The Wrath of Gammon

Disclaimer:  This story is my humble attempt to write a fanfiction of The Mahabharara. My intention is not to hurt anyone's feelings.

Major Jayant Roy, SM is a fictitious character. Any similiraty with any living person is merely a coincidence.

Aum Namah Shivay!!

Chapter 1

Kampilya, Southern Panchal, Dwapar Yuga

Yudhisthir POV

I was sitting in the court of Maharaja Drupad. My two younger brothers, Bheem and Arjuna were sitting beside me. Maharaja Drupad was sitting on his throne, chatting with his fire born son. Draupadi was in the inner sanctum of the palace, giving company to Matashri. A few moments later, Vasudev Krishna and Balarama joined us, along with Nakul and Sahdeva.

"Pranipat Vasudev.", I stood up and crossed my hands.

"Pranipat Shri Balarama."

Vasudev Krishna smiled. His smile was so pure and mesmerizing, that one could literally lost himself in that. His beautiful lotus like eyes, they are similar with the deepest ocean but that ocean was the ocean of knowledge.

"Pranam, Bade Bhaiya. (Elder brother)", He crossed his hands to me. Then he sat beside Arjuna. Bhrata Balarama also took a seat alongside Sahdeva.

Then Maharaja Drupad stood up.

"Now, all of us are present here. It is time to discuss some important things. Hastinapur haven't sent his emissary till now. I can feel that Maharaja Dhritarashtra does not want to make Rajkumar Yudhisthir the Yuvraaj. He is trying to snatch the rightful throne from him. We can't stay idle in this matter."

I heaved a sigh. This was the dreadful moment for me. I knew very well that Bhrata Duryodhana wanted the throne of Hastinapur. Uncle Dhritarashtra was also in favour for his son. The throne and the crown were like sharp swords which can create a slash between brothers. I didn't know if Bhrata Duryodhana would peacefully renounce his claim to the throne, but that seemed impossible to me.

I was lost in my own thoughts when Maharaja Drupad's voice again entered into my ears.

"I certainly hope that what I am going to say now will prove false, but still I have to say it. I think that he will try to abandon the Pandavas. After Hastinapur emerged victorious over Magadha, the political equation of Aryavarta have drastically changed. Bhagadatta, the King of Pragjyotishpur alligned himself with Duryodhana. The Trigarta kingdom also allied with him. Magadha and Chedi kingdom are now under his direct control. That means the power of Kuru Kingdom increased a lot. Also, Gandhar and Bahlika kingdom are alligned with him. With a heavy heart, I have to say that...."

Suddenly a soldier entered into the room.

"Maharaja ki jay ho! Mahamantri Vidura of Hastinapur is waiting outside. He is requesting an audience with you and all the Pandavas."

Maharaja Dupad looked at us then ordered the soldier to fetch Kakashri inside. The soldier went outside and a few moments later, Kakashri Vidura entered the room. But he wasn't alone. I saw Bhrata Vikarna with him. The first thing we all noticed that the small bandage in Vikarna's left arm. He was bearing the mark of a warrior.

"Maharaja Drupad, please accept the regard of the royal emissary of Hastinapur." Kakashri crossed his hands to the king. Vikarna also bowed to the king.

I saw Vasudev Krishna stood up. He turned to Maharaja Drupad and said,

" Maharaja Drupad, will you permit me to say something?"

The king of Panchala nodded affirmatively.

"Mahamantri Vidura and Rajkumar Vikarna has completed a long journey. I propose that they should take a good rest today. We can meet with him tomorrow morning in the royal court. This will be better for all of us."

His eyes met Kakashri Vidura's eyes. Then Kakashri nodded affirmatively. I stood up to go and touch his feet, then I saw the lotus like eyes.

Those eyes were forbidding me to do so.

Maharaja Drupad ordered Dhristadyumnya to take Kakashri and Vikarna to the royal guestroom. After they left the room, I looked at Vasudev. He smiled at me.

"Bade Bhaiya, you are going to ask that why I have forbidden you to touch your Kakashri's feet. This is because right now he is not your Kakashri. He is the representative of Hastinapur. Duryodhana always knew that you are alive. So he didn't ascend the throne of Yuvraaj. But that doesn't mean he will renounce his claim now. His attack on Magadha was a bold statement...that he is powerful. Now tell us, what is your decision?"

"I do not want to fight a war, Vasudev."

"So do I. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't fight for your right. To fight for his right is every man's duty."

"Vasudev is right.", Maharaja Drupad stood up.

"Yuvraaj Yudhisthir, do not worry. Panchala kingdom will always support you. My allies will also support you with their all might."

The mere thought of attacking Hastinapur shattered my heart. How could I attack Pitamah Bhishma, who gave us shelter like a great banyan tree? How could I attack Dronacharya, who taught us every single thing? How could I attack even Duryodhana?

These thoughts started burning my soul when I heard the voice of Sri Krishna.

"Maharaja Drupad ,war should be the last option. The truth is now with Yuvraaj Yudhisthir. So we must keep it with us. The people shouldn't say that Yudhisthir attacked Hastinapur, Yudhisthir attacked his Pitamah and Gangaputra had to raise his weapon for protection of Hastinapur. We must remember that self confidence is more powerful than military might in case of asking for rights. In this moment, if Pandavas choose the way of weapon, then it will surely suppress their right to the throne. We must remember another thing too. Your opponent is not a force to take lightly. After the fall of Jarasandha, his allies surely try to ally themselves with Hastinapur. That means we have to fight with a very strong power. So, we must try to solve this problem in a diplomatic way. If all diplomatic ways fail, then we will choose the way of war."

"Kanha, do you think that Hastinapur possesses any threat to Dwarka?", Balarama asked.

Vasudev smiled lightly.

"What do you think, Dau?"

"I do not think that Duryodhana will attack Dwarka. Maharani Kunti is our aunt, that means we are releated to them. Still if he tries to cause any harm to the Yadavas, then he will face my plough."

" See? So the problem is solved, Dau."

The next day morning, we again gathered in the royal court. Kakashri Vidura entered the room and bowed to Maharaja Drupad. Then he conveyed the message from elder uncle Maharaja Dhritarashtra.

" Maharaja Dhritarashtra is very happy that the Pandavas married the divine Rajkumari Draupadi. He wanted me to tell you that he is eagerly waiting to bless his nephews. Gangaputra Mahamahim Bhishma sent his blessing to his grandsons and his new wife. Your dear friend, Guru Dronacharya also sent his regards. He told me to tell you that he can't be sure that if he will bless the Pandavas as his sons or his sons-in-law and bless Draupadi as his daughter or his daughter-in-law. Also, the Maharaja sent his blessings and a lot of valuable gifts for the new bride. O king! Two great kingdoms were united by a symbol...which is the divine fire born daughter of yours. Now please permit us to take the bride to her in-laws home."

Maharaja Drupad stood up.

"Dhristadyumnya, arrange for the journey. I will send one thousand elephants with golden howdahs. Two thousand chariots with four horses each accompanied them. Fill the chariots with gold and silver jewelleries. No one will havea singlechance to say that  Drupad doesn't know how to properly arrange the farewell of his daughter."

After two days, we started our journey towards Hastinapur. We sat on our respective chariots. Draupadi, who was crying while hugging her father, somehow walked to the royal palanquin.

I somehow calmed my mind. I could feel in my heart that a storm was coming towards us. But I had faith in myself. I had faith in Bheem, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahdeva.

I had faith in Vasudev Krishna.

But, all above, I had faith in truth and Dharma.

Now we were going to start a new stage of our life. We didn't know what would happen next. Only time could tell us.

Hello everybody! The long wait is finally over. This is the first chapter of "The Wrath of Gammon", the much awaited sequel of "The Gall of Gammon." I hope that you will love and support this part with the same, if not less enthusiasm that you gave its prequel.

Please read, vote and comment.