Third Person's POV

Five days were left before the Kuru princes were to leave for Panchal. The atmosphere in the palace was tense, and an air of intense pressure had settled over the Kuru princes. Each of them, in their own way, was preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.

Amidst this charged environment, Anya was deeply engrossed in her secret project. Her workspace was scattered with notes and small tools, her fingers deftly working as her brows furrowed in concentration. The room was silent except for the faint rustle of paper and the occasional clink of metal.

Just then, the sound of soft, quick footsteps approached. Before Anya could react, a cheerful voice rang out.
"Jiji!!"

Anya turned, her serious expression softening instantly. Standing at the door was Subhadra, her younger sister, beaming like a ray of sunshine. Her wide smile and the light in her eyes brought an instant wave of warmth to the room. Anya smiled back, quickly wrapping up her project and tucking it securely away.

"Subhadrai!" Anya exclaimed as she walked over to her sister. Without a moment's hesitation, she scooped Subhadra into her arms. The younger girl let out a delighted squeal, her laughter ringing out as she wriggled playfully.

Anya carried her to the couch and settled them both comfortably. Then, with a mischievous grin, she began tickling Subhadra mercilessly.
"Bolo, Subhadrai! Kya hua?" (Tell me, Subhadrai! What happened?)

Subhadra burst into uncontrollable laughter, her voice shaking as she gasped for air. "Jiji... chodo na! Jijiii..." (Jiji... leave me! Jiji...) she managed to say between fits of giggles, trying unsuccessfully to push her sister's hands away.

Anya finally relented, laughing along with her younger sister. Subhadra straightened up, breathing heavily as she tried to catch her breath. But before she could recover completely, her hand went to her forehead, pressing it lightly.

Anya's smile faltered, and her tone became instantly concerned.
"Subhadrai? Kya hua? Tumhe shirovedhana ho rahi hai kya? Rukho, mein chai bana ke laati hoon! Kintu uske pehle, mein tel laga deti hoon!" (Subhadrai? What happened? Do you have a headache? Wait, I'll make tea for you! But before that, let me apply oil!)

Subhadra looked up at her sister, touched by her care. She reached out and gently held Anya's wrist, stopping her.
"Jiji, mujhe kuch nahi hua! Mein theek hoon! Woh... mein aapko kuch batana bhool gayi thi! Iss liye maine apne sirr par haath rakha tha!" (Jiji, nothing happened to me! I'm fine! I just forgot to tell you something! That's why I placed my hand on my forehead!)

Anya sighed in relief and leaned back, shaking her head with a small smile. "Achha... bolo, kya baat thi?" (Alright... tell me, what was it?) she said, settling into the couch.

Subhadra's mischievous smile returned as she reached into the pouch tied at her waist. From it, she pulled out a smaller pouch, made of rich purple velvet. She handed it to Anya with a bright smile.

"Jab mein Dwarka se prasthaan kar rahi thi, toh Bhratashree Krishn ne yeh mujhe diya aur kaha ki mujhe yeh aapko dena hai," (When I was departing from Dwarka, Bhratashree Krishn gave me this and told me to give it to you,)

She explained animatedly with a pout. "Unhone kaha ki aapko gyaath hoga ki iske saath kya karna hai! Aapko gyaath toh hai na, Jiji? Bhratashree jo bolte hain, mujhe kuch samajh hi nahi aata!" (He said you would know what to do with it! You do know, right, Sister? Whatever Brother says, I never understand!)

Anya laughed as Subhadra looked really confused as she explained what their brother had told her to pass.

She gently took the pouch from Subhadra's hand and opened it.

Her breath caught as the contents revealed themselves-six blue stones which were flattened on one side. The stones were of equal sizes, among which five of the stones had a smaller gem placed in different positions intricately, with one stone having a larger gem set precisely at the centre. Recognition dawned immediately, and Anya's lips curved into a tender smile as she said,

"Haan, Subhadrai... mujhe achhi tarah se gyaath hai iska kya karna hai,"
(Yes, Subhadrai... I know very well what to do with this,)

Anya's voice was calm but laced with emotion. She looked at her sister, her eyes soft yet determined.

"Aur rahi baat Kanha Bhaiya ko samajhne ki... samay ke saath tum swayam samjhogi. Kintu purn roop se koi nahi samajh sakta. Bas itna smaran rakhna ki unke har ek karya ke peeche avashya ek karan hota hai, jo humein aksar samajh nahi aatha. Bas unpe sab kuch chhod do... woh sab sambhaal lenge."

(And as for understanding Kanha Bhaiya... with time, you will understand on your own. But no one can fully comprehend him. Just remember this-behind every one of his actions - there is always a reason, even if we don't see it. Just leave everything to him... he will handle it all.)

Subhadra nodded thoughtfully, her trust in her brother deepening as she listened to Anya's words. She smiled warmly as Anya closed the pouch, securing it carefully before standing up.

Anya's tone shifted to one of purpose as she said,
"Mein Rajkumar Arjun se bhent karke aati hoon. Unse kuch avashyak baat karni hai,"

(I will go and meet Prince Arjun. I have something important to discuss with him,)

Subhadra nodded, watching her sister leave with a quiet smile. She admired Anya's strength and composure, feeling a sense of pride in her elder sister as the door closed behind her.

....

In another part of the grand palace of Hastinapur, three of the most influential figures of the Kuru dynasty-Mahamahim Bheeshm, Mahamantri Vidur, and Maharaj Dhritarashtr-were deep in discussion. The room was illuminated by the soft golden light of flickering oil lamps, casting long shadows on the ornate walls.

Mahamahim Bheeshm stood tall and imposing, his sharp features etched with wisdom and resolve. He had just finished informing the Maharaj that all the Kuru princes were prepared for the upcoming war. Dhritarashtr, seated on a carved wooden throne, nodded solemnly, his sightless eyes turned inward as though lost in contemplation.

Vidur, standing to one side, exchanged a meaningful glance with Bheeshm before addressing his elder brother in a measured tone,
"Jyesht... aapne itni shigratha se Dronacharya ke Guru Dakshina ke liye kaise maan gaye? Mujhe prathit hua ki aap mana kar denge... aakhirakar hamare Rajkumaro ko yudh ka anubhav nahi hai na... aur Panchal Naresh ekk nipun aur paripakva yodha hai..."
(Elder brother... how did you so swiftly agree to Dronacharya's request for Guru Dakshina? I thought you would refuse... after all, our princes lack battle experience, and the King of Panchal is a skilled and seasoned warrior...)

Dhritarashtr's blind eyes moved as if seeking something beyond the room, his expression hardening into one of determination. His voice, though steady, carried an edge of finality as he responded,
"Woh iss liye... kyun ki maine ekk nirnay liya hai..."
(That is... because I have made a decision...)

Mahamahim Bheeshm's deep voice cut through the silence, his words deliberate and firm,
"Aur woh kya nirnay hai?"
(And what is that decision?)

Dhritarashtr's head turned slightly toward Bheeshm, his tone resolute as he declared,
"Main yah nirṇay Kuru Rajkumaron ke prasthan ke din pragat karunga!"

(I will reveal this decision on the day of the Kuru princes' departure!)

A charged silence filled the room as Bheeshm and Vidur exchanged, knowing glances. Both men were seasoned enough to recognize Shakuni's influence behind Dhritarashtr's stubbornness. The subtle tightening of Vidur's jaw and the flicker of concern in Bheeshm's eyes spoke volumes.

Vidur let out a quiet sigh, his tone resigned but respectful as he said,
"Teekh hai, Jyesht..."
(Alright, elder brother...)

With that, Bheeshm and Vidur left the room, their footsteps echoing softly down the long marble corridor. As the door closed behind them, Dhritarashtr remained seated, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on him. Slowly, he rose and moved toward the balcony. The night breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine, but Dhritarashtr paid no heed. He stood silently, his hands resting on the cool stone railing, his unseeing eyes directed at the horizon as though he could pierce through the darkness and glimpse the future.

....

Arjun was in his room, sitting at his large wooden desk, his focus shifting between the final strategy and the backup strategies laid out meticulously before him. The room was silent except for the faint rustle of parchments as he adjusted their position. His brows furrowed in concentration, though his mind wasn't fully at peace; the weight of responsibility loomed heavy on his young shoulders.

The quiet was interrupted by a knock on the door. The guard stepped in, bowed deeply, and said, "Rajkumar, Rajkumari Ananya aap se milne ki anumathi maang rahi hai!"

(Rajkumar, Rajkumari Ananya is asking for permission to meet with you!)

Arjun straightened immediately, his body instinctively snapping into a more poised demeanor. At the mention of her name, an inexplicable sense of alertness and excitement filled him. His eyes darted around the room, scanning the already pristine surroundings. With a swift motion, he adjusted a few scrolls and tidied his desk further, though it hardly needed it.

"Unhe bhejo," he replied calmly, though his heart seemed to beat just a fraction faster.

(Send her in.)

The heavy wooden door creaked open moments later, and Anya stepped inside, her presence instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room. She smiled at him, her expression warm and welcoming, yet carrying an effortless authority that always caught his attention.

Arjun's gaze instinctively shifted to her as she entered. The soft swish of her lehenga accompanied her graceful steps, and in that moment, the world outside seemed to fade, as it always did whenever Anya was around.

Her deep navy-blue attire, intricately embroidered with delicate golden floral patterns, seemed to mirror the vastness of the night sky. The soft pink dupatta draped over her shoulder added a touch of gentleness to her otherwise commanding presence, its golden border glinting faintly in the light as she moved.

Her hair, neatly styled in a sleek bun, framed her face with an understated elegance. The simple black bindi on her forehead enhanced the quiet intensity of her dark, expressive eyes. They carried a depth that Arjun found both calming and piercing, as though she could read every thought swirling in his mind.

The necklace around her neck-a delicate arrangement of emeralds and pearls-rested lightly against her collarbone, accentuating the natural glow of her skin. She looked composed, yet there was a quiet fire in her demeanour, a strength that demanded respect without a single word.

As she smiled at him, her lips curving with effortless charm, Arjun felt his breath catch. There was something about her-an unspoken command in her poise and a warmth in her smile that made him feel both vulnerable and fortified. To him, she was an enigma-graceful yet resolute, radiant yet grounded. And as she stood there, her presence filling the room, Arjun couldn't help but feel that her arrival carried more weight than any strategy or plan he had been reviewing. For the past month and a half, he had been slowly understanding his feelings for her. He was falling for her. Deeply and irrevocably.

Anya came near him while Arjun was still looking lost, a faint smile playing on his face as though caught in a dream.

Anya frowned slightly as she looked at his distant expression and thought, What happened to him?

She waved her hand in front of his face to bring him back to reality. "Rajkumar Arjun?" she called.

There was no response.

Her frown deepened as her gaze shifted to the table, where scrolls and strategies lay arranged in neat piles. Without a second thought, she picked up a spare stationery item-a heavy, ancient scale-and banged it against the wooden table with a sharp thud.

The loud noise startled Arjun, making him jump as he was jolted out of his thoughts. He turned toward Anya, his body instinctively taking a defensive stance. But the moment he saw her standing there, arms crossed and a mischievous smirk tugging at her lips, he relaxed.

"Anya, yeh kaisa shor tha?" he asked, his confusion evident.

(Anya, what was that noise?)

Anya pointedly looked at the scale lying innocently on the table, her smirk widening as if to challenge him.

Arjun followed her gaze, understanding dawning immediately. He looked back at her with an arched brow and asked, "Tumne yeh shor kyun kiya?"

(Why did you make this noise?)

Anya smirked, her tone teasing as she replied, "Haan toh aur kya karthi? Aap nethron ko khule rakh kar swapn jo dekh rahe the! Aap ko bulaya toh bhi aap ko sunai nahi diya!"

(Yes, what else could I have done? You were dreaming with your eyes open! Even when I called you, you didn't hear!)

Arjun shook his head slightly, muttering under his breath, "Jis ke karan mein swapn dekh raha tha... jiske karan mein iss sthiti mein hu... usse toh uske bare mein anumaan bhi nahi hai."

(The one because of whom I was dreaming... the one because of whom I am in this situation... has no idea about it.)

Anya's sharp ears caught the faint muttering. She narrowed her eyes slightly, tilting her head with a questioning look. "Kisko kis bare mein anumaan nahi hai?"

(Who has no idea about what?)

Arjun's head snapped up, panic flashing momentarily across his face. He shook his head quickly and said, "Kis ko kya anumaan? Aisa Kuch bhi nahi hai!"

(Who has what idea? It's nothing like that!)

Though Anya didn't press further, her lips pursed slightly, and she crossed her arms. It wasn't irritation exactly-something about her posture and the way her fingers tapped lightly on her arm revealed a quiet unease. To Arjun, the signs were obvious; her reaction wasn't indifference. It was possessiveness, a flicker of jealousy that she likely hadn't even recognized herself.

Anya raised a single brow, her voice steady, though her expression betrayed a subtle tension. "Aap bohoth ajeeb ho."

(You are very strange.)

Arjun sighed, glaring at her with mock irritation. "Mein ajeeb hu?"

(I am strange?)

Anya shrugged, her tone casual, though her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than usual. "Haan! Mathlab spasht roop se dikh raha hai ki aap kuch chupa rahe ho... kintu mein aapko vivash nahi karungi... yadhi aap mujhe bathana nahi chahathe ho tho!"

(Yes! I mean, it's clear you're hiding something... but I won't compel you... if you don't want to tell me!)

Arjun stared at her incredulously, his thoughts spinning. Was she not curious to know?

Anya then changed the subject, pulling out a small pouch and holding it out toward him with a bright smile.

"Yeh le lo! Yeh aap ke liye hai! Kanha Bhaiya ne yeh aapko bhent swaroop bheja hai!"

(Take this! This is for you! Kanha Bhaiya has sent this to you as a gift!)

Arjun took the pouch from her hands and looked at her with a soft smile. "Inhe Madhav ne bheja hai?"

(These are sent by Madhav?)

Anya nodded as Arjun opened the pouch to reveal six smooth blue stones. He frowned slightly, confusion clouding his face. "Inhe Madhav ne kyun bheja hai, Anya?"

(Why did Madhav send these, Anya?)

Anya smiled knowingly and replied, "Kanha Bhaiya ne avishya kisi karan inhe bheja hai Kumar Arjun! Inhe aap aane wale yudh mein avishya le jana... ho saktha hai yeh aap ki sahayatha kare."

(Kanha Bhaiya has definitely sent these for a reason, Kumar Arjun! You should take them with you to the upcoming war... maybe they will help you.)

Arjun nodded thoughtfully as he fiddled with the stones, their smooth surfaces cool against his fingertips.

Meanwhile, Anya's gaze wandered back to him, and she casually asked, "Waise... aap kiske swapn mein khoye hue the?"

(By the way... whose dreams were you lost in?)

Arjun smirked faintly, still fiddling with the stones. "Woh... ek yuvika hai."

(That... there is a young woman.)

Anya straightened slightly, her brows knitting together as her expression flickered with something fleeting. Her arms remained crossed, and her fingers resumed their light tapping. She opened her mouth as if to say something but quickly closed it, glancing away briefly before fixing her gaze back on him.
"O? Kaun hai?"

(Oh? Who is it?)

Her tone was casual, but to Arjun, the slight edge in her voice was unmistakable. He smiled inwardly, recognizing the subtle signs: the tightening of her posture, the lingering question in her eyes. She didn't realize it, but her reaction spoke volumes.

Arjun carefully set the pouch aside, stepping closer to her. His eyes danced with mischief as he asked, "Kyun? Tum kyun jaana chahthi ho?"

(Why? Why do you want to know?)

Anya frowned, attempting a casual shrug, though her stance remained rigid. "Mujhe kya? Meine toh aise hi puccha tha... aap ka jeevan hai... aap kisika bhi swapn dekho! Iss ka mujh par koi prabhaav nahin padata.."

(Why should I care? I just asked casually... it's your life... you can dream about anyone! It doesn't affect me.)

Arjun chuckled softly, his gaze locked on hers. "Meine prabhaav ke bare mein toh kuch kaha hi nahi! Tumhe prabhaav padega na?"

(I never said anything about it affecting you! It will affect you, right?)

Anya blinked, her gaze briefly lost in his. "Haan... prabhaav... pade... kya? Mera matlab prabhaav nahi padega! Aur aap bolo na! Kaun hai vo yuvika? Yahan Hastinapur ki hai kya?"

(Yes... it will affect... what? I mean, it won't affect me! And tell me-who is that young woman? Is she from Hastinapur?)

Arjun smiled knowingly and replied with mock attitude, "Mein nahi batha saktha."

(I can't say.")

Anya huffed, crossing her arms in frustration. "Tikh hai! Mujhe jaan na bhi nahi hai! Mein jaa rahi hu!"

(Fine! I don't even want to know! I'm leaving!)

Anya turned sharply, her movements quick and dramatic. To Arjun, she resembled an angry bird, each step charged with indignation. He found her reaction both endearing and amusing. It felt as though he had unlocked another side of her-a rare glimpse of jealousy slipping through her demeanor, even if she herself was unaware of it.

As she reached the door, he called after her with a teasing tone, "Suno!"

(Listen!)

She stopped mid-step and turned around, her brow arched in irritation. "Kya hai?"

(What is it?)

Arjun chuckled, shaking his head. "Kuch nahi... tum jao."

(Nothing... you can go.)

Anya rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated huff before walking out.

As the door closed, Arjun fell backwards on his bed, a small smile playing on his lips. He was falling for her more and more, and now he was certain-it wasn't one-sided. With a contented sigh, he turned his thoughts back to the upcoming war with Panchal, though her presence still lingered in his mind.

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A/N:

Happy Pongal/ Bhogi/ Makar Sankranti 2025 family! 🙏

Next is Drupad war.

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