The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 41

Hastinapur Royal Palace-

Duryodhan was returning to his chamber after a stressful day at court. As usual Mahamahim Bhishm favoured Yudhishter over him. Yudhishter's suggestion was good but he expect everyone to be good like him which is not at all practical.

"Mere bachhe.." called out the sickling voice of his dear uncle as he followed Duryodhan to his private chamber

"We need to be more careful from now on.." he started as he entered.. Duryodhan was in no mood today as something was bothering him, he was getting the sudden urge to meet Banu. It's been more than two moths since they last saw.

Without getting a response from Duryodhan , he continued.. "The Pandavas are making allies, they are grouping power.., First Yudhister married the only daughter of king Govasena, as she has no brothers, the kingdom will come to them.. then that Bheem married that demoness, making himself the king of Kamakya , Arjun married the only heir of King Chitravahana and then the Naga princess , now he is getting married to the Yadava princess.. making Yadavas also their relatives.. It should have been you in his place. do you know what you missed..?"

"We are already over this .., I don't regret my decisions.." Duryodhan was really irritated and he never felt he made a mistake.. Putting an end to their conversation, Wobbles flew in and he wasted no time in obtaining the message..

'Meet me as soon as possible .. I need to talk to you..'  was the only line written on it and Duryodhan knew he had to leave immediately..

Sakuni was trying to sneak a peak but was unsuccessful , from past experience, he knew there was no point in asking his nephew.. 

After postponing the works assigned to him and making arrangements to cover up for his absence, Duryodhan was about to leave when he saw his two friends.. 

He would have loved their surprise arrival anytime else but not now.. 

"Why are you both here.." he asked them straight 

"Whoa , that was a rude welcome.." Aswattama complained

"We came to meet you.. is there any problem..??" Karan asked concerned 

"No problem.. but I'm really busy now.." Duryodhan replied hastily 

"Leaving for Kalinga ??" Ashwattamma asked casually 

"You need to be there.. she needs you.." Karan spoke with his right arm on Duryodhan's shoulder

"Speak to hear, hear her before you do something.."Ashwattamma advised

Duryodhan was surprised .. he didn't knew he was so obvious 

"The first rule of friendship is not to keep secrets but you broke it .. but that doesn't mean we can't find out.." Karan spoke

"And we being the big hearted men that we are, forgive you now.. " Aswattama joined with a generous look

"Now leave him.., he's in a hurry, we can take him when he return.." Karan spoke knowing his friend 

Duryodhan turned but stopped hearing the Angaraj calling him

"Supriya is there in Kalinga , she knows everything , she will help you .." Karna informed and Duryodhan happily pulled both his friends into a swift group hug before leaving.

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Banu rested on the tree root near the lake , in the woods.. Her eyes were closed and her mind was swarming with thoughts.. Duryodhan will be here any moment but she didn't know what to tell him. She knew him more than anyone and was thus worried of his reaction.