Bheem's jaw dropped in disbelief, Nakul's eyes widened in equal parts shock and amusement, trying to stifle his laughter at the absurdity of the dare.

"Dance with Nakul... in a saree?!" Bheem exclaimed, disbelief evident in his voice."I... uh... I don't know how to wear a saree so I cannot," he admitted sheepishly, scratching his head in perplexity.

Nakul was grinning ear to ear at Bheem's predicament. "Don't worry, Bhrata, I've got you covered," he chimed in with a teasing glint in his eye. "I'll be your saree stylist for the day!"

"And just how exactly do you know how to wear a saree, Nakul?" Arjun asked, a playful smirk playing on his lips.

Sahadev exchanged a knowing wink with Arjun, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Oh, you know, Bhrata," he teased, nudging him playfully. "Our dear brother here has had... quite a bit of experience in such matters."

Arjun's eyes sparkled with amusement as he joined in. "Oh, really?" he drawled, leaning closer to Nakul. "Do tell, Nakul. How exactly did you acquire this knowledge?"

Nakul's cheeks flushed slightly, but he maintained his grin. "There have been a few occasions when a certain lady needed some assistance, and who better to help than a dashing prince like myself?"

Sahadev laughed, clapping Nakul on the shoulder. "Yes, and if I recall correctly, those 'occasions' often happened late at night, didn't they? When the moon was high, and the palace corridors were quiet?"

"Ah, yes, I remember now. Nakul, the charmer of many ladies. Always slipping out at night, isn't that right, Sahadev?" Arjun laughed heartily, joining in the teasing.

Draupadi arched an eyebrow at Nakul, "Arya, what is this I'm hearing?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of reprimand. "Surely you haven't been getting into any... trouble, have you?"

"No, no, of course not, Panchali, it's not like that, I swear!" Nakul reassured, his voice laced with charm as he tried to sugarcoat his response. "It's just... a bit of harmless fun, you know? Nothing serious. You are the only one in my heart Priye."

But Draupadi's knowing gaze lingered on Nakula for a moment longer, her lips curving into a playful smile. "As it should be Arya" she replied, her tone teasing yet affectionate.

"Alright, alright," Bheem interupped, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "If Nakul can manage to get me into a saree, I'll take on this dare. But you'd better not let me look foolish, little brother!"

Nakul gave a dramatic bow, still grinning. "Fear not, Bheem Bhrata. By the time I'm done, you'll be the most graceful bride of Indraprashtha."

"Just get on with it, Nakul. The sooner we start, the sooner we can get this over with."

Nakul began draping the saree over Bheem's massive frame. He struggled with the fabric, trying to wrap it around Bheem's muscular body.

"Hold still, Bheem Bhrata," Nakula instructed, his voice shaking with suppressed laughter. He tried to tuck the saree into place, but it kept slipping and bunching awkwardly.

Bheem glanced down at Nakula's efforts. "Are you sure you know what you're doing, anuj?" he asked, trying to stay still despite the ridiculousness of the situation.

"I am an expert Bhrata, trust me." Nakul wrapped the saree around Bheem's waist, struggling to gather enough fabric to cover him properly.

As he tucked the pleats in, he muttered, " This would be a lot easier if you weren't so... well, massive."

"Careful, Nakul! Don't anger the bride!" Arjun called out.

Nakul continued, trying to maintain his composure. "Now, for the pallu," he said, draping the end of the saree over Bheem's shoulder. However, due to Bheem's immense size, the pallu fell ridiculously short, barely reaching his chest.

"Looks like the pallu wasn't designed for giants," Sahadev quipped, causing another round of laughter.

"Arya Nakul, you'll need another saree to finish the job!" Draupadi added, tears of laughter streaming down her face.

Bheem glanced down at the short pallu. "Is this it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "I feel like I'm missing half the outfit!"

Nakul adjusted the pallu and tried to make it look as elegant as possible. "Just give me a moment, Bhrata. We'll make it work," he said, stifling his own laughter.

Despite his best efforts, Nakula couldn't prevent the saree from looking comically inadequate on Bheem's massive frame. The vibrant fabric barely covered him, and the short pallu gave him an awkward, half-dressed appearance.

"Alright, Bhrata," Nakul said, stepping back to admire his work with a mischievous grin. "You're ready to dance."

Bheem glanced down at himself, his muscular frame barely contained by the delicate saree. "I look ridiculous," he muttered, shaking his head.

"No, no," Sahadev said, laughing. "You look like a true bride of Indraprastha!"

"Alright, Bheemala and Nakula, it's time to start the dance!" Arjuna called out, clapping his hands together. The rest of the group joined in, their faces alight with anticipation.

Bheem shot a half-hearted glare at his brothers and Nakul, standing beside him, couldn't hide his grin.

"Shall we?" Nakul asked, extending his hand with exaggerated grace.

Bheem sighed dramatically and took Nakula's hand. "Let's get this over with," he muttered, though a smile tugged at his lips.

As the music began to play, the two started to dance. Bheem, with his massive frame and the ill-fitting saree, moved with an awkwardness that was hilarious. Nakul, in contrast, tried to maintain a semblance of grace, guiding Bheem through the steps with exaggerated elegance.

He placed Bheem's large hand on his shoulder and then wrapped his own arm around Bheem's waist.

"Bhrata," Nakula began with a mock-serious expression, "your waist is too wide to fit in my palm. I think I need two hands for this!"

The other brothers, the two Krishnas , Devashree and Subhadra watched eagerly, their eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Come on, Bhrata Bheem! Show us some thumkas!" Arjuna called out unable to contain his excitement.

"Yes, Bheemala! We want to see those hips move!" Sahadev joined in, whistling loudly.

Bheem shot a playful glare at his brothers.

The brothers and the rest of the group began to chant, "Thumka! Thumka! Thumka!"

"Alright, alright!" Bheem called out, raising his hands in mock surrender. He adjusted the pallu of the saree over his head, trying to keep a straight face.

With a dramatic sigh, Bheem planted his feet and began to sway his hips.

Nakul played along, spinning and moving gracefully beside his towering partner. "You're doing great, Bheem Bhrata! Keep it up!" he encouraged, his own face alight with amusement.

The group erupted into a round of laughter and applause, their cheers growing louder with each thumka Bheem attempted.

Krishna whistled loudly, his eyes twinkling with delight and Draupadi and Devashree clapped along, their faces bright with laughter.

The brothers whistled and shouted, urging him on with cries of "More, Bheemala!" and "Shake those hips!"

Bheem, now fully embracing the role, gave an exaggerated twirl, the saree's pallu flaring out comically. He placed one hand on his hip and, with a flourish, moved his hips in a series of exaggerated thumkas that had the entire group howling with laughter.

As the music played on, Nakul decided it was time for a grand move. "Alright, Bhrata," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye, "let's do a dip!"

Bheem looked skeptical. "You sure you can handle it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course, just trust me!" Nakul replied, sounding more confident than he felt. He positioned himself, ready to support Bheem's weight as he tried to dip him.

With a flourish, Nakul attempted to lower Bheem into a graceful dip.

However, the reality of Bheem's considerable bulk quickly became apparent.

As soon as Nakul started to lower him, the weight proved too much, and with a dramatic whoop, Nakul's legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed in a heap, with Bheem landing on top of him in a tangle of limbs and saree fabric.

The room exploded with laughter.

Krishna was doubled over, holding Devashree, who was almost sprawled on the ground, clutching her sides. Draupadi had tears streaming down her face, while Arjun and Sahadeva were leaning on each other for support, unable to contain their mirth.

Yudhishthira, usually the calm and composed one, was laughing so hard he had to sit down, wiping his eyes. "Bheem, Nakul, that was... spectacular," he managed to say between laughs.

"Swami, help me!" Devashree managed to gasp out, her voice trembling with laughter. "I'm going to die from laughing too much!"

Krishna, tears of laughter streaming down his cheeks, tried to steady her. "Devashree, if you fall, you'll take me down with you!" he exclaimed, barely able to speak through his own fits of giggles. He wrapped an arm around her waist, attempting to keep both of them upright.

Bheem, still sprawled on the ground, grinned up at his brothers, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Glad I could provide some entertainment," he quipped, his voice filled with good-natured humor.

"Best. Dare. Ever," Nakul declared, his grin mirroring Bheem's.

Rising, Bheem turned on his heel and walked back to the group, his head held high despite the obvious embarrassment.

The group erupted into applause and laughter, welcoming him back.

Krishna clapped him on the back, still chuckling. "Well done, Bhrata Bheem. You handled that with... grace."

Bheem grumbled good-naturedly, "Next time, Krishna, you better watch out when it's your turn."

"Of course" Krishna chuckled.

As the laughter and merriment of the afternoon gradually subsided, exhaustion settled over the group.

With a wide yawn , Nakul stretched his arms above his head, feeling the weariness seep into his bones.

"By the gods, that was exhausting," Nakul muttered, rubbing his eyes as he surveyed the group with a lazy smile.

Bheem, still chuckling to himself, stretched out on the soft grass, using his arm as a pillow. His eyes fluttered closed, with Nakul and Sahadev, side by side, their breathing slow and even as they drifted off to sleep.

Draupadi curled up beside Arjuna, her head resting on his shoulder as he wrapped a protective arm around her, pulling her close as she nestled against him.

Meanwhile, Devashree lay close to Krishna, her hand resting lightly on his chest as she slept soundly. Krishna watched over her with a tender smile, his eyes filled with love and warmth as he stroked her hair gently.

Only Arjun and Krishna remained awake, their voices low as they engaged in quiet conversation.

"You know," Arjun said with a playful twinkle in his eye, "soon there will be little Krishna's running around everywhere, keeping you on your toes."

Krishna's laughter filled the room, a joyful sound that echoed in the quiet night air. "Ah, yes," he replied, his eyes alight with amusement. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Each one will be a blessing, just like their mother."

Suddenly, a Brahman approached this merry party.

Arjuna and Krishna, who were sitting together quickly stood up to greet the Brahmana. Devashree, who had been dozing, also rose from her slumber.

The Brahmana was striking, tall like a shala tree with a complexion like heated gold and his lotus-like eyes and tawny complexion blazed with energy.

The three greeted the him with respect.

"I am a voracious Brahman who always eats unlimited quantities. O descendants of Vrishni and Pritha! I beg you, give me enough food to satisfy myself." The Brahman addressed them with a voice filled with urgency.

"Tell us what kind of food will satisfy you. We will try to bring it for you." Krishna and Arjun responded.

"I do not eat ordinary food. I am the fire , the Agni. I wish to consume the Khandava forest, but it is always protected by Indra, whose friend, the Naga Takshaka, lives there. Indra pours down rain to protect the forest whenever I try to burn it. Though I always wish to consume it, I cannot do so because of Indra's energy. Since the two of you are skilled in the use of arms, I have now come to you for help. I need you to restrain the showers and protect me from the creatures in the forest while I burn it down."

Arjun furrowed his brows.
"I have many excellent and divine weapons with which I can fight many wielders of the vajra. But I do not have a bow strong enough to bear the strength of my arms. I also need inexhaustible arrows and a chariot with horses that are as swift as the wind. Madhav, too, needs a weapon to match his valor. Tell us how we can acquire these means to support you?" Arjun replied, understanding the Brahmana's need.

Hearing this Agni summoned Varuna, the god of waters, for assistance.

With a wave of his hand, Agni called upon Varuna.

In a shimmering flash, Varuna appeared before them, his presence commanding and serene.

"Varuna," Agni began, "I need the divine weapons to help these heroes accomplish a great task. They require the Gandiva bow, two inexhaustible quivers, and a chariot with divine horses and a monkey on the banner. These belonged to King Soma. Also, they need the chakra and the club Koumadaki for Krishna."

Varuna nodded, understanding the urgency. "I will give them what they need."

Varuna handed the Gandiva bow to Arjuna, its radiance reflecting in Arjuna's eyes. "This bow, Gandiva, is a gem among weapons. It is indestructible and capable of vanquishing any enemy."

Arjuna's face lit up with delight as he grasped the bow.

Varuna then presented Arjuna with two inexhaustible quivers. "These quivers will never run out of arrows, no matter how many you use."

Arjuna took the quivers, feeling their weight. "These are perfect."

Delighted with his new weapons, Arjun strung the Gandiva bow, causing hearts to tremble at the sound.

Next, Varuna summoned a magnificent chariot. It was radiant and thunderous, adorned with silvery divine horses harnessed in gold and a banner featuring a roaring monkey. "This chariot, once belonging to Soma, will carry all the weapons you need and will be invincible in battle."

Turning to Krishna, Varuna handed him a massive, fearsome club. "This is Koumadaki, the destroyer of daityas. Wield it well, Shri Vasudeva."

Krishna hefted the club, appreciating its balance and weight. "Koumadaki will serve me well in the battles to come. Thank you, Varuna."

With their new weapons, Krishna and Arjuna turned to Agni, ready for the task ahead. "Blaze as you wish, O Fire! Agni, we are right behind you to help."

Agni smiled, his flames flickering with anticipation.

Before Agni began to consume the Khandava forest with his flames, Krishna turned to Devashree, his face filled with concern.

He gently kissed her forehead and said, "Shree, you must go to safety now. This place will soon be engulfed in flames, and it is not safe for you to be here."

Devashree shook her head, her eyes determined. "No, Krishna. I will not leave you and Arjun alone in this danger. I want to stay and help in any way I can."

Krishna sighed, seeing her resolve. He took her hands in his and said, "If you insist on staying, then promise me you will stay alert and keep out of the direct line of fire. Find a place where you can observe but remain safe. Your safety is paramount to me."

Devashree nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I promise, Krishna. I will stay out of harm's way but close enough to help if needed."

With a final, reassuring smile, Krishna turned back to Arjuna.

Together, they watched as Agni began to unleash his flames, setting the forest ablaze.

As the forest burned, thousands of creatures tried to escape, only to be cut down by Arjun's arrows and Krishna's sudarshan chakra.

Together they created a web of death around the forest, ensuring no creature could escape the flames. Their chariots moved with incredible speed, seeming to float over the ground, their movements a blur of coordinated power.

The intensity of the two warriors was palpable.

Their veins pulsed with the adrenaline of the impending fight, muscles coiled like springs ready to release.

Krishna's eyes blazed with an inner fire, matching the flames that began to devour the forest. He wielded the sudarshan chakra with precision, its deadly edge cutting through the air with a terrifying swiftness.

Amidst the chaos, he noticed an asura named Maya attempting to flee from Takshaka's domain and pursued him.

Seeing Krishna ready to strike with his chakra, Mayasur cried for help. "Arjuna, save me!"

"Do not be frightened," Arjuna reassured him after which Krishna did not attack him nor did the fire consume him.

And the two tigers continued to spew destruction all around.

"Indradev!! Indradev!" The gods in heaven cried out in alarm as the Khandava forest was consumed by flames.

"O Indra, king of the gods, the Khandava forest is being consumed by a terrible fire. The destruction is immense, and countless beings are perishing. We need your help to stop this inferno!" A god cried out.

"Oh Indra!!! Help, help! The world is ending! "Another god cried out.

Indra nodded and commanded the clouds to release torrents of rain. But to his surprise, the heat from the fire evaporated the raindrops before they could reach the flames.

"Why is the fire not extinguished? More rain!" Indra, growing angry, said.

But Arjun, seeing Indra's efforts, shot a barrage of arrows into the sky, creating a barrier that prevented the rain from reaching the forest.

"More rain!" he ordered. Frustrated, Indra intensified the downpour. "We must stop this fire!"

"Indra, Arjun is using his arrows to block the rain! We cannot extinguish the fire with him and Krishna protecting it." One of the gods exclaimed.

Indra's anger grew. "This is unacceptable. Increase the force of the rain!" he shouted, determined to overcome the obstruction.

"Its not working , Indradev"

Indra's eyes blazed with fury. "Enough!" His voice thundered through the heavens. "All of you, attack! We must stop this fire!"

The gods, fueled by Indra's command, armed themselves with their divine weapons.

"Feathered beings, serpents, rakshasas, yakshas, gandharvas, rise up and attack!" Indra roared, his eyes flashing with determination.

The sky was filled with a myriad of celestial beings,ready to do Indra's bidding.

"Attack! Attack!" Indra's voice echoed, urging them on as they descended upon the Khandava forest.

The gods, their resolve strengthened by Indra's command, unleashed a barrage of weapons towards the forest, intent on quelling the flames and ending the destruction.

Arrows, lightning, and magical bolts were hurled towards them, but Krishna and Arjuna deflected them effortlessly, their resolve unshaken.

With his chakra, Hari swiftly dispatched rakshasas, danavas, and nagas, their bodies falling into the consuming flames of the forest.

The King of Gods was getting furious by the minute.

Seeing his forces falter against the unwavering defense of Vasudeva and Dhananjaya, Indra's frustration boiled over.

He scanned the sky, searching for any advantage that could turn the tide of battle in his favor.

Then, high above, he spotted Garuda, the mighty bird mount of Lord Vishnu, soaring gracefully through the clouds.

With a surge of hope, Indra called out to him.

"Garuda! Garuda! Attack them! We must stop this inferno!" Indra's voice rang out, filled with urgency.

But Garuda hesitated. "I cannot attack my lord Narayana," he replied respectfully, his gaze unwavering.

Indra's patience wore thin at Garuda's refusal.

"What? How dare you defy my command!" he thundered, his voice echoing through the heavens. "What nonsense is this, Garuda? Attack them now!"

Garuda's heart sank as he faced the wrath of the king of the gods. He was torn between his duty to Indra and his loyalty to his lord. Glancing at Krishna, he pled for guidance.

Krishna met his gaze with a knowing look, a silent communication passing between them.

But despite Krishna's silent communication, Garuda remained steadfast in his loyalty. He couldn't just attack his lord Narayan.

Desperate for a solution, Garud turned his gaze towards Devashree, who stood nearby.

With a gaze filled with longing and desperation, he silently pleaded for her intervention, his soul yearning for an end to the strife that threatened to tear apart the heavens. "Mata," he implored softly, "the king of the gods commands me to act against my lord Narayan. How can I disobey his order?"

Devashree's heart stirred with compassion and maternal instinct, for how could a motherly deity remain unmoved when her child sought her aid?

"Garud," her silent message echoed in Garud's soul, "true devotion lies not in blind obedience, but in unwavering loyalty to the principles of Dharma and compassion."

"Mata," Garuda spoke softly, his voice filled with reverence, "you have taught me well. But Prabhu Narayan always upholds the path of dharma. How can I, his humble servant, act against him? To disobey the king of the gods goes against my principles, Mata," he continued, his voice tinged with anguish. "But to harm my lord Narayan...it is unthinkable."

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Devashree turned to Indra with a firm yet compassionate gaze.

"Indradev," Devashree spoke with authority, "hear my words. You cannot defeat Krishna and Arjuna. They are the gods Nara and Narayana, known in heaven for their bravery and valor. You know their strength well." she continued, "These two ancient sages are invincible in battle. They are worshipped by all beings, including gods, demons, spirits, and creatures of all kinds. Therefore, leave this place with the other gods. The destruction of Khandava forest is inevitable."

"Devi, you are right," Indra responded to Devashree's authoritative words. "I have never witnessed such bravery and skills before," he admitted, acknowledging the formidable prowess of Krishna and Arjuna.

With a respectaful nod of acknowledgment to Devashree, Indra withdrew, and then turned to Partha and Madhava with a sense of admiration.

"You have accomplished a feat that is difficult, even for the immortals," he praised. "Choose boons that are beyond what humans can get."

"O mighty Indra, I seek the boon of having all your divine weapons."

"Arjuna, I agree to grant your request, but the time for it will be when Lord Shiva is pleased with you. Because of your devotion, I will know when that moment arrives."

Then, turning to Krishna, Indra's gaze softened with respect and admiration.

"Vasudev Shri Krishna," he addressed Krishna with reverence, " What boon do you seek?"

"I seek the boon of always harboring boundless love towards Arjuna," Krishna expressed, his words carrying the warmth of genuine affection.

Indra's eyes softened with approval as he heard Krishna's wish. Pleased with their valor and righteousness, he readily agreed to grant Krishna's request. "Your wish shall be fulfilled," he assured, his voice resonating with benevolence.

With the granting of Krishna's boon and Arjuna's request earlier, Indra departed, returning to the Devlok alongside the other gods.

After devouring the forest and its creatures for six days, the fire was finally satisfied and stopped. It had consumed flesh, drank fat and blood, and now it spoke to the warriors.

"O warriors! O tigers among men!" the fire exclaimed with immense joy. "You have pleased me greatly. You may now leave and go wherever you wish."

With a nod to the fire, now quiet and satisfied, they turned to leave the charred remains of the Khandava forest behind.

However, Krishna's steps faltered as he caught sight of his wife, Devashree, waiting for him nearby.

Concern etched lines on his forehead as he approached her, his heart heavy with worry for her well-being.

"Shree," he began softly, "how could you defy my wishes and remain here, especially in your delicate condition?"

"Swami," she replied gently, "you want me to rest when you were engaged in such a battle against gods and dangery creatures ?"

"But Shree," he murmured, "you are carrying our child. Your health and safety are most important."

"I tried Swami, I tried to rest for a while but just could not!"

"Shree..." Krishna's voice trailed off, his heart heavy with concern.

"Besides," Devashree continued with a playful glint in her eye, "he wanted to witness your valor."

"Who?" Krishna asked, a puzzled expression crossing his features.

"Our little one, he told me," Devashree replied with a smile, her hand tenderly resting on her abdomen, "he wanted to start learning early"

Krishna's heart swelled with affection at the thought. "No no no," he responded tenderly, "tell him that his Pitashree will teach him everything himself. And also tell him to just rest and enjoy the beautiful love of his mother within the womb."

"Tell him yourself, Swami," Devashree gently insisted, a fond smile gracing her lips.

Krishna chuckled affectionately, his eyes softening with love. "Yes, yes, I will tell him," he promised, his heart warmed by Devashree's playful spirit. "Stubborn, just like his mother," he added with a grin.

"But first, let's get you some food and rest," he suggested, his tone gentle yet firm.

Scooping Devashree gently into his arms, Krishna lifted her with utmost care, his protective instincts kicking in.

As they made their way towards the chariot, Krishna exchanged a meaningful look with Arjun who nodded.

With Devashree cradled in his arms, Krishna and Arjun, the two tigers among men turned towards their chariot and embarked on their journey back to the palace.

********

A/N

"Hey Parth, You are mine and I am yours. All that is mine is yours too. He who hates you also hates me.He who follows you also follows me. O invicible one! You are Nara and I am Hari Narayana. We are the Rishis Nara and Narayana born in the world of men for a special purpose. O Partha, you are from me and I am from you! "

With this, I rest my word, as i am incapable of describing bond of Nara-Narayana!✨✨

I have described the Khandav Dahan exactly as shown and described in the text except for Garud and Devashree's part.

Such heartfelt words were said by Sri Krishna about his Parth and then there is me🤦.......

Heart: FOCUS! Look what is said!

Mind: Yes yes I have read it...

Heart: No....read again...Those who hate Arjun also hate Krishna..

Mind: So?

Heart: So, Karna hates Arjun...which means he also hates Krishna..

Mind: *bored out of mind...is that even possible...* Your point?

Heart: So....I am not so bad to dislike Karna...

Mind: *glares at it* so petty...Why dislike him so much

Heart: I will give you a list..should I number it alphabetically or numerically...

🤣🤣