Devashree was searching for the right path to the ashram. It was somewhere near Mathura, in the surrounding forests. 

The air was filled with the songs of birds, and the occasional roar of wild animals echoed through the trees. Streams and rivers meandered through the forest, providing clean water for drinking and bathing.

She came across a stream and decided to freshen herself. 

Bending down to splash water on her face, her eyes fell on another reflection that shown in the water of the stream. 

She looked up and saw a teen, sitting under the oak tree on the opposite bank. 

He had a striking figure, appearing to be of the Kshatriya caste. With his tall stature, lithe frame, and chiseled features, his dark hair had been cropped short, framing a face that bore the traces of his royal lineage-strong jawline, and high cheekbones, but his piercing hazel eyes were dull, contrasting with his other striking features.

His gaze was fixed on the flowing stream, betraying the turmoil and anguish that lay within. A 

Devashree silently crossed the stream, her soft feet paddling across the water, creating ripples until she was on the other side. He did not seem to be aware of her presence. Her eyes went to the bow on the ground beside him.

"A Kshatriya should always be alert and aware of his surroundings," Devashree said, breaking the silence. 

The boy looked up in alarm, his glassy eyes widening as he took her form, clad in traditional Bramhacharya attire, a sword hanging from her waist, and a bow in hand.

"Pranipat Devi, I did not realize your presence." Despite the jovial greeting, his eyes were filled with grief, possessing a haunting beauty,a rawness, and a vulnerability that spoke the depths of human emotion.

Devashree felt her chest squeeze, looking at those hazel eyes carrying weariness that spoke of the emotional burden carried within. Lines of sorrow had etched themselves around his eyes, creasing the skin with the weight of unexpressed pain. She gently sat down beside him.

"What ails you so, o warrior?"

"Forgive me; it would be unseemly of me to talk about matters personal to me."

Devashree gave him a gentle smile."You know, sometimes it is easier to talk to a complete stranger who knows nothing about you, for he cannot judge you with no knowledge about circumstances, a stranger who you may never meet again." She did not want to leave a fellow warrior with such grief clouding him. There was an indiscernible pull that was not letting her leave him, like an instinct to nurture, protect, and comfort.

His shoulders slumped, and he finally turned to meet Devashree's gaze, his eyes red-rimmed and brimming with unshed tears.

"My parents...they are gone. Taken from me by the cruel hand of fate."

Devashree's heart ached at the raw anguish in his voice, and without hesitation, she stepped forward, wrapping him in a tender embrace that felt like coming home after a long journey.

"Let your tears flow. There is no shame in grieving for those we have lost."

His shoulders shook with the weight of his sorrow, and he buried his face in her odhani, which was wrapped around her neck, seeking solace in her comforting presence. Devashree momentarily tried stepping into his shoes. What would she have done if she lost her parents? A wave of grief instantly surrounded her, but then the firm face of her Bhratashree and the innocent face of her Pratap flashed in front of her eyes.

"But how can I bear this pain, knowing they are gone forever?"

Her touch was gentle yet firm, and her voice had a soothing melody that calmed the storm raging within his heart.

"You carry within you the legacy of your parents- their love, their wisdom, their strength. Though they may have departed from this world, their spirit lives on in you, guiding you, inspiring you, and giving you the courage to face whatever challenges may come your way."

Arjuna's breath caught in his throat, the stranger's words piercing through the veil of despair that clouded his mind. In her embrace, he felt a glimmer of hope-a flicker of light in the darkness that threatened to engulf him. She seemed to hold a familiarity, a resemblance to someone his soul might have known.

"Do you have any siblings?"

"Yes"

"Then remember, you are not alone in your grief. You carry within you the strength of your siblings."

His breath caught in his throat, and the stranger's words stirred a flicker of hope within his shattered heart.

"You are right, my elder brother is wise and noble, and he has always guided me with unwavering love and support. And my younger siblings look up to me with eyes filled with trust and admiration."

"Oh, then you are just like me; I too have an older and a younger brother. If your Bhratashree is anything like mine, then he must be feeling an immense weight of responsibilities on his shoulders. Think about him; he must be suppressing his own grief for all his siblings. You carry within you the strength and resilience of your family of your father and mother.And though the path ahead may be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, you do not walk it alone. Your younger siblings look to you for guidance and protection, their trust and love are a testament to the bond that binds you together."."

He wiped his tears, and a determined glint appeared in his eyes.

"You are right. Thank you, Devi, for reminding me of the strength and resilience that lie within me. With the love and support of my family, I will face whatever challenges may come my way, honoring the memory of my parents and protecting those who depend on me." The dulled gaze that she had stumbled upon was now replaced by the steely gaze of a lion, showcasing his inner strength. At this moment, he looked just like a fierce lion.

"How do I thank you, Devi?" His eyes reflected his gratitude.

"If you would be kind enough to tell me the way Rishi Sandipani's Ashram is, we are even."

"I do know it; let me show you."

He led her to the desired path. She beamed at him and stepped on the path to leave.

"Wait, do you want to leave as a stranger? Don't you want to know my name?" he called out to her, somehow not yet ready to leave her presence.

"Oh Shwetrajatan (the one who shines like silver), you stopped being a stranger to me the moment you confided your pain to me.You remind me of my little brother." Devashree gave him a serene smile.

Hearing her refer to him as her brother made him beam with joy."Now you even called me brother. It is only fair to tell me your name."

Devashree laughed in joy, she was happy she could help him and bring a smile to his face.

"Devashree, my name is Devashree."

"I am Arjun. But I like the name you gave me."

"Then that is what I shall call you."

"Do you think we will meet again?" Arjun asked, a hopeful look in his eyes.

"Oh, definitely" Devashree replied, feeling a sense of certainty in her heart.

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It was near midnight when she reached Rishi Sandipani's ashram. Near the banks of the sacred river Shipra, the ashram stood as a beacon of enlightenment and spiritual growth.

As she approached the ashram, the air seemed to hum with the melodious chants of Vedic hymns, weaving a tapestry of sound that echoed through the surrounding woods. Tall trees, their branches reaching towards the heavens, provided shade and shelter to those who sought refuge within the ashram's walls. The scent of incense mingled with the fragrance of wildflowers, creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace.

At the heart of the ashram stood the gurukul, the abode of Rishi Sandipani, who was a revered sage known for his wisdom and compassion.

 Surrounding the gurukul were clusters of huts and cottages, where students of all ages resided while they pursued their studies under Rishi Sandipani's guidance.

Nearby, a sacred fire burned perpetually in the yagna-shala, where rituals and ceremonies were performed to honor the gods and seek their blessings.  Here, disciples cultivated herbs and medicinal plants under the watchful eye of Rishi Sandipani, learning the ancient art of healing and herbalism.

As Devashree approached the ashram of Rishi Sandipani, her heart raced with anticipation and nerves. She had heard tales of the sage's wisdom and compassion, and now, standing at the threshold of the gurukul, she felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Rishi Sandipani who was seated beneath the shade of a towering banyan tree, looked up from his scriptures as she approached. His eyes, warm and kind, seemed to pierce through the young girl's soul, filling her with a sense of reverence and awe.

" Pranipat Rishivar." she greeted

Rishi Sandipani's smile was gentle yet knowing as if he had been expecting her arrival all along.

"Welcome, my child. The doors of this ashram are always open to those who seek the light of wisdom. Tell me, what is it that brings you to me?"

She hesitated for a moment, overcome by the weight of her own aspirations and uncertainties.

"I...I seek to understand all the kalaas of the universe, to unravel them, and to learn them. Will you help me on this journey?"

Rishi Sandipani's eyes twinkled with amusement as if he found humor in the earnestness of her words. And why not? The Sarvagunsampan goddess was seeking his help to learn all the art forms.

"My dear child, the journey you seek is not an easy one, nor is it one that can be undertaken lightly. But fear not, for I shall be your guide and mentor, leading you along the path of knowledge and self-discovery."

Devashree's heart swelled with gratitude, her doubts and fears melting away in the presence of the sage's reassuring presence.

"Dhanyawad, rishivar, for your kindness and generosity. I am ready to embark on this journey with you, wherever it may lead."

Rishi Sandipani's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with a knowing wisdom that seemed to transcend the bounds of time and space.

"Then let us begin, my child. For in the pursuit of truth, there is no greater adventure than the journey of the soul."

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After receiving solace and guidance from the Devashree, Arjuna's heart felt lighter as he made his way back to his family. 

Her presence had been like the warmth of a mother's embrace, and the gentle touch of a friend's hand, with a generosity that offered help without expecting anything in return. 

As he approached his brothers and mother, he could sense the heaviness of grief that weighed upon them. 

With determination and newfound clarity, he sought to lighten their spirits.

"Mata, I have returned."

Kunti looked up, her eyes reflecting both sorrow and a glimmer of hope at the sight of her beloved son's return.

"Arjun, Putr, it warms my heart to see you once more. How do you fare?" asked Kunti, her voice filled with concern for her child, whose heart was the softest of all.

"I fare better than before, Mata. There was a Devi, Mata, whom I met on my journey. She offered me guidance and comfort in my time of need," Arjun began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion.

"And what did this Devi say, Arjun?" asked Yudhishthira, his curiosity piqued by his brother's tale.

Arjuna recounted his encounter with Devashree, her comforting presence and wise words leaving a lasting impression on him. He spoke of her kindness, her empathy, and the sense of hope she had instilled in him.

"You should have brought her with you Arjun, a person who helps when in need without any expectations is not less than a god."

"I did think about it, Mata, but she was in a hurry."

Bheem, the fierce warrior but with the biggest heart, nodded in understanding, his expression softened by the warmth of his brother's words.

"Haan. We may have lost Mata and Pitashree but we still have each other. And as long as we stand together, we can face whatever challenges come our way." Added Bheem.

Nakul and Sahadev, exchanged a silent glance, their eyes reflecting the unspoken bond that united them as a family.

"We must honor the memory of our parents by staying united, by supporting one another in times of need." Nakula said, seriously." And Mata, Bhratashree, we should not be sad at all, in fact, we should celebrate; after all, Bhratashree Bheem for the very first time in his life, has said something wise today."

"You Nakul-, Let me tell you all about my wisdom today." Bheem took Nakul in a headlock, bending him backwards.

And with that, the dam broke, and everyone burst out laughing.

Bheem, still holding Nakula in a playful headlock, softened his grip and pulled him closer, wrapping his other arm around Sahadev, who was grinning widely.

Yudhishthira stepped forward, and joined the embrace, his arms encircling his brothers. Arjun the last to join ,  reached out to hug his brothers, feeling their strength and solidarity surround him.

Kunti smiled, her heart swelling with pride and gratitude as she joined them.

As they held each other tightly, the grief that had weighed so heavily on their hearts began to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of determination and unity. 

They were more than just a family; they were a source of strength and support for one another, bound by unbreakable ties of love and loyalty.

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As Krishna returned victorious from slaying Bakasura. Balrama noticed Krishna getting ready and beautifying himself, a mischievous grin spread across his face, and he couldn't resist poking fun at Krishna once again.

"Ah, Kanhaa, my dear brother! It seems the slaying of Bakasura has put an extra spring in your step today."

Krishna glanced up, his smile radiant and his eyes twinkling with the joy of victory.

"Indeed, Dau! The defeat of Bakasura has lifted a great weight from the hearts of the people of Vrindavan."

"And yet, I cannot help but notice the extra care you are taking in adorning yourself today, Kanha. Could it be that thoughts of a certain cowherd maiden have found their way into your heart once again?"

"Oh, dau, must you always tease me so? Radha is but a dear friend, nothing more."

"Ek kshan, did I take her name? I don't think so. Then, where did the name Radha come from? Aha, from the very depths of your heart, Kanha ."

Krishna laughed, unable to refute his brother's observations. 

Indeed, Radha held a special place in his heart, her love and devotion were a source of strength and inspiration.

"Oh, dau, you know me too well! Radha holds a special place in my heart, that is true. But today, let us focus on celebrating the victory over Bakasura."

Balrama laughed heartily, "Very well, Kanha! But do not think I will let you off the hook so easily."

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A/N

Krishna:

Me: Kya hua Krishn?

Krishna: (sniffling) Meri pranpriye ne tumhari wajah se Arjun ko GALE LAGAYA!! BAHON MEIN BAHE DAALKAR! GALE LAGAYA!!

Me: Mamta kanha, mamta hai unki. Krishn,..... are you jealous?

Krishn: (still snifling) Kaun main? arey bilkul nahi.....Apne hone wale saale se bhala kon jalega.

Me : Sochlo, sab mere haath main hai.

Krishn: (glaring fiercely) Humko alag karke dikhao bas

Me:

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