•|| Arjun~ Becoming the Peerless One ||• (II) ✔

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝟷𝟷

Hastinapur, Gajasahrya

Arjun's POV

A few days appeared to swiftly pass by within a blink of an eye, with us adjusting to the novel lifestyle. Neither we had to worry about the availability of food, nor clothes, nor about the balance of materials so that it lasts longer than usual. Being content with what we were offered previously, the very now things appeared excess. 

My body wasn't covered with saffron clothes multiply sued, rather a fresh pair royal garments would be laid down every morning. Gone were the clay ornaments, they were replaced by coruscating gold ones. Personal attendants to assist and explain us, we were also being taught the etiquettes.

It was amusing, to be exposed to so such huge masses. 

We were cordially introduced to the RaajSabha after a few days along with proper introduction. Common masses had gathered, whisperings and murmurs, along with gasps of astonishment as we were guided by Pitamah and Tatshree Vidur. Yet their eyes shone and sparkled, witnessing us as we were taken for mass viewing. 

Their eyes were epoxied upon us, them flickering with hope as they glanced at the five of yes and yelling praises of joy. Hope, in their eyes. And speculations that we would be restoring the lost glory of Hastinapur?

So much faith they inculcated in us, at such an early stage. I couldn't help but muse at their stances, their musings which echoed loud enough to be contemplated. 

Never did I wonder that those whose faces we never saw since birth, knew so much about us and showered their immense love and respect.

What did we even do for them to gain it? 

Or rather what did I do to have their eyes lowered with respect, or shining with warmth, or a loving hand showering blessings and love in their watery orbs? 

"The love in their eyes you witness in them for you, respect this love my son. Respect it wholeheartedly." Maa's words would echo in my ears, making me smile, "When you would respect their love, you will understand what it means." Her lips would lovingly brush on my forehead as I would hold her close, feeling the heart beat through her bosom. The heart that carried so much love, sacrifice and pain untold. She would rather shove the heads of the five of us deep in her lap and raise her head, so that we do not witness the watery crimson corners of her doe-shaped eyes. 

I sometimes wonder, with what is Pritha Maa even made of?  

My sins appear to be washed with the mere utterance of my mother's name.

***********

"Here here!" I laughed, striding behind and focused on the ball as Nakul hovered it on the air with all his might. Leaping up, my fingers instantly wrapped around it as I passed it to Bhrata Bheem who shoved his head behind and caught it, as we spread further on the ground. 

"Bhrata Bheem, here!" Sahadev grinned, waving his hands as Bhrata laughed, and handed it over to Jyesth instead making him glower as Jyesth smiled, finally passing him the ball. The lush green trees swung as cool winds rustled them, birds chirped melodiously signaling the advent of summers. Trees in the garth were laden with fresh fruits already, the water appeared clearer and the Sun took a longer time to set in the evenings. 

Engaging in mirth would be our thing in the late morning, after our chores were over. Though our formal education would be beginning under Kulguru Kripacharya after a span of time, we still were being disciplined by learned teachers and scholars from around.

Jyesth passed back the ball to me, while I shoved it in the air, waiting it to be caught by Nakul when a familiar larger palm grasped it, from behind him making us halt our stances. 

"Only know how to hover a ball in air, do you all?" Bhrata Duryodhan raised an eyebrow, as hundred and one princes gathered with him, passing vague smirks to each other.

"Now that you've come over Duryodhan, join us also?" Bhrata Bheem articulated towards him with a friendly smile on his face, while we nodded in agreement, "Yes, why don't we play together?" 

"Agreed! The more the merrier," I beamed, walking up towards them. Only Bhrata Vikarn appeared to return a smile a bit more than the others after acknowledging, who were rather busy discussing amidst themselves. They were yet, to be befriended. 

We were now used to there curvy smirks and sniggers occasionally, but nevertheless we would try to be as gentle as possible. Initiative to converse with them would always begin from our side, my heart would drop down at times witnessing how they would never come up and speak to us at their own will. Even if they would, it would be a cordial or a short one. 

Their semi-cold behaviour, was a tough to get through. 

How long would it take for them to finally acknowledge us? Finally address as their own brothers? 

Consider us one amongst their own?  When would we discern the warmth within them?

"But why with a ball?" Bhrata Dushassan intervened, "Let us engage in some other activity, what do you suggest Bhrata?" 

"What should we rather, Dushassan?" Jyesth raised an eyebrow, eyeing them curiously.

"How about a wrestle?" Bhrata Duryodhan's palms grasped his waist, as he eyed the four of us from one end other, "It would rather be a pleasure to witness the prowess you'll possess." His voice hoarse, the slight tone of superiority in it couldn't be evaded alas. 

"A wrestle?" Sahadev glanced at them incredulously.

"Why not?" Bhrata Jalagandh chimed in, stepping forward.

"Then consider me in." Bhrata Bheem confidently bobbed his head, already raising his upper garment, completely prepared for it. I chuckled gazing at his interested face, finally a sport for him which would amuse and interest my dear brother. 

"Very well, then." 

We gathered around an empty ground, which was rather muddy and not hard or pebbled, very apt for wrestling as no one would be injured in the gooey floor. The Kauravs stood at one end, encircling each other and discussing while Bhrata Bheem was gearing up.

"Bheem, be careful but, alright? Do not, injure them." Jyesth whispered in his ear, while he gave an assured nod. 

"Mahodar shall join from our side." Bhrata Duryodhan signaled Bhrata Mahodar, who appeared a bit well built but not much as Bhrata Bheem. Neither lean nor tall, but his figure claimed to be of a wrestler. But would he be a match for Bhrata? I had witnessed him destroying the hardest of boulders and uprooting the mightiest of the trees. A part of me was unconsciously picturing the scene of Bhrata Bheem overtaking him swiftly by an arm or so. 

But yet, the wrestle hadn't begun. 

Bhrata Mahodar tied his lower garment in a knot, rubbing the soil over his body and stepped forward as Bhrata Bheem joined him, earning cheers from our twins. They sought their posts, gearing up to lunge at each other.

"Begin, I say!" 

***********

A/N

Real fun shall begin now ;)

"My sins appear to be washed with the mere utterance of my mother's name." 

This line 🥺😭, shows how Arjun feels Kunti is a Panchakanya 😭💘🥺

Signing off for today!

~Kiritija Nushkie