𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀

CHAPTER 36

The royal palace of Nagasaharya was grieving the 'death' of Pandavas and their mother Kunti. But in a dark corner, Duryodhan was celebrating his victory with his confidants.

"Now the only one left is Manvendra. Then the path to the Kuru throne shall be clear for me." He said sipping his wine.

"Mitra, if you say I shall challenge him for a duel and end him right there and then." Karn said pouring more wine in his chalice.

"Do you really believe, it shall be as easy Angraj ?" Shakuni asked.

"Why won't it be ?" Karn asked, raising his brow.

"It was easy getting rid of Pandavas because they had no power position nor did they have any allies. But Manvendra has a power position ! He has an independent army, best of its kind, under his autonomy ! On top of that he is the son of Vidur ! The Mantri mandal and Mantri Parishad of Hastinapur are his allies." Shakuni said.

"Well it seems we might have to resort to our same ways with him also." Dushashan said.

"But with more caution. He must already know what we did." Shakuni said.

"He does ?" Duryodhan asked with a frown, earning a disappointed look from his uncle.

"You wish to be the crown prince, yet you don't stay updated with the internal matters and happenings of your kingdom ?" The king of Gandhar taunted.

"Come to the point, Mamashree." Duryodhan rolled his eyes.

"Manvendra had gone to inspect Varnavart. It was not on Maharaj's command. That means he either did it on Vidur's behest or on his own accord. Either way it shows that to him our involvement in this conspiracy is clear and known." Shakuni said.

"That wouldn't be a good sign for us. Even Pitamah is hell bent on making him the crown prince." Duryodhan said.

"Follow the same plan. Kill him before he gets the position of crown prince." Shakuni said.

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Dhisana was in the temple made in the palace complex, it was dedicated to Bhagwaan Vishnu. Although she was an ardent devotee of Mahadev, she had began taking interest in the worship of Narayan since she had heard him to be the Aradhyadev of her husband.

The princess of Mlecchas was with Bela, sitting in front of an old priest who was preparing for a ritual. A ritual being undertaken for the sake of Pandavas and their lineage.

Manvendra entered the temple, his hair was still dripping wet, his bare upper body was bereft of any ornaments, just a janeu hanging from the left shoulder. He bowed to the idol of Narayan and then to the priest, before sitting down beside his wife.

The old priest conducted the ritual in proper accordances. Once he was done, Manvendra and Dhisana gave him the appropriate donation and with honour escorted him to the gates, where an attendant shall further escort him to his home.

Manvendra then gazed at Dhisana as they walked side by side back inside.

"You conducted a ritual for the sake of my cousins. I am touched." He said breaking the silence.

"It was my duty as your wife." Dhisana said.

"Still, it means a lot." Manvendra said.

Silence again took over, as the cheeks of Dhisana turned slightly red. She quickly gazed down, her hand fidgeting with the long pearl necklace that hung till her waist.

Still looking at her, Manvendra sighed internally. Although he was devoid of happiness, sadness, anger, or any other emotion, which made him lead a detached life, he could feel himself getting attached to her.

But he couldn't put his finger on what it was that drew him to her. Was it her beauty and innocence ? Or perhaps her kindness and simplicity ? Nevertheless, there was something that was pulling him to her.

It was ironic how he who always wished to be alone and find solace in silence, but now he didn't seem to mind his wife's company or her talks. Manvendra found that he was no longer content with being detached and aloof, at least not from her.

But there lingered a doubt in his mind, especially after last night's conversation between them. Can he be the ideal husband for her that she prayed to Mahadev for ? He didn't know. He didn't know where to begin.

'Perhaps I really need to think this one through.' He thought.

"Salutations to you both !" A servant came to them both, he was accompanied by the royal messanger, real one this time.

"Vidurputra, I bring the message of Kuru Samrat to you." The messanger said showing the scroll to him.

Manvendra took the scroll and began reading it. It was the expected letter, calling him back to Nagasaharya, like every year, but this time he was asked to post haste due the political situation.

"Inform Maharaj Dhritrashtra that I shall reach by today evening only." Manvendra said to the messanger who bowed with a nod.

The face of Dhisana fell, she knew the letter was going to come soon, if not today then tomorrow. But the idea of being separated from her newly wedded husband, that too in monsoon, was deeply saddening to her.

'He'll be back soon. It's only a matter of a few days.' She consoled herself.

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A/N

Dhisana learning it the hard way that life is not a fairy tale 🙃🙃