Jarasandh was the King of Magadh, dominating a powerful kingdom and had captured several Kings in his dungeons. Aryavart trembled with the name of Jarasandh.
Jarasandha's father, King Brihadratha, was married to the twin daughters of the king of . Brihadratha loved both his wives equally but had no sons. The sage Chandakaushika visited his kingdom and gave fruit to the king as a boon.
The king divided the fruit equally between both of his wives. Soon, both wives became pregnant and gave birth to two halves of a human body. These two lifeless halves were very horrifying to view, so Brihadratha ordered them to be thrown in the forest.
A demoness named Jara found the two halves and picked up one with her right hand, one with her left, holding each piece in her palm. When she brought both of her palms together, the two pieces joined, becoming a living child. The child cried loudly, which caused Jara to panic.
Not having the heart to eat a living child, Jara took the baby to the king and explained to him all that had happened. The father was overjoyed to see his son. In return for saving Brihadratha's son, he was named Jarasandha after her. The meaning of Jarasandha is "the one who is joined by Jara".
He had huge Army, strong warriors and what not. To fight against such an Army just after a day of a War, it was terrifying.
Without Arjun, the soldiers of Indraprasth felt dejected and did not carry the mental strength to face Jarasandh.
"Maharani, I do not think it would be a good idea for you to participate in the War. And before you say anything, it isn't because I doubt your skills, it's because without Maharaj, Indraprasth is like orphan, if anything, I pray that nothing happens but if something happens then?" Kritvarma stated a point.
Uloopi glanced at Nayantara, "Things are different now, if anything happened to me then Rani Nayantara is there." She said leaving no room for any discussion.
"Then we would be honoured to fight under your command, your highness," Kritvarma spoke formally.
"I will not be leading."
Kritvarma was confused, "Ashwatthama will be." And just Uloopi said, Ashwatthama came, panting, as he was probably running.
"CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN SOME THINGS TO ME?" He said, literally growling like a panther.
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Arjun opened his eyes next morning, the first rays of sun were yet to touch the ground, but it wasn't dark, Arjun saw a few people sleeping, he recognised them as the royals of Hastinapur.
Coincidentally, Yudhisthir was awake, looking out for any dangers, if existing. "Maharaj," He called out seeing Arjun's eyes open.
Arjun stared at Yudhisthir and then at himself, he gratefully looked at the eldest Pandav, "Thank you." He said, expressing his gratitude, not only for saving him, but also for saving everyone around.
"I do not know how to repay you, for everything." Arjun said, standing up.
"You don't have to, it was my duty," Yudhisthir said smiling. The eldest Pandav bought some water and offered it to Arjun.
"But I do want to. Just like this, Uloopi once saved your brother, at a condition. So I too will give you a blank promise Yudhisthir." Arjun said, using his name. Arjun using his name gave chills to both of them.
Yudhisthir immediately denied, "Things are different. That time she was a Queen, and not bound to help anyone outside her Kingdom. Now, we are Vanvasi and it is out moral duty to help everyone.
But I also know that once a King has given his word, he cannot take it back.
Thus, all I request is, please forgive my younger brothers.
They were rude and insulted you. Please forgive them.""I do." Arjun said smiling, he wasn't the one to hold grudges forever, that too on some spoilt Princes.
"Maharaj, also it is not that I do not wish to welcome you, but I do think that you must hurry back.
From what I know, Indraprasth is a strong Kingdom but it's Army isn't built well, yet. And we have heard about the war with Nivatakavachas, it was four days back and you have been here for four days.
There are many Kingdoms who would now like to claim the land as theirs. Indraprasth could be in danger." Yudhisthir explained.
"I will but before that I must know somethings." Arjun took a deep breath, and asked, "Who's idea was it to use Sandalwood?"
"Mine." Arjun looked satisfied with the answer.
"And second, why are you a vanvasi now?"
Yudhisthir chuckled, but Arjun did not miss the pain in his laughter, "We are richer now, in terms of family." Was the only thing he said.
Yudhisthir, knowing that Duryodhan was Arjun's friend, did not take any names or indicated anything but gave an indirect reply such that it conveyed perfectly what it was meant to.
Arjun nodded understanding, he did not press anymore.
He looked at other Pandavas and again at Yudhisthir, "Allow me," And then, Arjun left for Indraprasth.
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Few hours later, he entered Indraprasth, it was almost evening and everything was gloomy. "For Satyaki," He thought but was surprised to see something else.
Ashwatthama, who was in the village having a meet with elders and leaders; Obviously experience had ideas he could not even think of.
He was surprised seeing Arjun, so early. He pulled Arjun and dragged him to chariot, "There is a problem, or two." He said.
"Jarasandh?" Arjun sounded so cool, unnaturally calm.
"You know Ashwatthama, I am tired. Why do people want bloodshed, for a piece of land? That they will not even live for more than 100 years? What's the use?" He asked.
"Neither do I understand." Ashwatthama spoke with a sigh, "anyway, we can propose a peace treaty now that you are here.
Jarasandh knows your power, he thought that neither of us would be here and with our presence, he knows that he might not win."
"I know, but I am sure he would not accept." Arjun spoke, calculating a few things.
"Why?" Ashwatthama looked at him.
Arjun took a deep breath .......
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If it confusing to keep the tracks of Days:
Here you go:D1- Satyaki reaches Kurki
N1- Fight and Satayki diesD2- Morning that soldier comes and Satyaki funeral
N2- Arjun fights with Nivatakavachas and wins.D3- Arjun leaves and this whole story spreads. Pandvas find arjun and starts Sandalwood process. Jarasandh gets to know/leaves
N4-D4- Arjun is still meditating (skipped this day as whole)
N4-D5- Arjun opened his eyes. And present scene of Arjun being COOOOOOL.
CLEAR?
Double update *dancing*
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✓ Narottam Arjun: Soul of the Sage
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