It had been three days since Bheem’s miraculous return to Hastinapur, and in those three days, the palace had been filled with warmth and celebration.

Bheem was pampered endlessly and showered with love, as the Pandavas rejoiced in their brother's safe return. The mood among the Pandavas was relatively cheerful, yet beneath the surface, a subtle tension remained between them and the Kauravas. The close call with Bheem had frayed their nerves, and some wounds were still fresh.

Arjun, in particular, had grown more temperamental with their cousins since Bheem’s disappearance and return. It was as if the near loss of his brother had ignited a protective fire in him, making him less tolerant of the Kauravas' provocations. Karn, sensing this, had been keeping a watchful eye on Arjun, ensuring his younger brother didn’t act impulsively.

It was a normal day in the Hastinapur Palace, with the sun shining through the high windows, casting golden light on the polished floors.

Arjun, Bheem, and Nakul strolled through the grand halls, exchanging jokes and enjoying each other’s company. Their laughter echoed through the palace corridors, lightening the hearts of everyone who heard it.

As they made their way toward the central courtyard, a loud announcement caught their attention:

"Yadav Shresht Balram aur Vasudev Krishn padhar rahe hai!"

(Yadav Shresht Balram and Vasudev Krishn have arrived!)

The three brothers exchanged wide-eyed glances, their faces breaking into smiles. Without a word, they took off running toward the main area of the palace, where honored guests were welcomed. The sound of their footsteps reverberated through the halls as they raced each other, eager to greet the beloved visitors.

They arrived just in time to see Balram and Krishna being welcomed with a grand reception—trumpets blared, flower garlands were offered, and the entire palace seemed to come alive with excitement. Arjun, Bheem, and Nakul stood at the back, soon joined by their brothers Yudhishthira, Sahadev, and Karn, watching the warm welcome unfold.

The Yadav brothers were led to the elders, where they humbly took blessings from Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, and their other elders. Then, they were engulfed in a powerful, motherly embrace by their Kunti Bua, who held them as if they were her own sons.

Once the formalities concluded, Balram and Krishna turned their attention to the Pandavas.

They approached the six brothers with smiles that lit up their faces, greeting each one warmly.

When Krishna finally came face to face with Arjun, he paused. Arjun stared at Krishna, an unexplainable sense of peace washing over him as he gazed at that radiant smile. In that instant, he finally understood what Anya had meant when she had spoken about her beloved Kanha Bhaiya with such reverence.

Anya’s final words about Krishna had stayed with him, filling him with curiosity, and now, here he was, meeting the person she spoke of with such affection.

As he stood before Krishna, he felt a connection immediately—one he couldn’t quite explain.

Krishna smiled knowingly, and Arjun, moved by reverence, bent down to touch his feet. But before he could complete the gesture, Krishna shook his head and pulled him into a hug, patting his back.

Arjun understood what Krishna meant by that and smiled, feeling a deep connection forming in that very moment.

Soon, Balram and Krishna began conversing with the Pandavas, and laughter and joyous greetings filled the air. Amidst this, however, Arjun couldn’t help but feel his mind wandering. His eyes kept flickering toward the entrance, as if expecting someone to enter.

His eyes seemed to be searching for someone. Krishna, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow and asked with an innocent grin,

"Parth... tum kise dundh rahe ho?"

(Arjun... who are you looking for?)

Arjun’s cheeks flushed at being caught, and he kept an innocent face, replying as casually as he could,

"Woh... Madhav... Anya nahi dikh rahi..."

(That... Madhav... can't see Anya...)

Bheem, noticing his younger brother’s curiosity, chimed in eagerly,

"Haan Vasudev... Gudiya nahi ayi kya?"

(Yes Vasudev... Gudiya didn’t come or what?)

Krishna nodded with a tinge of sadness,

"Haan Parth... Bhrata Bheem, Anya nahi aa payi... woh avishya idhar aake aap sabh ko milna chahti thi... aur jab se usse patha chala ki aap nadhi mein gir gaye... woh athyanth pareshan thi! Parantu... kisi avishya karya ke liye 3 din purv, usse Vrindavan jana pada... aur humara yahan ana bhi antim kshan ki yojna tha... toh woh nahi aa payi..."

(Yes, Parth... Bhrata Bheem, Anya couldn’t come... she definitely wanted to come and meet you all... and ever since she heard about you falling into the river, she was very worried! But... due to some important work, she had to leave for Vrindavan three days ago... and our visit here was also a last-moment plan... so she couldn’t make it.)

As Krishna explained, a loud and angry voice echoed through the hall,

"BHRATA KRISHN!!!!"

Balram chuckled and said,

"O! Kanha Bhaiya se Bhrata Krishn! Kanha... tum toh aaj gaye!"

(Oh! From Kanha Bhaiya to Bhrata Krishn! Kanha... you are gone today!)

Kanha looked terrified and glanced at Balram, silently pleading with him to help him out. Balram happily ignored him and turned to the Pandavas.

"Arey Bhai... abhi dekho kitna acha manoranjan hone wala hai!"

(Arey Bhai... now watch how entertaining it’s going to get!)

Arjun, who had been leaning slightly to the side, caught sight of her—Anya. He hadn’t seen her in three years, and something about her seemed different. The thirteen-year-old girl was marching toward them, her face flushed red with anger. Her footsteps were firm, her eyes blazing with determination as she stormed in. As Arjun’s gaze landed on her, a feeling stirred inside him that he couldn’t quite place. He didn’t understand it—it was something unfamiliar. She was furious, yes, but even in that anger, she seemed captivating to him, her expression drawing his attention in a way he couldn’t explain. He had never seen this fiery, determined side of her before, and it left him intrigued.

Three years ago, when they had parted, there had been a quiet sadness between them, masked with polite smiles. Arjun had given her a bracelet as a parting gift, and Anya had in return given him a small charm she had made—a simple lightning bolt, which Arjun still kept on a chain around his neck. Now, seeing her after all this time, those memories came rushing back. He wasn’t sure why he felt his heart race now, but seeing her like this stirred something deep within him—confusion, curiosity, and something else he couldn’t name.

The calm that usually settled over him when he thought about her was now mixed with something else, something new. He smiled slightly, though confused by the strange emotions stirring inside him. The foul mood of the past few days, the stress... all of it seemed to vanish when he saw her.

Krishna, noticing his sister’s approach, tried to make a run for it, but Anya was quicker. She rushed forward, calling out,

"Bhrata Bheem! Mere Bhrata ko pakadiye! Unhe jane mat dijiye!"

(Bhrata Bheem! Catch my brother! Don’t let him leave!)

Bheem, always ready to jump in, wrapped his strong arms around Krishna, forming a cage to trap him. Krishna, putting on a dramatic show, struggled to escape.

"Arey Bhrata Bheem, chodo mujhe..."

(Arey Bhrata Bheem, let me go...)

Anya rolled her eyes, knowing full well her brother wasn’t truly trying to get away. A part of her marveled at his leela, but mostly, she was rightfully annoyed and angry. Marching up to him, she demanded,

"Aap mujhe bina bataye, chod kar kaise aa sakte hai??"

(How can you just come here leaving me without informing me?)

Krishna stuttered in response,

"Sirf mujh se hi krodhith ho? Dau se bhi pucho!"

(You are only angry with me? Ask Dau too!)

Dau, whose grin had been wide until then, suddenly straightened up, his smile fading as he prepared for his younger sister’s wrath. But unfortunately for Krishna, his diversion didn’t work.

Anya glared at Krishna, her voice sharp as she retorted,

"Aapko kya lagta hai? Ki aap mera dhyaan batkaoge aur mein Dau pe gussa hongi? Mein aapko achi tarah se samajhti hoon, Bhrata! Dau ne avishya bola hoga ki mere liye rukh jaane ko, kintu aapne maana nahi hoga!"

(What do you think? That you will distract me and I will get angry at Dau? I know you too well, brother! Dau must have definitely asked you to wait for me! But you didn’t listen!)

Balram let out a sigh of relief, smiling proudly at Anya’s cleverness. Arjun, meanwhile, couldn’t stop looking at her—her fiery determination, her strong will. He was seeing her after three years, but he had never seen this side of her. It was different from anything he had ever felt, and while it confused him, he didn’t want to look away.

Krishna, realizing he was caught, gave Anya a sad look.

"Arey meri priye Anuja... tum Vrindavan gayi thi... aur yeh yahan prasthan karne ka yojna achanak se bana tha... aur... tumhe kaise pata chala?"

(Arey my dear sister... you were in Vrindavan... and the plan to come here was made suddenly... and... how did you find out?)

Anya, still angry, crossed her arms and replied sharply,

“Woh! Woh toh Radha Jiji ne mujhe Vrindavan pahunche the hi bata diya tha! Uske pashchat Vrishban Kakka ne mere liye ek ghode gaadi ki vyavastha karvai!”

(That! Radha Jiji told me as soon as I reached Vrindavan! After that, Vrishban Kakka arranged a horse cart for me!)

At the mention of Radha, Krishna’s demeanor softened, a gentle smile playing on his lips. His earlier dramatics faded as a look of fondness spread across his face.

“Radhe ne bola? Phir... theek hai...”

(Radhe told? Then... it’s fine...)

Anya’s anger melted away as she saw the change in her brother’s expression, but she kept her act up, pouting slightly.

She crossed her arms defiantly and retorted,
“Mere liye theek nahi!”

(It’s not fine for me!)

Anya started chasing Kanha while he ran around the gathered Pandava brothers.

The brothers laughed looking at the antics of the sibling duo.

Karn looked at Balram and asked witth curiosity,
" yeh dono humesha aise hi hai kya?"

(Are these two always like this?)

Balram chuckled and nodded,
"Haan Jyesht! Humesha aise hi hai! Haan parantu aagar yeh dono ekk hothe hai toh unki shararath athyanth bayanak ho saktha hai! Jo bhi phastha hai..usse antim kshan thak patha hi nahi chaltha hai!"

(Yes Jyesht! They are always like this! But yes if these two team up then their pranks could very dangerous! Whoever gets trapped...he won't even realise till the last second!)

Bheem laughed and teasingly asked,
"Prathith hotha hai Dau ki aap anubhav se bol rahe ho"

(Feels like you are talking from experience Dau!)

Balram laughed and signed,
"Math pucho yaar!"

(Don't ask!)

Arjun, standing a little off to the side, watched this interaction intently. He couldn’t help but smile as Anya’s fire dimmed into a playful retort. She was someone different now, someone who carried more confidence and strength than he remembered. It stirred something unfamiliar in him—a mixture of admiration and curiosity. He had always thought of her as the little girl who ran around with them, strong willed, mature but also playful, but now... she seemed more complex, more intriguing. He didn’t understand what he was feeling, but his eyes were drawn to her every movement.

As the siblings bickered, Krishna finally relented, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Kanha said in a gentle voice,

"Kshama karo na, Anya,"

(Forgive me, Anya...)

Anya, never the one to give in so easily, marched up to him and twisted his ear playfully.

"Bolo Bhrata! Aage se mujhe bina bataye... chod kar kahin jaoge kya?"

(Say it, Bhrata! Will you ever go anywhere without telling me?)

Krishna, wincing dramatically, replied,

"Mein vachan deta hoon, Ananye... ki mein kabhi bhi tumhe bina bataye kahin nahi jaunga..."

(I promise you, Ananye... that I will never leave you and go anywhere without informing you...)

Anya finally smiled at her brother’s sincerity and nodding in satisfaction.

Arjun, watching this, felt a strange warmth settle in his chest. He didn’t understand why he was so focused on Anya, but her spirited interactions with her brother fascinated him. She had always been special to him, but now... now there was something more to her, something he couldn’t put into words. His thoughts were interrupted as
Krishna spoke again.

Krishn rubbed his ear in mock pain,
"Abhi mere kaan chhodo na..."

(Now leave my ear...)

Anya let go of his ear and smiled.

Just then, a mischievous thought flashed in Arjun's mind. He stepped forward, his smile turning playful.

"Anya... tumne Madhav ko kshama toh kar diya, parantu mujhe lagta hai ki tumhe unhe dandh toh dena padega!"

(Anya... you forgave Madhav, but I think you should still punish him!)

Krishna turned toward Arjun, his eyes widening in mock betrayal, as if Arjun had betrayed him with this suggestion. Arjun smirked at Krishna’s expression, knowing full well the playful nature of his words.

Anya turned to Arjun, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she replied,

"Avishya, Kumar Arjun! Woh kya hai na Radha Jiji ke haath se bani makhan mere paas hai... unhone kaha tha ki yeh bhaiya ke liye hai... par ab unhe woh nahi milega... hum usse sab mein baant kar khayenge!"

(Of course, Kumar Arjun! The thing is, I have Radha Jiji’s handmade butter... she said it was for Bhaiya... but now he won’t get it... we’ll share it amongst ourselves!)

Arjun chuckled at Krishna’s helpless look as Anya gestured to a servant, who brought her a small pot of fresh, creamy butter. But before anyone could react, Krishna swiftly darted forward, snatching the pot from Anya’s hands with a quick, graceful move. He was off in an instant, running away as he cradled the pot in his arms.

Anya burst out laughing, while Balram shook his head, amused.

Bheem groaned.
"Ab dekho, Anya, tumhare bhai ne makhan chura liya!"

(Now look, Anya, your brother has stolen the butter!)

Anya chuckled and replied,
"Bhrata Bheem..abh kya kare...woh hai hi Makhan Chor!"

(Bhrata Bheem..what to do..he is makhan chor!)

Nakul, who had been watching eagerly, pouted,

"Anya, toh humein makhan nahi milega?"

(Anya, so we won’t get any butter?)

Anya giggled and shook her head.

"Aisa nahi hai, Nakul. Jiji ne do matki bheji hain!"

(It’s not like that, Nakul. Jiji sent two pots!)

Sure enough, she called for another, larger pot, and distributed the butter among her Dau and Pandava brothers. As they tasted the rich, creamy butter that Radha had made, they immediately understood why Krishna had been so protective of it—it was divine, unlike anything they had ever tasted before.

Arjun, still watching Anya as she laughed with the others, felt his mind drifting back to the last time he had seen her. Three years had passed, and yet it was as if in this single meeting, something had shifted between them. He didn’t understand his feelings fully, but one thing was clear—there was something about Anya now, something that made him feel drawn to her in a way he hadn’t before.

He shook his head, chuckling at his own confusion. Whatever it was, he knew it wasn’t the time to dwell on it. For now, he was content to enjoy the laughter, the shared moments, and the simple joy of being with family.

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A/N:

I have changed my style of writing a bit, hope you like this style.

Hope you all liked today's update!

Please comment your thoughts and what you like/dislike.

Your comments are my
motivation.

Jai Shree Krishna🙏
-Anu