Vaidehi smiled at her appearance and thanked Malini her head maid. She was dressed in a blue lehenga for the festivities tonight, her jewellery was minimal yet it shone on her skin.

She met Subhadra half way and they walked to the palace gardens together.

Dushala the only and beloved princess of kurus smiled and hugged her friend subhadra, she dragged the rajkumaris with her towards the pandavas.

"Pranipat Rajkumaro" Vaidehi and Subhadra greet their hands joined and heads slightly bowed.

"Pranipat Rajkumari" They greet as Dushala said "Bhrata Arjun is an excellent veena player. Bhrata please play for us tonight"

Looking at his sister's eagerness Arjun agreed and the veena was bought.

As the palace lit up for the evening festivities, the hall buzzed with chatter and laughter. In one corner, Arjun sat with a veena, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the strings as he played a soulful melody. The soothing notes seemed to weave magic in the air, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Duryodhan, lounging nearby with a goblet in hand, watched with a smirk. As the melody reached its crescendo, he scoffed loudly, tossing his pearl necklace toward Arjun with disdain. "Why bother with a bow, Parth? Perhaps music is your true calling. Leave the battlefield and play in the royal court instead."

The hall fell silent, the jovial atmosphere replaced with tension. Subhadra's glare bore into Duryodhan as her fists clenched. She began to rise, but Vaidehi, seated beside her, placed a calming hand on her sister's arm.

Rising gracefully, Vaidehi stepped forward. Her calm demeanor belied the sharpness in her voice. "Rajkumar Duryodhan," she began, her tone measured but firm, "in Dwarka, we hold music and all arts in the highest regard. They are not the opposite of strength but its complement. A warrior who understands art possesses both depth and wisdom, not weakness."

Duryodhan opened his mouth to respond, but Vaidehi's piercing gaze made him falter. Before he could recover, Karna, seated near Duryodhan, intervened with a wry smile.

"She's right, Duryodhan," Karna said, his tone carrying a gentle rebuke. "Art is not a weakness but a strength. Perhaps it's time we all learned to appreciate it."

The elders, watching the exchange from a distance, exchanged approving glances. Bhishma nodded slightly, his voice low but audible to those nearby. "The princess of Dwarka speaks with wisdom beyond her years."

Duryodhan slouched in his seat, his smirk replaced by a sullen expression.

Later, as Vaidehi conversed with Gandhari near the dais, Karna approached them with measured steps. His demeanor was respectful, his head slightly bowed as he addressed Gandhari. "Mata, may I have a word with Rajkumari Vaidehi?"

Gandhari, her lips curling into a faint smile, nodded. "Of course, Karna. The Rajkumari is in capable company."

Karna turned to Vaidehi, his expression earnest. "Rajkumari, I wanted to thank you for standing up earlier. Few would have done so, especially in my defense."

Vaidehi's brows furrowed briefly in confusion. "Why thank me, Bhrata Karna? I merely followed my dharma. It was the right thing to do."

Karna's face softened, but he hesitated. "You call me 'Bhrata,' yet I am a suta, and you are royalty. Such words may be frowned upon."

Vaidehi gasped dramatically, clasping her hands to her chest in mock offense. "Bhrata Karna, if you deny me this right, you wound me deeply! Shall I write a letter to Lord Krishna himself to seek permission to call you my brother?"

Karna blinked in surprise before a chuckle escaped his lips. "You have a flair for dramatics, Rajkumari. Very well, if it pleases you, you may call me Bhrata."

Vaidehi beamed, clapping her hands. "It pleases me immensely, Bhrata Karna. You remind me of my brothers—noble and protective."

Karna inclined his head, a rare warmth in his smile. "You honor me, Rajkumari. I hope to live up to your expectations."

As Karna stepped back to allow Vaidehi to continue her conversation with Gandhari, the elders observed with approval. Bhishma remarked softly to Vidur, "The bonds of respect and kinship she fosters will be her greatest strength."

And so, the evening continued, the tension of earlier replaced with a sense of harmony as the festivities carried on under the watchful eyes of Hastinapur's royal court

---

The moonlit garden of Hastinapur was alive with the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of crickets. Vaidehi strolled along the stone pathway, her dupatta lightly trailing behind her. She couldn't sleep; the events of the day had left her mind abuzz. The Kala Pradarshan had been mesmerizing, but Yudhishthir's impeccable conduct had stood out. There was a calm strength in him that lingered in her thoughts.

As she rounded a corner, she saw a figure seated on a stone bench under a large peepal tree. The gentle glow of a nearby lamp revealed Yudhishthir, engrossed in a scroll. His forehead was furrowed in concentration, his posture upright yet relaxed.

"Rajkumar Yudhishthir?" she called softly, not wanting to startle him.

Yudhishthir looked up, surprised but not displeased. "Rajkumari Vaidehi. What brings you here at this hour?"

Vaidehi smiled faintly, moving closer. "Sleep eludes me tonight. The calm of the garden seemed more welcoming than the silence of my chambers."

Yudhishthir set the scroll aside and stood, his hands clasped respectfully. "I find myself here for similar reasons, though my companion is work rather than restlessness."

Vaidehi tilted her head, curious. "Work? Even at this hour?"

He gestured to the bench. "Please, sit. It's nothing extraordinary—just reviewing reports from our territories. The responsibilities of a Rajkumar rarely take pause."

She took a seat beside him, the cool stone beneath her a sharp contrast to the warmth of the night. "The weight of a kingdom is heavy, I imagine."

Yudhishthir nodded. "It is, but it's a duty I embrace. Though, I must admit, moments like these, under the open sky, offer a rare sense of peace."

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the gentle rustling of leaves filling the space between them.

"Today, at the Kala Pradarshan," Vaidehi began hesitantly, "your conduct in the arena was... admirable. The way you treated your opponent with respect, even in victory—it spoke volumes about your character."

Yudhishthir looked at her, his gaze steady and thoughtful. "A warrior's strength lies not just in his skill but in his honor. Durmukha fought well, and he deserved respect. Victory means little if it comes at the cost of humility."

Vaidehi's lips curled into a small smile. "Spoken like a true Rajkumar."

"And you, Rajkumari Vaidehi," Yudhishthir said, his tone warm, "have shown great wisdom and grace since your arrival. The way you handled the situation with Duryodhan earlier tonight was commendable. Few could have diffused such tension with such poise."

She shrugged lightly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "It seemed the most practical approach. Besides, I've dealt with enough royal tempers to know when to act and when to stay silent."

Yudhishthir chuckled softly. "Practicality and wisdom—a rare combination. Dwarka is fortunate to have you."

They continued to talk, the conversation flowing with ease. Vaidehi shared stories of Dwarka, painting vivid pictures of its golden shores and bustling marketplaces. Yudhishthir, in turn, spoke of Hastinapur's traditions and the bond he shared with his brothers.

As the night deepened, Vaidehi stifled a yawn. Yudhishthir noticed and stood, offering his hand to her. "It's late. Allow me to escort you to your chambers."

She hesitated briefly before accepting his hand, rising gracefully. "Thank you, Rajkumar."

They walked through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly.

"Do you always work so late?" Vaidehi asked, glancing at him.

"Not always," Yudhishthir admitted. "But with the responsibility of the kingdom, it becomes a necessity at times."

"You should rest more," she said lightly, though there was genuine concern in her tone. "Even a Rajkumar needs sleep."

He smiled at her, a rare softness in his expression. "I'll keep that in mind."

When they reached her chambers, Vaidehi turned to him. "Thank you for the company, Rajkumar. It made the night less lonely."

"The pleasure was mine, Rajkumari," Yudhishthir replied. "Good night."

"Good night." She stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her.

---

In the royal court, preparations were underway for Vaidehi and Subhadra's departure to Dwarka. Krishna had sent word earlier, requesting their return.

Yudhishthir approached Arjun, who was adjusting the strings of his bow. "Arjun, I have a request."

Arjun straightened, curious. "You must always commahe moonlit garden of Hastinapur was alive with the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of crickets. Vaidehi strolled along the stone pathway, her dupatta lightly trailing behind her. She couldn't sleep; the events of the day had left her mind abuzz. The Kala Pradarshan had been mesmerizing, but Yudhishthir's impeccable conduct had stood out. There was a calm strength in him that lingered in her thoughts.

As she rounded a corner, she saw a figure seated on a stone bench under a large peepal tree. The gentle glow of a nearby lamp revealed Yudhishthir, engrossed in a scroll. His forehead was furrowed in concentration, his posture upright yet relaxed.

"Rajkumar Yudhishthir?" she called softly, not wanting to startle him.

Yudhishthir looked up, surprised but not displeased. "Rajkumari Vaidehi. What brings you here at this hour?"

Vaidehi smiled faintly, moving closer. "Sleep eludes me tonight. The calm of the garden seemed more welcoming than the silence of my chambers."

Yudhishthir set the scroll aside and stood, his hands clasped respectfully. "I find myself here for similar reasons, though my companion is work rather than restlessness."

Vaidehi tilted her head, curious. "Work? Even at this hour?"

He gestured to the bench. "Please, sit. It's nothing extraordinary—just reviewing reports from our territories. The responsibilities of a Rajkumar rarely take pause."

She took a seat beside him, the cool stone beneath her a sharp contrast to the warmth of the night. "The weight of a kingdom is heavy, I imagine."

Yudhishthir nodded. "It is, but it's a duty I embrace. Though, I must admit, moments like these, under the open sky, offer a rare sense of peace."

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the gentle rustling of leaves filling the space between them.

"Today, at the Kala Pradarshan," Vaidehi began hesitantly, "your conduct in the arena was... admirable. The way you treated your opponent with respect, even in victory—it spoke volumes about your character."

Yudhishthir looked at her, his gaze steady and thoughtful. "A warrior's strength lies not just in his skill but in his honor. Durmukha fought well, and he deserved respect. Victory means little if it comes at the cost of humility."

Vaidehi's lips curled into a small smile. "Spoken like a true Rajkumar."

"And you, Rajkumari Vaidehi," Yudhishthir said, his tone warm, "have shown great wisdom and grace since your arrival. The way you handled the situation with Duryodhan last night was commendable. Few could have diffused such tension with such poise."

She shrugged lightly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "It seemed the most practical approach. Besides, I've dealt with enough royal tempers to know when to act and when to stay silent."

Yudhishthir chuckled softly. "Practicality and wisdom—a rare combination. Dwarka is fortunate to have you."

They continued to talk, the conversation flowing with ease. Vaidehi shared stories of Dwarka, painting vivid pictures of its golden shores and bustling marketplaces. Yudhishthir, in turn, spoke of Hastinapur's traditions and the bond he shared with his brothers.

As the night deepened, Vaidehi stifled a yawn. Yudhishthir noticed and stood, offering his hand to her. "It's late. Allow me to escort you to your chambers."

She hesitated briefly before accepting his hand, rising gracefully. "Thank you, Rajkumar."

They walked through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly.

"Do you always work so late?" Vaidehi asked, glancing at him.

"Not always," Yudhishthir admitted. "But with the responsibility of the kingdom, it becomes a necessity at times."

"You should rest more," she said lightly, though there was genuine concern in her tone. "Even a Rajkumar needs sleep."

He smiled at her, a rare softness in his expression. "I'll keep that in mind."

When they reached her chambers, Vaidehi turned to him. "Thank you for the company, Rajkumar. It made the night less lonely."

"The pleasure was mine, Rajkumari," Yudhishthir replied. "Good night."

"Good night." She stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her.

---

In the royal court, preparations were underway for Vaidehi and Subhadra's departure to Dwarka. Krishna had sent word earlier, requesting their return.

Yudhishthir approached Arjun, who was adjusting the strings of his bow. "Arjun, I have a request."

Arjun straightened, curious. "You must always command me jyesth"

Yudhishthir smiled affectionately at the third pandav and said "Accompany Subhadra and Vaidehi to Dwarka. Ensure their journey is safe."

Arjun nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It would be an honor"

Before Yudhishthir could respond, Kunti entered the hall, her presence commanding yet gentle. She approached her eldest son with a purposeful expression.

"Yudhishthir," she said, her tone firm but affectionate. "I wish for you to accompany them as well."

Yudhishthir looked at her, surprised. "Maa, but—"

"No arguments," Kunti interrupted. "You are the eldest, and it is only fitting that you represent Hastinapur. Moreover, I want you to spend time with your maternal family. You've shouldered enough responsibilities here for now."

Yudhishthir hesitated, but the warmth in Kunti's eyes softened his resolve. He bowed slightly. "As you wish, Maa."

Subhadra clapped her hands in delight. "Jiji, isn't this wonderful? Rajkumar Yudhishthir will accompany us!"

Vaidehi smiled politely, though her gaze briefly met Yudhishthir's. "Indeed."

Kunti placed a hand on Yudhishthir's shoulder. "Take this journey as a chance to rest, my son. The duties of the kingdom will wait."

Yudhishthir nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I will, Maa."

---

As the chariots were prepared, Vaidehi and Subhadra gathered their belongings, their excitement tempered by the solemnity of their departure. Yudhishthir joined them at the gates, his calm presence a reassuring anchor.

As they climbed into the chariot, Subhadra leaned over to Vaidehi, whispering, "This journey will be memorable, Jiji. I can feel it."

Vaidehi glanced at Yudhishthir, who was speaking to the guards with his usual quiet authority. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Yes, Subhadra. I believe it will be."

---

As the chariots moved through vast plains and winding paths, the conversations flowed easily. Vaidehi, seated beside Yudhishthir, found herself observing him closely. His serene presence was unlike anyone she had known—a leader who commanded respect without demanding it.

"Rajkumar," she said softly, "is it not difficult to leave behind your responsibilities, even for a short while?"

Yudhishthir looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "It is, Rajkumari. But sometimes, even a leader must step away to gain perspective. Dwarka is not just a destination; it's an opportunity to learn from family and to strengthen ties."

Vaidehi smiled, appreciating his wisdom. "Your outlook is refreshing, Rajkumar. Few would see it that way."

He inclined his head slightly. "And what about you, Rajkumari? Do you often travel, or is this journey a rare respite for you as well?"

She shook her head, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "I've traveled before, but Dwarka holds a special place in my heart. It's where I grew up apart from vrindavan, surrounded by the sea and the stories of my ancestors."

Yudhishthir listened intently, his respect for her deepening. Her love for her homeland resonated with his own connection to Hastinapur.

In the other chariot, Subhadra animatedly shared tales of her childhood with Arjun, who absorbed every detail with wide-eyed curiosity. "Did you really climb the palace walls to escape your lessons?" he asked, incredulous.

Subhadra laughed. "I did, and bhrata Krishna was always my partner in crime. He would distract the tutors while I slipped away."

Arjun chuckled, shaking his head. "I can't wait to meet him. From what you and Jyeshth say, he seems unlike anyone I've known."

"He is," Subhadra replied with a fond smile. "But you'll see that for yourself soon enough."