After leaving the Drona Ashram, Budhl-Padma, Ashvi-Aparuja, and Karna made their way to Hastinapura, the grand capital of the Kuru dynasty. The next two weeks were filled with familial reunions, personal reflections, and deepening bonds that would serve them well in the future.
Upon arriving in the city, Budhl-Padma was warmly embraced by her mother, Gandhari, and her younger sister, Dushala. The time spent with them was precious, as Budhl-Padma had been away for her education. Sitting with her mother, she shared stories of her travels, her teachings with Guru Parashurama, and the lessons of dharma she had come to understand.
"You've grown into such a wise young woman," Gandhari said, her voice filled with pride. "Your strength and wisdom will guide your brothers, especially Suyodhana, through the difficult times ahead."
Budhl-Padma smiled softly, "I hope I can continue to be a source of strength for them all, mother. There is much we will all face in the coming years."
She also spent time with her sister Dushala, who was growing into a kind-hearted young girl, full of curiosity about the world outside the palace. "Tell me about your travels, Didi," Dushala would say eagerly, sitting by Budhl-Padma's side. "I want to know about everything you've learned."
The sisters shared stories, laughter, and moments of quiet reflection, and Budhl-Padma felt a renewed sense of purpose in her role as the elder sister. Dushala's innocence reminded her of the importance of protecting her family and guiding them through the challenges that lay ahead.
Ashvi-Aparuja, too, found solace in her time with her family. Though her own mother and father were gone, Kunti had long since taken her in as a second mother, and their bond had only deepened over the years.
"You remind me so much of your father," Kunti said one evening as they sat together in the courtyard of the palace. "His strength and wisdom live on in you."
Ashvi-Aparuja smiled, touched by her mother's words. "I hope to continue to make him proud, Mata. And to honor the dharma he taught me."
During her stay, Ashvi-Aparuja also spent time with her aunt Gandhari and cousin Dushala, who welcomed her as part of the family without hesitation. Dushala, in particular, had grown close to Ashvi-Aparuja, seeing her as another elder sister to look up to. The two spent afternoons talking and sharing their thoughts on the world, with Ashvi-Aparuja imparting lessons on dharma and compassion to the young girl.
During their visit, both sisters made it a point to meet with Karna's family, who lived nearby in Hastinapura. Karna introduced them to his childhood friend, Vrushali, a young woman whose presence felt immediately familiar to both Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja.
Though they had only just met, a sense of kinship formed quickly between the three women. Vrushali, with her quiet grace and strength, made them feel as though they had known each other for lifetimes. As they spent time together, they shared stories, advice, and moments of laughter.
"It feels as if we've been friends forever," Budhl-Padma remarked to Vrushali one afternoon as they sat in the garden of Karna's home. "There is a bond between us that I cannot explain."
Vrushali smiled softly, feeling the same. "Perhaps it is fate. Some connections are meant to be, no matter the time or place."
Ashvi-Aparuja nodded in agreement, sensing that this friendship was not a coincidence but a part of the larger path they were all walking.
As their time in Hastinapura came to an end, Budhl-Padma, Ashvi-Aparuja, and Karna prepared to continue their journey. They bid farewell to their families, knowing that their education was far from over. But before leaving, they made one last stop—to consult with Guru Parashurama for further guidance.
Upon returning to Parashurama's Ashram, the great sage welcomed them back warmly. "You have all grown during your time in Hastinapura," he said, observing the subtle changes in their demeanor. "But your journey of learning is not yet complete."
Parashurama informed them that their next destination was Mount Kailash, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, where they would continue their education under the guidance of the Tridevi and Trimurti. Their lessons at Mount Kailash would be more than just about battle and dharma—they would delve into the very nature of the cosmos and their role within it.
"Your time at Mount Kailash will test your spirit as much as your skills," Parashurama warned. "But you are all ready. The next phase of your journey begins now."
With their hearts filled with anticipation, Budhl-Padma, Ashvi-Aparuja, and Karna made their final preparations for the journey. Their bonds with their families had been strengthened, and now, they were ready to take the next step toward their destiny.
As they left for Mount Kailash, they carried with them the lessons of love, wisdom, and dharma imparted by their families, and the newfound friendships that would guide them in the trials to come. The road ahead was long, but together, they were stronger than ever.