Dhriti's POV:

Yesterday was a great day. I got to form a great bond with my brothers and Mata Kunti and Mata Gandhari. They informed me that today they have arranged for Kala Pradharshan as to display the skills of the kuru princes as well as officially announce my homecoming. I know that today would be the day when Karn would enter. Today is gonna be a game changer.

 Yesterday Tatshree ( Maharaj Dhritarashtra) asked me to ask him for anything as a gift and he would happily gove it to me. I just said him that I'll think and tell. I very well know how to play my cards before Mamashree Shakuni.And that's what I will do today.

Today would be a changing point in the history of jaya. I am not letting my brothers be the sworn enemies of each other. I know that many events are inevitable but we could atleast try to change it.

Author's POV:

With a new found determination, Dhriti got up said her morning prayers and went for a bath. Since today was kala Pradharshan, Rajmata Kunti had selected her dress among her modern lehengas. As they were light weight yet elegant.

After dressing up she met everybody and wished them luck. She found Kanha while walking towards the arena.

" So you have already decided about the changes you have to make huh?"

" What is hidden from you Kanha! But since you have asked I'll respond to it. Yes I have decided I am not letting two brothers to fight against each other" Arunika/ Dhriti replied

"Well aren't Kauravas also the brothers of Pandavas" he counter-questioned her.

" Yes, they are. But they are influenced by Gandhar Raj. And I also know that a war of such is inevitable"

" You think of the big picture. Always remember sometimes have small failures is necessary for the long run" He said as well as advised her. He then added, " I know what you are planning to ask from Maharaj, aren't you planning to gift Anga to Karn from your side?- when she nodded he continued – do you remember when Rohan wanted to be your friend in 5th grade, he was new to your city and school and found you to be everyone's favorite as well as you saved him from your senior bully? He wanted to befriend you so he got you a chocolate but you did not accept it and he was very sad, he thought you would never be his friend.

But after a few days when your teacher was scolding you for something you didn't do, he was the one who came to support you and you both became best friends." He said facing her. As soon as he said that, Dhriti remembered that moment when he came he asking why she chose him as her friend afterwards.

Flashback

Rohan: Wait Dhriti, I have a question to ask you

Dhriti: Yes, Rohan say

Rohan: You never accepted me as your friend when I offered you chocolates, but today when I saved you, You came forward to be my friend. Was it because I helped you?

Dhriti: Arey nahi buddhu, I did not accept your chocolate because mumma tells that 'do not make friends because they are giving you things but make a friend who supports you when you are right'. And today you helped me because you knew I was right so I want to be your friend.* then with a small smile and hoping eyes she forwarded her hand and said* So friends?

Rohan: Best friends * he said as he shook hands and both broke in a toothy grin*

Flashback ends

"I understood what you meant Kanha, I won't offer him materialistic things but my moral support. It then depends on him, that whose shoulder he prefers to lean upon" Dhriti said with a look of determination in her eyes.

They made their way gracefully towards the Arena. There they saw that almost all have arrived and people are now waiting for the king and queen. Soon they too arrived and announcements were made. Dhriti was introduced to everyone as Arunika, her birth name. The rules were also decided.

The duel was  started by blowing conch shell. It was now the duel between Arjun and Duryodhana. Arjun shot an arrow and Duryodhana froze. He tried to free himself but in vain. Guru Dron states that he is the world's best archer. Dhriti seriously wanted to shout at him for this injustice but couldn't.

 He then asks him to free Duryodhana. But...but before Arjun could free him from his arrow another arrow was shot freeing Duryodhana. The one who shot the arrow had a face with the glow of 1000 suns. His kundals (earrings) outshining everything. Seeing him Dhriti could only mutter, "Karnnn". It was said as low as a whisper.

Dhriti glanced back and forth as the insulting of Karn was started. Then the guru Dron humiliated Karn for having been born as a Suta. It was enough for Duryodhana as he shouted "STOP", his words echoed through the whole arena. People peeked through their places to see what their prince has to say that he stopped such intense argument. He stepped in between the argument with his Mamashree backing him up.

 Duryodhana said that though Karn being Soota should be allowed to show his skills. Dhriti now decided that it was time to peep into their conversation.

She stood up from her seat and stood straight. Her way of standing looked fearsome. She through her eyes asked Mahamahim permission to speak and in agreement, she received a nod. Gandhar Naresh did not want to assume her weak before knowing her strengths.

Dhriti spoke loudly to make everyone present there to hear her, " I with due respect want Radheya to be allowed to have a duel against Rajkumar Arjun. Hey, the disciple of Parshuram raise your bow and show everyone that those who are prohibited from this form of art can also be talented in it. Today I present a question in front of all who are present here. Should one feel regret for having been born as a Suta? A suta who becomes saarthi (charioteer) of many great warriors.

Even Maharathis need a saarthi to take them across the war field. Being born as a Suta was not his fault that he was deprived of his education.

  Hey, son of Bhardhwaja, Hey Aacharya Dhron, I, Pandu Putri, Arunika ask you if you could bound your knowledge of arts? What was the fault of Radheya that you neglected his education? As a teacher, you have to select your disciples, and I have absolutely no issues with that. But refusing education because of a caste doesn't seem right, does it?" Dhriti said with her voice thundering over the arena. Her voice was displaying her anger and disappointment with this system of discrimination.

"Who are you to say that huh? How dare you question my guruvar? Where were you all these years? Does anyone even know what you did there? Do you even have a little shame to not speak in front of all Rajkumari? " Dusashan said mocking her with the words Rajkumari. He thought it would be great if he acts like being the best disciple of his guruvar not understanding the wicked plans of Shakuni.

   Meanwhile, as soon as these words left his mouth, Kanha was so furious that he wanted to slay his throat but he knew his Dhriti was strong and would face it bravely. But It was just the beginning of all her sufferings.

"DUSASHAN! Don't you dare raise such questions at the Rajkumari of Hastinapur. You may have forgotten it but let me remind you, she was under the protection of Mahadev for all these years. He had asked no one to question her about her past and I've given my word for that, remember that" Bhism shouted silencing everyone else.

"I agree with Rajkumari Arunika but according to law, a person who is not Kshatriya cannot challenge a prince" Kriparacharya peeped into the conversation.

(Author: Arey itni mushkil se aadhi baat bichari ne sambhali thi. Kyu beech mein aagaya bhai. Kya dukh hai tujhe. Konsa rath behene wala hai. Sorry readers but khudko bich mein bolne se nahi rok paayi)

As Kripacharya said that, Mama Shakuni was smirking and Dhriti knew what was goining in his brain. She looked at Kanha, with eyes pleading to help her. But he just shook his head to say that he can't help as it's her fight. She sucked in a deep breath as she knew she can't do anything about it. She let things go as it has to.

 She knew Karn deserved much more than this but couldn't stop wondering that by this small coronation he might be enslaved forever. She knew Duryodhan and Karn's friendship would be a true  form of friendship but she always felt like Karn was indebted to him and no friendship should be such.

Every evil person has at least a little goodness in them and she had to find that in Duryodhan if she wanted to change the inevitable. She saw her extra sweet Mamashree smirking and giving wicked glances towards the new friends. 

Soon the competition was continued. Both the warriors were having an intense duel. But it was soon sunset marking the end of the completion. And before she could even realize everything she was standing in front of her Tatshree in the courtroom.

All the members of the royal family were present there and even Kanha and Karna were present as Bhism requested Kanha and Duryodhan asked his friend. Then Mahamntri Vidur started the proceeding. He questioned Duryodhan for crowning a Sootputra. Dhriti was flaring in anger now.

She said, " I may have not known much about the rules of Hastinapur but I know for the matter of fact that the one, who is Kshatriya is not always a protector, sometimes the protector does not even have a caste. Who are we to discriminate against people according to caste when we all are equal before God. The caste system is based upon the work people indulge in like Kshatriyas are protectors, sootas are charioteers, farmers and tribes are shudra, and merchants as Vaishya. By this way of introducing the caste, the Vedas meant that a person with certain individuality has a specific position in society. It does not mean that a person whose father is a Kshatriya should also be a Kshatriya. As Vedas also say that A Kshatriya is someone who is righteous and gives up his ego in front of God. But it is today's people's misconception that they think one must work according to their blood and flesh. Remember, when Lord Vishnu took the form of Narshimha, he was neither a Kshatriya nor a Soota yet, he is considered a protector. He was neither a human nor an animal, yet we offer our prayers to him. Let's also consider the fact that he was Vishnu himself but what about Pahlaad? He was born in the Asura clan yet Lord bestowed him, his protection. Why? Can anyone answer? It was because his deeds were greater than his blood. If Lord himself does not differentiate between his children then who are we? " SILENCE.

As Dhriti said these words she was met with silence in the entire courtroom. She looked at everyone to gauge their reaction. Kanha had a proud look on his face, while many people looked like they were in a deep thinking. Yudhisthir, Bhism and Vidur had their blank faces on and Gandhar Raj looked amused. Karn looked proud as someone for firsttime explained his thoughts. She knew that none had answers now and maybe they won't have till next 100 years. She just threw a dissatisfied look and stormed off the room.

************

That's all for now

Did you like the kala pradharshan? The thought about vedas and caste system popped in my mind while writing and I felt somewhere its right so I used it. 

It is kinda boring chapter but I wanted to show Dhriti voicing out her thoughts

No intentions to hurt anyone

Word count- 2069  words

Signing off

Ela💖