While we were eager to get back to Indraprasth, my heart was still beating quite erratically every time I thought about returning.

Which was how Yudhishthir must have found me, leaning against the table as I had been packing the bags.

" What happened? " He said, curling his arms around me as I jumped with surprise, feeling his arms tighten, " Shh, it's just me, " He lay his head on my shoulder and I sank back into his arms.

" What troubles you, is it Mini? " He kissed my cheek and I shook my head, I had to come to terms with that anyways, no point dwelling over it.

" I am worried if we'll even get back to Hastinapur alive. Knowing Shakuni, he'll try his hardest to make sure we don't reach there, " I sighed, rearranging Abhi's clothes.

He held my hand and turned me around, resting his hand on my waist, pulling me close.

" I will never let you be hurt, you know that don't you? All of you, nothing will happen to the three of you as long as I am here, " He said, his eyes searching my soul as I nodded, breathing deep.

" I know you won't, that's not the point. In the event that we reach there, what guarantee do we have that they'll return the kingdom? I don't want you to fight a war, not at all, " I held my hand against my mouth, feeling bile rise. Odd, but I did have something weird today morning.

" Hey? Sagarika? " He asked as I rushed over, vomiting everything out, ew. Never let me eat raw wild berries again.

" Is it better now? " He asked, moving my hair away as I washed my face away.

" Yeah, as I said. We need to be careful. Especially now that Madhu will be back too, " I said and he smiled fondly, his eyes glassed over as he recalled our daughter.

" Think she'll be angry with us? We left her for five years, didn't tell, her she has a brother? " He sighed and I laughed.

" Matar kulcha should solve it all. She'll be ten now, won't she? " I asked and he nodded, sitting on the stool next to the mirror.

I looked at him through the mirror, his eyes searching my own as I studied him.

In these five years, while there had definitely been physical changes to our selves, mostly since we'd grown older. I had another child, my breasts were tight around the blouses, having to open most of them even after four years, I had faint white stripes that ran across my body, mostly my thighs which were most affected by my pregnancy weight. My face looked older. I couldn't see my eighteen year old self in it, this woman had tired eyes, lines emerging from the corner of my eyes.

Also, before anyone says anything, I'm not insecure about these. Yudhishthir had a few very choice words to say when I had accidentally said that I didn't feel beautiful.

And I cannot forget those words, ever.

Anyways, my eyes drifted to his own. He had grown taller, but not too much, his eyes still just as sharp and serious as they were. They crinkled in the corners when he smiled and it was the most beautiful sight of all. He would finally shave his beard off. Finally. His arms, now stronger after years of raising both Madhu and Abhi over his head as they giggled in joy.

" What are you looking at? " He asked, a soft smile on his face.

" You, " I whispered and he laughed shyly, " Me? You look at me every day,  " He commented and I held his shoulder, putting my head over his.

" My dear darling Patidev. Arya, nath. Whatever you want me to call you. Dharma, Yudhishthir. I may look at you everyday. But I don't see you everyday. Don't appreciate what I have -"

" I am very well appreciated, " He smirked and I slapped his chest as he shook with laughter, his rumbling laughs sent shockwaves to me.

" What I meant to say was, " I leaned down to press a kiss to his forehead as he smiled, " I now see more than the man who came to my doors at twenty and I wouldn't exchange my life with you for anything, " I whispered, placing my cheek against his, the prickle of the hair unnoticeable.

" Nothing? Not even your precious phone? " He asked and I scowled at him.

" You think my phone is more important than you? Fine, bring it to me and leave yourself in Kaliyug, " I frowned, moving away as he yanked me back and I fell into his lap, hands braced on his shoulders.

" Priye, why do you always blast like a firework? I mean, I know you can light yourself on fire, " He nuzzled my neck, " Even though I can do that for you, " He growled and I looked at him with wide eyes.
The nerve! Teasing me! Now!

" But is it truly so hard for you to listen for once, " He smiled, pulling me into a passionate kiss, enveloping me close.

" I don't need to listen to anything beyond this, " I whispered to him as he pulled back, laughing at me.

" PLEASE SAAG! HAVE SOME MERCY ON YOUR POOR BROTHER AND KEEP THE DOORS CLOSED ! " I heard AJ screech as he slapped his arm over his eyes.

His voice nearly made me fall of Yudhishthir who held me tightly, smiling at me before he cleared his throat, " What do you need Maharaj? " He asked and AJ scowled.

" We were about to leave, I wanted to know if we'll be coming with you or should we head straight to Pragjyotishpur, " He said and Yudhishthir sighed as I got up, an imperceptible pout on his face as he schooled his face.

" You may come with us if you wish. However, I would prefer if you don't, " He said and I looked at him in surprise, " Why not? " I asked and he shook his head at me.

" You misunderstand me Sagarika, all I want is the safety of their son. If mamashree knows Rudransh has a claim on the throne of the Tarika clan, he will try his utmost to twist Maharaj Ajatshatru's hand, which will create more problems, " He said and AJ nodded.

" But why are you repeatedly calling me Maharaj? You know you can call me AJ, but you anyways call me Ajatshatru only, why the Maharaj? " He asked and Yudhishthir shook his head, a soft smile crept on his face as he walked up to him, keeping one hand on his shoulder as he leaned in to whisper something to him.

" What is it? " I asked and received no reply.

" Hello? I'm here too? " I said and they finally broke apart, when AJ laughed.

" Well Samragyi, I'll take your leave," He said, pulling me into a hug as he pressed a kiss to my crown.

" What is it with you! I'm Saag. Call me Saag! " I said, stretching my hands at my sides.

" Ah Saag, the mysteries of married life still haven't dawned on you have they? " He smirked, walking out.

" You! What did you say? " I asked, rounding to my husband who held his laughter.

" My dear Sagarika, some conversations are best left between men only. Okay? " He asked and I frowned nodding. He was right.

But I want to know!

" Anyways, come, we should bid them goodbye, " He said and I nodded, adjusting my saree as we moved out.

Life would change today.... Hopefully for the best.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

So I did promise another chapter in the evening... But didn't realise it might take me this long.

But yeah, finally got it out.

We'll se mamashree and Dury with Madhu next chapter... So be prepared.

Much love

Radhekrishn ♥