Jyesth Yudhisthir's rule, there will be no risk. Also Dharmraj himself vowed that no harm will reach me as long as pandavs live, remember? I'll be safe and happy. Please." Drisana said in a breath and looked at them pleadingly with puppy eyes. Dwijendra and Dhritimat looked in dilemma. Then they looked suspiciously at her.

"You contacted him all those years, didn't you?" Dwijendra said.

"What does it matters? What matters is I want to marry him and I will marry him only. And if you don't talk to Pitashree and make him agree than I'll talk to him while you sit to dine with Chedi Naresh." Though Drisana's face was bright red, she held onto her courage. Dwijendra and Dhritimat gave a shudder at the mention of Chedi Naresh. They looked at each other for sometime.

"If you agree to convince Pitashree, I can arrange for someone else to go to Chedi." Drisana said cautiously.

"Really?!!!" Both asked hopefully.

"Yes. But first you'll have to promise you'll convince Pitashree for sure." Drisana said. The brothers looked at each other for confirmation. And after contemplating a little they agreed.

"Okay. Promise. But who will go to Chedi?"

Drisana didn't reply, just smiled devilishly. She had the perfect person in mind.

"Arya!!!" Dheemant got straightened hearing his wives.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Suna hai hamne Arya - (Arya, we heard there's -)"
"Chedi mein hai moti Gajo ka. (Gaj Moti (elephant pearls) in Chedi.)"
"Aur aap hai ja ooha rahe, (And you're going there,)"
"To hamare liye lana bhulna na. (So bring for us surely.) "

Himani & Poornima said.

"Who said I'm going to Chedi? I'm not going to Chedi." Dheemant said immediately. Dwijendra or Dhritimat was supposed to go to Chedi. He wasn't going to give his head for sacrifice.

"Oh my God! Bhrata Dheemant, I expected better from you. My sweet, naive, innocent bhabishrees asked for pearls and that's why you cancelled going to Chedi. This is your love. After all they do for you, you can't even fulfil this small wish of theirs. Shame on you." Drisana said dramatically suddenly appearing beside. Dheemant looked at her aghast. As she completed, Himani & Poornima started crying together.

"Karte nehi aap Arya - (Arya, you don't -)"
"Prem hamse jara bhi. (Love us even a bit.)"
"Hamari itni choti si khoiyesh- (You can't fulfil -)"
"Puri na hogi tabhi hi. (Such a small wish.)"

"Bhabishree, bhabishree, This is injustice. You shouldn't talk to him until he goes to Chedi to bring pearls for you." Drisana said. Dheemant was trying to comprehend what the hell was going on.

"Ha, ho- (Yes,) "
"Tum sahi. (you're right.)"
"Aab to karenge hum baat- (Now we will talk -)"
"Leke jab aayenge aap sath- (Only after you return-)"
"Chedi se motio ka uphar. (From Chedi with pearls.)"

Himani & Poornima left after giving the warning to Dheemant. After looking at the way for sometimes, he turned angrily towards Drisana, but Drisana was nowhere to be found.

Later Dheemant understood from where his wives got the sudden desire for pearls and why, when marriage proposal for Drisana came from Indraprasht and Dwijendra, Dhritimat put their all in convincing Maharaj Drishadvat.

In Indraprasht:

Pandavs and Krishna stood at the main gate of Indraprasht to welcome their Mata, Devika and Draupadi. Everyone was excited for their arrival. Earlier they received news from Dravida that they accepted the proposal and invited them to Dravida. Nakul's smile hadn't left his face since then and his brothers continued teasing him along with Krishna.

As Rajmata Kunti arrived with her daughter-in-laws and Karna, Pandavs went ahead to get her out of the chariot, took her blessings and embraced her with delight. After welcoming the women, they noticed Karna's attire. Yudhisthir went to him.

"Thank you so much Angraj for bringing them here safely." He said to Karna.

"It's okay. And I'm not Angraj anymore. I renounced my position as King." Karna said. Pandavs were shocked to hear that while only Kunti noticed the pain behind his mask of indifference.

"If you don't mind me asking why is that? You ruled Anga so skillfully and efficiently all thus years. You saved a ruined administration and established morality and Dharma. Why would you leave it now?" Yudhisthir asked, bewildered by his decision. Karna smiled sadly hearing his praise.

"It was a favour that I was made King. A Sootputra isn't suitable for the throne. I was just a servant and I fulfilled my responsibilities as I saw fit. Now I'm not able to bear the burden of the favour anymore." Karna said. Pandavs understood it was something to do with Duryodhan and they shouldn't pry. Kunti's heart was breaking again for him. He was not a Soota. He was her son. She had hidden the truth for so many years. Now she wouldn't let him suffer more. Whatever the consequences might be, she would tell the truth.

"If a Soota wasn't suitable for the Thorne, than you wouldn't be able to rule with such proficiency Maharathi Karna." Bheem said casually. He regretted mocking Karna for his caste as after Devika joined their family, their eyes opened towards the injustice done in the name of caste. But of course he wasn't going to apologise. It was the best Karna was going to get and Karna was rather surprised, not with the words but getting them from Bheem.

"Yes. And no matter where you are, you'll shine." Arjun added with a smile.

"Putra -" Kunti was going to tell them the truth, but Krishna interrupted.

"You seem rather unsettled Maharathi Karna. When there's a storm going on inside us, we should change our environment. Taking a long journey helps us to settle our minds and find peace." Krishna said with his serene smile. "Why don't you go to visit your sister? She'll be happy seeing you and you'll also get a change." He suggested.

Karna thought about it. He needed a break and Drisana had invited him to visit Dravida repeatedly over the years. He could use the change to calm his raging thoughts. On the other hand, Arjun looked at Madhav thoughtfully was it just an innocent suggestion or something else was going on his head.

"That would be good I guess." Karna said finally.

"Okay. Then why don't you stay here for some days before starting your journey. You shouldn't miss the beauty of Indraprasht. What say bhrata Yudhisthir?" Krishna said.

"Of course. I request you to enjoy our hospitality for some days. It's the least we can do after you took such a trouble to bring Mata and the others here." Yudhisthir said smiling at him.

"Thank you for your offer. But I -" Karna was about to object.

"It seems he'll only accept if you say bua." Krishna said looking at Kunti.

"Yes, putra. Stay. I'll feel good." Kunti said. Karna nodded accepting then.

In Hastinapur:

"It's good that Pitamah vowed. Now he had to do what we want." Duryodhan said.

"Yes, we acquired a valuable asset. But what about the one you lost?" Gandharraj spoke angrily.

"What do you mean?" Duryodhan asked.

"Karna. What was the need for such stupidity?" Shakuni asked.

Duryodhan felt an ache in his heart at the mention of his Mitra. He spoke in anger and lost him. But how could he accept his Mitra being friendly with his enemies.

"He was siding with those Pandavs. He was conspiring against me." Duryodhan said angrily.

"He is not one to conspire behind back and you know that very well. That's why we keep him away from our plans. If you have a headache, you find a treatment for that, not cut your head. He was getting close to the Pandavs and you should have separated him from them, not yourself." Shakuni said to his hard-headed nephew.

"I would have understood if Dussasan did such stupidity, but you? I never thought was capable for this idiocy." He hissed again. Duryodhan's face fell as he remembered what he had said to Karna in anger. It was true he thought like that in the beginning, but over the years he had valued his friendship. His friendship meant to him more than anything and he hurt that very friend in anger.

"What should I do Mamashree? He won't forgive me." Duryodhan said in a broken voice.

"He will, mere bache. Even though he's hurt badly, your friendship means a lot to him. If you ask for forgiveness and do a little drama, he'll melt." Shakuni said and gave him the idea of doing a drama of hurting himself in regret to earn Karna's forgiveness when he returned.

Unfortunately for them, Karna wasn't returning so soon.

Thoughts???

It's the longest chapter till now...😅😅😅

Words count: 3051