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The ancient marketplace of Hastinapur was alive with the scent of roasted spices and the hum of early afternoon traders. Near the entrance, two chariots creaked to a sudden halt, kicking up a small cloud of golden dust.
Kul: (Crossing his arms, his face flushed with comical, childish fury) You both cheated! I saw it! That was completely unfair
Duryodhan: (Leaning back against his chariot, an amused smirk playing on his lips) Kul, my quiet friend, I simply took everything the track gave me. Strategy isn't cheating.
Dushala: (Stepping forward, putting her hands on her hips with a dramatic, funny scowl) We saw exactly what you did, Bhrata! Don't try to deny it. And you too, Janu Di! You were totally in on it
Jhanvi didn't even try to look innocent. Instead, she flashed a bright grin and playfully stuck her tongue out like a mischievous child.
Duryodhan’s smirk softened into a rare, genuine smile as he watched her. For as long as anyone could remember, the Kuru crown prince was a man etched out of stone he stood tall, held his head high, and never bent his knee or his pride for anyone. He rarely spoke a gentle word to anyone besides his sister, Dushala. Yet, his rigid world was shifting. This Kaliyug girl, who had tumbled into their lives from an entirely different era, was somehow managing to make the stubborn warrior follow her lead, softening his sharp edges without him even realizing it.
Before Kul could protest any further, the sound of hoofbeats announced the arrival of the rest of the group. Karn and Sri brought their chariot to a smooth stop just behind them.
Yudi: (Walking up to meet them, a warm, knowing smile on his face) What took you so long, Mitr? We thought you lost your way.
Karn: (Glancing beside him, an affectionate, teasing glint in his eyes) Actually, Sri got a bit terrified by the speed of the race. For the sake of her peace of mind, I had to slow the horses down.
Duryodhan: (Laughing heartily, throwing his shoulders back) Whatever the excuse, Mitr, a loss is a loss! Jhanvi and I claimed the victory fair and square.
Kul: (Muttering under his breath, still crossing his arms) Still cheating... I don't accept it.
Yudi: (Raising a hand, chuckling) Enough, stop it, both of you. A race is just a race.
Bheem: (Stepping forward, rubbing his hands together mischievously) Ah, but a bet is a bet! Mitr Karn, since your chariot came in last, the penalty is clear: you must buy a gift for each one of us. And since Sri is our honored guest, she shall accompany you to help select them.
Karn: (Shaking his head with a quiet smile) Very well, Bheem. I accept the defeat.
The girls immediately huddled together, whispering excitedly about the vast market stalls ahead.
Pritha: (Gently pushing Sri forward) Sakhiyas, come along, we have a massive shopping list to finish! Sri, you go with Karn Bhai. After all, a game is a game, and he needs your Kaliyug eye to pick the best things
Sri looked at her sisters, who gave her encouraging nods and thumbs-up. With a bright smile, she agreed.
The large group quickly organized themselves and split into four directions
