A fortnight passed mundanely slow. Somethings had changed in these days- the nights did not make teeth clatter, Parnika had stopped crying and accepted her life of silence, the other side of Abhijishya's bed was always found empty when she woke and filled only after she fell asleep, the men of the court no longer had to answer to a certain woman and Anveeksa found herself basking in her mother's company more. None of these things were noteworthy- no, not atleast if someone were to ask Abhijishya.

If the maids, court women, servants, chefs and guards talked about these changes then it was nothing worth her attention. So Abhijishya continued with doing whatever she was required to do.

"How is your reading and writing coming along?" Abhijishya spoke softly. Parnika's hand halted in it's task of copying simple Sanskrit words. Abhijishya and her companion were seated in her bedroom on a thick carpet directly below an open window amidst a few parchments, some fresh and most filled with big childish handwriting of several words. Toasty sunlight streamed in making pools of gold on them and the floor.

Parnika looked back at Abhijishya seemingly indecisive about something. She opened her mouth but sighed. Then she went to writing something on the parchment. Her eyebrows scrunched in concentration, her lips mouthing the spelling she wanted to write. Abhijishya waited patiently feeling impossibly fond. The guilt was still there but it was eclipsed by her sense of gratification. When Abhijishya had found herself sinking in the feeling of being useless a few days back, Charu had sent her to Parnika.

Parnika had fallen before her feet, weeping, lips mouthing silent but vehement apologies. Abhijishya had been shocked and for once confused. Charu had then explained that Parnika often asked about her and thought Abhijishya was disappointed because she had failed in her task. The loyalty and devotion of Parnika never failed to humble Abhijishya from that day on. And thus with Parnika, Abhijishya had found a sense of purpose.

The parchment was passed to her. Abhijishya blinked away her thoughts and glanced at the inscribed word. "Slow. Try," were written. Abhijishya smiled at Parnika who nervously smiled back. "Don't downplay your endeavours. Even though you knew your alphabets beforehand, you started to learn spelling of words just a few days ago. Your progress is remarkable."

Parnika ducked her head, the tips of her ears turning red. A swiftly written "Thank you Rajkumari" was passed to Abhijishya which made the receiver chuckle. "You are doing all the hard work. Don't thank me so," Abhijishya hummed thoughtfully. "I guess I should teach you the names all the kingdoms of Aryavarta. We could do that tomorrow. You have been writing for a long time. Are your fingers cramping?"

Parnika shook her in denial. "Still, let us take a break. We shall continue after a few minutes," Abhijishya said, leaning back against a pillow. She rolled her shoulders trying to alleviate the stiffness when she noticed Parnika getting up.

"Sit back down," Abhijishya said. "I know you were getting up to give me a massage. Don't you know what a break means? Lie down for a bit or go walk to move your legs. I am not letting you move a muscle to serve me till you are fit and can write whole paragraphs."

Parnika shot her an offended look before adopting a sulky attitude and turned away from Abhijishya. A soft chuckle left the observer's lips. "This girl..." Abhijishya shook her head, a smile blooming on her face in affection.

It was then that the doors of Abhijishya's room parted and Charu stepped in. Abhijishya turned her expectant eyes towards her.

"A message has come from Maharaj. He asks your presence in the sitting room of the east wing before the fourth prahar of the day begins," Charu informed.

"That is in quite a short notice," Abhijishya remarked, her thoughts turning to find a reason for the sudden call. "Do you know anything more regarding this?"

Charu nodded. "Maharaj has asked Yuvraj, the Rajkumars and Maharani to be present as well. I presume it has to do with something with Royal family. Or perhaps..." she trailed off.

Abhijishya sat up straight, leaning forward in interest. "Don't hesitate. Perhaps what?"

"Well, Lata on her way back from the market spotted a few horsemen from Dwarka," Charu said. "But I don't see how that has to do anything with the meeting.

"Can be relevant or might not be," Abhijishya mused out loud. "Once I go everything will be clear. No use speculating anything more." She stood up gracefully, straightening out the pleats of her attire.

"Oh Parnika! I am afraid I have to cut our session short. We can do the names of kingdoms sometime later. I should get going or else I will be late," Abhijishya said apologetically. Parnika shot out her hand, grasping Abhijishya to stop her from leaving.

Parnika shook her head jerkily and tugged her hand. Abhijishya stared back at a loss over what Parnika was trying to convey. "I am sorry but I can't stay longer. Charu can keep you company. If this is about you feeling alone then..." she trailed off uncertainly.

Parnika bit her bottom lip, her face scrunched up in ire. As soon as the change in her demeanour had appeared, the next it was gone. She dropped her hand from Abhijishya's wrist and sat back down sending a shaky smile.

Abhijishya pursed her lips. She knew she was missing something here because this wasn't the first time Parnika had behaved in such a way. Although the healer attending Parnika had reassured her that such shift in mood was common for a person healing from a permanent injurt. Yet-

"Rajkumari, you will be late if you don't leave now," Charu reminded.

Abhijishya nodded, her musings now shifting to the new situation in hand. "Do I look presentable?" She gave a playful twirl which elicited a few chuckles from her friends.

"As immaculate as ever," Charu dipped her head. Abhijishya rolled her eyes at her answer. "Diplomacy doesn't belong in the bedroom, Charu."

"Of course Rajkumari," Abhijishya could see the mirth twinkling in Charu's eyes. "Your bedroom is under your dictatorship."

Abhijishya stared in shock before breaking into a fit of laughter. "Such brashness," she rebuked mockingly. "What happened to my sweet shy petal girl?"

"She met you, Rajkumari," Charu replied cheekily and Abhijishya just couldn't help the wide grin overtaking her face. Parnika watched their exchange with a broad smile of her own. What would Abhijishya do without her girls?

"I should get going now," Abhijishya said, parting from Parnika with a smile as she walked out of her room. Once she was out of Parnika's sight, Abhijishya's smile wilted a little. "Has Parnika been like this with you all as well?" She spoke while they continued walking.

"Like this? Does Rajkumari mean Parnika's mood these days?" Charu whispered, not wanting anyone to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Abhijishya nodded, her eyes serious.

"Parnika had been inconsolable earlier but since Rajkumari comes to visit her, Parnika has become more calm," Charu answered.

Abhijishya hummed accepting Charu's words. Perhaps she was reading too much into Parnika's behaviour.

By the time they arrived to their destination, Abhijishya found Sahadev and Bheem already seated in the room. The sitting room was where the Pandavs, Draupadi and Abhijishya usually gathered to discuss anything and everything which required each family member's opinion.

"Pranipaat Bhrata," Abhijishya greeted Bheem to nodded jovially at her. Sahadev greeted her as well and Abhijishya was invited to sit with them.

"It feels many seasons have passed since I saw my dear sister. Have you been well?" Bheem asked, his eyes echoing the fondness of his heart.

"It does feel that way," Abhijishya agreed easily. "Everyone has been so busy these days with the current happenings. I understand. However, Anvi misses her Tatshree. So if you have some free time, please visit her."

"Ah yes, yes. I miss her too as well. I will surely spend time with her soon," Bheem smiled.

"You should Bhrata because Anvi loves her Kakashree best now. I have made sure to spend time with her the most," Sahadev chimed in.

Abhijishya chuckled softly, her heart feeling lighter than the previous days. "It is because you keep spoiling her, Sahadev. I must disapprove as I am afraid she might start take everything for granted."

Bheem immediately denied her worries. "Never. She is your daughter. She is honest and humble like you. You have taught her well. Now that she is growing up, you should have faith in her more."

Abhijishya nodded. "I know but I cannot help but worry."

"It is a mother's nature to worry about her children," Sahadev added. "No matter what you say Bhrata, Bhabishree will worry."

Abhijishya smiled not denying Sahadev's words. However her inquisitive mind decided to put forth the question she had been pondering on for a while. "Are you aware what Jyesth Bhrata called us for?"

Bheem shook his head. "Not certainly. But I presume it could be about the illegal transport of opium."

"No, I don't think so. Bhrata Nakul and Minister Atulya have ascertained earlier today that Indraprastha was a mere stoppage in the route. We don't have any opium markets. But we did find some subjects who got their hands on some opium. Most probably a transporter sold some to earn an extra dime," Sahadev answered. "So it is not as big of an issue as we had feared it to be."

Abhijishya carefully listened and nodded. "Perhaps so. However, it does not sit well with me that we do nothing because it does not exactly concern the subjects of Indraprastha."

"We can't tell the kings surrounding our kingdoms what to do. But we could send a friendly warning regarding the issue," Bheem said looking thoughtful.

"Looks like a serious discussion is going on," Abhijishya stood up immediately upon hearing Jyesth Yudhisthir's voice. Bheem and Sahadev stood up as well. They greeted their eldest and Maharaj appropriately.

Yudhisthir and Draupadi had arrived together. Abhijishya then greeted Draupadi as well. Both of them smiled in acknowledgement and Draupadi came to sit beside Abhijishya.

"Just speculating the reason behind your call, Jyesth," Sahadev replied.

Yudhisthir sat down on his designated place. "Well, it has got to do with three things, all of them auspicious I assure you." His eyes wandered over them once before he said, "I don't see Nakul here. Let us wait for sometime. He should be here as well."

Abhijishya chewed on her bottom lip. Her husband wasn't one to be late usually. Especially when Jyesth was the one to call him. Then again this meeting was rather on short notice. He should be in the palace, most probably with Minister Atulya. Since the day Abhijishya stepped back from her duties, Nakul had been swamped. He appeared in stress often denying any help from her or his brothers. It was like he was overcompensating for his mistake and her shortcomings. After their argument, they had fallen in silence. Abhijishya, from time to time, felt guilty over exploding on him and angry because of the what he had said in turn. She also felt afraid. What if this quilt of silence became constant in their relationship?

A soft hand pressed gently on the back of her palm. Abhijishya turned to find Draupadi looking at her. "I could hear your mind racing or else I would be sorrowful that you are ignoring me Dhruvi."

Abhijishya held Draupadi hand. "No, no, you are right. I was just thinking is all," she let out a short breathy laugh before smiling sincerely. "How have you been? Have your aches and pains receded? And Nika? Is he still being fussy? Vindu must not trouble you at all-"

Draupadi giggled. "Oh dear Dhruvi, you visited me yesterday. You know everything. I did not mean to fluster you such." She smiled widely. "As you can see the three brothers have now engaged in some conversation and I found myself bored. To answer you, yes, my pains are completely gone. But you are wrong on one account. Vindu was asking for you only minutes after you gave him back to me. I tell you, he adores you more than anyone else."

Abhijishya chucked, her heart warm from Draupadi's words. "Jiji please, you know children. They have a favourite person every other week. Remember the time Anvi had decided Bhrata Bheem was her best friend and refused to come down from his lap."

"Oh yes, Arya Bheem had even carried her to court one day and Maharaj had to intervene then as he was being continuously distracted. Today before lunch Anvi came to me and asked me where she could find a baby. Apparently, she needs another baby to play with because Nika and Vindu sleep a lot. I told her you would give her one soon," Draupadi told, amusement clear in her fearures.

"Jiji please!" Abhijishya blushed hard then sighed. "You know things haven't been smooth with me and him with everything."

Draupadi soothed her by squeezing her hand. "I don't know the specifics but I can guess. Sometimes, you have to take the initiative Dhruvi. Arya Nakul-"

Abhijishya decided to divert from the topic. "Is that so? Does he like you taking initiative (in bed)?" She dropped her voice as if telling a conspiracy, her eyes carring the mirth of teasing her co-sister.

Draupadi looked confused before becoming an alarming shade of red. "Dhruvi!" She hissed, looking at her other husbands if they had overhead. They hadn't. "You can't say things like that."

Abhijishya grinned unapologetically. "I apologise jiji."

Draupadi glared mockingly knowing very well Abhijishya would again say something similar later. It was one quality which had brought them closer in the beginning. Abhijishya could make crash jokes which left her mortified. She also liked them; not that she would ever confess that to Abhijishya.

It was then Nakul entered in a rush apologising for the delay and greeting everyone. He quickly sat down, his right hand softly tapping away on his thigh.

Abhijishya looked at him feeling concerned. What was he so impatient for?

"Now that everyone is here, I can share the news. Earlier today two letters arrived. One from Hastinapur and one from Dwarka," Yudhisthir said. He had everyone's attention now. "Mata and Tatshree Bhisma have sent word that the time to prepare for Rajasuya Yagna has come. In another ten months, Phalguna (Arjun) will return to us. Then we can begin military training. For now, I will consult with Rajpurohit and reverend sages to come up with an auspicious hour to begin our preparations. The letter from Dwarka is from Phalguna. He is staying there for now. He sent word that he is going to marry Subhadra, the sister of Krishna and Shreeman Balram. Along with it, there is invitation for us to join the wedding ceremony which will be taking place a week from now. Given our situation, we won't be able to attend. So I want Nakul and Abhijishya to be present and convey our happiness."

Abhijishya noticed how Draupadi had stiffened a bit. Her smiling face was now replaced by a neutral expression. She nudged her discretely and hoped what she conveyed was a supportive smile. Draupadi tightened her hold for a moment and let go, shrugging off any concern directed towards her. Abhijishya didn't know what to say. Despite knowing that Subhadra would one day be married to Arjun, Abhijishya couldn't help but feel unsettled.

Then there was her husband. Nakul did not look surprised by any of the news. Abhijishya expected him to complain and decline Jyesth's suggestion of them travelling to Dwarka but he stayed quiet. Knowing him, Nakul did not like leaving any work of his unfinished. Given his situation, he was still neck deep in his duties.

Yudhisthir wasn't done yet. He continued, "Last but the most important," he glanced at Draupadi and smiled. "Panchali is expecting again."

Abhijishya immediately embraced Draupadi. "Congratulations, jiji. It is such a wonderful news." Bheem was also being congratulated by his brothers.

Draupadi hugged her back. "Thank you. But it increases your responsibility more. After you come back from Dwarka, I expect you to help me with everything."

"Ofcourse, you can count on me," Abhijishya murmured. She then let go and tuned in back to the discussion going on. They spoke some more, mostly small matters. No one brought up the opium case or the reconstruction of the infirmary or how Ahim was still not to be found. It was to be expected but still somewhat disappointing. Abhijishya knew that the main focus of everyone had shifted. But she herself wasn't deterred.

Once the meeting was over, Abhijishya walked back to her room excusing herself from Draupadi who wanted her company. Eyeing Reva and Charu standing near the walls waiting for her, she beckoned them. "Walk with me," she said simply, her mind whirling from the news she had heard and she didn't get to hear. She paused once before entering her chamber, "Tell them I called. Assemble everyone and I will meet them as the third prahar of night begins."

Nakul watched her from afar as he was joined by Sahadev. "Bhabishree will find out everything even if you don't involve her, you know."

"I know," He replied. Sahadev raised his eyebrows in question, "Then?"

"I am waiting for her to find everything out for us. Then I will be able to take action," Nakul remarked, his shoulders sagging a bit. "She would have made her move sooner if only we didn't have a spat earlier."

"Because someone was being bullheaded," Sahadev smirked. Nakul swatted at his twin's shoulder. "Shush. It wasn't entirely my fault."

Sahadev smiled and placed his hand on Nakul's shoulder. "I know. We know," he faced his twin. "Jyesth is counting on both of you. Be careful."

Nakul nodded, leaving with a soft smile on his face. Soon he spotted his companion for the evening, "Friend Atulya, did I keep you waiting for long?"

"No, not at all," Atulya greeted Nakul with a hearty smile and bowed. "If Rajkumar is willing, then we can proceed now?"

Nakul nodded firmly, a smile skilfully present on his face.

A.N. - Hi, I am alive. Don't expect any update soon because my semesters are coming up. I may try to write a little everyday and update bimonthly. I dunno. I feel guilty for not updating for so long. Sorry!

Also not edited. Feel free to point out the mistakes.

Vote and comment if liked this part.

Until the next time,

Bye ;")