The week passed quickly as Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja spent time at the Drona Ashram alongside their brothers, the Kauravas and Pandavas. Their presence brought an air of wisdom and unity, as the siblings worked to deepen the bonds between their families, bringing the once-separated cousins closer together.
During their stay, they made it a point to meet Guru Drona, the legendary teacher who had taken on the task of educating their brothers in the art of warfare and the ways of dharma. From the moment they stepped into Drona's presence, the sisters could sense his wisdom, but also the subtle biases that colored his teachings.
"Guru Drona," Budhl-Padma began respectfully, "we have come to learn from you, but also to share what we have learned about dharma in our travels. Dharma is more than skill in battle or loyalty to one's family. It is justice, fairness, and equality for all beings, regardless of birth."
Ashvi-Aparuja nodded in agreement. "And it is also about recognizing that no one is inherently superior based on birth. Everyone deserves the chance to grow, learn, and become their best selves. Caste is a human construct, not a divine truth."
Guru Drona, though respectful of the sisters, was not fully swayed by their words. His loyalty to tradition and the noble lineage of the Pandavas still colored his view, but he listened thoughtfully, knowing that the sisters spoke from a place of deep wisdom.
During their stay, the sisters also had the chance to meet Ashwatthama, Drona's son, and the enigmatic warrior, Ekalavya. Unlike the stories that might have been expected, Ekalavya still had his thumb intact—a sign that things had already begun to shift in this retelling of history.
Suyodhana, ever the keen observer, quickly formed a bond with both Karna and Ekalavya, and the three soon became inseparable. "Ekalavya, you have a talent that rivals even Arjuna," Suyodhana remarked one afternoon as they practiced their archery.
Ekalavya smiled humbly, "I have learned much from watching and practicing on my own, but now, as a student of Guru Drona, I feel like I am truly learning the art of battle."
Karna, standing beside them, admired Ekalavya's determination and humility. "You have much to offer. It's not just skill with a bow; it's your dedication to mastering your craft."
Suyodhana agreed. "The three of us, along with the Kauravas and Pandavas, can build a bond that will withstand anything. We must learn from one another and grow together."
The friendship between Suyodhana, Karna, and Ekalavya deepened with each passing day. They spent hours sparring, discussing battle strategies, and sharing their views on dharma. Unlike Drona, who favored Arjuna, they saw each other as equals, united by mutual respect rather than status.
The Meeting with Drona and Ashwatthama
As the days went by, Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja made it a point to talk to Drona about his teachings, particularly his favoritism toward Arjuna. The sisters understood the value of a skilled student, but they also saw how this favoritism could harm the growth of others.
"Arjuna is indeed talented, Guru Drona," Ashvi-Aparuja began. "But every student deserves the chance to be seen for their potential, not just their lineage. We have seen firsthand how Karna, Ekalavya, and even your own son, Ashwatthama, possess unique strengths that should be nurtured."
Budhl-Padma added, "Fostering a spirit of competition can be beneficial, but when it comes at the cost of equality and fairness, it breeds resentment. Dharma is not about favoring one over the other, but about giving each person their due opportunity to rise."
Drona listened, his expression thoughtful. While he had always been partial to Arjuna, he could not deny the truth in the sisters' words. He nodded, acknowledging their wisdom. "You speak the truth, but in the world of kings and warriors, one must often choose the best to lead."
"The best leader is one who rises with the strength of their entire family," Budhl-Padma replied gently. "Not one who stands above the rest, but one who lifts them up."
Ekalavya's Acceptance and Growth
The sisters were pleasantly surprised to find that Ekalavya had been accepted as a student of Drona's, standing alongside the Kauravas, Pandavas, and Ashwatthama. His journey had been one of determination, having trained in isolation for years, but now, within the fold of Drona's teaching, his skill only sharpened further.
Ekalavya became fast friends with the group, particularly Suyodhana and Karna. The three of them often trained together, each pushing the others to excel.
"You've come a long way, Ekalavya," Suyodhana commented one afternoon after a sparring session. "But there's still so much more we can learn from one another."
Ekalavya smiled. "I am honored to stand beside you both. In our unity, we can achieve great things."
The bond between Ekalavya, Karna, and Suyodhana was one forged in mutual respect, and it became clear that these friendships would play a significant role in the future. They shared not just a common goal of becoming great warriors but also a deeper understanding of dharma, thanks to the wisdom shared by Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja.
Parting Words of Wisdom
As the week drew to a close, the time came for Budhl-Padma, Ashvi-Aparuja, Karna, and the others to leave and continue their journey of education. But before they departed, the sisters sat with their brothers for one final conversation.
"Remember what we've taught you," Ashvi-Aparuja said softly, her hands resting on the shoulders of Yudhishthira and Suyodhana. "Dharma is not a set of rules; it is a way of living, a way of treating others with fairness, respect, and humility."
Budhl-Padma nodded in agreement. "You are warriors, yes, but more than that, you are part of a family. The strength of a warrior comes from the strength of their bonds—with their family, with their friends, and with their people. Do not let pride or favoritism blind you to the truth."
Suyodhana and Yudhishthira exchanged a look, understanding the gravity of their sisters' words.
As they said their goodbyes, Suyodhana promised Budhl-Padma that he would not let anyone's honor be lost, and Yudhishthira assured Ashvi-Aparuja that he would work to create unity among the cousins.
The week at the Drona Ashram had been one of growth, learning, and the strengthening of bonds. As Budhl-Padma, Ashvi-Aparuja, Karna, and the others prepared to continue their education under the Tridevi and Trimurti, they left behind a foundation of unity and respecta foundation that, in time, would become a beacon of strength for both the Kauravas and Pandavas.