The convoy from Hastinapur approached the grand gates of the Dwarka palace. The royal chariots gleamed under the sun, their banners fluttering proudly. Yudhishthir sat at the head of the group, his posture straight but his eyes scanning the magnificent architecture of the palace as they entered. Behind him rode Kunti, Bheeshma, Vidur, and the Pandavas, while Duryodhan sat a little apart, clearly uncomfortable but present due to Gandhari's insistence.

As the group descended from their chariots, the sound of another convoy arriving caught their attention. The emblem of Anga shone brightly on the oncoming chariots, and leading them was none other than Karna. Yudhishthir raised an eyebrow, and Arjun exchanged a glance with Bheem.

"Karna?" Bheem muttered under his breath. "What is he doing here?"

"It seems Vaidehi invited him," Vidur said calmly, his ever-observant eyes taking in the scene.

As Karna approached, he dismounted gracefully, greeted the elders, and folded his hands toward Kunti, who acknowledged him with a soft nod.

"I did not expect to see you here, Karna," Kunti said, her voice neutral.

Karna smiled faintly. "Vaidehi insisted. She said a brother should be present for such an occasion."

Before anyone could respond, a movement from the balcony above caught Yudhishthir's attention. He looked up to see Vaidehi standing there, her delicate frame framed by the ornate railing. She wore a simple but elegant saree, her hair tied back, and a small smile graced her lips.

Their eyes met for a brief moment. Vaidehi's smile deepened slightly before she turned and disappeared inside. Yudhishthir couldn't help the soft smile that tugged at his lips as he turned back to the group.

---

The group made their way to Vaidehi's chambers after settling in. Kunti led the way, with Gandhari walking beside her.

"Duryodhan," Gandhari said firmly, "you're coming along."

"Must I, Mata?" he muttered.

"Yes," she said sharply, brooking no argument.

When they entered Vaidehi's chambers, they were greeted by the sight of Subhadra animatedly recounting a story while Vaidehi and Karna listened attentively.

"...and then Bhrata Krishna calmly told the merchant, 'Next time, don't try to bargain with me. I know the real price!'" Subhadra laughed, clapping her hands.

Vaidehi looked up, her eyes lighting up as she saw Kunti and Gandhari. "Mata Kunti, Mata Gandhari," she said, rising gracefully and folding her hands. "Pranipat."

Her gaze shifted to the Pandavas, and she added with a playful smile, "And my dear brothers."

Bheem snorted. "Vaidehi, you call us brothers, but what about him?" He jabbed a thumb toward Duryodhan, who stood awkwardly at the back.

Vaidehi's expression remained calm. "Rajkumar Duryodhan is older than me but younger than all of you except Bhrata Bheem. It only makes sense to call him 'bhaiya.' Unless, of course," she added with a faint smile, "he has an objection."

Duryodhan blinked, momentarily taken aback. He glanced at Karna, who gave him an encouraging nod, then turned to Vaidehi. Slowly, a small smile spread across his face.

The room fell silent for a moment before Gandhari's voice broke the stillness. "That is a beautiful sentiment, my son," she said with pride.

Vaidehi smiled, her eyes bright with gratitude. "Then it is settled, Duryodhan bhaiya."

Bheem rolled his eyes. "Well, that's unexpected."

"And why is that?" Duryodhan shot back, crossing his arms. "Because you're too busy being the loudest in every room to notice anything else?"

Bheem smirked. "At least I don't sulk in corners like some people."

Vaidehi interrupted with a laugh. "Bhrata Bheem, Duryodhan bhaiya, please! Let's not turn this into a wrestling match."

Subhadra chimed in, grinning mischievously. "Though if you do, I'm betting on Bhrata Bheem. Sorry, Duryodhan bhaiya."

The room erupted into laughter, even Duryodhan chuckling lightly.

---

The gardens of Dwarka were serene, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the tall trees. Yudhishthir walked alongside Balram, who carried himself with an air of authority that seemed to radiate strength.

"I must say, Yudhishthir," Balram began, breaking the silence, "your decision to marry Vaidehi is a wise one. She will bring balance and grace to Hastinapur."

Yudhishthir nodded respectfully. "She is indeed remarkable. I feel fortunate that the alliance was made."

Balram turned to him with a knowing smile. "Fortunate, yes. But also responsible. You see, Vaidehi is not just my sister; she is the little flower of our family. And I have a... reputation for protecting those I love."

Yudhishthir smiled faintly. "I understand the weight of your words, Maharaj Balram. She will always have my utmost respect and care."

Balram's expression softened, but his voice took on a sterner tone. "Let me tell you a story, Yudhishthir, to make my point clear. When Vaidehi was young, there was a boy in the village who took a fancy to troubling her. It started with small things—teasing her, hiding her things. But one day, he went too far."

Yudhishthir listened attentively, his brows furrowing slightly. "What did he do?"

Balram clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with the memory. "He pushed her. She came running to me, her cheeks red with tears, and told me everything. I went straight to the boy. At first, I warned him, but he laughed in my face."

Yudhishthir raised a brow. "I assume he didn't laugh for long."

Balram chuckled, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Indeed not. I taught him a lesson he would never forget. By the time I was done, he was begging for forgiveness and promising to never so much as look in her direction again. And let me tell you, Yudhishthir," he added, leaning slightly toward him, "if anyone dares to hurt her again, the consequences will be no different."

Yudhishthir swallowed slightly, caught between admiration for Balram's protectiveness and an instinctive wariness of his strength. "You have my word, Maharaj Balram I will ensure Vaidehi is always safe and happy."

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind them. "Dau! What stories are you frightening my poor brother-in-law with?"

Balram straightened, a grin spreading across his face as Krishna approached. The playful glint in Krishna's eyes contrasted sharply with his brother's stern demeanor.

"Nothing frightening, Kanha," Balram said with mock innocence. "Just sharing some important lessons about the consequences of failing to protect one's loved ones."

Krishna raised a brow. "Oh, you mean the time you nearly scared the life out of that boy and half the village had to pull you off him?"

Balram shrugged unapologetically. "He deserved it."

Krishna turned to Yudhishthir with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Yudhishthir. Dau talks tough, but he has a soft heart. Once you marry Vaidehi, he'll probably spoil you with gifts and advice."

Balram scoffed. "Spoil him? He'll have to earn it by proving he's worthy of her."

Yudhishthir, caught in the crossfire of their banter, smiled. "I hope to earn not just Vaidehi's trust but the trust of her family as well."

Krishna clapped him on the shoulder. "Spoken like a true Kuru prince. But for now, let's not keep the Rajpurohit waiting. He's called everyone to discuss the wedding date."

With that, Krishna led the way back, his lighthearted presence a welcome balance to Balram's formidable energy. Yudhishthir followed, feeling a renewed sense of responsibility and determination to honor his promise.

---

As the conversation continued, a maid entered, bowing deeply. "Rajkumari Vaidehi," she said, addressing Vaidehi. "The Rajpurohit has summoned everyone to decide the date for the wedding."

The group exchanged glances.

"Well, we shouldn't keep the Rajpurohit waiting," Gandhari said, motioning for everyone to leave.

"You are not coming?" Bheem asked Vaidehi.

Vaidehi shook her head. "With so many guests here, I've been instructed to remain in my chambers. It would be improper for me to be present."

"Then I'll stay with her!" Subhadra announced cheerfully.

"Subhadra," Vaidehi began, but she waved him off.

"I don't need to be there," she said. "Besides, I'd rather be here with you jiji."

Kunti nodded in approval, and the group left, leaving Subhadra and Vaidehi behind.

Subhadra plopped onto a cushion, making herself comfortable. "So," she said, turning to Vaidehi with a mischievous grin. "How do you feel about all this? The wedding, I mean."

Vaidehi glanced at her, startled. "I... haven't thought much about it."

"Oh, please," Subhadra said, rolling her eyes. "I saw how you looked at Jyesth Yudhishthir from the balcony. Don't tell me you're not excited."

Vaidehi's cheeks flushed slightly. "He's... kind," she admitted softly.

"Kind? That's all?" Subhadra teased. "Come on, jiji, you can be honest with me."

Vaidehi hesitated for a moment before speaking. "He has a way of making you feel at ease. There's a quiet strength in him that I admire."

Subhadra grinned. "Now we're getting somewhere!"

Vaidehi shook her head, laughing. "You're incorrigible."

"And you're too reserved," Subhadra shot back playfully. "But don't worry, I'll help you get through this wedding business. Just follow my lead."

Vaidehi smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart she hadn't felt in a long time.