The streets of Nagasaharya were covered with vibrant flowers. Young and old alike eagerly gathered, donning their finest attire, eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of their adored Princes who were returning after a prolonged absence, accompanied by their newly-wed wives, the enchanting new additions to the Kuru family.
As the regal chariots of Pandavas and Manvendra, passed through the decorated lanes with the palanquins of Draupadi, Kunti and Dhisana, the resounding cheers and jubilant applause erupted from the crowd, their excitement palpable in the air.
"Prince Arjun ! Prince Arjun look here !"
"Prince Yudhishthir has come ! Our rightful king has come !"
"Prince Manvendra ! Yudh-jeevi ! Our guardian !"
People filled the air with oceanic waves of joyous shrieks and heartfelt shouts of happiness. The rhythm of drums, trumpets, and flutes echoed in harmony with the beating hearts, creating an ecstatic symphony of celebration.
From inside the palanquin, a smile appeared on the face of Dhisana as she heard the cheers for her husband. It filled her heart with great pride and joy, witnessing the excitement of the citizens.
Still there were some who were being fueled by envy and jealousy.
The hundred Kaurav brothers, from the palace, had bitter emotions surging in them as they observed the overwhelming popularity enjoyed by their royal relatives. The popularity of Pandavas and Manvendra served as a stark reminder of their own inadequacies and failures in comparison.
"Will we have to stand here all day !?" Duryodhan groaned in annoyance, for he couldn't bear to hear the cheers and praises for his cousins.
"It is the royal protocol, dear nephew. You must welcome them." Shakuni, who was leaning by the side of the pillar with folded arms, said.
"Welcome ? I can't even bear to look at them !" Duryodhan exclaimed.
"Bear it a little longer, while I think of something." Shakuni said.
"Think of what ? Another failure plan ?" Karn, who was standing beside Duryodhan and listening to the conversation till now, commented.
"I suggest you to keep quite, especially after what happened at the Swayamvar in Panchal." Shakuni snapped.
Karn clenched his jaw before diverting his gaze, not wanting to cause a scene in front of all. Duryodhan shook his head and looked at his wife, Bhanumati, who was looking at the crowd with a displeased expression.
"What's the matter dear ?" Duryodhan asked.
"We never got such a welcome when brought me here." She said, her voice laced with disappointment.
"Commoners can be stupid. They are blinded." Duryodhan said.
"But it's unfair." Chandramukhi, the wife of Dushashan said.
"We have always been treated unfairly because of them." Dushashan said.
He looked at the chariots who had now halted inside the premises of the palace frontyard. Envy seemed to be consuming his entire self as he saw them getting showered with an abundance of flowers, symbolizing love and reverence.
The eyes of Bhanumati and Chandramukhi, were stuck on Draupadi and Dhisana who came out of their palanquins. They were dressed in the most resplendent silk garments and adorned with the most exquisite ornaments. Both of them seemed to have enchanted the entire front yard with their presence.
"What a show off." Bhanumati commented, Chandramukhi scoffed showing her agreement.
Draupadi went to Yudhishthir, while Dhisana went towards Manvendra. Now holding the hands of their wives, they all walked towards the palace, as flowers kept being showers on them.
"Were you bored ?" Manvendra asked in a whisper.
"A little." Dhisana said, still maintaining a smile on her face.
Climbing up the stairs, they finally reached where all family members were standing. Kunti was greeted first by Gandhari and Sulabha. And then Yudhishthir and Manvendra step forward, along with their wives.
"Pranaam." The four of them join their hands in reverence for the elders.
"Welcome to Kuruvansh Draupadi and Dhisana." Gandhari said as she puts kumkum tilak on the foreheads of the princesses.
Seeing her daughter in-law, the heart of Sulabha seemed to be dancing with delight. Even Vidur looked very pleased witnessing the grace of his son's wife. The smile adorning their lips widened as Dhisana came and stood in front of them with lowered eyes and hands cupped in reverence.
"Pranaam Mata. Pranaam Pitashree." She greeted her in-laws with sincerity.
"Saubhagyavati Bhava." They both blessed.
Sulabha took a step ahead and embraced Dhisana affectionately. Manvendra smiled seeing the happiness of her mother.
As they withdraw from their embrace, the Sulabha's eyes roam across the visage of her daughter-in-law, searching for any hints of worry or hardship. She finds none, for all of it vanished the moment Dhisana was embraced by her.
"Finally I get to meet you." Sulabha said, "You know I was half expecting that he has forgotten his duty to introduce us to each other." She chuckled.
"Mata...." Manvendra said with sigh.
"Raudra never forgets his duty, Mata. He may delay it but he never forgets." Dhisana said with a smile.
"Ah. Would you look at that ?" Sulabha chuckled seeing Dhisana immediately come to her husband's side.
"You better cherish her, son." Vidur said.
"Of course, Pitashree." Manvendra smiled.
"Get some rest Dhisana. I have so much to talk with you." Sulabha smiled.
"As you say." Dhisana nodded.
"Bhanumati-Chandramukhi, show them their rooms." Gandhari told her daughter-in-laws.
"Alright." They said.
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A/N
As you can see.... Kauravas and their wives are a match made in hell 🤌✨
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𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀
Historical FictionFirst among 11 Rudras is Manyu, the war god, wielder of thunder and Slayer of foes. He is the one who brings wealth and health. Through him Vidur and his wife Sulabha beget a son, named Manvendra, who was fierce, queller of foes, follower of Dharma...
