First 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...
The sky was painted in the deep shade of blue, when the sun wasn't visible anymore. The full moon could be faintly seen rising slowly in the sky. As twilight casts its mysterious veil upon the kingdom, the grand halls of the regal palace stir with anticipation
The air was filled with an aura of elegance and opulence as the grand hall of the regal palace was adorned with resplendent decorations. The chandeliers glittered with their myriad of crystal lights, casting shimmering reflections on the polished marble floors.
The aroma of culinary delights wafted through the hall, tempting the senses and whetting the appetite.
Soon Dhisana entered the hall, the delicate golden threads weaved through the fabric of her garments were casting a soft glow upon her petite frame. Not many were there, only the Kauravas along with their wives and companions. The Pandavas and Draupadi hadn't arrived yet, Manvendra too was no where to be seen.
'Looks like I have arrived early.' Dhisana thought, feeling awkward alone like so.
"Ah ! Dhisana !" Bhanumati called, gesturing her to come and join them.
Dhisana didn't get a right feeling seeing their faces, but not able to think of an excuse for a moment she had no choice but to go up to her. As she neared them, she could see and hear them sneer and whisper among themselves.
"Pranam Bhabhishree." Duryodhan said, a sinister grin adorning his lips, Dhisana didn't say a thing, she just joined her hands out of respect.
"Daughter Dhisana, how are you ?" Shakuni asked with a wide smile, which made her even more uncomfortable.
"I-I doing well." She said rather timidly.
"Good good. You know we were talking about you only." He said.
"Oh really ?" Dhisana muttered.
"Yes. That how you seem such a stark contrast against us." Duryodhan said.
"A Mleccha between us Aryas." Dushashan said smirking.
"I think you are forgetting that, the wife of previous king too was a Mleccha." Dhisana said trying hard to maintain her composure.
"And he died because of her." Karn said folding his arms.
"God bless his soul." Shakuni said, with a fake pity.
"God bless Manvendra as well. He struts around with so much pride, but has a Mleccha wife." Durmukh said.
"True. After all Mleccha women are filth among women." Karn said.
The Kauravas laughed and so did Bhanumati and Chandramukhi while Dhisana lowered her gaze. She turned around wanting to leave, but the wife of Dushashan stopped her way.
"Are you leaving so early Dhisana ? We haven't even talked properly." Chandramukhi said.
"Yes Bhabhishree." Durmukh said, coming in front of her, "We are interested to know more about your fascinatingly uncivilized tribe." He said.
"It must be so hard to fit in among us Aryas, isn't it Bhabhishree ?" Duryodhan asked.
A wave of sadness washed over Dhisana, threatening to engulf her in a sea of tears. Their words cut deep, leaving her feeling vulnerable and isolated. They were more than a hundred, she was the only one. Dhisana held back her tears, for she knew that shedding tears would only give her tormentors the satisfaction they craved.
"Bhabhishree, we are genuinely intrigued. We have so many questions." Durmukh said.
"Another question on her shall be answered by my sword !" A booming voice echoed in the hall.
Dhisana looked behind Chandramukhi and Durmukh, a wave of relief washed over her, seeing her husband coming towards her.
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Rage could be seen in his eyes, even though his face seemed rather composed. As he took a long step ahead, many of the Kaurav brothers took few steps behind, including Shakuni with Bhanumati and Chandramukhi.
Manvendra came and stood beside Dhisana, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulder. His piercing gaze was striking the Kauravas like lightning bolts.
To Dhisana it felt as though a ray of light had pierced through the veil of darkness. In his arms she felt safe, knowing that her husband's strength could shield them from any danger that might arise. She felt a profound sense of security.
"Back away while I still allow you to." Manvendra said.
"Who are you to allow us ?" Duryodhan asked mockingly.
"You superior." Manvendra said as he took a step towards Duryodhan, "Don't overestimate yourself, son. And don't forget your place." He told, each of his words were lacing with anger.
"Hey !" Karn came in between, his armour shining under the lights of the flickering lamps, "If you have competence then talk to me." He said.
"Funny. I should be the one saying this to you, to all of you, who don't have the competence to face me and instead are picking on my wife, behind my back." Manvendra said.
Dhisana looked back and forth between them, she was fearing that the matter was escalating too much. She apprehensively looked at Manvendra who was glaring at all of them.
"Do this transgression again and I shall carve out your tongues." He said.
"Raudra..." Dhisana held his arms, not wanting a conflict between cousins because of her.
Manvendra took a step back and turned on his feet, holding the hands of Dhisana he began to walk away but not all were able to control themselves in the heat of the moment.
"I have had enough of his rambling ! I shall thrash him today !" Durmukh proclaimed angrily.
He stomps towards Manvendra and tightly grasps the collar of his cousin's clothes. Dhisana gasped while the room seemed to shudder with tension as the Durmukh's grip tightens, his fingers digging into the delicate fabric of his Manvendra's clothing.
"You all really don't think about the repurcussions of your actions, do you ?" Manvendra asked, in a dangerously calm voice.
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*Plays Gandiv ki strings*
Ambar hai dol raha~ Kaap uthi dharti Maiyaa.... Collar pakadne ke badle tu..... Aaj kitna pitega bhaiya~
