Indraprastha, dawn

"Eat a little more, dear!" Mitravinda insisted, taking another morsel of curd rice. "This is the only meal you can have for the whole day."

"Not anymore, please Didi!" Devika whined. "I don't feel like eating."

"Yes, that I know very well." Mitravinda smirked. "What you feel like doing is not going to happen so soon, little one! Surya Deva has just arrived. You have to wait till he goes down!"

Devika glared, making Mitravinda laugh.

"Mitra!" Revati was heard. "You're done? We need to prepare for her mangala snana."

"Yes Jiji, coming in a while!" Mitravinda replied and turned to Devika. "Eat fast, if you don't want Maa and Bua to scold me!"

"She won't eat like that, Mitra!" Revati chuckled. "Chant Jyeshtha's name in her ears, sing his glory to her, then only she might listen!"

"Bhabhi!" Devika pouted. "You too?"

Revati's eyes twinkled. "Well, save all blushing for the evening, sister. Now arise. See who has come to meet you!"

Before Devika could wonder who it might be, an excited Ratnavali came running and embraced Devika.

"Ratna!" She exclaimed. "You came!"

"How could I not, Rajkuma... sorry, Maharani?" Ratnavali beamed. "Maharaj's charioteer himself went to bring me here."

"Indrasena went to Shivi?" Devika exhaled, mentally thanking him and Kunti who promised to her.

"You alone came, Ratna?" She again enquired.

Ratnavali understood her silent question. "Jeevaka Kaka also came. Don't worry." She patted Devika's hand.

"Now happy, future Queen of Indraprastha?" Mitravinda smiled. "Finish the meal now, at least in honour of your friend!"

Devika smiled, letting Mitravinda feed her more.

***

Yudhishthira's mansion

Turmeric paste went invisible against Yudhishthira's golden skin as soon as it was applied on him. It was hard to say whether turmeric had adorned him or his natural beauty adorned it instead.

"This ritual could be skipped." Nakula remarked. "Jyeshtha is already so handsome that turmeric cannot add anything more to it."

"Wrong placement of comment, Nakula!" Sahadeva gave his twin a mock glare. "Jyeshtha doesn't want to hear this from you but from someone else! You understand, right?"

"Of course I do." Nakula chuckled. "Should I call Bhabhi here to repeat what I said?"

"You two don't have any other work since dawn, right?" Yudhishthira glared at both.

"Not at all, Maharaj!" Sahadeva put hands on his waist. "We have the most important job. But that can't be done
unless your bath is over."

"We have to take all these to Bhabhi." Nakula explained. "Otherwise her bath ritual cannot begin. She will have to apply the same turmeric that you did."

"You both will be going for that?" Bhima looked at the twins, his eyes narrowed.

Nakula sideglanced at Sahadeva, faking to clear his throat. "Well, I alone could go, but I don't know what urgent need Deva has there."

"Well, I also said that I can go alone. But I don't know why Nakula is so eager to join me!" Sahadeva shrugged, rolling his eyes.

"None of you have to go." Bhima crossed his arms. "You two keep teasing each other and waste our precious time." He glared at both. "I'm going!"

"Wait! You three seem to be competing with each other for going there?" Yudhishthira's brown eyes squinted. "What's the matter?" He glanced at all three faces one by one who now stood perplexed.

"I can still understand if Deva wants to go." Yudhishthira added. "But what about you two?" He turned to Bhima and Nakula while the youngest Pandava exhaled in relief, smirking at the other two.

"Nothing like that, Jyeshtha!" Nakula quickly managed with his typical sweet smile. "I have already readied my horse so thought that I could reach sooner. That's all."

"Are you sure?" Yudhishthira observed his naive face for a while.

"Absolutely! You don't worry! I'll come back within a while." Nakula assured.

***

Kunti's mansion

Karenumati could not expect to meet Nakula thus.

He sat casually in Kunti's personal chamber which was now empty as everyone was busy elsewhere. Even the palace maids serving the Rajmata were busy preparing for the bride's bath.

Why did Rukmini ask her only to take the bowl of turmeric from him? A part of Karenumati could not help wondering. Sometimes it really seemed like Rukmini used to do things intentionally, just like Krishna.

Nakula stared unblinking at her, amused at her slight hesitation. Her serene dark appearance and deep blue-lotus eyes reminded him of still black water of Chedi's river Shuktimati. Her slightly parted red lips showed the pearl-like teeth, just like an oyster would carry the pearl in its womb!

Nakula kept watching, his red-hued eyes silently worshipped Karenumati's calm, wise beauty. If anyone else was present there, they could have seen how his own famed beauty had been hundredfold as his eyes rested on Karenumati.

The Princess of Chedi knew that he was watching her. She felt shy, yet her stomach fluttered for some unknown reason. She could not look up to meet his beautiful eyes, but sensed that they were still admiring her beauty.

"Mata Rukmini sent me to take the turmeric." She managed to break the silence, stealing a quick glance at him.

Still lost in trance, Nakula handed over the golden bowl to her. His fingers brushed against her soft palm. Sweat broke on her palms and forehead. To hide that, she quickly turned around.

"Rajkumari!" Nakula called out, unwilling to let her go so soon.

"You want anything, Rajkumar?" Karenumati half-turned to him.

"Yes, I just..." Nakula desperately searched for words. "I wanted to ask you about your burnt hand. Is that fine now?"

Karenumati could not help smiling. It was an incident of months ago. And he still remembered that? The next moment her heartbeat quickened.

How rewarding it was to know that the most handsome man of Bharatavarsha, the incarnation of Nasatya himself, cared for her thus?

A feeling of pleasure passed through her but she did not show it. Turning to him fully, she just nodded to a yes.

"Take care of yourself, Rajkumari! See that nothing like that happens again!" His tone had genuine concern.

Karenumati blinked at him with amusement in her eyes. Nakula noticed that and felt embarrassed.

Did he just express too much concern for a young girl? What would she think?

"No, I mean, you are our guest after all! So it's my duty to..." He trailed off, smiling.

"Do you care for every female guest who come here?" Her voice was very calm, yet hinted mischief through the sparkle of her eyes. Her wit won over him once again.

"I care for them who have a rare eye to see inner beauty over the physical one!" He softly replied.

There was something in his tone that made Karenumati look again at his smiling face. His eyes had appreciation in them while hers could not betray respect. Their eyes locked for a while. And then only, both heard a familiar giggle that brought them back to the reality.

"What's there to laugh?" Nakula narrowed his eyes at a giggling Vijaya.

"You only know the answer, Bhrata!" Vijaya shrugged. "I just came to check why Chedi Kumari is being so late. But," she faked a sigh. "Now it seems like I only have to take the turmeric to Jiji."

Karenumati felt embarrassed. "No, no, Mata asked me only to take it to her. I'm going!"

"Who, Rukmini Jiji? She now asked me to bring it." Vijaya said. "Maybe she knows that you need to stay here for some more time!"

Leaving both in their embarrassment, Vijaya took the bowl of turmeric and went away like a young doe.

"I too should go now!" Karenumati turned to leave.

"Shall meet again in the evening." His even tone voiced a belief.

She looked back, nodding with a smile. It was a silent promise of a new beginning that both had agreed to.

***

A pleasing shiver slithered down Devika's spine as soon as the turmeric touched her skin.

They were the same powders that touched him, adorned his body, just a while ago! Devika fondly stared at the turmeric applied on her hands, as if it was Yudhishthira himself, gradually wrapping her whole body.

No angaraga, no jewlry could ever have made her more beautiful than this! The bright yellow colour did not just smear her body but her soul too.

"Hold on, sister!" Mitravinda winked at a daydreaming Devika. "This is just the indirect touch."

"I'm wondering what will be Jiji's condition at the night." Vijaya smirked.

"What happens at the night?" Subhadra turned to Vijaya.

All the married women's gaze turned to her.

"Seems like someone is eager to marry?" Vijaya raised an eyebrow.

"Aha, I just asked." Subhadra innocently said. "Stop overreacting!"

"Jiji, see! Our little Bhadra wants to know something." Lakshmanaa looked at her elder co-wives.

"Her every wish will get fulfilled." Satyabhama drew Subhadra closer. "Just let us find a suitable groom first! Can we give away our only sister-in-law to anyone?"

"And maybe her suitable groom isn't available here right now!" Vijaya winked at Subhadra, making her turn red.

"Don't you worry, Yadava Kumari! He will come to you soon. But before that, shouldn't we settle those ones first who are present?" Vijaya meaningfully smiled at Karenumati who pretended as if she didn't listen.

"Are you doing matchmaking these days, Jaya?" Devika laughed.

"No, Jiji. Matches are being made themselves only. I'm just keeping a note." Vijaya said, glancing again at Karenumati.

"I think Jaya is learning astrology from Deva nowadays!" Rukmini remarked. "So whose marriage do you predict next, Panditaa?"

"Jiji, my mother says that if unmarried people touch turmeric used in a wedding ritual, they also get married soon. And you know whom you sent to bring it!"

"Karenumati!" All eyes turned to her together. The young Princess felt like hiding somewhere but there was no chance.

"Wait, wait, there's another person too who touched it and that is..." Vijaya smirked. "Bhrata Nakula! Just yesterday, Swami has checked his twin's planetary positions and they say he will marry again."

"Didi save me from your sister-in-law!" Karenumati hid behind Devika who patted her with smile before throwing a mock glare at Vijaya.

"Not fair, Jaya! Don't tease my sister!"

"You too became partial, Jiji?" Vijaya pouted.

"Not at all!" Devika denied. "I'm impartial to all my sisters. But now stop this. Otherwise all unmarried girls will flee from Indraprastha. Whom will you tease then?"

Karenumati facepalmed. All married women burst into laughter.

***

Bride's chamber, evening

"Look at the mirror! Jyeshtha simply won't be able even to blink today!" Mitravinda smiled, putting her kohl in Devika's head.

"Are you praising me or your own skill of doing shringara?" Devika grinned. "After all, nobody can look ordinary when eight pairs of extraordinary hands deck her up!"

"We too did!" Valandhara reminded while adjusting Devika's pearl necklace, exchanging glance with Subhadra and Karenumati.

"Of course!" Devika drew her close. "All credit is of your loving hands and the gifts you carried here for me!" She lowered her eyelids a little. "I just hope that Maharaj likes my new look!" Her voice went softer at the end.

"And we just hope that he doesn't swoon in the vivaha mandap!" Karenumati whispered, earning a glare from Devika.

Their joint laughter was overpowered at the very next moment. Conchs played at the palace gate along with loud hailing in the name of the King.

"Groom arrived!" An excited Subhadra sprung to her feet. "Bhabhi, where's aarti thali?"

"Wait, one aarti thali won't do!" Rukmini chuckled. "You know right, who all are there in the groom's procession?"

"Definitely! But are we any less? Let's show them what a grand welcome bride's sisters can do!" Subhadra confidently beamed. 

***

At the gate

The Lord of Indraprastha came down of his ornate horse. Clad in white-maroon uttariya and gem-studded gold jewelry, his very appearance made the light of all candles look pale. Krishna, Balarama and Satyaki adorned his right side like Vishnu would accompany his dear Indra. On Yudhishthira's left, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva stood like his own identical forms. The Queens of Dwaraka along with Subhadra, Valandhara and Karenumati jointly performed Yudhishthira's aarati, welcoming him to accept Devika's hand. Overwhelmed, the commoners of Indraprastha held their breath at this sight of divinity manifested in front of them.

Not everyday that one can behold Goddesses welcoming the Gods thus! The citizens showered flowers, as if they were throwing their own minds and souls at their feet.

"Will the welcome be of the groom alone?" Krishna stared at the women. "We're in line too!"

"Of course his brothers will also be duely welcomed!" Vijaya gave a calculated smile that was rare in her. "But first you let us know, Lord of Dwaraka, from whom do you want to get the welcome?" She gave Lakshmanaa a light push, making her almost fall on Krishna.

"Well, anyone would have been fine, but," Krishna was amused. "Since Maharani Lakshmanaa is so eager, let her only do the job!"

Lakshmanaa glared at him to hide her embarrassment. Krishna smiled more, enjoying her blushed face. She did his aarati duely while the other seven suppressed their giggles.

"I think Dwarakadheesh is not yet satisfied." Vijaya winked. "He should get this honour seven times more!"

"That's so kind of you, Rani Vijaya!" Krishna slightly bowed. "But the others also must be given a chance. Especially, my Dau and Yuvaraj Bhima who are elder to me!"

"As you wish!" Revati came forward and performed aarati to Balarama. And then she looked at her left. "Valandhara, welcome the Yuvaraj of Indraprastha!"

"Me?" Valandhara hesitated.

"Yes, you! Why not?" Revati raised an eyebrow.

"No, nothing!" Valandhara sighed. Her hands shivered a little while putting tilaka on Bhima's forehead. Yesterday's memory had made her eyes betray guilt. Bhima watched that and smiled to himself.

She looked so breathtakingly beautiful even with this embarrassed face!

"May we enter now, please?" Krishna softly said.

"How can you, Dwarakadheesh? Won't it be dishonour for the bride's family if you all aren't welcomed individually and properly?" Mitravinda smirked. "Now it's the turn of the twins!"

"Mitra Jiji, shouldn't we give this chance to the youngest girls from our side, to welcome the youngest brothers?" Bhadra knowingly exchanged glance with her.

"Sure, Bhadra! Where is Karenumati?"

"Mata!" Karenumati looked tensed, guessing what was coming.

"Come in front, child! Rajkumar Nakula is waiting for your welcome!"

Karenumati's calm heart fluttered. She chose not to look at Nakula but his intense gaze drew her eyes to meet his. An amused Vijaya drew everyone's attention to their eyelock.

"Now you all can come in!" Vijaya quickly declared.

"How come, Rani Vijaya? Rajkumar Sahadeva's ritual isn't yet done!" Karenumati danced her eyebrow. "How can we allow them to come in?"

Vijaya looked perplexed.

"Now go, teasing Queen! You can't escape thus!" Lakshmanaa pushed her sister to Sahadeva.

An embarrassed Vijaya managed to meet her husband's calm eyes. Everyone enjoyed the rare picture of a quiet Sahadeva staring dreamily at Vijaya and the youngest bride of Indraprastha blushing. Both were too rare in them.

"Now it's over, finally!" Revati smiled. "I hope everyone from the groom's side is completely satisfied!"

"We are. But the groom himself isn't." Krishna sideglanced at Yudhishthira. "Because his bride didn't come to welcome him!"

"Keshava!" Yudhishthira facepalmed, making Krishna more amused.

"So Queens, you all please see that my brother's wish gets fulfilled sooner!" Krishna said. "Don't make him wait long, otherwise even we can't say what will happen!"

***

Vivaha mandap

The entire wedding hall appeared so unique with the elegant combination of golden lotuses and Champaka flowers. In every corner both the flowers were neatly tied with each other like a loving couple. Their combined fragrance had created a pure, peaceful ambiance.

Years ago, Vijaya had made this wish of decorating Devika's wedding hall with these flowers that would resemble the bride and groom. Everyone had forgotten, but she did not.

"Remember something, Jyeshtha?" Vijaya teased.

"I knew you won't forget this, Jaya!" Yudhishthira smiled and patted her head.

"Now bring the bride! How long would we wait?" Krishna gave a mock glare at the women. "Don't you know, if groom's family gets angry what might happen?"

"Well, if bride's family gets angry, similar problems might arise, Dwarakadheesh!" Satyabhama said. "How can we let you all take away our sister so easily? You have to pass our test first!"

"Test?" Bhima's eyes narrowed.

"Of course!" Jambavati supported. "Shouldn't we see how capable your family is to earn our precious daughter?"

"But what do we have to do for that?" A confused Nakula stole a glance at Karenumati who was equally clueless.

"We hope you are aware that Chudamani must be brought by your side?"

"Definitely! And here it is!" Krishna picked up a silken purse. But it was empty.

"Where is it, Dwarakadheesh?" Nagnajiti raised her eyebrow.

"It has to be your work, Dwarakeshwari!" Krishna crossed his arms. "Bring it immediately, otherwise we're leaving!"

"Not at all! It was your responsibility and you failed to protect it. Now you all have to find it out!"

The groom's group fell silent, perplexed in this unexpected situation.

"Kanha, who can do this?" Balarama asked within his mind.

"Didn't you realize, Dau? Who else can do illusion on me except my Yogamaya?" Krishna sighed.

"Subhadra?"

"Precisely! But don't reveal it now! Let's see what they do!" Krishna withdrew his gaze from Balarama and turned to the women.

"Fine. We accept the challenge!" He said. "But one condition. You cannot stop us from going anywhere of this palace to search for it! Agree?"

Revati and Krishna's eight wives nodded, hiding a smile. The other girls wondered what they might have planned.

***

Corridor

"Where could it have been?" Bhima looked around.

"No idea." Nakula whispered. "But talk softly. If they hear us coming this side, they might hide it somewhere else."

"Right. You go to the left corridor. Ask Deva to check the kitchen side. I'm searching here." Bhima suggested.

After Nakula left, Bhima thought for a while. Knowing Vijaya and Subhadra, it did not seem to him that they would have hidden the Chudamani in some open place. He might need Krishna's help.

"You need anything, Yuvaraj?" Bhima heard a soft female voice, along with tinkle of anklets.

Valandhara stood with a casual smile on her full red lips. Her both cheeks held dimple even with that slight smile, Bhima noticed. He wished he could have had a little talk with her, but unfortunately there was no time.

He sighed. "You are well aware of what I'm searching for, Rajkumari."

"I know. May I help you with that?"

Bhima stared at her, wondering whether she was serious or still making fun.

"You can try checking the next chamber of right hand. I have a feeling that you might find it there." Valandhara smiled knowingly.

Bhima slowly walked inside, still doubting her words. But she had not lied. The lost chudamani was found on a golden plate, kept with much care. Exhaling, Bhima picked it up. He saw Valandhara waiting outside.

"Thank you!" He whispered.

"My pleasure that I could come to the honourable Yuvaraj's help! And," she lowered her eyes. "Extremely sorry for yesterday's behaviour!"

Bhima smiled. "That could have been said otherwise too, Rajkumari!"

Valandhara looked up, throwing a winning glance at him.

"I like to earn the apology rather than begging for it, Yuvaraj!"

Enchanted, the mighty mace fighter had to stare at her face again.

Power of wisdom? Or the admirable personality hidden behind a mask of naughtiness? Bhima could not decide which one impressed him more.

***

"This girl!" Vijaya slapped her forehead. "Poured water to our entire plan."

The Queens of Dwaraka did not comment. They just smiled, exchanging glance with each other.

Their actual plan had succeeded! To bring eternal lovers close to each other. Within their minds, the Goddesses blessed Pavana and his Bharati to unite again on earth.

"Problem solved?" Krishna said. "Now may we proceed with the wedding, please?"

"We have to, Dwarakadheesh." Dhaumya agreed. "Ask the bride's brothers to bring her to the mandap."
__________________________________________

Author's note: I had to break the chapter due to excessive length. Rest of the rituals will be in next chapter.

I dedicate this chapter to an earnest YuVika devotee AjatshatruPriyaa . Thanks to her for coming back on Wattpad to attend YuVika wedding!