Prakriti P.O.V
I started my journey to Hastinapur alone at the dawn. Dau insisted that I took a part of army with me for protection but I assured him that no one can harm me and I like to travel alone because it helps me save the most precious thing in the world that is time. I reached at the large entrance of Hastinapur, Soldiers were assigned there who were protecting the door. I could just use the entrance like other people but it will let the King knows that I am coming to his Kingdom and I like to keep it secret for a while. I want to see this place, how it has changed . Because last time when I was here, King Dhritarashtra was only loving to his sons rather than whole Kingdom. He made some biased decision based on it. It was shame that a Kingdom like Hastinapur have a king who is blind not from outside but from inside as well.
With that thought in my mind, I flew from the place towards the open sky without any one noticing me. I rarely use my elements and only used them when no one is watching. I don't want people to know about my powers and treat me any different. I saw the place with my own eyes, people were working, chatting, some of them were going towards the Castle for the upcoming competition. Well, when the King's kids were not around, he helped his Kingdom in developing.
That's good thing to know.
I flew towards the arena where people were gathering and there was a large place in the middle for the purpose of competition. I sat on the pillar where I was away from every one eyes and have a good view at the field. I stared around me, people were gathered in large number to welcome their Princes in the Kingdom back with enthusiasm. My gaze went towards Aunt Kunti, she looked a little old but still beautiful, I joined my hands and greeted her in my mind. Then my gaze went towards Mahamahim Bhism who was sitting there with a posture, Beside him was Prime Minister Vidur, his face shows the knowledge and wiseness he carries. I silently greeted them as well. At last my eyes fell on the King of this Kingdom who was sat in the middle looking regal. Being blind, he never let this stop him to over come his fear. But as time flew and he had a son, he suddenly changed into something else that nobody could recognize. Still I joined my hands and greeted him in my mind. He is still my elder no matter what and I can not forget my morals.
I wander my gaze at the corner of the field, there stood a man with long beard in sage clothes and a younger man who has a gem on his forehead, who resembles the sage, must be related. The younger man has a bow in his hand and at a distance there was a rotating machine which have all kuru children name on it.
Interesting!
At the corner, I saw a short man, I recognise him instantly as Gandhara King. I thought Mahamahim threw him out of the Kingdom but I guess he came back when he got the news of his beloved nephew returning.
Just then young man with gem shot the arrow towards the machine and it stuck on the name of Dhuryohdhan. I made myself comfortable to watch the competition. Prince Dhuryohdhan arrived on elephant and showcase his strength. He changed from the arrogant kid to a strong man. He bowed his head and greeted his father. Crowd shouted in enthusiasm at the sight of their Prince.
Prince Dhuryohdhan went towards his uncle and they started talking in hushed tone, from the place I saw Gandhara King giving a signal to the younger boy with gem on his head. He shot the arrow and it stuck on the name Nakula. I smiled, Nakula is the elder son of Queen Madri and he was the most good looking from all of the Prince. He made an entrance from the sky riding on the eagle.
Oh, I forget, he can talk to animals.
They started fighting, Prince Nakula with his sword and Prince Dhuryohdhan with his mace. In the end, Prince Dhuryohdhan emerge victorious. Crowd started cheering and Prince Nakula slowly went towards the side, after greeting his elders, he sat on the chair on the side line.
Well, Prince Dhuryohdhan is strong, there is no doubt about that.
Next opponent against Prince Dhuryohdhan was Prince Sehdev, he was holding an axe as his weapon. They started fighting and Prince Dhuryohdhan won again. I sighed when the next contestant was also King Pandu's son. This competition is rigged, they are only fighting among King Dhritarashtra sons and late King Pandu sons.
Prince Yudhishthira entered in the arena with a spear in his hand. They started fighting and I watch with interest as Prince Yudhishthira got the upper hand but he stopped fighting as Prince Dhuryohdhan said something to him which made him angry. He started walking away when Prince Dhuryohdhan attacked him from behind and gaining the victory. This is cheating, you cannot attack a warrior from behind, it is against the law. But no one utter a single word and Prince Yudhishthira went towards his brothers.
Next person to enter in the arena was Prince Bhima with his mace. Ground shook as he walked in the middle of the arena. He was large and big compared to other Prince and he was powerful as well. I watch the fight between them with interest because Prince Bhima got the upper hand as he plummeted Prince Dhuryohdhan in the ground, I chuckled at their behavior, it wasn't a family competition now, it became a mode of taking revenge. People of this Kingdom were also terrified with the Prince's behavior. Well it happen when you tried to kill the other by putting poison in their food. Prince Dhuryohdhan deserved all the beating he was getting. Finally, the sage who I recognized as Guru Dronacharya stopped the fight and declare Prince Dhuryohdhan as winner of this fight because Prince Bhima broke the rule by beating Prince Dhuryohdhan with so much force that it drew blood. Prince Bhima went and sat beside their brother as well.
I look at the entrance knowing that the last King Pandu son is going to enter in the arena. I haven't seen him in almost twelve years. He must have been changed so much. I heard footsteps from the entrance but before he could enter a sculpture on the entrance fell on him with a thud burying him inside. My eyes widened as I take in the scene. Everyone was frozen on their seat. I slowly move my hand to shift the rubble but before I could do that Prince Arjuna emerge from the rubble and stood before us with his bow. Crowd started cheering and I sighed in relief to see him unharmed. He raised his bow and shot an arrow in the sky which multiply in itself and went towards Aunt Kunti, King Dhritarashtra, Prime minister Vidur, Mahamahim Bhism, Gandhara King and Prince Yudhishthira and Prince Bhima in the form of greetings. I smiled at his gesture.
Prince Dhuryohdhan is manipulative, he could do anything for the win.
Prince Dhuryohdhan face fell when he saw Prince Arjuna unharmed and ready to fight but he started fighting any way. In instance, Prince Arjuna freeze him on the spot before he could get to him. I was impressed with the way he was handling his bow.
Dronacharya announced Prince Arjuna as the winner of this competition and crowd started cheering. "There is no one better archer than Arjuna in this entire world" Dronacharya shouted in the arena with pride evident in his eyes. Everyone nodded in response at the announcement. Dronacharya asked Prince Arjuna to release Prince Dhuryohdhan from the frozen state but before he could do that one arrow flew past from his head and release the Prince, other arrow gave him his mace as he stood without any restrain. I looked in front of me and a man jumped from the pillar entering in the arena. He has a bow on his shoulder and he was the one who released Prince Dhuryohdhan from his state.
They started arguing that Prince Arjuna is not a world greatest archer and he wanted to fight against him to proof himself but he was a commoner and they are not allowed to challenge a Prince. I looked at the scene with interest. Prince Dhuryohdhan saw this as an opportunity to win against Prince Arjuna, he made the commoner a King with the help of his father, King of Anga to be precise. I rolled my eyes in annoyance at this, I thought King Dhritarashtra was a changed man but nothing has change, he is still the same who can do anything for his son.
Prince Arjuna and Anga King started the fight, they were on same level and at one point from no where a shield appear on Anga King chest saving him from the on-slaughter of the incoming arrows.
This was incredible!
I looked at the sun, it was setting in the sky and I knew it was only right to stop the competition before sun set as it is a warrior first rule. I saw Prince Arjuna was about to put his bow away but Anga King was ready to shot at him.
This is wrong.
To stop this, I conjure my sword in my hand from thin air and jumped from the pillar in the middle of the fight. The sun set, as I expected Anga King shot the arrow towards Prince Arjuna who was standing there lowering his bow. I cut the arrow from the middle before it could reach him and stand in the middle of the arena between two warriors who looked at me in confusion. "Attacking someone after the sun set is Immorality (Adharma), Anga King" I said calmly lowering my sword. He looked at me with little anger in his eyes. "Who are you and how can you interrupt us in the middle!" he exclaimed in loud voice. He is angry that I interrupted him from defeating Prince Arjuna "You did the same a while ago then why are you getting angry now" I responded not disclosing my identity just yet. It is un well to enter in the middle of fight but it was important to do so. "It is true to not raise weapon after the sun set" Prince Arjuna said before I could respond.
"This is your limit?" Anga King said with a scowl on his face. "I don't do Iniquity just to win and You are a King now there will be multiple opportunity in the future to fight" he responded and turned towards me. I looked at him close, his brown eyes staring at me curiously and with interest.
Dronacharya came close towards us "Who are you?" He asked, every one was looking at me with curiosity. I bowed my head and greeted him "Sorry to interrupt this but I couldn't see unjust happening in front of my eyes so I had to intervene, I apologize for the behavior though" I said joining my hand together. He smiled at me as other Pandavas walked towards us curiosity evident in their eyes.
"You looked a little familiar" Prince Bhima said looking at me with raised eyebrows. I smiled, I still haven't introduce myself.
"Well, I would look familiar because how can you forget the person who hide your ladoos in the past" I said smirking as I remembered the time where he ran after me for his ladoos.
"Prakriti" Prince Bhima said as the realization dawn on his face. I nodded my head and greeted Prince Yudhishthira and then Prince Bhima because they are older than me. Prince Bhima chuckled as he ruffled my hair and I swatted his hand away in fake frustration. He always did that when we were little. Both Prince Nakula and Prince Sehdev greeted me, I turned my head towards Prince Arjuna who was standing beside me without saying anything, he was staring at me with mouth wide open. "Yes Arjuna, your friend is back" Prince Bhima said laughing which made Prince Arjuna blushed as he closed his mouth and smiled at me, I returned the smile.
I turned my gaze towards Dronacharya and bowed my head "I am Prakriti, A Yadava Princess" I introduced myself for the first time here. Everyone know about our family specially my brother who killed the injustice King Kans.
Dronacharya smiled at me and raised his hand to bless me." What are you doing here Princess Prakriti?" Prince Nakula asked in question, for a second my eyes went to Prince Arjuna who was looking at me, I quickly averted my eyes away. "I am here to meet Mother Kunti, it's been a while" I replied to his question and he smirked looking at me.
"Come then, we shall meet Mother" Prince Yudhishthira said and I nodded my head in response.
***
We entered in Aunt Kunti chamber , she was resting on her bed. When she heard the footsteps, she opened her eyes and looked at us. A smile appeared on her face and she hugged all of her children while I stayed back as she haven't looked at me yet because I was standing behind them.
"Where is my hug, Mother Kunti?" I asked in teasing voice, her eyes fell on me and she gasped coming towards me with smile on her face. "Prakriti" she uttered, I nodded my head and she hugged me, my heart filled with love, when I was little I spend lots of time with her that I started calling her mother just like her children do. Just then all of brother came towards us and hugged us, I smiled remembering my childhood memories where we hugged Mother together when we have any problems, it shows that we are a family and I am a part of this family. I missed this so much.
We broke the hug and mother took me towards her bed and sat beside me, all the Brother stand before us as everyone looking at me curiously. "How is your Father, Prakriti?" Mother asked taking my hand in her. I smiled "He and Ma are fine and doing well" I responded.
"You know how to use a sword?" Prince Nakula asked, I smirked in his direction " Maybe, maybe not, you have to find out on your own" I chuckled, I can wield any weapon but my favorite is sword just like my brother favorite is sphere (sudharshan chakra).
"Stay alert from her Nakula, she is very smart" Prince Bhima said grinning.
All of us started laughing together.
***
After meeting with Aunt Kunti, I went to meet Mahamahim Bhism in his chamber. He was being known of my presence before hand as I entered in his chamber. I joined my hands and bowed in front of him "Greetings Mahamahim" I said, he smiled and raised his head to give me blessings
"Bless you" he smiled and took a seat, gesturing me to sit in front of him. I took the seat and stare at him "You have become old" I said in joking manner, he gave a short laugh. When I was kid, I got lot to learn from him and I created a fatherly bond with him. "But I can assure you, I can still beat you in the sword fight" he grinned and my eyes sparkled, because of him, I got my interest in swords.
"We will see, I am better now" I responded with mischief smile making him laugh. Best decision I made by coming here. I took my leave after spending some time with him. I was walking to see King Dhritarashtra when I bumped into his son. He looked at me smirking "Oh it's you" he said as he scan me which made me feel repulsed, but I greeted him as he was older than me.
"You have changed so much" he uttered looking at me with awe. He is changed as well for worse though. "Time does that to people Prince Dhuryohdhan" I said calmly. "Indeed it do" he said with interest.
"Where are you going?" He asked me, I am not sure why is he talking to me but I cannot disrespect him as I am in his home and my manners won't allow me. "I was going to meet King Dhritarashtra" I responded, his eyes sparkled "I am going on the same way, I can escort you there" he said politely, I gave him a small smile and nodded my head walking with him. "It seems you are expert in sword fighting" he said, his voice gentle, no one can tell he is the same cunning Prince I saw in the arena. I nodded my head "It's my best weapon but I can wield other weapons as well" I said casually.
He gave a short laugh "Why does women have to be train in the weaponry, are there no one in your Kingdom to protect you" he asked, it made me angry that he thinks about woman like that. "I am capable enough to protect myself, I don't need any one to protect me" I said in firm voice, if he thinks woman are beneath him, he has other things coming for him. "I never wanted to offend you, its just I never saw a woman wield a sword" he said as he saw the annoyance on face.
"There is first for everything" I said, we reached at the entrance of King Dhritarashtra room, "Well, here is your destination, hope to meet you soon Princess Prakriti" he said with a smile on his face and I returned the smile, he walked away from there and I sighed in relief as one servant told me that King Dhritarashtra is ready to meet me.
I was walking back after my meeting with the King Dhritarashtra when I saw Anga King and Aunt Kunti with her children, they were arguing with Anga King. "There is no difference in you and Prince Dhuryohdhan" Prince Bhima said as Anga King stayed silent listening to all the accusation. "Our weapon will make no difference as well" Prince Arjuna said with attitude which was bad for a brave warrior. He shouldn't act like this. "This is very bad behavior Prince Arjuna, acting arrogantly" I said walking towards them shaking my head a little.
He looked at me ashamed. "You don't know Anga King, Prakriti" Prince Bhima said, I sighed "I was there Prince Bhima and there is no way to treat a guest like this" I said and turned my head towards Anga King giving him an apologetic smile.
"We have no anger and competition with you Anga King" Prince Yudhishthira said in calm voice. He always know what to say to save the situation. But Anga King looked at them with anger "But I have, you all take pride in being the Prince but remember one thing every one will know about their true self in the battle field" he said looking at each and every one.
"And I will personally kill you myself, this is my promise to you" he said staring at Prince Arjuna. I stood there watching the scene, they just met a while ago and they have so much feud in them just because of some competition. Prince Arjuna moved forward and looked at Anga King with a smile on his face " Warrior only meets in the battle field not in some fare and I myself will let you remember about your vow" he said with a smirk on his face. Prince Bhima was about to crush the flower on the ground in anger when I stopped him "You are not allowed to use your anger on mere flower, it has done nothing to you" I said annoyed as I kneeled on the ground and took the flower in my hand. I felt bad when someone destroy the nature. I stood on my feet and looked at them with anger "Just because of a little competition, to prove yourself that you are better than other, just to get the top place but you are all forgetting one thing that Person only known by their good deeds not by talking arrogantly among themselves" I said and took Aunt Kunti hand in mine "Let's go Mother" and took her away from the scene which put tears in her eyes.
***
In the evening, there was a small feast on the occasion of all the Prince return. I got ready in my chamber for the occasion. I met every one when I got the chance. I exit from my chamber walking towards the feast area when I saw Prince Bhima coming towards me "Going in the feast, Prakriti?" He asked and I nodded my head. I was silent on the way, I still remember how he was about to crush the flower just to release his anger and to annoy Anga King. "Are you still angry about the flower thing" he asked stopping , I sighed "I don't like when people take nature for granted, it gives everything to you and more than that yet you still destroy it, you know when nature start destroying, it can crumble the whole world" I said looking at him in the eyes to let him know about the seriousness of the situation. He looked guilty and bowed his head "I am sorry I took it for granted but I will never do it again" he apologized which made me smile, at least he realized his mistake. I smiled back and we started walking again. He escorted me towards the area and we both directly went to Aunt Kunti who was sitting with her friend.
"Greetings" I said as I bowed my head, she gave me her blessings and I sat beside her. "Mother, I am going to sit with you as well" Prince Bhima said as he saw me sitting beside her smiling. "But this place is for women only, son" Aunt Kunti said chuckling. "But without you feeding me, I don't get satisfaction of being full" he said like a small child. Just then Prince Arjuna entered in the area and came towards us, his eyes fell on me and he gave me a small smile which I returned. He greeted his Mother, "Yes Mother, feed him so that we can also get enough food as well" he said which made everyone laughed and Prince Bhima stood up from the seat he took "Now I am going to sit there and will only come after I finish my food" he said stubbornly and went away. I smiled and sat with Aunt for a while as Prince Arjuna went away after Prince Bhima.
"My heart want to meet my nephew Krishna so much" Aunt Kunti said as we were talking about brother Krishna. I smiled "Time for this will come soon Mother" I said and took my leave going towards the music. Pandavas were standing there talking and laughing. "Greetings" I said joining my hand together as I approached them, they greeted me back. I heard the serene music, my hands were itching to play the instrument.
"Can I play the instrument?" I asked Prince Yudhishthira, my heart was telling me play. "Brother Arjuna also know how to play all kind of instruments" Prince Nakula said smiling mischievous. "This is no time to play instrument Nakula" Prince Arjuna said, my face fell a little, if he doesn't want to play, it's his choice. "Come on Arjuna, play with Prakriti, together you can play the Veena and we will enjoy your music" Prince Bhima said.
Prince Arjuna looked at me and gave me smile and nodded his head " Okay" he said and a smile appeared on my face and together we started playing Veena. After playing a melodic rhythm , everyone started clapping in appreciation and we stood up bowing our head. We both looked at each other and shared a smile.
Just then a slow clap sounded in front of us, we look forward, Prince Dhuryohdhan was standing there with Anga King staring at us with a smirk on his face. He was slowly clapping his hands "Very well played, very well" he said and remove one of his necklace from his neck and threw it at us. Before Prince Arjuna could grab it in his hand, I step forward and grab the necklace in my hand, my fist clenching around it. If he want to appreciate, he can do it without making Pandavas embarrass every time.
He started talking to Anga King about music, telling that Prince Arjuna is staining the valor of this Kingdom with playing music as he called himself as Mighty Archer. "So you are saying that people who play instrument are staining their family name" I said calmly walking towards him. My anger peaking as I took every step and stand in front of him. "Indirectly you are saying that whole Dwarka is stained because we are Warriors and we also plays music which means you are disrespecting my home Prince Dhuryohdhan" I said as I gave him his necklace back, his eyes widened and he looked at me in shock. Just then Gandhara King joined us "He wasn't saying like this Princess" he came to his nephew aid. "I understand everything, don't peg me as fool Gandhara King" I said calmly and step back. Prince Bhima started saying about what happened in the arena to Prince Dhuryohdhan and it turned into an argument.
After saying last word, they started walking when Anga King spoke " Play the instrument all you want to impress ladies, maybe you will become a dancer for them" he taunt and started walking away. "Anga King" Prince Arjuna shouted and pulled his knife out coming towards Anga King to attack him but before he could reach him I stopped him by putting my hand forward "Stop Prince Arjuna, you cannot scoop this low just because some one antagonize you" I said calmly.
King Dhritarashtra entered in the fest with Mahamahim and Prime minister Vidur. They asked about the argument when Gandhara King thew all the blame on Prince Arjuna because he tried to attack Anga King. After listening to Gandhara King, "You have done a big crime, Arjuna" he said without listening to others as well. "But Uncle--" Prince Arjuna started to clarify but King Dhritarashtra stopped him "Shut up" in angry tone.
"You have made Anga Kingdom your enemy" he said in anger. Then he apologized to Anga King personally.
"But Arjuna has to be punish, Father" Prince Dhuryohdhan said looking at his Father in expectation. I shook my head slowly and move forward. "If I have your permission King, Can I speak?" I asked, I have to clear this up before it became too messy. King Dhritarashtra smiled and nodded his head "Go ahead, Princess".
I took a deep breath "I want to ask a question before you Punish Prince Arjuna" I said and he nodded his head. "If a person is a Warrior who can play instrument as well does this means they are staining their family name?" I asked, my tone calm but serious at the same time. He shook his head "No, Princess".
"Playing instrument is a god gift, even Mahadeva play and dance, if someone says this, it is disrespectful" Prime Minister Vidur further elaborated, I looked at Prince Dhuryohdhan "So its punishable if someone disrespect your art" I questioned.
"King Dhritarashtra" Gandhara King tried to interrupted in between "I am not done speaking Gandhara King" I said calmly stopping him. He looked surprised but step back. I looked at King and Prime Minister in question "Yes, it is written in ethology that disrespecting someone art is a punishable crime" he said which made me smile. I knew it from the start but wanted to hear it so that I can clear things here. "Then King Dhritarashtra, you have to punish your son as well as Anga King because both of them made fun of our art before you came here" I said in loud voice turning my head towards Prince Dhuryohdhan who was clenching his jaw in anger. At this, King Dhritarashtra stumbled a little and looked shocked.
"But King, Prince Arjuna pulled weapon on Anga King" Gandhara King said coming forward, I looked at him and smiled "Physical pain can be heal within days but emotional pain forever stain the heart Gandhara King" I said staring at him, he looked at me gritting his teeth in annoyance. I turned towards King Dhritarashtra again "Do the justice, King, we are waiting and law is equal for everyone" I said loudly, I could see Mahamahim smiling gently. King Dhritarashtra knew he has to give the same punishment to his son as well that's why he looked troubled. He turned his head towards Prime Minister Vidur "Prime Minister Vidur, give punishment to both" he said in shaky voice and closed his eyes. Uncle Vidur looked at us "It was a mistake from both side, if Yadava Princess and Anga King are ready to forgive then there is no need for punishment" Uncle Vidur stated, I smiled at his judgement and turned towards Anga King "What is your decision Anga King?" I asked already knowing the answer. He looked a little ashamed and nodded his head "I forgive Prince Arjuna" he said at last and turned his head away. I looked at Prince Dhuryohdhan "For disrespecting the art and my family, I am forgiving you only once Prince but next time there will be consequences" I said, he glared at me but Gandhara King stopped him from saying anything.
"Very well, I was here to announce that tomorrow I am choosing my crown Prince" King Dhritarashtra announced and walked away with Queen Gandhari with Mr. Sanjay on tow. I sighed and looked at all the pandavas who looked deep in thought. Everyone knew King Dhritarashtra will choose his son to be the crown Prince.