SANVIKA : THE SISTER OF SHANTANU [COMPLETED]

2. The return!

In Hastinapur ,
Rajpita Pratipa , Rajmata Sunanda , Devapi , Bhalika and Shantanu were elated. Today was the day that after 23 years the rajkumari was going to return.

The praja was also waiting to see the entrance of the eldest child of the former king. That's when a women came riding on a horse.

All were mesmerised by the women and her valour. She got down from her horse and greeted her family.

San- Pranam Mata , Pranam Pitashree.
Bros- Pranam jiji.
San- Ayushman bhava.

She was welcomed into the palace and she got to know that Shantanu was the king. She was confused as he was the youngest , hence she asked the same.

She got to know that it was because of the skin disease of Devapi and also Bhalika had chosen to rule their mothers kingdom. That's when Shantanu said.

Shan- Jiji I wish for you to take over as the queen of Kuruvansh.
San- No Anuj , the kingdom is doing nice under your rule.
Shan- But jiji you are the eldest you should be the one to ascend the throne.
San- No Anuj I don't wish to ascend the throne.
Shan- Fine but promise me when I need you , you'll take over as the queen of Hastinapur for me.
San- I promise Anuj.

All started to talk that's when Pratipa asked the question he had been waiting to ask.

Pratipa- Putri , you have failed to mention under which guru did you learn.
San- I have learnt from 10 different gurus pitashree.
All- 10!!!

All were shocked to know that Sanvika had 10 gurus. That's when she told them about her guru's and her Tapasya. She also mentioned the boon that she had gotten from all.

All looked at her in shock but they regained themselves and nodded. Soon the brothers returned to their abode.

7 years had passed and the kingdom of Hastinapur only prospered. Seeing this Pratipa and his wife Sunanda went to the Van to live the rest of their life's.

In the past 7 years , Sanvika had become the most powerful force in Aryavart. All had sent marriage alliances but she had chosen to remain Brahmacharini till death.

With Shantanu ,
He was chasing a dead and that's when he came to the river banks of Ganga. Where he saw a sight he never saw before.

A young boy who looked 20 years old had stopped the flow of Ganga. Shantanu couldn't realise who the young boy was but the young boy had recognised his father.

It was at that time Devi Ganga came there and told Shantanu.

Ganga- Arya , he is Devrat our son. He has been trained in all the Vedic knowledge and in all the celestial Astras. He is also well versed with the duties of a king. I now give you the responsibility of our child.

Saying that Devi Ganga vanished while Shantanu took Devrat to the kingdom. In his was Devrat got to know about the people of his family. When he heard about his Pitrbhagini , his respect for her had already grown.

In the palace a soldier informed Sanvika about the arrival of the new generation and she started to prepare for his welcome.

As Devrat entered the palace he was stopped by Sanvika who did his Aarti.

Dev- Pranipat Pitrbhagini.
San- May god bless you Putra. Welcome to the kingdom of Hastinapur.

They went inside and started to talk amongst themselves.

Dev- I had never thought that you would be my bua. Guru Vashisth always use to talk about how good of a student you were Pitrbhagini.
San- Yes Putra , he was also a nice guru. In fancy all the gurus I have were just like Pitashree.
Shan- Enough of chit chatting jiji , I wanted to know on which date shall we coronate Devrat?
San- Let's do it on his 21st birthday which is in 7 days.

7 days later Devrat was coronated as the new Yuvraj of Hastinapur.

Four years had passed by and Devrat was the Yuvraj. Hastinapur had become a powerhouse and the credit went to Sanvika , Shantanu and Devrat.

One day Shantanu was roaming in the river banks of Yamuna when he was distracted by an enchanting fragrance. He followed the place from where the fragrance came and saw a beautiful maiden.

As he inquired about her he got to know that she was Satyavati the daughter of a fisherman.

Fallen in love , Shantanu approached the father of Satyavati. Dasharaja kept forth a condition that the son of Satyavati would rule.

Shantanu who loved Devrat , turned back disheartened and returned to the palace. He would often be in the thoughts of Satyavati and was still disheartened.

Devrat on asking the chief minister of Hastinapur who stated the reason for the kings dismay. Devrat then went to the hut of Satyavati and requested her for the marriage.

Dasharaja asked the same thing from Devrat who went to the river
banks and said.

Dev- I Devrat vow! That when Devi Satyavati has a son with King Shantanu he would be the king of kuru rastra! I will not inherit the throne of Hastinapur ever!
Das- That is not It Devrat! Vow that you'll remain brahmachari and will have no son of yours!

Devrat for the will of his father was going to vow but he was stopped. The 3 turned and saw a angry Sanvika along with Shantanu.

San- Stop there Devrat no need of vow , this women should be happy that we had given her a chance to be the bride of kuru Vansh. How dare you a common citizen of Hastinapur ask such a vow from the Yuvraj of Hastinapur!
Shan- Yes a tainted women wants to ruin my child's life which I'll not accept. I got to know that mahamuni Ved Vyasa is your son before your marriage.

All the 3 looked shocked and then Satyavati agreed to marry without Devrat taking any other vow.

San- Putra Because of such a bhishma pratigya I name you Bhishma. For ages your pratigya will be the mark for the love between a father and son.
Shan- Putra just for me you have given up the rights you had of a royal. Hence I bless you with a boon of icha mrityu.

Shantanu and Satyavati married as Satyavati knew that since Bhishma had taken a vow her son would inherit the throne of Hastinapur.

Bhishma had vow to serve the praja of the Hastinapur. Soon Chitrangada and and Vichitravirya were born.

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Author's note:-

How was the meeting?

How was the change in destiny of bhishma?

Well Satyavati is truly cunning , but she wasn't there when Shantanu asked the vow from Sanvika.

Do you want Bhishma and Amba?