BUDHL-PADMA POV
The palace of Hastinapura hummed with tension as Budhl-Padma, eldest of the Kauravas, observed from the balcony. Below, her siblings were gathered, listening intently to their uncle, Shakuni, who was trying once again to weave his manipulative words into their minds. But Suyodhana, her younger brother, often glanced up at her for guidance. More than anyone, even their uncle, he trusted his eldest sister, who had always been a pillar of strength in his life.
Since birth, Budhl-Padma had taken it upon herself to protect and guide her siblings, especially Suyodhana, who was often at the center of the palace gossip. Yet despite the malice whispered about him, Suyodhana had her unwavering support, and the people respected Budhl-Padma for her wisdom and unshakable faith.
Flashback: Defending Suyodhana
It was the day Suyodhana was born, and the atmosphere in the palace was thick with unease. Some of the nobles and palace servants murmured amongst themselves, suggesting that the birth of the Kauravas—particularly Suyodhana—was a bad omen, a disaster that had befallen the kingdom.
Budhl-Padma, though still a child, had stood tall in front of her newborn brother, shielding him from the accusations and the hateful stares. The words of the people stung, but Budhl-Padma's resolve remained firm.
"You claim that Suyodhana's birth is a curse?" she began, her voice strong and clear. "If it is destruction and strong winds that you fear, then should your suspicions not fall upon Bhima, who was born on this very same day? Bhima, the human son of Vayu, the god of wind? The very winds you dread may be his doing, not my brother's."
The gathered nobles and servants exchanged nervous glances, momentarily silenced by her words. Budhl-Padma stepped forward, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
"Furthermore," she continued, her voice steady and unwavering, "let me remind you all of this—Suyodhana and all of my siblings are a boon from Lord Shiva himself. My mother, Queen Gandhari, is a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Would you dare to claim that a woman of such unwavering devotion would give birth to something evil? No disaster can come from one who is blessed by Shiva. Nothing that comes from my mother could ever bring dishonor or destruction to this kingdom."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before addressing the question that had been lingering in the minds of many—the strange circumstance of their mother's two-year-long pregnancy.
"You wonder why it took my mother two years to give birth to us?" she asked, her eyes piercing the crowd. "Tell me, have any of you ever known a woman to give birth to a hundred children and live to tell the tale? And yet, my mother has done so. Should that not, in itself, be a sign of divine intervention? While many women perish after giving birth to just one child, my mother brought a hundred lives into this world. You should honor her for her strength, not question her."
Her words were like a balm, soothing the doubts and fears of the people. The nobles, who had once viewed the birth of the Kauravas with suspicion, began to see the truth in Budhl-Padma's reasoning. Her speech reinstated the honor of her family in their eyes and cleared the air of doubt that had surrounded her siblings since birth.
With the doubts dispelled, the people of Hastinapura began to treat Suyodhana and the rest of the Kauravas with the respect they deserved, recognizing them as the blessings of Lord Shiva that they were.
In the present, Budhl-Padma descended from the balcony, approaching her siblings who were still gathered around their uncle. Shakuni's words had grown sharper, trying to poison Suyodhana's mind against the Pāṇḍavas. But Suyodhana's eyes were on his sister, and his trust in her was far greater than any loyalty to Shakuni.
"Uncle, your words are not needed here," Budhl-Padma said firmly, stepping between Shakuni and Suyodhana. "Suyodhana and the rest of my siblings are not tools to be used for your schemes. We are children of Lord Shiva, and we will act with honor and righteousness, no matter what you say."
Shakuni narrowed his eyes but knew better than to challenge her in front of the other siblings.
Suyodhana, as always, sided with his sister. "I will follow your guidance, sister," he said, his voice resolute. "You have never led me astray."
Despite Budhl-Padma's noble actions, there were those in the palace who were not pleased with her influence. The Queen Mother, in particular, had grown resentful of the power Budhl-Padma held over her siblings, especially Suyodhana. The Queen Mother had always hoped to control the young Kauravas, but Budhl-Padma's leadership and wisdom kept her schemes at bay.
But while the Queen Mother and her allies resented Budhl-Padma, the people of Hastinapura loved her. She was known throughout the kingdom for her compassion, her fairness, and her devotion to justice. She stood up for the rights of everyone, regardless of caste or status, and made sure that all life was treated with dignity.
To help her father, Dhritarashtra, who struggled with his blindness, Budhl-Padma had invented a device that allowed him to rule more effectively. With her assistance, Dhritarashtra was able to prove to the kingdom that a blind man could lead justly and with wisdom, even without the physical sight that others took for granted.
"You have given me the sight I need, daughter," Dhritarashtra had told her once. "With your guidance, I have ruled this kingdom with the clarity of vision that no one else could provide.".
She also made sure that her father had Wise cancel that will never let him astray, An actually helping him not hinder him
As the day drew on, Budhl-Padma found herself reflecting on her own journey. Though she had spent her life protecting her family and restoring their honor, she knew that it was time for her to seek out a guru. Her duty to her family would always be her priority, but she also knew that she had a greater purpose to fulfill—a divine calling that only a true teacher could help her discover.
Gathering her siblings once more, she reminded them of their duty to uphold dharma and not to be swayed by the words of their uncle or the opinions of others.
"We are not here to serve anyone's selfish desires," she said firmly. "We are the children of Lord Shiva. Our path is one of righteousness, and we must always seek truth and justice. Go to the temple and offer your prayers, for that is where our true strength lies."
Her words, as always, resonated deeply with Suyodhana. "I will remember, sister," he said. "Your guidance is my shield."
With her heart full of purpose, Budhl-Padma set off on her journey to find her guru, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.