✓ Narottam Arjun: Soul of the Sage

s e v e n

Arjun sounded sane, but he was very far from the sanity, he ordered his Army to get ready who cheerfully worked seeing him and Ashwatthama, their confidence was boasted.

He ordered Vrinda to leave and return back to Hastinapur, also with few instructions about a certain letter she had to give to their father's employer.

Vrinda was adamant, she did not wish to leave, but one stern look from her brother and she had to agree. Afterall, he was just looking out for her.

Arjun had a master strategy for against Jarasandh. He knew that as a newly formed Kingdom, he did not have a string Army, even if he had Ashwatthama, Uloopi and Kritvarma, the other soldiers weren't skilled, not yet.

Thus, the best idea would be a one-on-one duel, that either him or Ashwatthama would fight. But there was a possibility that Jarasandh might agree, knowing that they are in Army.

Arjun had a back-up plan where he and Ashwatthama would annihilate the entire Army using Divyastra, which might now be the best of plans and would be used as last resort. 

The night approached soon, and the moon was above their heads. The sun would rise next morning, along with a vicious war on doors.

Arjun was working alone in one of the offices. Uloopi had come by a few minutes ago, to check up on him, but did not stay for long as she had to get ready for tomorrow, it hurt her to leave him but she had to.

She had confessed her love, three magical words, just before she left. But the difference was, she spoke out fear, that she may never get to say again. Uloopi had this weird thought stuck her mind, from the moment Satyaki had died, she realized that life is uncertain and one may not live to see tomorrow; It made her more realistic but also pessimistic who thought that death was upon her, now.

'knock knock' Arjun heard a slight knock on the partially opened main door, he looked up from his work and saw his wife, the newly wedded bride standing.

"Arya," She called, for the first time, and then it hit Arjun-
It was the first time they would talk after entering Indraprasth.

"Nayantara," He said, gesturing her to sit to next to him. 

Nayantara looked tensed, worried, but not scared, anyone would have been scared seeing his angry avatar. But not her, she who fell in love with him, seeing his inner beauty.

"How are you holding up?" She asked, settling next to him, holding his hands. Arjun sighed, "Fine I guess." 

"Tell me." She asked again, knowing that Arjun wasn't fully opening so as to not burden her. 

"I don't know, everything is happening so fast. And now this consequent attacks;
Am I the right person to be the King of Indraprasth?"

Nayantara leaned in his chest, "Tell me one thing- What boon did Mahadev gave to Nivatakavachas?"

"That only a person who can kill all of them in a single arrow in a single night could kill them." 

"Hmmm," Nayantara nodded, "And in the entire Aryavart, apart from Kanha, who has the strength to fight Jarasandh?"

"Me, Ashwatthama, Dau, and Rajkumar Bheem." Arjun replied being confused.

"Tell me who in this mortal world fought all Gods and Gandharvas alone and won?"

"Me."

"And who impressed Mahadev with his valour and earned Pashupatrastra?"

"Me."

"And what does Kanha calls you? What does it mean?"

"Parth, the one who never misses."

"And the people of Indraprasth call you?

"Mahaveer."

"Why?"

"Because I fought Takshak and forgave Mayaasur."

"And who is common in all my question?" Nayantara's last question surprised Arjun.

"Arya, if you were not worthy to be a King then Kanha wouldn't have let you be the King. And you are the son of Devraj, you were born to be the King." Nayantara said.

Arjun nodded, a little confused still but he got her point as well. 

"Now you must sleep Arya, tomorrow will be a long day," She added knowingly.

Arjun nodded. Chandana was about to stand when he held her hands, "Thank you." he whispered.

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Arjun woke up determined. He got ready in a simple attire, which was unlikely as a King and walked towards the main hall. 

"Maharaj," Kareumati, the elder Chaidyaa called out, "Bhrata Shishupal has sent his Army to support you." She informed.

"Thank you Rajkumari Karenumati, it means a lot," Arjun spoke with gratitude.

Chedi was a neighbouring kingdom, with efficient Army. Though Arjun hadn't been in contact with Shishupal, him sending his Army for him meant a lot. 

Soon a messenger from Jarasandh's saide came, he was dressed overly for the occasion and a vicious smirk on his lips. Arjun knew that this person was trouble.

"Pranipat Maharaj Arjun. I am Samrat Jarasandh's messenger and the commander of his Armies." He said, "My name is Devdutt."

"Pranipat Devdutt Mahoday, tell us what does Maharaj Jarasandh wants to say that he needed to bring an entire Army for that." Arjun asked sternly.

"He is very generous, you see, and thus he is sending a message. Surrender Indraprasth, and there will be no bloodshed." He said very normally.

Hearing this, the court tensed, they knew that Jarasandh would fight, and their Army even with Chedi's help wasn't much. But Ashwatthama? He burst out laughing at those words. Everyone stared at him while Arjun pressed him lips together so as to not laugh along with him.

"Is it funny Dron Putra?" Devdutt asked.

"Well," Ashwatthama said between his laughs, "Yes it is. Does Jarasandh." Ashwatthama did not feel the need to use Maharaj before Jarasandh, "thinks that he can fight and win against Indraprasth?"

Everyone in the court chuckled, it was true, to win against ShivShisya was impossible for Jarasandh as well.

"Then we shall meet in the battlefield and decide that Dron Putra. And Samrat Jarsandh will remember this insult." Devdutt said and turned to walk away.

"Devdutt Mahoday, if you would be so kind, give this to your King." Arjun said and at instance a soldier came and gave a small box to him.

Devudtt took it and left. 

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Hello peeps *waves*

How is it?

Also Arjun ka birthday aaraha, and we will celebrate. 

For that day I had planned his birthday party but it doesn't go with the plot *sad face* and I haven't got any other idea *sighs*

But still- I will have a small gift for Arjun to give him on his birthday!!