Karn had heard many stories about Ananya from his brothers. These tales, filled with her lively spirit and her brothers' well known accomplishments, had ignited sparkling interest in him to meet her.

As Ananya gracefully approached Karn, her movements were delicate and respectful. She bent down to take blessings, her actions reflecting deep-rooted traditions and respect.

Karn, his face breaking into a warm smile, gently touched her head, acknowledging her gesture with brotherly affection.

She looked up, her face alight with a bright smile, and exclaimed with genuine respect,
"Pranipath Jyesht Bhrata Karn!"

Karn, visibly pleased, pulled her up with a gentle firmness.

"Meine tumhare bare mein bahuth suna hai! Aur Anth mein tumse bhet ho hi gayi!"

(I have heard so much about you! And finally, I have met you!)

His voice conveyed both warmth and a hint of excitement at this long-anticipated meeting.

Anya, her smile broadening, glanced teasingly at the other Pandavas, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Achcha? Asha karthi hu ki sabh Shubh hi suna hoga...agar kuch aur suna hai toh Jyesht woh meine nahi kiya!"

(Really? Hope that you only heard good things...if you heard something else then Jyesht, I didn't do it!)

Her tone was playful, suggesting a cheeky disclaimer for any less flattering stories that might have reached Karn's ears.

Her playful pout and puppy eyes at the end melted the hearts of those around, drawing a loud laugh from Karn and his brothers. Karn had always wished for a younger sister, and it seemed like the gods had finally answered his prayers.

She then moved on to greet Yudhishthir, showing the same level of respect. When she approached Bheem, he couldn't contain his joy and pulled her into a strong bear hug, exclaiming,

"Mein athyanth prassan hu Gudiya ki hum punah mil sake!"

(I am so happy Gudiya that we could meet again!)

Anya's voice, slightly muffled by Bheem's embrace, carried a mix of protest and laughter.

"Jyest Bheem...mujhe chodiye! Aap mujhe Kuchal rahe ho! Chodiye na...aapki behen hu mein!"

(Jyesht Bheem...leave me! You are crushing me! Let me go...I am your sister!)

As Bheem released her, still chuckling, Nakul couldn't help but complain,

"Dekho Anya! Yeh humesha mere saath bhi aisa hi karthe hai!"

(Look Anya! He always does the same with me as well!)

Sahadev's eyes widened, and he exchanged a glance with Arjun, who was trying to suppress his chuckle. Under his breath, Sahadev teased,

"Abh toh beta tu gaya! Bhrata abh tume chodenge nahi."

(Now you are gone! Bhrata isn't going to leave you now!)

True to Sahadev’s words, Bheem playfully caught Nakul in a headlock, with Nakul pleading to be let go. This scene elicited laughter from everyone gathered.

Balram then asked Bheem to let him go, which he did with a laugh and a small kiss in his head.

Anya chuckled and playfully slapped Nakul's head to the side, showing sisterly affection mixed with friendly teasing about how he always ended up in such predicaments with Bheem.

Nakul just pouted and shook his head, indicating his own bafflement at the recurring situation.

After the laughter and greetings, Kunti and Gandari ushered the Yadav siblings to the family wing to rest, ensuring they were comfortable and well cared for in their ancestral Palace.

However, unbeknownst to the joyful family, their reunion was quietly observed from a hidden vantage point by Shakuni and the Kauravas, their presence unnoticed but intensely felt.

---- After few hours ----

In the verdant royal gardens, the Pandavas were engaged in martial exercises.

Sahadev and Nakul focused on agility and precision, their exercise involving Sahadev tossing fruits which Nakul had to slice mid-air with his sword.

Meanwhile, Karn and Yudhishthir discussed strategies and kingdom affairs with Arjun silently listening in.

Bheem on the other hand was quite content and was busy sampling some of the garden's fruits.

As the training morphed into a more relaxed game, the playful energy drew in Arjun and Bheem. Their elder brothers, Karn and Yudhishthir, watched over the proceedings with occasional chuckles, proud of the camaraderie and skill displayed.

It was in this lively setting that the Yadava Siblings found the brothers.

Ananya’s curiosity was piqued upon seeing the game, and she eagerly inquired,

"Yeh konsa Khel hai? Kya mein bhi khel sakthi hoon?"

(What game is this? Can I also play?)

Her enthusiasm infectious, Nakul quickly explained the rules, which she grasped with eager attention.

Arjun, who had been quietly observing Anya’s animated interactions, felt a mix of admiration and intrigue stir within him. Deciding to engage her playfully, he challenged her with a playful smirk,

"Anya...tumhe abh khel ka niyam toh gyath ho juka hai..parantu kya tum isse khel paogi? Matlab sochlo!"

(Anya...you now know the rules of the game but can you play? I mean think about it!)

Arjun had unknowingly touched the competitive nerve of Anya. Her eyes narrowed at his silent challenge.

Anya was annoyed with Arjun's words and thought,

Kyun nahi kar sakthi? Isko abhi bathathi hu! I will wipe that smirk off!

(Why can't I do it? I will show him ! I will wipe that smirk off!)

Ananya’s eyes narrowed slightly,

"Kumar Arjun! Aap mujhe chunauthi de rahe ho?"

(Kumar Arjun! Are you challenging me?)

Her tone was playful yet determined.

Arjun then responded with his smirk intact which was a clear indication of his playful intent.

"Haan kuch aisa hi samjh lo!"

(Yeah, something like that!)

Ananya, clearly not one to back down, turned to Nakul,

"Nakul woh talwar do mujhe!"
(Nakul, give me that sword)

she commanded Nakul, ready to take up Arjun’s challenge.

Anya examined the sword. It was mostly flat with just one side made of slightly sharp iron. The sword was a unique combination of wood and iron that was given to warriors children for practice.

As Anya was getting a feel of the sword, Kanha approached her from behind and lightly whispered,

"Anya? Tum kar logi na? Matlab mein kuch sahayatha..?"

(Anya? You will be able to do it na? I mean do you want my help..?)

Anya looked at Kanha with a smile and whispered back,

"Bhaiya...relax! This is just like Fruit Ninja that I used play in my phone! I am a pro in that! Yeah this is real fruit ninja but I will manage! Don't worry!"

Bheem, observing the exchange though he couldn't hear them, chimed in,

"Vasudev, Tum Gudiya ki sahayatha math karo! Woh kudh kar legi! Aur Dekhna kaise mere Anuj ko chup karathi hai!"

(Vasudev, don't help Gudiya! She can do it herself! And watch how she silences my Anuj!)

As the game resumed, Sahadev prepared to throw an apple at Anya, but Arjun, wanting to further test her, stepped in and took the apple himself.

Anya held the sword in both hands as she waited for the apple.

Arjun's throw was precise, intended to challenge her skills fully.

Pure instincts took over Anya at that second, as she saw the apple come towards her. Anya, her concentration absolute, swung the sword with an instinctual fluid motion. However, rather than slicing the apple, she struck it with the flat side of the sword with such a force that it sailed high into the air and landed far off, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.

Anya's triumphant shout broke the silence,

"Chakkaaa! Kanha bhaiya, dekha aapne meine chakka mara!! Dekha!? Woohoooo!"

(Sixxx! Kanha brother, did you see! I hit a Sixxx! Did you see?! Woohoo!)

Kanha joined in her happiness as he also started jumping around holding her hands.

The Pandavas were looking at them in utter confusion with the exception of Arjun. While he was also confused, he couldn't help but admire the way Anya screamed in happiness and was jumping around.

Balram Dau shook his head and approached Anya. He lightly touched her shoulders and softly said,

"Anya..tumhe Sev ko kaatna tha..usse ball nahi banana tha..aur yeh talwar hai..bat nahi.."

(Anya...you had to cut the apple..not make it into a ball...and this is a sword...not a bat)

That's when realisation struck Anya and she made an Ooo face.

Realizing her mistake, Anya sheepishly giggled,

"Wohh meri galthi nahi hai! Woh cricket..mera mathlab saalo pehele khela tha..aur fir match sirf dekhthi thi..aur..woh apne aap haath utt gaye aise...par meine Chakka toh mara!"

(It's not my fault! It's cricket... I mean.. I last played it years ago.. and then I just used to watch the match... and my hands just did that automatically... but I did hit a Six!)

Her lighthearted admission sparked laughter all around, and her cheeks flushed with a blend of embarrassment and pride.

Balram took the opportunity to explain the 'sport of cricket - A famous sport from Kaliyug' to the Pandavas, who listened with keen interest.

Looking at their response, Anya shrugged and basically made them all play 'gully cricket ' with their own made up rules.

Her policy was simple-  her game, her rules!

Arjun admired the way she took charge and kept giving orders to others.

As they played, Anya briefly paused to refresh herself at a table laden with drinks and snacks.
Arjun, captivated by her vibrant energy and the spirited way she embraced the challenge, followed her,

His earlier challenge not forgotten. He teased her,

"Yeh khel toh bada adhbhut hai! Par Tum ne abhi bhi chunauthi puri nahi ki.."

(This game is amazing! But you still haven't completed the challenge...)

Anya looked at him with an eyebrow raised and said,

"Agar aap ke paas talwar hai toh abhi puri kar lethe hai!"

(If you have a sword then let's finish it now!)

Anya pointed to a selection of fruits on the table, her eyes twinkling with competitive fire.

Arjun presented her with a long-handled dagger, and she accepted it with a nod, her focus sharpening. He tossed a pear towards her, and this time, she sliced it cleanly in two, her technique flawless.

Anya's triumphant grin was infectious, and she couldn't help but jump in excitement. Arjun, proud and somewhat unknowingly enamored by her skill and spirit, quickly changed his expression as she turned to him.

"Dekha Aap ne ! Kaha tha na meine! Lo aap ki chunauthi ko puri bhi kar diya aur jeeth bhi liya!"

(Did you see that! I told you! Here you go...not only did I complete your challenge but I also won!)

Her voice was triumphant, filled with the joy of victory.

Arjun, maintaining an innocent expression, edged closer, his voice low and admiring,

"Woh kya hai na Anya...mujhe pehele se gyaath tha ki tum yeh kar paogi!"

(It so happens Anya...that I knew from the start that you could do this!)

Before Anya could question his unexpected confession, Arjun pretended to hear Bheem calling and quickly excused himself,

"Haan Bhrata Bheem mein abhi aya!"

(Yes Elder Brother Bheem, I'm coming!)

Left alone, Anya pondered his words, her expression a mix of amusement and utter confusion,

"Agar patha tha toh challenge kyun kiya? Huh? Yaar yeh Mahanayak Arjun kithne Ajeeb hai...inki Ajeebness ke bare mein toh kabhi kisi ne kuch bola hi nahi tha!"

(If he already knew, then why did he challenge? Huh? Yaar this Mahanayak Arjun is so Ajeeb (weird)..no one ever talked about his Ajeebness(weirdness)!)

Her musings echoed softly as she watched Arjun disappear into the 'cricket' gang, her heart light with the playful exchange and intrigued by the complexities of their budding camaraderie.

Anya shook her head and drank some cold water quenching her thirst.
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A/N:

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