Arjun and Ashwatthama were staying at a palace, not very far from Ayodhya's royal palace. In his service, AvadhiNaresh had lined his best servants.
Suddenly people found it very easy to respect him, not because he was IndraprasthNaresh or the slayer of Takshak; But only because he was now the 'to be wedded husband' of Ayodhya's only Princess.
Though some Kings respected him out of his status, a few did so in fear of his strength. Arjun. he who lifted the legendary bow in a single hand, shot an impossible aim effortlessly, and of course, the fact that he had single-handedly killed Takshak and defeated Gods a few months prior.
The praises and sonnets of bravery were sung in the streets of Ayodhya.
Very similarly like old times. The same streets once heard the praises of Devi Sita, who was misunderstood and misjudged; And now was Arjun, who finally got the respect he deserved.
Among those Kings, there was one, a Prince, who neither feared nor misjudged Arjun; For he already knew the might of the man. The son of Gandhari, Duryodhan. The nephew of Shakuni waited for no time and proceeded to meet and greet Arjun, just after the Swayamvar, publicly, conveying that he was friends with Arjun.
Arjun, the noble man he was, never for once doubted Duryodhan's intentions, and why would he? After all Duryodhan had been all good to him, even when he had nothing. Only if it were to be true. Duryodhan decided that Arjun would be his friend only after he saw Arjun challenging Karn, for anyone to challenge the son of Suryadev, it would take greater things.
Like a diamond merchant, Duryodhan had already observed and concluded that Arjun would be a very powerful ally.
"Mitra Arjun, I must say, you look quite handsome. I am sure, many maidens in the halls of Avadh would be envious of Rajkumari Nayantara, for she would be the one to decorate you with garland." Duryodhan spoke, being seated on a couch with Drauni on the other side, looking at Arjun and giving him advices for his wedding dress.
"I agree with you Mitra Duryodhan." Ashwatthama added, smirking at his friend.
Arjun's cheeks turned a little red, but he paid no mind to them. He continued to look in every direction except theirs.
"Maharaj, the princess of Chedi are waiting outside." A guard announced. Arjun nodded, granting them permission.
Chedi was a powerful Kingdom, ruled by Maharaj Shishupal. His father, Dridhavat had passed away a year back, leaving his only son to take up the Kingdom, and two daughters. Arjun knew Shishupal through many means, one that he was Krishna's cousin from his mother's side, and that he was Nayantara's cousin through his father's.
The Princesses of Chedi were twins, younger to Shishupal. The elder one was named Karenumati, which meant as majestic as a female elephant, and younger one was name Anviksha, which meant faith.
"Pranipaat Jijashree." The twins greeted in sync, smiling brightly. "We have come here to ask for your permission," Anviksha, the youngest of Chaidya siblings spoke.
"Permission for what?" Arjun asked.
"We asked Bhratashree if we could go with Nayana Jiji for a few days, and he said to ask you." Karenumati continued, making an unbelievably irresistible face.
"Well I don't a reason of why you can't." Arjun said smiling.
Karenumati and Anviksha looked at each other, the first part of their mission was completed, and now what was left was second part. Anviksha smiled nervously before asking, "And would you mind teaching some of the things you know?"
Arjun looked confused, and so id the other occupants of the room.
Karenumati flushed red and poked her sister, visibly hard, "We know that this is not the right as you are just about to get married, but we were wondering if you could teach us warfare as well." She spoke impossibly fast, and Arjun almost doubted some inhuman strength.
"Sure." Arjun said.
The twins looked excited and literally jumped, "Thank you Jijashree," and ran out in a seconds.
Arjun shook his head, his sister'in'law's were like little kids. He turned to his friends and saw Ashwatthama in deep thinking, "What is it Drauni?" Arjun asked.
"You are getting married. I can't believe it."
"He was married before as well." Duryodhan chirped in.
Ashwatthama nodded, "Yes but- this is different. I don't know why. But it feels like I was waiting for this, from a long time, longer than I can imagine." He had an unknown aura as he spoke the words.
"And maybe you were." Krishna entered the room, walking straight to his friend, with of course, passing a mischievous wink to Ashwatthama. Drauni looked confused, but knew he would be more confused if asked a question, and hence kept his mouth closed.
"You look amazing my friend, but wait a second- something is missing." Krishna commented with a fake sad expression.
"What is incomplete? I have myself checked his appearance. Nothing is missing." Duryodhan said, being offended that someone doubted his skills.
"Kshatriya Yodha, Vivah main bhi nishastra nahi jaate." He said, looking at Arjun, without a single weapon on him. Krishna pulled out an under-sized dagger, no longer than a finger, and handed it to Arjun, "This looks small, but can penetrate the toughest shields. Arm yourself with it." Arjun nodded, tucking the dagger in his waist sleeve.
A few minutes later, Arjun, followed by Ashwatthama, Krishna and Duryodhan, entered the Rang Mandap, ready for the wedding.
Soon Nayantara came, followed by sisters and friends, dressed in the same attire as her Swayamvar, bejeweled with more ornaments, and a huge smile adorning her face.
She was happy, for now, she would become his. His wife, his better half.
Her hairs would be tied, with his name. The partition of her hairs would be adorned with kumkum, bright red, just the way their martial life would be, bright and filled with love.
Her dreams turned to reality, as she sat next to him, her hand in his, as her father did her Kanyadaan, giving the responsibilities of her to him.
He filled the parting of her hairs with holy sindoor, signifying that she was now his wife.
They were married, tied in a relation of seven births and what comes beyond. Joined in a game of falling in love, with the same person, again and again.
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Shishupal is younger than Krishna, and then Renu is his daughter. Bahut age difference aajata so I changed the relationship.
Anviksha🤩 kaisi lagi batana jaroor.
FACE CLAIM FOR ANVIKSHA:
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Reasons why I completed the wedding in small?
1. I don't know any rituals. 2. I already wrote the vows in ArPi wedding.
