Kunti's mansion, Indraprastha

"You look disturbed." Kunti held Devika's chin. "Any problem, child?"

Devika lowered her head. It was something that bothered her since she had come here. But she hesitated to voice it.

"I have done injustice to someone." Guilt betrayed her voice. "I promised them to give a secured new life in my husband's kingdom. But..." She bit her lips, sighing. "Situation turned so worse in the swayamvara hall that I simply forgot about that!"

"That's very normal, given what you had to face there." Kunti sat closer to her, caressing her back. "Who are they, Putri? And what did you promise them?"

"Maa, one is my chief Sakhi, Ratnavali. She stood by me in every thick and thin. Without her help, I could never have come here today! And the other, the architect who constructed my swayamvara hall. Unless he agreed to my plan, someone else would have won me before Maharaj reached!"

Kunti quietly listened to her. A smile of satisfaction played on her lips.

As if she was seeing the female form of her own son! She felt proud of Yudhishthira's choice now.

"I'm grateful to both of them!" Devika continued. "They have taken huge risk to make me unite with my selected groom. But now, I fear, they are facing my father and brother's wrath while I'm enjoying happy days here!"

Kunti softly chuckled.

"Did I say anything wrong, Maa?" Devika looked at her.

"No." Kunti shook her head. "I just felt amused to see that you have same habit of thinking of everyone except yourself, just like my son."

Embarrassed, Devika lowered her face.

"Worry not!" Kunti patted her head. "If you have promised anything to anyone, it's now our duty to fulfill the same. Know that the very wish of Indraprastha's would-be Queen is an order and will never go in vain."

Devika's eyes filled in tears. She clang to Kunti who took her head on her bosom.

"You have brought new fortune for this land, Devika!" Said the Rajmata, kissing her head. "Indraprastha will be blessed to get a Queen like you!"

***

"This is indeed a great decision, Maa!" Draupadi readily agreed. "Worry not! I myself shall ask Indrasena to do the needful. Otherwise, if Maharaj comes to know, he will leave all pre-wedding rituals and run to Shivi himself." She chuckled.

"That's correct." Kunti agreed. "Better don't let him know now."

"I won't. But I was thinking of something else, Maa."

Kunti raised an eyebrow.

"It pains me to think that no one will come from Devika's natal home to attend her wedding!" Draupadi sighed. "But the least we can do is, to invite some of her close friends. At least she will feel happy."

"We definitely can, child. Do you know anyone who shares a close bond with her?"

"I do. Chedi Princess Karenumati is one. I saw them sharing a good bond in Sakha's weddings." Draupadi looked at Kunti, awaiting her approval.

"Shishupala's daughter?" Kunti's brow arched. "I have already sent invitation to Chedi. But as you know, Shishupala never attends any of his cousins' weddings."

"I know, Maa." Draupadi nodded. "Despite the invitation, Chediraaj won't come. The most we can try is at least to bring Karenumati. And only you can do that."

Kunti smiled, brushing her hair. "You too wholeheartedly want her presence, don't you?"

Draupadi smiled back. "What can your daughter hide from you, Maa? You are the knower of all your children's minds!"

"I knew it!" Kunti patted Draupadi's head. "Fine. I shall write to Shrutashrava. That young girl should not be deprived from enjoying festivals just because her father doesn't want to!"

***

Yudhishthira's mansion

"Today also I'm not allowed to visit my mother's place?" Yudhishthira sighed as he watched his siblings arranging for his pre-wedding ceremony.

"Not like that." Sahadeva said as he joined hands with his brothers in preparing the Puja altar. "Maa can come here to do the rituals for you. But you cannot go to her mansion till wedding is over."

"Who made such a rule?" Yudhishthira narrowed his eyes.

"Ancient sages did, Jyeshtha." Satyabhama smiled while helping the other ladies in preparing the desert. "Groom and bride must stay in seperate houses till wedding muhurta comes."

"Since Devi is residing in Bua's mansion now, you cannot go there." Rukmini explained, handing over the jar of milk to Satyabhama. "A little more you have to wait, dear brother!" Her usually calm eyes sparkled in mischief.

"And you have to go to her mansion only to marry Devika." Krishna reminded.

"Yes, yes, listen from him." Satyaki smirked, lifting his head from the work. "Keshava is the most experienced in this kind of marriage."

"Should I get fluttered?" Krishna innocently blinked. All eight wives of him blushed together, glaring at Satyaki who laughed out.

"Save your teasings for later, Bhrata!" Subhadra chuckled. "First help our confused Jyeshtha."

"Well, yes." Krishna turned to Yudhishthira. "That's the process here. Whenever I brought my bride against her father's consent, she stayed with Maa Devaki till the time of marriage. And I had to go to her mansion to marry. You too will do the same now, Jyeshtha."

"But Jyeshtha is getting impatient, Swami." Kalindi teased. "We all know that he is actually missing Devi but covering it with Bua's name. Right, brother?"

"Yami!" An embarrassed Yudhishthira glared at her. Kalindi giggled and everyone enjoyed a rare tint of blush on Yudhishthira's fair cheeks.

"Someone tell Devi to open her window immediately!" Jambavati winked. "She shouldn't miss this face!"

Yudhishthira rose, trying to be grave. "If you all have only these things to do, better I should leave for the sabha." He turned to the door.

"No!" Nakula pulled him back. "You aren't allowed to move even an inch from here!"

"Forget sabha for a few days now!" Bhima caught him from another side. "Just sit quiet and do what we say!"

"What's going on here? I can hear the joint laughter even from my chamber!" Kunti's sudden arrival led to an awkward silence.

"Nothing, Bua!" Krishna smiled very innocently. "We all are very busy in work."

"That I can see, Kanha!" Kunti shook her head. "Now leave your brother. Aacharya Dhaumya sent sanctified water for his bath. And this is the uttariya you will wear in the adhivasa ritual." She handed over a gem-studded upper garment to Yudhishthira. "Your Mama Vasudeva has brought this for you."

"It looks so awesome, Maa!" Nakula remarked. "This maroon suits him the best!"

"My choice!" Krishna gave him a proud look. "Pita just picked up the one I liked."

"Always eager to take credit!" Balarama smirked.

"My Jyeshtha's wedding, Dau! How can I not take credits?" Krishna grinned.

"You all keep laughing. I'm going!" Yudhishthira glared at Krishna.

"Where? Where?" All his siblings chorused, their eyes squinted.

"To take bath. Where else?" Yudhishthira rolled his eyes.

"Really? Should we spy over the King to check whether he secretly visits his would-be Queen?" Vijaya exchanged glance with others.

Another laughter followed, making Yudhishthira even more embarrassed.

"Enough, children!" Kunti said. "Now let him go. And Bhima, go to my palace once. I forgot the dakshina plate. It's kept in the Puja room."

"Sure, Maa!" Bhima said. "I'll come back in a while."

***

Bride's chamber, Kunti's mansion

"Shivi Kumari!"

Devika looked at the door. The younger Princess of Kashi stood smiling.

"Remember me, Gurumata?" Valandhara smirked.

"Dhara! Sakhi!" Devika drew her to a crushing hug. "After so long! How are you doing?"

"Absolutely excellent! And now even better after coming here!" Valandhara said. "This Indraprastha is so pleasing, so soothing! You're so lucky to get married here, Sakhi!"

"Worry not. You too will get your dreamland very soon!" Devika patted her cheeks. "Isn't Kashiraj planning your swayamvara yet?"

"Not so soon." Valandhara shook her head. "I want to enjoy my maiden life a little more."

"You're saying so because you haven't yet met the one who's perfect for you, Dhara! Once you find him, you yourself will speak the opposite! Mark my words!"

"Leave me for now, please? You think of your new life! Finally you have permanently got the job of decorating Maharaj Yudhishthira's chamber." She winked. "Does he know that you used to do that in his absence once?"

Devika glared with warning in her eyes, making Valandhara burst into giggles.

"Well, I'm not telling him! But you tell me one thing, Devi Sakhi! Why is this palace so empty? Where has everyone gone?"

Devika slightly lowered her eyes, smiling a little. "Maharaj's adhivasa rituals are about to begin. Everyone has gone to his mansion."

"And when is yours?"

"After his is over."

"But this is unfair, Devi!" Valandhara grimaced. "Why so less people on your side?"

Devika's face fell. "Don't call them unfair, Sakhi. Everyone you see here belongs to my marital family. It's their greatness that they are doing the rituals from my side, too. Otherwise," she suppressed a teardrop. "No one from my own home has come to perform them!"

Valandhara's smile faded. Feeling sorry, she took Devika in her arms.

"Pray, don't shed tears today! You will not be alone. I and my brother shall be here as your siblings!"

"And I too!"

Breaking the hug, both the women turned to the door.

"Karenumati!" Devika exclaimed in joy. The young Princess of Chedi rushed in and threw her arms around Devika.

"I missed you so much, Devi Didi!" She said. "Couldn't even think that I would attend your wedding!"

"I'm so glad that you have come, dear!" Devika patted her back.

"All thanks to both Pitamahis!" Karenumati smiled now. "But, though I actually belong to groom's side, I shall be on your side now. And my brothers too." Her young eyes shone in excitement. "Tell me what we should do!"

Devika laughed seeing her eagerness. "Nothing. Just sit here and wait till everyone comes back."

"No. I have some duties to my elder sister. What are the things needed?" Karenumati tried to recall from her past experience. "Yes, candles are to be lit, floral designs are to be made,...and?"

"Altar for adhivasa homa is to be arranged." Valandhara finished her sentence.

Karenumati's blue-lotus eyes fell on her now. "You are...?"

"She is Valandhara, Princess of Kashi." Devika introduced. "And Dhara, she is..."

"Chedi Princess Karenumati." Valandhara smiled. "Right?"

Karenumati nodded, smiling a little. She had liked Valandhara's friendly gesture.

"So, Chedi Kumari, since we both are from Devika's side, may we arrange the things together?" Valandhara proposed.

"Sure! Come with me!" Karenumati held Valandhara's arm.

***

Yudhishthira's mansion

"Maa told me Aacharya is coming in a while. Is everything ready?" Draupadi hurried in, her gaze ran over the arrangements.

"Almost, Jiji." Vijaya said, looking around. "I'm just not getting the mangala shankha."

"As expected from you!" Draupadi glared. "Find it out!"

"Must be Subhadra's work!" Satyabhama smirked.

"Not at all!" Subhadra pouted. "Why does everyone always suspect me and not my brother? Don't you know about his childhood records?"

"Peace, children!" Devaki intervened. "Here is the conch." She handed it over to Draupadi. "Now go and light the candles fast. Aacharya is about to enter."

The ladies went to the Puja altar. Draupadi let Rukmini lit the first candle, followed by the other seven wives of Krishna. Then only she herself lit one and handed over the rest of candles to Vijaya and Subhadra who were over excited to compete with each other in lighting more candles.

Brothers brought Yudhishthira, clad in new clothes now, and made him sit on embroideried aasana placed near the candles and Mangala kalashas. Dhaumya performed the adhivasa yajna followed by a Puja to GauriShankara, asking for their blessings.

"Now the elders of bride's family should declare their acceptance and give blessings to the groom first." Dhaumya said.

Everyone exchanged confused glances, knowing well that no one was going to come from Shivi. But according to tradition, someone from Devika's side must be present to declare a formal acceptance to their son-in-law.

What was the solution now?

***

Kunti's mansion

Half of water from the tumbler spilled over the crystal walls and floor, making Valandhara frown. She looked up to see the person who had caused this.

"Who are you?" She glared at the golden-skinned tall man. "What are you doing here with this heavy mace in hand?"

Bhima stood amused. Such a sudden encounter with a beautiful girl was rare for him. He saw her nostrils flaring, and admitted to himself that she looked lovelier when angry.

"This is my kingdom, my home! I can do whatever I like! May I know who you are? And what are you doing in my house?" Suppressing his real feeling, Bhima showed a mock anger, putting hand on his waist.

"Kashi Kumari, listen..." Karenumati, who knew Bhima, tried to intervene. But Valandhara raised her palm to stop her.

"Your home?" She snapped. "Who roams in his own house with such a huge weapon?" She pointed to the mace in Bhima's hand. "You must be some enemy! What do you think, our Queen has no one to protect her?"

"Your Queen?" Bhima's large eyes widened as he felt more amused. "Do you belong to Indraprastha?"

"Wherever I might belong to, Queen Devika is my friend and I'll guard her and her family with all my life!"

Bhima blinked in admiration now. Her brave personality and protectiveness for Devika had won his heart.

Just like he himself was always ready to protect his brothers!

"Chedi Kumari, bring me a sword!" A determined Valandhara uttered without shifting her gaze from Bhima.

An intelligent, watchful Karenumati had not missed the hint of admiration in Bhima's eyes. Both looked being in a mood to fight, yet both were unable to take their eyes off of each other. What kind of fight would they do? Karenumati could not help giggling to herself.

"What happened? Didn't I tell you to bring a sword?" Valandhara grimaced.

"There's no sword around, Rajkumari!" Karenumati too was now enjoying the fun. "Rather give him a punishment for filling up the tumbler he has caused to fall!"

"Hmm. Sounds nice." Valandhara agreed and turned to Bhima. "Go, fill this with Yamuna water."

"If you want, I can create an entire lake here only, Princess!" Bhima softly said. "Just for you!"

His soft tone and even softer gaze made Karenumati giggle more within her mind. Valandhara now felt a little embarrassed as her potential opponent showed no sign of opposition.

"Lake is not required. Just a tumbler will do. Go and bring it soon!" She said.

Bhima went with the fallen tumbler and returned even before Valandhara could walk away from the corridor.

"You...so soon?" She looked in shock.

"Kindly check if it's alright!" Bhima gave a confident smile.

Valandhara checked. The tumbler was full.

"How did you come back so soon?"

"I have speed of wind!" He said and left abruptly, without waiting for Valandhara's reply.

Just like wind would do!

"Kashi Kumari, he is Pandu Putra Bhima, Yuvaraj of this land!" Karenumati finally revealed it.

"What!" Valandhara gasped. "Couldn't you tell me earlier?"

"I tried. But did you let me speak at all?" Karenumati shrugged.

Valandhara bit her tongue. "This should not have been thus!" She sighed. "I'll ask for his apology later."

***

Yudhishthira's mansion

"Who will initiate the aashirvada ceremony?" The royal priest asked again, looking around.

"I will!" Rajadhi came forward. "Devika is like my daughter only." She carefully picked up the plate of betel nuts and coconut and turned to Kunti.

"Pritha Didi, with this gift, I give away my Devika's hand to your son Yudhishthira! Please accept!" Rajadhi beamed, handing over the plate to her. Kunti held it and exhaled in relief, patting her sister's cheek. Their relation had just got another dimension today.

On the behalf of Devika's late mother, her aunt Rajadhi placed Akshata on Yudhishthira's head and gifted him a golden armlet as a mark of acceptance. The ladies played conchs and showered laja and flowers on the groom.

"From now you are my son-in-law too!" Rajadhi smiled to Yudhishthira who touched her feet with reverence.

Then Kunti gave blessing to Yudhishthira and fed him the prasadam of GauriShankara Puja. Vasudeva and his wives blessed him next. They gifted him a necklace with precious gems of ocean embedded in it. Conchs' frequent sound and flowers' unending shower made everyone feel the joy of upcoming events. Finally, the time of wedding had come near.

"Today's ceremony completes here." Mitravinda said. "Now we're going to Devika for completing her rituals. Till then, you have to be in your brothers' care, Jyeshtha!" She chuckled meaningfully.

"You all are going?" Yudhishthira casually asked, seeing all eight along with Revati ready to depart.

"Yes! Now we are bride's Bhabhis!" Bhadra said. "But you don't worry. We will be your sisters again whenever necessary."

"Side switching?" Yudhishthira raised an eyebrow.

"Whatever you might call it! But remember that bride's Bhabhis have more right to tease the groom." Mitravinda reminded.

"Well, don't even think that groom's brothers will be any less in teasing the bride and her team." Krishna smirked.

"Will see that tomorrow, Swami!" Satyabhama smirked back.

__________________________________________

Glossary:

Akshata: Rice (raw, unbroken, full-grain)
Laja: Puffed rice
(Both are considered very auspicious since the time of Mahabharata.)

Author's note: Since Grihya sutras (of Vedas) do not say much about pre-wedding rituals, I tried to go with what I have seen in my culture. Bengali readers will relate to the pre-wedding vaagdaanam and Aashirvada/adhivasa ceremony. But yes, whole rice, puffed rice, betel nut and coconut were there in Mahabharata times too as auspicious things.

The beautiful wedding banners are made by my dear JishnuPranaa . Thanks to her for bearing with me till yesterday as I was unable to upload it first.

So, how was the first #VaBhi moment?

More romantic bits are expected in next chapter. Keep reading and commenting! We should have a grand ending of this book!

The song added to this chapter is something I always visualise Yudhishthira's brothers and sisters to sing in his wedding, hence included it just for maintaining the mood. No actor from the video is to be taken as a cast of my story's characters.

And lastly, as you are understanding, Govasana won't come to Indraprastha. So, who will do Devika's Kanyadaana?

What do you think?