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After 5 years
GURUKUL
       In the serene and disciplined environment of Drona's gurukul, the afternoon sun bathed the training grounds in a warm, golden light. Young warriors practiced their skills under the watchful eyes of their guru, but among them, one figure stood out-Arjuna.

       Tall and dark with a commanding presence, Arjuna's physique was the epitome of strength and agility. His long, unkempt hair framed a face that was as handsome as it was fierce. His mace-like arms and well-built shoulders, were the result of years of rigorous training and discipline. As he drew his bow, the muscles in his arms rippled with a fluid grace, showcasing his unparalleled skill and dedication to the art of archery.

       Beside him stood Shaurya, his best friend and constant companion. Though slightly less skilled than Arjuna, Shaurya was no less dedicated. The bond they shared was evident in every synchronized movement, every shared glance. They had become inseparable, their friendship forged through countless hours of practice and mutual respect.

   "Ready, Shaurya?" Arjuna asked, his voice calm but with an edge of challenge.

   "Always," Shaurya replied with a grin, drawing his own bow.

       They both took aim at the distant targets, their eyes focused and breaths steady. In perfect unison, they released their arrows. The arrows flew through the air, slicing through the silence and hitting the targets with satisfying thuds. Arjuna's arrow pierced the bullseye, while Shaurya's landed just a fraction off-center.

     "Almost had you that time," Shaurya said, his tone light but determined.

     Arjuna smiled, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "You keep getting better, Shaurya. One day, you might just beat me."

   Shaurya laughed. "Only because I have the best to learn from."

     Their bond went beyond archery. The years at the gurukul had strengthened Shaurya's relationship with the Pandavas, turning camaraderie into brotherhood. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva treated Shaurya as one of their own, his loyalty and kindness winning their hearts.

     As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the training grounds, the students gathered for their evening meal. Laughter and conversation filled the air, but Arjuna and Shaurya remained focused, their competitive spirits never waning.

     "Tomorrow, we should try something new," Shaurya suggested, his eyes alight with excitement.

     Arjuna raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

     Shaurya's grin widened. "Blindfolded archery. Let's see how good we are when we can't see our targets."

  Arjuna chuckled, shaking his head. "You never cease to surprise me, Shaurya. Alright, let's do it."

     The next morning, under the curious gazes of their fellow students, Arjuna and Shaurya stood facing the targets, blindfolded. The challenge was set, and anticipation hung in the air.

     With their eyes covered, they drew their bows, relying on instinct and trust. The sound of their arrows releasing was met with silence, followed by the thud of arrows hitting the targets. When the blindfolds were removed, both arrows had struck true, a testament to their skill and the bond they shared.

     Yudhishthira approached them, pride evident in his eyes. "You both continue to impress us all," he said. "Your bond is truly special."

    Shaurya nodded, looking at Arjuna with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without my Sakha."

     Arjuna smiled, his heart full. "And I couldn't ask for a better Sakha."

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