Hastinapur,
Gajasahrya
Arjun's POV
"Apologize Gaangey, but Maharaaj Dhritaraashtra pleases to have a word with you."
A guard bowed before him, the respect in his eyes for him couldn't escape my eyes, making me smile subtly.
Their stature, that stiffness and the composure the two guards maintained while speaking to Pitamah.
Is that how every royals get greeted?
Pitamah's grip on my arm softened as a gave him a curt nod, causing them to disperse. "Arjun, son, shall you?"
His fingers crawled up to my curls as he slightly smothered them in an affectionate gesture.
I knew if he would repeat that it would take me no time in losing to father's memories, making me nod instantly, "I will, you can leave without any worries."
My tone appeared to assure him.
"Hmmph you, little one, remind me of Pandu so much!"
His azure eyes shone with amusement, while I glanced around, not knowing what to reply as warmth crawled to my jaws.
Do I really resemble Pita so much?
I never knew that phrase could impact my heart that wildly.
Pitamah, why are you reminding me of my home?
I tried to bite back my smile which was threatening to erupt after a long time, as he patted my shoulder twice and began to follow the guards.
My gaze travelled towards the retreating figure, mellowness filling my heart as I did so.
Imagine if Pitamah is so magnanimous and kind, how much would the other members be? I-it may be possible that all others were missing our presence, like Pitamah.
Inadvertently, my heart claimed the urge of meeting everyone, atleast if not by talks then let them atleast be assured that Arjun would never disregard them anyhow.
Consumed in thoughts and with a light smile dancing on my lips, I walked through the corridors which were slowly filling with hustle and bustle.
Servants rushed from one end to other, both male and female, some carrying trays filled with items.
Signaling the regular beginning of the day, I assumed.
My thoughts dashed past to my brothers; Damn, would they be worried for me? And Maata?I certainly didn't want them to find out that I wasn't in my right senses the previous night, and make them worried.
Clicking my tongue, I paced up my steps only to catch a glimpse of the back of Bhrata Bheem and Nakul from one end of the corridor.
There; but not alone.
Were those my other brothers?
I paused in my track witnessing the both of them not being alone but a few other children similar to our age indulged in a conversation with them.
I had already heard about them from Pitashree and Maata, we had a hundred more cousins from Tatshree Dhritarashtra and Taishree Gandhari.
They process of unusual birth had amused me, but when I heard that our ancestor, Maharshi Dvaipayan had himself blessed Taishree, I knew that it wouldn't be impossible for them to give birth to hundred of my brothers.
Pitashree claimed them to be, the blessings of Mahadev. I smiled, I had seen them during Pita's funeral, they were distant from us and didn't come up, probably they were bothered with his demise too?
Drawing in a breath in and prepared to greet them with a smile and due respect since they were older than me, I rushed passed towards them only to halt my stance from the other end of the corridor in utter confusion--Bhrata Bheem had grabbed the shoulder, a bit too harshly of a boy, dressed in green robes and having the stature of a prince but an expression--expression of utter displease?
Or whether my insolent self thinking too much?
No no, maybe I am incorrect.
My eyebrows furrowed, not being able to grasp the situation as I took gentle steps towards.What on earth had happened them to lose control of their temper?
And Bhrata Bheem?
As far as I know he doesn't respond to anyone like that unless the attack is on his own family. "You, how did you harbor the audacity?"
My jaw dropped as Bhrata Bheem growled, shoving the boy who in turn held his arm, "Remove your filthy hands from me, you bastard!"
"I request you not speak such words for my brother, Bhrata Dushassan-"
Nakul firmed his voice, which never in my fourteen years I have heard so vexed.
He was always known for his sweet gestures and talks and never do I remember him raising voice against anyone.Anyone.
Wh-what on earth happened so grave? Might be some misunderstanding?
Possible, neither they knew us nor did we, possibilities are high. Sh-should I intervene? Maybe I should. Maybe, there may be some misunderstanding. Right?
I strode towards them, drawing close. There were around ten of them, almost half encircling Bhrata Bheem and Nakul, their brows crossed and lips twitched, appearing as if they had a strong distaste against the two brothers of mine.
But why?
Why would someone dislike Bhrata Bheem and Nakul?
No one in Shatasringa ever did, ever. The-they always would greet them with their wonderful smiles, lovingly caress them and even give extra jaggery to my Bhrata Bheem, out of their love.
"You--"
I sucked in a deep breath as Bhrata Bheem was about to shove the boy,
"Bhrata!" I immediately intervened from behind slightly taken aback, making him halt his stance.
Nakul was standing beside him, slightly clenching his fists as his gaze fell on me.
My glance fell at the ten of them, each of varying height and dressed in the most lavish clothes, each of them having varied complexion from dark to milky white, some resembled the complexion of Bhrata Bheem and Jyesth, some of Nakul and me.
They stood with their chest puffed up, was it rage flaring in those eyes of them?
But why?
Their eyes subtly shifted from Bhrata Bheem and then to me, scanning me from head to toe.
I felt slightly uncomfortable at the deride with which they were gazing or almost glaring at me.
Completely confused, I tried to pass them a small smile and tilted my head to a side to acknowledge them.
"Arjun, do you have a slightest idea of what filthy words they were showering us with?!" Bhrata Bheem's jaw clenched as he lowered his fist and stood behind, fuming.
"Here, comes another lowly being from those forests."
Before I could've responded Bhrata, a sharp voice from one of them made me slightly snap at them.
Lo-lowly being from forests?
Who is he referring to?
Was that me?
"How dare--"
Bhrata Bheem glared, making the boy with jet back hair, slicked behind on his head return with equal intensity,
"Hurt your ego when truth spoken, servant?!"
"Servant? What are they even speaking about? "Please halt, I-I think there might be some misunderstanding." I attempted to pat Bhrata Bheem gently and gazed at them, breathing in and slightly smiling at them.
My heart took a dip, witnessing that they didn't correctly perceive my words.
"Cast away your fears, we never misunderstand servants." A hoarse voice laced with haughtiness greeted my ears from behind them.