Vakṣaṇī Dharmā : The Song of Mahabharat

17| If I Die Young

Mrithika's throat was as dry as the lands of Rajasthan. Her eyes darted forth between Kunti, Purochan and Shakuni. She didn't mind the elderly woman but what worried her the most was the presence of the latter two.

And none of them were any good. Their smiles were like poisoned honey, sweet yet malicious.

"Your highness, it's good for the young Kalyugi princess to have a glimpse of our beautiful countryside of Varnavrat and witness the lasting glory of our late king Pandu," Purochan implored, stealing glances at Shakuni.

Shakuni happily obliged. "Yes, Rajamata. If she is to stay here she needs to learn the ways of the Kurus. What better way than to have a tour around the villages of our empire? I suppose it's been a month since she has arrived", He persuaded.

"Oh that's fine. I can go anytime. It seems like the ceremony at Varnavrat is more important than just a memorable visit", Mrithika intervened at a pathetic attempt to exclude herself but Shakuni waved his hand dismissively at her.

"Nonsense! You do not know of the beauty of Varnavrat despite it being a village. The villagers there hold King Pandu with great respect for his character. Purochan has also taken a great effort to construct a mansion for your accommodation there. Please do not let it go in vain", Shakuni grinned. For once, Mrithika expressed fear at the hidden intention behind his smile.

'Oh I won't but I'm sure the others will' she thought with wry humour.

Kunti had a thoughtful look on about her face as Mrithika silently prayed for her to change her views. After a moment of constant persuasions from both Shakuni and his henchmen, Purochan, she finally gave up and agreed to their terms.

"Perhaps, it would do you good to visit Varnavrat, Putri".

A befallen expression caved on her features whilst a ghost of a smile crept upon Shakuni's lips. He and Purochan shared a look as their plan came to the verge of success.

Mrithika forced a painful smile as she nodded slowly, her eyes subtly turning to glare at the conspirator duo. "Perhaps".

Her ivory teeth gnashed as Mrithika watched the bees buzz around the palace garden, jumping from one flower to another in the hopes of acquiring sweet nectar. She couldn't believe that her entire plan that was carefully crafted for her stay at Hastinapur was reduced to ashes by the likes of Shakuni and his minions.

Her eyes flitted across the garden and landed across a lone figure nearby the honeysuckle plants creeping upon an intricate arch. For a moment Mrithika thought she saw Duryodhan and was ready to fling a rock at him and run away from the scene of crime, but on careful inspection she saw otherwise.

Despite being warped in royal robes befitting a royal of high status he was not one of those typical Kauravas spare Vikarn who had been a complete gentleman. He held a bow in one his hands and Mrithika was sure she saw him among the other hundred Kaurava brothers. With his back turned it was quite difficult for her to identify him and so crept behind the figure to his spot.

The person sensed someone behind him and his reflexes urged him to whip around in alarm.

"Ah, Devi Mrithika! I failed to see you there! Apologies for my lack of knowledge", He apologised sheepishly. Mrithika was a bit taken aback by his courteous response and discovered the identity of the royal.

Yuyutsu, one of the unsung heroes of the Kurukshetra war.

Mrithika waved his apology dismissively, " It's fine, I'm the one to blame for sneaking up like that". She continued, "It's rare to see a Kaurava away from one of his brothers, what brought you here alone"?