****Long chapter ahead*****

Author's POV:

A next day brought new determination, confidence to set the goals right. Dhriti woke up and said her first prayers to Narayan. She did her routine work and started walking towards the palace temple as she came to know yesterday that every morning, the ladies of the palace offer their prayers there.

She reached the temple and was astonished to see that it was so beautiful. Kunti and Gandhari asked her, whether she needed anything for which she just replied, "Do I have to come to temple only when I need something maata? Can't I just offer my prayers to the Bhuvansundhar Mohan murthi ( Bhuvansundhar- the one who is the most beautiful in the world, Mohan murthi- the one who is the idol of enchantment) "

Gandhari and Kunti just chuckled and said, "Of course you can Putri"

Dushala who was listening to all this piped in as she said, "Jiji, Can you sing prayers today! I have wanted to hear your voice for so long" she was jumping with excitement

Seeing her, Dhriti remembered her conversation with Govind yesterday and what she was supposed to do. She need not remember the devotional movement with him as to remember, you should forget and well, a devotee can never forget movements as such as they are engraved deep in their hearts.

Looking at Dushala's excitement, Dhriti could do nothing but nod. As Gandhari brought the Aarthi thaali for her (Aarthi- Hindu ritual in which a cotton thread is soaked in ghee and lit to offer prayers. Thali-plate)

Dhriti and Dushala both lit the Diya and then Dushala moved to pick the conch shell to blow it. Gandhari, Kunti and all other ladies present their started shaking the small bells in their hands to create the jingling sound as the atmosphere filled with pure veneration.
All present they were all equal with no status of Queen, Princess or Servant as all are equal before God.

Dhriti just closed her eyes as the prayer automatically started playing through her lips as her mind was occupied with the thoughts of her only dear lord - Krishna. Or as one would say his true form of Vishnu.

॥ Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki ॥

Gale Mein Baijanti Mala,
Bajave Murali Madhur Bala।

Shravan Mein Kundal Jhalakala,
Nand Ke Anand Nandlala।

Gagan Sam Ang Kanti Kali,
Radhika Chamak Rahi Aali।

Latan Mein Thadhe Banamali;

Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak,
Chandra Si Jhalak;

Lalit Chavi Shyama Pyari Ki॥

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Kanakmay Mor Mukut Bilse,
Devata Darsan Ko Tarse।

Gagan So Suman Raasi Barse;

Baje Murchang, Madhur Mridang,
Gwaalin Sang;

Atual Rati Gop Kumaari Ki॥

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Jahaan Te Pragat Bhayi Ganga,
Kalush Kali Haarini Shri Ganga।

Smaran Te Hot Moh Bhanga;

Basi Shiv Shish, Jataa Ke Beech,
Harei Agh Keech;

Charan Chhavi Shri Banvaari Ki॥

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Chamakati Ujjawal Tat Renu,
Baj Rahi Vrindavan Benu।

Chahu Disi Gopi Gwaal Dhenu;

Hansat Mridu Mand, Chandani Chandra,
Katat Bhav Phand;

Ter Sun Deen Bhikhaaree Ki॥

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki,
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki,
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

She soon completed her prayer and opened her eyes. She then bend her forehead and pressed her temples to the plate as she ended the prayer. Dushala again blew the conch shell. As she turned to look around she found all of those present there still had their eyes closed as they mesmerized into the deep ocean of love and devotion.

Her voice was smooth and sweet as if honey. Every line she sang came from the utmost of her heart which even was heard through the high skies of heavens. Indra himself was shocked to see the devotion of a mere human as it was enough the shake his throne and echo through the entire Swargalak.

Krishna who could hear each of her word was smiling as bright as the flower which just bloomed and was spreading its fragrance through the petals which opened from the tightly closed bud. He blessed her all he could with open heart.

Her innocence and love spread through every where as the honeybees themselves came to collect the nectar of a flower whose fragrance was spread through the miles and whose smell was not yet smelled off.

Soon everyone came out from their world filled with only Govind and his thoughts. They all joined their hands towards the idol and bowed their heads pressing the temples of their to their clasped hands with closed eyes and raised them again.

A lady brought flowers to offer the deities. All offered it and now was the turn of Dhriti. She just took one single lotus in her hand and walked towards the idol where both Narayan's and Mahadev's idols were kept close to each other. She just kept the flower in between both of them as if it was offered to both.

She closed her eyes and prayed -O supreme Lords! I am sure that me being here has some ulterior motives than it is shown as you will always decide the best for your child. I came to know through Lord Krishna that Mahadev has protected me for all these years. I don't know what to say as a thank you won't suffice. You look after every child of yours equally and so I am here to make only a single wish 'keep Rohit safe' he must have surely been stressed over not being able to find me or rather depressed on my death. But just keep him safe. Though the time line varies and I know he is still unborn as this is not his yuga. I want you to look after him. Oh Lord please answer my prayers

Dhriti then opened her eyes and smiled as she knew whatever the God has planned has always been for the best. She turned back and looked at others present there.

Gandhari and Kunti were smiling as bright as tube light. Kunti reached Dhriti and cupped her one cheek with her one hand as she said, "Adhbut geet tha Putri. Itna Mohan ki yu mano bas usme hi kho jao aur kabhi usse nikalne ka mann hi na kare"

[It was a beautiful song, baby girl. It was so soothing that it felt like one could drown in it and still wish to never come back again]

"Dhanyawad Mata" Arunika replied.

"Sach me Putri. Tumahra geet bada hi manmohak tha, ab se roz prata kaal tum hi bhajan gaaya karogi " Gandhari said as she came forward and held the wrist of her hand.

[ Truly dear! Your voice was really mesmerizing, from now onwards you are going to sing ]

"Obviously Mata. Nothing could be more pleasurable to me than this "

"But jiji, whose prayer was that devoted to as I've never heard it before and also it tags Dwarkadeesh's name in it" Dushala, the ever so curious one asked with curiosity dripping through her voice, which even made all others present there look towards Dhriti with confusion laced in their eyes.

"Oh that! Well, to answer your questions, this prayed was devoted to Lord Vishnu and the reason behind using Kanha's name is because- from the place I come from, they denote that Vishnu is dark skinned and hence called Krishna ( Krishna name means dark colored). So we use the name Krishna in this Aarti of his to denote his features"

Dhriti did not practically lie as whatever she said was true. Madhav was called Krishna because of his dark color and Kanha is a reincarnation of Vishnu. Technically making all her words true as she could reveal anything about their lives to them.

Dushala looked like she had more questions towards the lines as it relates to the Dwarkadhish so very much. Well who would explain that in fact it is sung to him, to the supreme being who is born in the family of royals yet brought up with love by cow herds.

Dhriti so to answer all her questions at once said even before she could question, " You may also think about the meaning of other lines, but let me explain it as it means, that this the prayer offered to the one who has cloud like soft skin and a dark skin.

He who wears the garland made specially for Lord Vishnu and the one who plays flute in his early days. He who is dear to happiness himself ( Nanda name meaning - dear / happiness, she is using the name meaning so as to avoid them from learning the entire truth)

He is beloved by all , even the cows, as he loves Radhika. He has a sandal wood paste adorned in his forehead as golden earrings (bali/ kundal) adorn his small ears.

Now did you understand Dushala. This prayer just praises Lord Vishnu in his own way. And before you ask who is Radhika? Then let me tell you that she is Devi Mahalakshmi herself who is also known by the name Radhika. She is the one whom he immensely loves. "

Dhriti concludes as she heaves a sigh of relief and it even calms our curious cat.

(A/n : I've explained the meaning of the arti myself so the lines may be jumbled with the meaning because I can't express all his qualities as they would be easy to understand that Krishna is Krishna and they are obviously able to understand the lines as it is in their tongue but the song is full of his praises just like I said before)

All nodded satisfied. And then they joined everyone for breakfast. Everyone was eating in silence while Dhriti decided to break the silence and take step one towards her journey as her Kanha said. So she addressed the grand sire, "Pitamaha, I always wanted to learn warfare but from the land I come from strive to maintain peace and harmony, so it does not teach any kind of yielding techniques. Now that I am here can I learn it "

"Yes you can always learn it Putri ( he seemed extra happy on being addressed as Pitamaha) But I want to ask that what did you mean by the people do not engage in wars" Pitamaha was curious about the no-war motto.

"What Mahamahim, how could you accept this demand of her, as clearly woman cannot learn weaponry" Shakuni had to give his input obviously being the all time interrupter he was. Dhriti's nose was flaring in anger yet she calmed her as she wanted to keep her opinions before but in a calm way. So she waited for the correct moment to strike 

"I would like it if you keep yourself away from the family matters of Hastinapur Gandhar Naresh and don't forget what Mahadev said as you were also present there. She has all rights to learn what she wishes to if she is interested" Mahamahim as always replies to his cunning inputs which try to start a fire between the family and continues," So putri, whom do you want to learn from"

"Well Pitamaha as all my brothers are already trained warriors, I would like to learn the basics from them. And let me clarify some misconceptions of people here as they were directed towards me, that the one who killed Mahisasura was also a woman and the one known as goddess of weaponry is also a woman. I don't know why people still consider women as fragile or weak when they could not forget how even the goddess of calmness has a destructive side of her.

When needed even Parvati maa turns to Kali maa and Lakshmi ma turns to Veera Lakshmi roop of her. Even Lord Vishnu, knows the power women hold, as he himself is known as Mohini in his female form. '' This shuts everyone up and the positive side of Kurus and Karan and Kanha looked proud while The kauravas, Dhritarashtra and Shakuni were sulking over his insult.

Bheesma hid his laugh by giving a fake cough and Vidur was amused at his elder grand daughter's way of speaking just like she spoke in the courtroom. Her words were never sugar coated and were always crisp and straight. All the Pandavas agreed to teach her how to wield a weapon and they then continued their breakfast with Shakuni who kept quiet to avoid further insulting.

The breakfast is done and the Pandavas say her to join the practice sessions from the next day and she agrees. She sees Dushala and think of executing her plan.

"Arey Dushala, kya tum aaj apni jiji ke saath vartalaap karna chahogi?" She wanted to state it but her nervousness around so many people gawking at her makes it come out as a question. Yes she may be confident when it comes to keeping up her points but during such 'bonding' moments she surely suck.

[ Dushala, would like to have conversation with your sister today?]

"Uff..jiji is that even a question. I've loads to share with you obviously I'm gonna spend my entire day with you " it took less than a minute for Dushala to become chirpy enthusiastic child again.

Dhriti just chuckled and nodded, they both left towards Dhriti's chambers.

Dushala and Dhriti has been conversing from nothing to everything. They spoke about different varieties of food to their favorite color of dresses and designs. They even went so far that Dushala revealed some of her most embarrassing moments. One such topic caught Dhriti's attention when she said,

"Jiji you know even I sometimes wish to learn sparing but I am not as brave as you to ask everyone also pitamah will allow you because of his vow to Mahadev. But no one will allow me as girls here are prohibited. But you are so lucky jiji. I'm so happy for you." Dhriti could identify the underlying sadness in them.

"Listen to your jiji carefully Dushala. Hmm ...see always do what you feel is right. If you want to learn something then learn no one could atop you as it is you who is learning not them. Always remember people will object whatever you do, but it is your duty to stand up against them and follow your dreams.

   Today someone will say you to do something as it is right and tomorrow someone else will say that what you did was wrong. It is the work of the society to object but it is your duty to follow righteousness. You just have to say about your interests I'm sure everyone will be ecstatic to know about it. They would surely support you. " Dhriti said as to show her the correct path.

"But jiji how could I oppose them as I'm just a girl. You are toh devputri as they say that all my Pandava brothers are. Who will stop you but I am not like you jiji. I can't stand against anyone. Moreover no one will listen to me" Dushala bowed her head down in sadness and Dhriti just huffed a sigh as her task is going to need a lot of her energy.

She sat down near the knees of Dushala and held her hands in hers.

"Dushala, I may have the anshas of the Tridevis but you are no less. You are the daughter of the ardent worshipper of Shiv sankar. I've always admired mata Gandhari even before meeting her.   Never belittle yourself because of your birth.

I have always believed that one's birth has nothing to do with their deeds. You know I have an amazing story of my favourite warrior with me. Why don't I tell you about her?" Dhriti asked

"Her? Was the warrior a woman jiji?" Dushala asked confused.

"Yes, it is a she. But before I start the story, I need a promise from you (Dhriti raised her brow and Dushala nodded her head like a child). Promise me that whatever I say to you about this story should only remain between you and me.

No third person should know about it even in your weakest moments. This story is not just a story but the history of the place from where I come from." Dhriti said and thought- and it is the future of aryavart.

"I promise jiji. I would never say about this to anyone. This story will always remain between you and me. And also I would try taking some valuable lessons from it"

"Good girl" Dhriti said cupping her cheek and got up from her crouched position to sit in the bed opposite to Dushala."And ya I don't like if someone interrupts me. So don't stop me unless I end "

"Yes yes jiji. I'll not stop you like Mamaji. I saw what happened in the breakfast" at this both the girls laughed

"So the story starts with the birth of Manikarnika. She is the main lead of the story Dushala so listen about her keenly. She was born in a middle class family. Her father was Moropant Tambe who used to be a adviser in the Royal court of Marathas. Her mom was umm.. I guess her name  was Bhagirathi. Oh yes it was Bhagirathi. She used to help her husband a lot. She was very kind in nature but when Manikarnika was just 4 years old, she died. Moropant ji who was pained by such happening still stayed strong just for the sake of his daughter

He moved back to work in the palace. At that time, my country was not entirely independent Dushala. During that time period many Foreigners had gained control over it. Those Foreigners had come to my country with trade purposes but seeing that my country was so fertile and had plenty of resources they became greedy. They wanted to sell my country for their profit.

At that time, my country was also divided into several small and big kingdoms. The kingdoms though separated where ready to help each other. Seeing that the unity may harm themselves - the foreigners thought of a new way to capture territories. They used to follow 'Divide and Rule' policy.

With this policy, they used to put barriers between the kingdom and offer their alliance with them and make allies. Slowly yet steadily the foreigners became far most superior in the country. Those kingdoms which understood their plan and did not like to give in their alliance making themselves mere pawns of politics were snatched away with force.

They made my country men feel inferior because of their color. My countrymen have their skin tone as naturally dusked tone and they had the color of milky ocean.

I know you must think how did people even fall in this trap of racism when they sing glories of Vishnu who is said to be dark skinned. Truth to be told, we have always praised everyone's color as Brahma has made them with his power of perfection but the way the people thought that color is what makes you attractive, I honestly feel disgusted.

The same people who recited the saying," Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder" now fail to look after the beauty beyond the pretty little face of one's. Has no one ever thought that our pretty faces will not stay with us always.

When we age older, we are bound to loose the stunning face to the wrinkled one. What remains with us has always been our character. *Sigh*
(I don't know why people still don't understand this )

Anyways, Dushala if I continue saying about my thoughts na then I would never be able to say you about Manikarnika. So where was I? Umm...ya so the Britishers had started controlling the major lands or should I say the entire country.

All kings agreed to be their allies and so was the Peshwa (prime minister). Well did I mention, the Peshwas used to rule the Maratha Empire. When such acts raise, rebellions too form and raise. The kings themselves helped many such rebellions who fought for freedom.

Moropant Tambe was head of such a rebellious group supported by the Peshwa. He was known as Bharat. No one knew that Moropant ji was Bharat or Bharat was Moropant ji. Not even his own daughter. This secret laid only between Peshwa and the advisor.

Being the daughter of someone who fought for Independence, also wanted to support Bharat. She idolized Bharat and Moropant ji used to be afraid that maybe because of his character, his Manu may suffer. He tried keeping Manu away from swords and politics.

But it was in her blood which ran through her veins. How could she be away from all these. She started questioning him which made him answering difficult. He finally gave up knowing he can't keep her away.

Peshwa always wanted a daughter and hence saw Manu as her own. He used to call her as 'Chabili' because of her playful nature. He taught her everything, from picking up a sword to slicing the throat of her opponent to Manu along with his son - Nana Saheb and his friend Tantiya Tope.

Manu always turned out to be the best. When she was in her early teens, a new viceroy of Britain was appointed in their kingdom. He despised Indians yet stayed in their country. Manu did not like him and hence always picked up a fight. Once he challenged her by showing the flag of Britain which was stuck to the fort wall. He wanted to beliitle her showing that her country could never over power the British.

Manu whose anger flared at this, thought to prove him wrong. The same night she covered her face with a cloth and climbed the walls of the fort stealthily. None of the guards could see her. She picked up the British flag and replaced it by Indian Kesariya flag. While doing so, some guards saw her and thought of her as a rebellion. None was able to see her face because of the cloth. She may have took down the flag of Britain but she did not humiliate it as she knew the emotions attached to a country's flag.

The guards who saw her along with some other guards attacked her. But she was Manikarnika, how could she be defeated easily and so she dodged all their attacks as a piece of cake.

She let the flag of Britain reach the Viceroy's chambers. However, the viceroy who heard of such act in a hustle slipped the lamp from nearside his desk which touched the flag and burnt it.

Thus, was the brave fighter Manikarnika. Now that you know about her childhood. I'll say you about her later life tomorrow. She is not famous simply as she has done a lot. Now tell me Anuja what did you learn from this tale " Dhriti finally concluded.

"Jiji I understood about her bravery. Even though her father was trying to keep her away from politics, it was interest in learning that pulled her. Then who am I to stop myself from recieving knowledge when it is being provided. "

Dhriti smiles and pats her head and they both walk out of the chamber. Dushala went to Mahamahim, to adk permission for her political education while Dhriti was walking aimlessly in the corridors.

The ways were still confusing to her as she would be lost if she did not return back. While moving back, she saw Parth coming towards her way, looking at something in his hand and smiling. Wait was that a 'blush'

Dhriti was sure that what ever was in his hand surely had something to do with Subhadhra. She hid behind a pillar and peeked towards his hands stealthily. Our world famous Dhanurdhar was so into admiring the article that he missed Dhriti standing and peeking.

Dhriti when looked carefully, found that it was an "anklet", which for sure was of a woman and to be precise our dear Bhadre's. She thought of some mischief as she slowly walked towards him and snatched the anklet from his hand.

He tried stoping but Dhriti held her hand high with the anklet. Parth was trying to catch hold of the anklet from her hand while Dhriti was wiggling herself here and there.

"Stop! Or I'll say that you were looking at an anklet sooooo immensely that you did not see me coming" Our Parthvi said teasingly.

"Ai-Aisa ku-kuch nahi hai Parthvi. Aapko vahem hua hoga. Hum kaha dekh rahe te payal ko. Woh woh toh bas... woh payal mujhe gira mila toh mein dekh raha thi ki we hai kiska haa haa wahi dekh raha tha"

[No-nothing is like that Parthvi. You are mistaken. I was not looking at the anklet. I -I was just.. I found that anklet nearby and was just looking who it belonged to. Yeah ueah that was what I was doing]

"Ohh...mm let me see, maybe I know who it belongs to " she started examining it though knowing the answer exactly. She wanted to tease him more and so she said, " ohh I saw an anklet as such in Mata Gandharis' collection, maybe it is hers. I'll give it to her. You don't worry-" she was cut off

"No no it belongs to Rajkumari Subhadra. I saw her wearing this today morning with her green Lehenga. It also had peacocks in it..." Arjun soon realised what he said in flow and wished that Parthvi either did not listen or the earth to split and swallow him. However it was all too late as he found Parthvi smirking and wriggling her brows.

He just blushed red with a sheepish grin and took , strike that snatched the anklet and ran away from the scene. Leaving behind a chuckling Dhriti whose chuckling soon changed to a full blown laugh.

After a while, Parthvi again found herself in the palace garden, where the leaves where falling rhythmically with the wind. The setting sun gave the scene a more beautiful background.

It was the time of the day when she would spend it with her Kanha. Unknownst to her, this was nothing new but the moment for which both her soul and Kanha had waited.

She thought it as her devotion to kanha that pulled her towards waiting for their evening talks. But what she did not know was that this time of day has been reserved by both father and daughter from the time their soul could remember.

Kanha's voice broke her stream of thoughts "Kaha koi ho Narayana"

( Where are you lost Narayana)

"Kahi nahi Madhav" ( nowhere Madhav). "Wait- what did you called me? Narayana??" Dhriti asked after a moment and Kanha remembered his mistake.

"Umm..umm..ya that.....since you are my devotee, you should be given a name na, so Narayan"

Hushh...bach gaye - kanha thought as Dhriti brought the half truth.

"Uff..what is with people of Dwaparyug and their obsession of naming people. I mean I already have like 9- 10 names" Dhriti huffed in exaggeration and Narayan just chuckled.

"Ok let's leave that. By the way I heard you telling the story of Manikarnika. I must say that you really say it well. And also you helped her Change her thoughts just by a single story of her childhood. " Kanha praised her.

"Now now, I know that I am excellent in everything but I am getting bored. I just said her a story. Npw I also want to hear a story" Dhriti said as she kept her head on Kanha's shoulder.

"Hmm...now this is a hugh demand your highness. What could I even say that could impress the great princess of The mighty Kuru kingdom"

Dhriti chuckled but still said, "I want to hear a story which is true in existence and is unknown to most"

"Now I have only one such person in my mind whose story could satisfy you"

"Who Kanha?" Dhriti asked. You - was what he wished to say but nevertheless said, "The daughter of Vishnu and Lakshmi, Shiv- Parvati, with powers of Brahma- Saraswati, who was named Aakriti"

The way he said about Aakriti felt oddly satisfying to Dhriti, but she just asked " Aakriti? But you don't have a daughter then how was she born and why do I not know her or have heard about her"

" The story I'm going to say is about her birth and about anyone not knowing her, would be the tale to be found later".

"Ok. So please tell me about her na kanha. Whom are you waiting for?"

"No one" kanha replied.

" This story starts in Satyuga. After establishing the world and maintaining its stability after samutra manthan.  An asura went into deep Penance to obtain boons from Brahma. After years of performing austerity, Brahmadev appeared in front of him to grant him his wishes.

The asura asked for immortality, but as you know it is impossible for one to immortal, Brahmadev asked him to ask something else.

He thought for a moment before replying, "I want the boon that I could be killed only by the daughter of Lakshmi - Narayan, who is not born in earth, air, sky, fire, water, who is not born through a womb. The daughter who would have Shiva's trishul and Parvati's Sword, and Saraswati's knowledge. Someone who would be known also as the daughter of Shiv -Parvati. I want to be killed only by the weapon which has the power of both Sudarshan chakram and Trishul."

Brahmadev granted his boon and Kritvasura (the asura) started creating chaos in the world. Seeing this the Tridev decided to bring someone to the world who could be his death.

Later that day, Mahalakshmi approached Vishnu and (refer the previous chapter, I won't type it again ) .

So did you notice Dhriti, she had all the powers to kill him. She was born in a way that it is a part of every element. Lotus is found in water making the water Element. The ball of energy represents fire. The surrounding is filled with air. Vaikunth is above the sky. She has the power of all tridev and their weapons."

"Wow.. Kanha it is so beautiful. But why have I never heard of it even in kaliyug. And how did she have combined power of chakra and trisul as both are separate weapons. ?"

"Hmm...so many questions well you see it's late and I'm hungry so I'm going to dinner and the other parts of the story would be told after wards just like Manikarnika's story. "

Dhriti whines and Kanha just chuckles and leaves.

*******

That's all for now.

How much you like the chapter?

NO PROOF READING DONE.

I basically forgot about typing the reason behind Akritis birth and so added it here.

What's your favourite part of story.

Word count: 5181 words.

With lots of love
Signing off
-Ela 💖