The illusionist [Mahabharat] [Slow Updates] [Under Editing]

29

"Is this a dream?" Mayuri whispered, her voice barely a breath as she gazed upon Indraprastha. The magnificent city shimmered before her, its towers and palaces glinting like jewels under the afternoon sun. Everything felt ethereal. Her life, after all, had been a tapestry woven with threads of the extraordinary. Reborn in Dwarka as Krishna's sister, then married to the Pandavas – her  life had taken turns even the most fantastical storyteller would have balked at. Yet, despite embracing her new reality, the sight of Indraprastha, the very kingdom her husbands called home, sent a jolt of surrealness through her.

"Close your mouth, Mayu," Krishna chuckled, his playful eyes twinkling as he read the wonder on her face. "You'll catch flies."

Mayuri rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. She couldn't help but be amused by the sight of Krishna and Draupadi, their shared laughter echoing. The bond between them, forged in friendship and understanding, was truly unique – The "Krishna and Krishnaa duo," as she gave them the title.

The Pandavas arrived, their white dhotis gleaming in the morning light. Sacred threads adorned their chests, They were ready for the nagar poojan, the ceremony to cleanse and bless their beloved Indraprastha. "Shall we begin?" Yudhisthira asked, his smile warm and inviting.

The puja commenced with Yudhisthir and Draupadi at the forefront. With reverence, they offered prayers to Bhudevi, seeking her blessings for their kingdom and its people. Mayuri sat beside Nakul.

"Priye," Nakula murmured softly, his voice laced with concern, "are you well? Did you drink the milk I sent to your chambers?"

Mayuri kept her eyes closed, her hands clasped in prayer. A playful smile touched her lips. "Ji, Arya," she replied, her voice gentle. "Jiji made sure of it. Now, hush, and focus on the puja."

Though her eyes remained closed, Mayuri could sense Nakul's sulking presence beside her. "What a brat." She felt him mumble under his breath, she opened her one eyes and poked his stomach causing him to flinch. This action caused both Bheem and Arjun to glare at nakul. "Bhratashree mayu-" his complaint was cut off by sahadev's hush. Mayuri bit her lip, trying her best to stifle a giggle that threatened to erupt. She knew she was done for once the Pooja ends. But for now, the look of feigned annoyance on his face, barely hiding his own laughter, only made her heart skip a beat. Nakul sighed dramatically, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips despite himself.

The Pooja ended by the time the sun began to set. "Aur aajse yehi humara rajya hai, humara indraprastha" spoke Yudhisthir glancing longily at their palace. His eyes had many emotions swimming in them which were left unsaid. The satisfaction was incomplete without their mata, pitamah and kakashree vidura.

(And from today this is our kingdom, our indraprastha.)

"This day will surely come, bharatashree," Krishna, their ever-reliable friend and guide, placed a reassuring hand on Yudhisthira's shoulder. The touch, imbued with a serenity that never failed to amaze Yudhisthira, calmed the tempest within him. " Kunti bua and Mahamahim Bhishma will grace this kingdom soon, when you'll become the Samrat." Yudhisthira offered a grateful smile, the setting sun casting a warm glow on his brown eyes. "Yes, Vasudeva," he agreed, the weight lifting slightly from his voice. "Mata would be so proud of all of you, Arya " Draupadi, chimed in, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips.

"With that said, let's head in for our meal, Jyesth. Our people were fed hours ago," Nakul said, his voice a gentle rumble. There were murmurs of agreement. "A wise decision, Nakul," Bheem boomed, earning a chorus of fond smiles. They made their way towards the grand dining hall of Indraprastha.

Mayuri, lost in a silent reverie, gasped as a strong arm swept her close. It was Nakul, of course.

"My dear Mayuri," he murmured, his voice brushing against her ear, "What are you lost in?"