Court of Hastinapura
Hastinapura court was as lively as ever as the messenger from Panchala has arrived with invitation for sayamvara of Panchal princess Krishnaa. King Dhritarashtra was seated in the throne. Kuru elder Debabrata Bheeshma was seated beside him as well. Prince Suyodhana along with his brothers and friends were assembled there as the messenger was reading the invitation letter of king Drupada.
“princess Krishnaa of Panchala” is this the same princess who had risen from inside the offering pyre along with her twin brother?” Shakuni asked with a raising eyebrow
“born out of fire.. agnikanya is it” Prince Suyodhana raised his eyebrow. “Mitra Vasusena do you really believe that?” He asked to the tall bright skinned man seating beside him as his eyes were twinkling in amusement.
“It doesn’t matter what I believe but it’s good to know there is someone else with connection of fire.” Chuckled Vasusena the handsome fudal king of Anga and best friend and confidante of Prince Suyodhana.
Suyodhana smirked as he knows how his friend is drawn to the warmth of sun god maybe because he always harboured a fire within his heart.
“it doesn’t matter whether this princess is daughter of fire or adopted by king Drupada from those priests. She is foretold to be the reason of the destruction of Kuru clan.” Remarked grandfather Bheeshma. “so why king Drupada has sent the invitation to kurus themselves? Especially considering the history of the rivalry between Kuru and Panchala” Bheeshma had a heavy frown placard on his face. He doubted Drupada never forgot the memory of the humiliating defeat of his father Prisita in the hand of Debabrata Bheeshma. And then comes Drupada’s own defeat in the hand of five pandava brothers. Now Pandavas are not here what if it is some kind of ploy Panchal king?
“Uncle I think we must accept the invitation” said Dhritarashtra. “may be this is Drupada’s effort to rebuilt the bridge between Kuru and Panchala.”
“and then it was the Pandavas who defeated and imprisoned Panchal king. And they are no more. So what stops Kuru princes to attend now?” Remarked Shakuni excitedly making Suyodhana and his brothers smirk. But Suyodhana’s smile disappeared seeing Vasusena’s grim face. King of Anga never believed that Pandavas could die by accident that easily especially when the fire was not instigated by Kauravas order.
Shakuni’s words displeased kuru elders as well
“perhaps king of Gandhar has forgotten that it was the kaurava princes who attacked Panchal king first and failed terribly it was the Pandavas with Arjuna’s skill and Bheema’s strength that saved the day along with honor of kurus when even boasting to be lord Parsuram’s deciple remained futile.” As minister Vidura remarked Vasusena’s face turned stern.
He still didn’t forget his futile attempt to help his friend that day. Yes he failed to do much against Drupada. Because this was Acharya Drona’s war and Drona only had taught Basusena basic skill. So he couldn’t use his advanced lesson taught by lord Parsuram his skill couldn’t be tested to its fullest and his basic skill was not enough against the Panchala.
“apology my king” said the messenger “ my job was only to deliver the invitation for the willing king and princes to accept the challenge to win the competition and acquire princess Krishnaa’s hand as the trophy. “if Kuru king is kind enough to give his answer this messenger will convey it to king of Panchala”
“yes I accept all my sons will attend the sayamvara” replied King Dhritarashtra with a grin.
“Not only kuru princes their friends will attend as well” said Suyodhana holding Vasusena’s shoulder.
“But Mitra, Anga is only a feudatory of Hastinapura hence not on the invitation list. So I can’t attend the sayamvara.” Replied Vasusena with a sigh. He knows being king of Anga didn’t change his position much.
“that’s nonsense invitation to kurus include all their friends and fudals as well. So you must join us.” Announced Suyodhana with an affirmative nods from his brothers and Shakuni.
“And we heard princess is an exquisite dark beauty, don’t you want to meet her?” Prince Sushasana remarked with a smirk.
“Well okay as you wish Mitra. I also am eager to know about the competition.” Vasusena smiled at last.
YOU ARE READING
Karna and Draupadi - A Forbidden Tale
Historical Fictionit is a story about two forbidden lovers. Draupadi rejected Karna on account of being low born and garlanded Arjuna but her dreams were shattered when she got divided among five pandavas. Fate brought them closer again and a forbidden relationship...