Vakṣaṇī Dharmā : The Song of Mahabharat

4| New Relevations and Relations

Shock marred the faces of every Pandav. They looked between Mrithika and Krishna repeatedly until Arjun spoke, "But how, Madhav? Is she really from—"

"Kalyug? Yes I am, Arjun. Nice to meet you. We haven't formally introduced ourselves, I'm Mrithika Rathore but just call me Mrithika. That would be enough", Mrithika chirped happily, grinning at the second wave of shock that flashed across each of their faces. Especially Arjun, who seemed like a statue out of stone.

"Y-You could talk"! Nakul exclaimed in surprise.

Mrithika snapped her head in his direction and grinned widely at him, showing him a wide array of ivory teeth. "Of course I can, Prince Nakul. How are you feeling"?

"Alright I suppose, Devi", He replied in a faze. Sahadev snickered at his reaction but stopped when he saw the glare on Nakul's face.

Krishna laughed at Mrithika's antics, knowing full well that she was enjoying their shocks.

"Yes, Jyesth. She's from Kalyug and the reason why she couldn't speak our tongue before was due to the language she is familiar with in the future. The Kaal Chakra was the one who bought her to Hastinapur, and fortunately, that was the moment when Parth was out for his hunting did he chance upon her." Krishna explained, clearing their confusion.

"But why did it bring her to this Yug, Govind? What are we to do now"? Yudhishthir asked, eyeing Mrithika as if she was a puzzle he could not crack.

She gulped.

"That is not my place to tell," Mrithika heaved a sigh of relief, thanking Krishna internally for not divulging the secret of her ugly past. He continued, "It is something she herself is not aware of. Destiny will guide her to her purpose and until then, we shall do everything to make herself feel comfortable in Hastinapur. Can we"? Krishna implored, smiling innocently at the Pandavas.

"We are fine with your decision in letting Devi Mrithika stay here with us but, we should be sure if Pitamah and Tatshree are willing to do so", Yudhishthir answered unsure.

"You need not worry about that. I have explained Mrithika's situation to Maharaj and Mahamahim, and they have been considerate enough to agree on letting Mrithika stay with the Kurus."

Mrithika felt as if a huge amount of weight had been lifted off her shoulders. 'Finally I could stay somewhere'

"Well, in that case, welcome to Hastinapur, Devi. I hope you will be comfortable in staying with us, from now on we, Pandavas and the Kauravas will be like your family", Yudhishthir said, smiling warmly at her.

Mrithika returned his smile and replied, looking at all the Pandavas, "Thank you and if we're supposed to be family then I suggest you stop calling me Devi and start calling me by my name itself".

The Pandavas nodded with a brilliant grin gracing their faces. "Although, we might be happy in having you here, we can't say the same for our cousins, the Kauravas. They are never happy with anything unless it gives them something valuable in return. I don't know we're even related", Bheem warned, not hiding his distaste for the sons of Dhritarashtra.

"Bheem, that's not way to speak about your brothers", Yudhisthir chided, a slight scowl renting his face.

"Well he's not lying either, Jyesth. But that doesn't mean everyone of them are a rotten egg, Bhrata Yuyutsu and Vikarn are the only nice Kauravas along with Dushala. I'm sure you won't have any problem from their side", Nakul was quick to defend both the sets of his brothers and that was something Mrithika was impressed with.

At least people didn't forget a few good men.

"Now that everything's sorted out , I shall take my leave", Krishna interrupted, happy at how the Pandavas and Mrithika were bonding. His job there was done, but not quite yet.