While the day's events unfolded across the vast halls of Hastinapura, two of the most respected figures in the royal court, Mahamahim Bhishma and Vidura, made their way to the private quarters of Dhritarashtra. Their mission was clear: to discuss the appointment of a teacher for the young princes of the kingdom—the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
As they entered the room, Dhritarashtra, though blind, sensed their presence and welcomed them with due respect. After the initial formalities, Vidura began the discussion. "Maharaj, with the arrival of the Pandavas, it is imperative that we provide proper education and training for all the young princes. The time has come to appoint a guru who can impart the knowledge and skills they need to become worthy members of the royal family."
Dhritarashtra, thoughtful as ever, listened intently. "Who do you propose should take up this responsibility?"
Bhishma, with his deep, commanding voice, spoke next. "I believe that we should consider the most qualified and honorable teachers, those who can guide these young minds with wisdom and fairness. This education will shape their futures and the future of Hastinapura."
After a moment of silence, Dhritarashtra spoke, his tone more resolute. "I agree, but I must take a promise from you, Mahamahim Bhishma. When the time comes to appoint the king, it must be the most suitable and deserving among them, regardless of birthright. The welfare of Hastinapura must come before all else."
Bhishma, ever loyal to the kingdom, bowed his head in agreement. "You have my word, Maharaj. When the time comes, the decision will be made with wisdom and justice."
Meanwhile, in the quieter part of the palace, Kunti was preparing to rest after the long and eventful day. The opulent room, despite its grandeur, felt foreign and unfamiliar to her, a stark contrast to the simpler life she and her sons had led. As she was about to lay down, the door creaked open, and Nakul and Sahadeva, the youngest of her sons, tiptoed into the room.
"Mother," Nakul began, his voice small and hesitant, "we can't sleep. Can we stay with you tonight?"
Kunti's heart melted at the sight of her youngest sons standing there, looking so small and uncertain in the vast palace. With a gentle smile, she beckoned them to come closer. "Of course, my dears. Come, lie down beside me."
As they nestled into the bed on either side of her, Sahadeva asked innocently, "Did Yudhishthira and Bheema go to sleep before us? If they did, will you scold them tomorrow?"
Just then, as if on cue, Bheema entered the room with Shubham (Arjun) and Yudhishthira following close behind. "We couldn't sleep either, Mother," Bheema admitted with a sheepish grin.
Kunti laughed softly and waved them over. "Then come, all of you. There's plenty of room for us to share."
The five brothers gathered around her, their previous worries momentarily forgotten as they felt the warmth of their mother's embrace. For a while, they simply enjoyed the comfort of being together, talking in hushed tones about their experiences in the palace so far.
Sehdev, finally voiced the question on all their minds. "Mother, how long will we stay here?"
Kunti hesitated for a moment, knowing the gravity of her next words. "This is your home now, my sons. We will live here, among your brothers and the royal family."
Nakul, who had been quiet until now, spoke up with a sadness that tugged at Kunti's heart. "But what kind of home is this, Mother, where no one smiles when they see us?"
Kunti sighed softly, pulling Nakul closer. "It may not feel like home yet, but in time, we will make it so. You must remember, you are all princes of this land, and this is where you belong. No matter what, we will stay strong and stay together."
The boys nodded, finding solace in their mother's words, though the weight of their new reality was not lost on them. The grandeur of Hastinapura was overshadowed by the coldness of the welcome they had received, and each of them could sense the undercurrent of tension that flowed just beneath the surface.
As they finally settled down to sleep, Kunti's thoughts drifted back to Dushala's words about Duryodhana. She knew that the road ahead would not be easy for her sons, but she vowed to protect them with all the strength and wisdom she possessed. In that moment, surrounded by her children, Kunti felt both the burden of their future and the fierce love that would guide her through the challenges to come.