Dancing Flames

12. Best Friends! Forever?

Shubhangini played happily with the kids. She was currently settled in Prativindhya's lap who was making her eat and entertain at the same time.

Meanwhile all the younger boys were dancing or doing something around. It looked like a little child club with Satyabhama as the caretaker.

It might look hard for anyone viewing, but Satyabhama handled it like a pro and more importantly she was enjoying the job.

The most antique piece in this kids club was Suthanu, the girl couldn't help but put her chubby fingers in Shubhangini's long hairs, which were long, for a baby.

Every time Suthanu tried to touch, her hand would skip away. Shubhangini's hairs were so soft, smooth and silky that Suthanu's hand couldn't rest, it would slide down always.

Prativindhya would was making sure that Shubhangini would eat smiled seeing his sister's efforts.

Unlike any baby would have tried to snatch the hair after so many tries, Suthanu was still calm and patient.

Like Ajatshatru's baby version, calm and patient.

Shubhangini was also intrigued by Suthanu's hands which were not staying, and for Shubhangini it were the magical hands.

"Jyesth," Called out Shatanika, yawning a little. 

Satyabhama noticed the all the kids were bit tired,  "Nika," She called out the boy, "First you eat then you can sleep."

But Shatanika just stood and closed his eyes, taking a small nap. Satyabhama giggled, and went back to the hut where Pandavas, Krishna, Kalindi and Uloopi were.

"Jyesth," Bhu Devi called out Yudhisthir, her voice was soft and serene, "What should we feed Shubhangini," Even knowing what kids of her age ate, she still asked, Yudhisthir was eldest among the guardians of Shubhangini and he would know better about her eating habits and allergies. 

"You know much better Bhabhi," Yudhisthir replied. Satyabhama smiled, and walked out. 

"Jyesth," Krishna said, "I am going to Hastinapur to meet Bua, and Satyabhama and Kalindi were missing Bua so we would be leaving, and meanwhile I can leave the Kids here. They will also feel much better with you all." He suggested.

Yudhisthir looked surprised, "Krishna, I do think it will be a good idea. The Kids won't be safe with us." Even if this was hard to say, the Pandavas were financially or by any means were equipped for so many kids.

"You are the best warriors, if they are not safe with you, then they are safe nowhere." Krishna chuckled.

Just then Arjun and Uloopi entered, "Jyesth, I think it's time for me to leave." Said Uloopi, glancing at her husband who's face carried a sad smile.

She bent down to take his blessings, "Kalyanamastu." Yudhisthir blessed.

She then took Bheem and Krishna's blessings. Giving Arjun a last glance, she started walking out. Arjun, taking a cue followed her out.

"How is Babruvahana?" He asked. "He is fine, and has taken a particular liking towards Archery." Uloopi replied.

Arjun smiled softly.

Uloopi came near all the kids and saw Satyabhama feeding everyone with her hands, lovingly calling out a few anecdotes. 

"Jiji," Uloopi said taking her blessings as well. "Iravan, come here," She said and her son came out running.

"Pita," the first time Arjun heard his son call him that. He took his eldest son in his hands and lovingly held him close.

Uloopi gave a pained smile as she saw them. Arjun handed his son a small dagger, "Keep this," He felt guilty for not having any other gift to give his son.

"I want to be a great warrior like you one day Pita," Spoke Iravan.

"Yes, just follow your mother's footsteps. And then one day will come when you will win and even the enemies would bow down before you." Said Arjun.

After a few minutes, Uloopi left.

But Arjun did not question her decision, she single-handedly raised their son alone, and he had no right to question her. 

He glanced back at all other children and smiled, it would a be good week for everyone.

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Hello peeps *waves shyly* how are you all?

Now- I want to say something very important: 

SO: As I had announced that book will continue and will show Shubhangini as Samragyi one day-
But then I thought over it a lot and nope, it won't.

You see, the theme of the book was of Draupadi experiencing childhood and will end when her childhood ends, i.e. just before/after Kurukshetra war.

Now I am yet to decide whether to add the war or not- 
Mostly mann nahi hai kyunki the moment war starts, she won't be a kid; after seeing the cruel and harsh reality of war....

What do you suggest? War or No War?

And yes, the updates will be shorter as the loner chapters can't hold so much cuteness of Shubhu in them *grins*