Vakṣaṇī Dharmā : The Song of Mahabharat

21| Troubled Waters

Another day had passed and Mrithika was told that they were nearing the end of their stay in Varnavrat. The supposedly good news made her more anxious than usual. It meant that their accommodation can go up in flames at anytime, but luckily the history written had clearly mentioned that it was at nightfall that the palace was lit, meaning she had to stay extra cautious after sunset.

The village and palace was bustling with festivities organised by the Pandavas and it seemed  that even Purochan and his family were having a great time getting intoxicated and dallying around the palace in a cheerful manner. Mrithika wasn't sure what to make of their behaviour, wether to be concerned or relieved.

And along with an another day came another messenger but this time it was from the Kingdom of Kosala. 

"Your father and brother had sent these for you along with a letter, Putri". Kunti announced as the servants carried two plates covered with silken cloth inside the Antāpura where the mother of the Pandavas and Mrithika temporarily resided.

"My brother"? She questioned with a puzzled expression. 

Kunti replied with a smile and nod as she handed her an envelope sealed with the royal insignia of Kosala. The letter was a yellowed parchment paper filled with an elegant handwriting of the Devanāgarī script .

Dear sister,

We may have not met when father and the kingdom first received you as their precious solar princess but I have heard about you from father and I regret not being there to acknowledge you as my Anujaa. 

As father might have already told you, I had been away to Kashi for an important visit as the region  is our vassal state. I had always been an only child to the Suryavanshi clan but I'm glad that it is not so anymore. As a compensation for my absence I have tried to make it up by sending you these gifts and I hope it is to your liking. I sincerely wish that you would accept the gifts of this elder brother of yours.

Father had mentioned the hue of your eyes to that of sapphires, I had personally brought in ornaments that had the maharatnani from the Kingdom of Lanka. When you return back to Ayodhya I hope you wear the garments I've sent you along with them.

I'm thrilled to meet you as soon as possible. I assure you that when you return I won't be out of the capital and we can go for an outing on the banks of Sarayu. 

Your Jyesth, 

Barhināman 

A genuine smile graced her lips as she closed the letter and turned towards the plates to unravel the presents the Kosala prince sent her. Her excitement knew no bounds as this was the first time in eight years that she has ever received a thoughtful present from someone who did not have any ulterior motives.

The jewellery sent by Barhināman were dazzling in the sunlight. The silver chains were covered with square - cut sapphires glinting a deep Prussian blue with rock-cut diamonds encrusted around the borders. A pair of silver earrings with the sapphire droplets were present along with a thin flower shaped mang tikka. 

The other platter held a deep blue skirt with faint sliver brocades and an uttariya of the same shade. The colour was pleasant to look at, it reminded her of the blue - painted streets of Jodhpur where she would escape off to play with the local children.

"That is very thoughtful of your Jyesth," Kunti commented with a small smile.

"Ah yes. Mata Kunti, do you know anything about the Kosala Kumar? I haven't really had the opportunity to ask father about him as we already were in a hurry".