Changing Of Course [✔]

36. New equations

| Edited |
_________________________________________

Maharaj Jaydev and Maharani Sulochana were already close allies of the Kurus. Their bond strengthened further after the marriage of their daughter, Suchitra, to Arjun, and now, with the revelation that Karna was also Kunti's son, their ties grew even closer.

As the parents of the daughters-in-laws of this great empire, Jaydev and Sulochana took charge of the guests while the family was occupied with the intense revelation unfolding inside.

They were immensely relieved to know that Karna and Arjun were brothers. Ever since the marriages of Madirakshi and Suchitra to Karna and Arjun, respectively, they had been troubled, as their sons-in-laws were sworn enemies. But now, with this truth revealed, the tension between them dissolved.

As the last of the guests left, Jaydev and Sulochana prepared to depart as well. They stood near their chariot, joined by Madirakshi and Suchitra. Karna and Arjun had greeted them and gone to attend to other matters, leaving their wives to converse with their parents.

"I am very happy for all of you," Sulochana said warmly. "But remember, new dynamics have started to form. Once the revelation that Angraj is a Kaunteya becomes known to others, challenges will arise. Be prepared to face them with care."

"We understand, Ma, and we will keep your advice in mind," Madirakshi replied with a reassuring smile.

"Yes, Ma, we'll handle things accordingly," Suchitra added, echoing her sister's words.

Madirakshi glanced at her father, who had been unusually quiet. "Why are you so silent, Pitashri?" she asked.

Jaydev chuckled softly. "I was just thinking about how much more complicated the Kuru family can get."

His remark caused his daughters and wife to giggle, but Sulochana quickly composed herself, scolding him in a low voice, "What are you saying? At least be mindful of where we're standing! What if someone hears?"

"What? Did I say anything untrue?" Jaydev responded playfully. "Even they know how complicated their family is!"

Suchitra chimed in with a laugh, "Yes, Pitashri. Even Madhav says the same thing sometimes."

"See?" Jaydev said, turning to Sulochana with a triumphant smile. "Even Vasudev thinks so!"

Madirakshi and Sulochana shook their heads, smiling at the lighthearted banter.

★

"Bhrata, are you and Bhabhi leaving for Anga? Please come to Indraprastha with us for a while," Nakul requested earnestly.

"Yes, please, Bhrata. We would love to spend some time with you," Arjun added.

Karna smiled kindly. "I would love to, but for how many days can I leave the responsibilities of my kingdom in the hands of my ministers?"

"As a king, I understand your concerns, Bhratashri," Yudhishthir spoke with his characteristic calm. "But just for a few days, please. It would be our honor to have you with us."

"Yes, Bhrata, please agree," Sahadev and Bheem chimed in together.

Karna couldn't refuse the genuine love in their requests, especially when they were his brothers. How could he say no?

"Alright," he finally agreed, "Madirakshi and I will come to Indraprastha with all of you."

His acceptance brought smiles of joy to all their faces.

★

After bidding farewell to their parents and in-laws, Madirakshi, Suchitra, Draupadi, Kunti, and the six sons of Kunti left for Indraprastha.

It was night by the time they reached their destination. Kunti, exhausted from the emotional day, wanted to spend time with Karna. He, too, longed for the same, but seeing her fatigue, he gently urged her to rest. The younger brothers then whisked him away to show him the Palace of Illusions.

Meanwhile, the three women-Madirakshi, Suchitra, and Draupadi-talked lively as they strolled through the palace, with Draupadi and Suchitra proudly guiding the Queen of Angadesh around.

Draupadi had quickly bonded with Madirakshi and was delighted to learn that she was her elder sister-in-law. If Suchitra had introduced Draupadi to the affection of a friend, Madirakshi was now giving her the love and care of an elder sister.

"Let me go and prepare the guest chamber for you and Jijashri," Suchitra said cheerfully, flashing a bright smile. The two women smiled back at her antics and nodded in agreement.

"Alright, go ahead," Madirakshi said, her smile warm.

As Suchitra left, Draupadi turned to Madirakshi with a smile. "Didi, you handle everything here so gracefully. I sometimes wonder if you have some secret I should know."

Madirakshi laughed. "If there is a secret, Krishnaa, it's probably just pretending to be calm until I actually believe it myself!"

Draupadi chuckled, relaxing. "Then maybe I'll start practicing that myself!"

Madirakshi gave her a gentle nudge. "Oh, you'll be an expert in no time. After all, you've already faced so much with strength. And if you ever need a reminder, I'm here."

Draupadi smiled warmly. "Thank you, Didi. I'm glad to have you by my side."

★

"It's already midnight; we should get some rest now," Yudhishthir suggested, sitting in the garden with his brothers.

"Yes, it's been a long day, and I'm starting to feel tired," Bheem admitted.

"Shocking! The great Bheemsen is tired!" Nakul teased dramatically, causing everyone to laugh.

"What did you say, huh?" Bheem playfully grabbed Nakul in a tight hold.

"Goodness, I was only joking, Bheem Bhaiya!" Nakul pleaded, trying to free himself.

"Leave him, Bheem," Karna and Yudhishthir said in unison.

"See! Now I have two mature elder brothers to save me. You have to let me go!" Nakul exclaimed as Bheem released him, giving him a playful punch on the arm.

"We have!" Bheem corrected, laughing.

Karna felt an overwhelming sense of warmth in the company of his brothers.

"Alright, let's go now. It's very late," Yudhishthir said.

"I'll walk Bhrata Karna to his chamber," Arjun offered.

"Good idea," Karna replied with a smile.

"Good night, brothers," Sahadev said as they began to part ways.

★

"I never realized I would enjoy your company so much, Bhrata," Arjun said with a smile as they walked through the dimly lit corridor, the flickering flames of the torches casting shadows on the walls.

"I feel the same. All of you are so kind," Karna replied warmly.

As they reached the door to Karna's chamber, Arjun paused. "Here we are. Your chamber."

"Thank you. Good night, Jyeshth Bhrata. Sleep well."

"You too," Karna smiled.

Arjun turned and soon disappeared from sight as Karna entered his chamber.

He noticed Madirakshi standing in the balcony, gazing up at the night sky. The soft glow of the moonlight bathed the chamber in a gentle light, but she hadn't noticed his presence yet.

Just as he was about to step towards her, he heard a voice call out softly from behind him.

"Angraj."

Karna turned to see Draupadi, the queen of Indraprastha, standing there.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Hello there!
Another chapter is here.
Please comment your delightful thoughts and hit the star button to vote.
Stay tuned! ;)