WHEN THE STARS ALIGNED / A Mahabharat AU

19. The fallout.

Niyati sat beside Udhava, one of the many half-siblings of Krishna. She was happily going on about things she learned as the young boy snorted every now and then while listening to her. The swing went back and forth as their legs moved in sync. In the absence of their sister Madhavi, Niyati seemed have made them miss her less due to their almost similar personalities.

Sukriti, the youngest of the Yadavas, a twelve year old girl ran up to them.

"Shivanya Jiji." She yelled panting as she stood infront of the duo.

"Sukriti, how many times has mother told you not to-"

"Jiji bhrata Krishn has asked you to meet him!" She declared before quickly snatching away the apple from Udhava's hands who sat dumbfounded.

"Exactly why I keep this girl away from Bhrata Krishn." He groaned running after the young girl.

Niyati frowned, it was always the other way around as she annoyed Krishn every five seconds.

She walked into the room and found Krishn inspecting his flute.

"You do not play it much anymore do you?" She asked, leaning on a walk beside the entrance. Krishn shook his head with a sad smile, "Change is the only thing constant in life. Everything old becomes fragile and distant with time unless we pick it up and keep it close." He said.

"Change is constant. Letting go is a choice." He said, placing the flute back on the tool.
"Everything happens for a reason...my reason for playing murli....it isn't here yet."  He placed his hands on her shoulder. Niyati frowned, "what are you trying to say. . . .why-" she stopped.

"Every action has a consequence, Niyati. Fate. . . . specifically.... doesn't spare change in it with a glance. It folds and unfolds to reform in the newer molds of change." He said.

"What are you-" Niyati stopped, "What change are you talking about? Is it Dusshala jiji's marriage? But I....just simply delayed it did I not....I-" she stopped herself.

"What did Prakriti change?" She asked in hurry, "what did it cause?! Gopal!" Niyati held his hand, fear creeping into her heart. "Is she—"

"Bhratashree!" Kritshruta, another half-subling of krishn called out to him, looking disheveled and on the verge of tears himself.

"You need to come to the court, Bhratashree— Shivanya jiji— They have to be lying! No...jiji...."

Niyati's eyes widened as she turned to look at Krishn, trying to see if he knew the truth to it. And to her great horror, he looked equally pained. What she didn't know was that this pain was not for what was happening now but for what was yet to come.

As she entered the courtroom she found it absolutely silent.
"Mata?" She called out to Devaki who sat on her knees, a scroll lied sprawled infront of her as rapid tears rolled down her cheeks.

A soft touch met her shoulders, Subhadra wrapped her arms around Niyati who stared at everyone in shock.

"What is going on?" Her eyes fell on Vasudev who looked lost.

"Putri. . . ." Rohini sobbed. "I think you should sit down."

----

After receiving the news of the death of Kunti, Pandavas and Prakriti, both Dusshala and Niyati immediately set off for Hastinapur, distraught and disheartened.

Niyati stared off into distance, eyes moistening at the thought of their death. She still wasn't sure if things changed. It was too soon for the Varnavrat castle to be burnt but it happened. She wasn't sure if Vidur's escape plan reached them on time. Or if Prakriti helped them escape.