"Mere Bacche!" Shakuni limped anxiously, while Duryodhana got up, surprised.

"Don't go to Dwarka. It'll ruin you !" Shakuni sat down, revealing the letter. Duryodhana was taken aback but didn't feel Krishna would have planned something bad. As far as he knew, Krishna was a neutral person, though tended to favour the pandavas.

"That woman and Karna are there; they'll definitely try to kill you. And who knows if the Pandavas are in league with them. Be with your brothers always." Duryodhana didn't feel like believing a word of his uncle's. Her cold, menacing eyes at his uncle flashed before him. Maybe, she knew something about his Mamashree that no one knew. 

He knew he was cleverly portrayed as the evil cousin who wanted to snatch away Hastinapur. He wouldn't deny it felt good to be the ruler after his father, but he felt tired.

Tired of fighting for something he knew could be won only by deceit.

His uncle was cunning and scheming, but it was also the elder's fault. They never paid attention to them, busy pampering the 'five', who had lost their father.

"They came, Mere Bacche. To take away what's yours. Don't be kind to them." Their uncle was the only one who had taken care of them throughout their childhood, so they readily tortured them.

Without an ounce of remorse. Looking back, Duryodhana still remembered the day he had poisoned Bheema. That night, he howled, covering his mouth with his pillow so that no one would hear.

He hated the boy, but killing him was not something he wanted. Maybe he could have just defeated him in a duel, thereby not allowing them to be more powerful.

Pitashree loved his title, money and power. Mata always tried to please him, after their half-brother was born, and their father spent more time with his mother's own maid.

They even went to the extent of beating up Yuyutsu, their half-brother but stopped, realizing he was innocent . 

Pitamaha kept calling himself a 'servitor to the throne' and yet struggled to follow his so called Dharma. 

Kakashree thought Dharma was the rules prescribed in texts written by their lovely ancestors. Okay, they were wise and all of that, but people were changing with each passing second. They couldn't follow rules set at that time, for those people who lived differently.

Ishani was absolutely right, but he didn't have the courage to tell her. Everybody would think a ghost possessed the infamous prince.

He knew she was somehow aware of his inner turmoil, since she always blinked assuring whenever they met. It was refreshing when someone you weren't close with understood you without a single word. Yet, he felt Karna's unforgiving glare on him all the while.

He wasn't dumb to ignore the fact that Karna yearned for Ishani. 

Who wouldn't, when she was such a rare and bold woman ? She would have been perfect for a queen, but somehow he couldn't like her in a romantic way.

She reminded him of a good, loyal friend. Who'd go through the hell and heavens for you.

He sighed, rubbing his temples.  "Mere Bacche." His sugary voice irritated him.

"Yes Mamashree?" He sighed tiredly, angering Shakuni. How dare this brat disrespect him? He would ensure their destruction. 

"Just remember what I told you. The Pandavas.."

" are evil and want to snatch my kingdom. They will do anything to get the throne." Duryodhana completed boredly.  

Shakuni gritted his teeth, leaving the room. 

Meanwhile, 

"Jyesht, why has Vasudev called us to Dwarka?" Arjun muttered in confusion.

"I don't know. Maybe something important. Remember that Devi and Shreeman Karna are also there." Arjun clenched his fists at the mention of her. 

It bruised his ego. How could a frail looking woman defeat him so quickly, and summoned Astras without mantras? Something was definitely wrong.

"Bhrata Arjun, that Devi is not someone ordinary. Rumours are that she is very close to Vasudev. Many princes have fallen for her already. Besides, it is said that Shreeman Karna is a very good archer because he is a disciple of Parashuram." 

Arjun gritted his teeth; how could Sahadev favour them instead of him ?

"Arjun, no one is perfect. Your ego is hurt, but you must realise that there are people who are greater than you. Even I admit that I'm not the strongest in terms of strength. Ease yourself, it'll be alright. " Bheema comforted, hugging him tightly.

Arjun nodded, but his heart hurt still. Tinkling sounds made them look at the door.

"Pranipaat Mata." Kunti nodded, preparing herself to tell them.

"Have a safe journey. Enjoy your time with Krishna and greet his wives. Behave well your cousins. And one last thing, I'll tell you all something after you all come back. Never judge someone by their caste or qualifications. Somethings are kept in the dark; even shadows couldn't witness such secrets." She murmured, dropping a kiss on their foreheads.

The wheels in Sahadev's head turned quickly. He knew it had something to do with Karna.

"What are we going to do with them?" 

"Simple. Everyday, each Pandava will be with 20 Kauravas, going out and fetching essentials. They'll be in groups of five. You and me will supervise 2 groups each, while Krishna will take care of 1. Which ever group cooperates the most will be given a week off. All the servants concerning groceries will be given leaves for these 2 weeks."

"That.." Karna was simply dumbfounded.

"Was such a good strategy, Ishani. Keep yourselves busy." She nodded, not noticing Krishna winking at a flustered Karna.

"Are you alright?" Karna's face was unusually red. 

"Yeah, th-the weather is too hot." 

"But it's the winter season." Ishani pointed out in confusion.

"I mean, I'm a bit unwell. See you later." Ishani shrugged; she thought Karna would be a bulky, muscular dude, growling all the time. Thankfully, it wasn't the same.

3 days later,

Krishna and Rukmini stood at the entrance, waiting to receive the princes. The Princes rode on, stopping at the entrance. A shower of flowers fell on them, as they walked inside.

Rukmini circled the plate before them. "Welcome to Dwarka. Treat this as your own home. Please proceed towards the waterfalls, situated as you walk straight from here. Ishani and Karna have something to say to you all." 

All whispered in confusion; wondering what they would say. Nevertheless, the obeyed and walked towards the waterfall.

Karna stared as she talked about breaking the news to the princes.

How heavenly she looked, with those sparkling eyes and those exquisite ornaments. He tried to concentrate, but found it difficult to stop thinking about how melodious her laughter would sound. He shifted as he heard that voice again. 

That unfamiliar voice which occupied his head. Still, he shrugged it off and looked at her.

He wouldn't hesitate to declare her as the most beautiful woman in the universe.

"For once you are right, Vasusen." Krishna whispered, startling Karna. He turned back, seeing the Princes.

"Pranipaat, Rajkumar. I'm extremely sorry about happened in Hastinapur. I regret it deeply and hope you won't take it to heart, considering the fact that I'm an outsider." She smiled, but Karna knew it was fake.

Sahadev knew it was a blatant taunt, about the justice system in Hastinapur. But Duryodhana nodded silently.

"Oh, seems that Rajkumar Duryodhana finally understands that his Mama Shree is not a God." Bheema taunted, while the others hit their foreheads. 

Duryodhana looked at him. "I knew it, my dear Bhrata. You too must understand that Jyesht is not a God either." 

"He's not even your Jyesht." Ishani murmured boredly to herself.

Bheema growled when Ishani raised a hand.

" Please do not fight here.I have something to say. I hope it won't be of any inconvenience to you all. Everyday, when you all go riding for your daily rounds, can you all buy some groceries? I'll divide you all into groups. Each Pandava can be paired with 20 Kauravas, so it'll be 5 groups. The list won't be much, since 21 people can buy all that. Each group can do it one day. Since you are all going to be here for one month, which ever group cooperates the most can relax in the palace for a week. The most lavish comforts will be provided to you all, endlessly for one week."

All were silent, when Sahadev spoke up.

"But there are seven days in a week; what about the other 2 days?"

She smiled wickedly; "The 2 groups which didn't cooperate well will do all the work, while the others will rest peacefully." 

Both the cousins nodded; hospitality came with a price; and besides her plan was good.

"Let's pick up lots. I've made a papers with all your names. I'll pick up a Pandava and 20 other Kauravas. You mustn't grumble because I am picking it up randomly."

'Let Bheema come first.' She wished and picked up the chit.

"What does it show?" Krishna smiled, knowing Ishani.

"Rajkumar Bheema." Bheema nodded eagerly.

"Among Kauravas, the first person is.... Rajkumar Duryodhana." Both glared at each other, while Ishani gave a thumbs-up to Krishna. 

"Rajkumar Sahadev and Rajkumar Dhusasan." Ishani knew, Sahadev would keep that man in check. 

The list continued, and all were satisfied except two people. (I don't think I need to mention them, guess !)

Later,

"You think, they'll accept it or make a fuss later?" Ishani paced around nervously, while Karna had the same doubt.

Krishna wiped their worries. "They'll get used to it, don't worry too much. Besides they'll obey you because they know what you're capable of." 

'Yeah, how can one not obey such a sweet and beautiful person?' Karna sighed dreamily.

"Of course, you are right." Karna groaned, hearing his teasings. 

When would this stop?

"Till she confesses her love to you." Karna thought he would pass out in shock.

"Vasudev, please. I don't want to die so soon." Karna felt like digging a huge pit and burying himself. 

"But wait, teach me how to read someone's mind."

Krishna smirked, shaking his head.

"Then how will I tease you?"

Meme of the day: