HARIHARESHWARI 16 - विशृंखलित राजवंशाः

CHAPTER 71

The clear blue sky was stretching as far as the eye could see, in Mathura. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the land, while the gentle breeze that carried the sweet scent of flowers.

The royal gardens were a sight to behold, with colorful blossoms dotting the manicured lawns, majestic trees providing shade, and birds chirping melodiously in the background. The garden was filled with the sounds of laughter, as Krishna, Balram, Gad, Satyaki, and Babhru play catch in the gardens.

The sound of their footsteps on the soft grass mingles with the playful banter and friendly competition. Krishna and Satyaki darted around like playful deer, their laughter ringing through the air. Their steps were light and swift, weaving effortlessly between the blooming flowers and lush greenery. Balram, Gad, and Babhru, with mischievous grins, attempted to tag the nimble duo as they raced around the garden.

Balram launched the ball towards Krishna, who swiftly dodged it with a mischievous grin. Gad, quick on his feet, intercepted the ball and aimed for Satyaki. With a swift sidestep, Satyaki evaded the throw, prompting Babhru to catch the ball next.

Babhru, with a competitive glint in his eye, swiftly threw the ball towards Satyaki. However, in a split-second miscalculation, the ball hit Satyaki squarely on the chest, causing a momentary pause in the game.

Balram looked at him and muttered, "Ab tum gaye..."

"K-Kshama..." Babhru's eyes widened in fear.

Satyaki, unfazed by the unexpected blow, calmly picks up the ball and locks eyes with Babhru.

"SATYAKI NAHI !" He begs but Satyaki with a mischievous glint in his eyes, winds up his arm and throws the ball back at Babhru with a powerful force.

The ball whizzes through the air, striking Babhru squarely and causing him to stumble backwards, and sending him sprawling to the ground in a rather undignified heap. Amidst Babhru's groans of agony and the uproarious laughter of the others, it became clear that in the game of catch, Babhru was definitely catching more than he bargained for.

Gad bursts into laughter. Krishna and Balram couldn't help but join in the mirth. Satyaki, smiling at the playful camaraderie, chuckled softly as he made his way to Babhru to help him up.

Satyaki smiled, "Kshama karna mitra."

Babhru, in a playful display of mock annoyance, pouts in feigned indignation, "Maine kshana maangi toh mujhe gend maari tumne."

Satyaki laughs heartily as he pats Babhru's back. Amidst the joyous laughter and playful banter, a servant hastily approached the group.

"Rajkumar Krishna ! Rajkumar Balram !" Falling to his knees before them, he delivered the grave news, "Jarasandh ne punah Mathura par akraman kiya hai !"

A heavy silence descended upon the group, each reacting differently to the alarming development. Gad's expression turned to worry for it was the third attack now, Babhru's brow furrows in frustration at the repetition of such attacks, and Satyaki bristles with anger at the audacity of their enemy. However, amidst the tension, Krishna and Balram maintain their composure, their faces set in a blend of seriousness and calmness.

"Maharaj Ugrasen se kahe ki woh yudh ki taiyaari kare." Krishna said.

Satyaki, fueled by his emotions, implores them, "Krishna, mujhe bhi apne parakram dikhane ka avsar de !"

Sensing Satyaki's determination, Krishna questioned him, "Tum humare saath yudh karna chaahte ho ?"

"Ji Keshav." Satyaki said, "Mere Guru, Sharadvat-putra Kripacharya aur Shantanu-putra Bhishm ne mujhe upyukt yudhkala sikhayi hai. Mujhe bhi Yadavo ke raksha karne ka avsar de."

Krishna, with a pleased smile, places a reassuring hand on Satyaki's shoulder before nodding in agreement, "Toh chalo."
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On the battlefield, the air was tense with anticipation as Jarasandh, the mighty ruler of Magadh, stood tall on his chariot. His army, bolstered by allied kings, stood in formation behind him, ready for the impending clash. Jarasandh's eyes gleamed with determination, his resolve unwavering as he awaited the arrival of the Mathura army. His armor gleamed in the sunlight, adorned with intricate engravings and embellishments that showcased his status as the powerful emperor of Magadh. His garments billowed behind him, adding to his aura of authority.

Behind Jarasandh, the imposing chariot of Nishadh king Hiranyadhanu stood tall, adorned with intricate gold engravings and vibrant banners fluttering in the wind. Hiranyadhanu, with his aged yet imposing presence, had a mane of grey hair that matched his majestic aura. His long, grey moustache added to his regal appearance, indicating his wisdom and experience in warfare. He was dressed in opulent garments, that accentuated his stature as a revered king of Nishadhas.

Beside him, his son Ekalavya sat on his chariot, a mix of frustration and determination etched on his face. He exuded an aura of maturity and solemnity befitting his age. His face bore the marks of experience and nobility.

Having tasted defeat twice before at the hands of Krishna and Balram army, Ekalavya was eager to redeem himself and prove his worth on the battlefield. His armor glistened under the sun, crafted with intricate designs and adorned with ornate patterns, a display of his family's wealth and status, designed to intimidate his enemies on the battlefield.

The other kings too were prepared for the battle battle, some stood beside Jarasandh exchanging war cries, while others mounted their chariots behind, closer to their troops, their expressions steely with determination. Each king had their own reasons for being there, but they all shared the same determination to emerge victorious.

Soon the distant sound of hooves and war cries echoed through the battlefield. The army of Mathura emerged in the distance, gleaming in their polished armor and bearing their majestic banners high. At the forefront rode Krishna, Balram, and Satyaki, emanating an aura of power and determination that inspired their troops. Just behind them were a host of esteemed warriors, their banners fluttering bravely in the wind, displaying the insignia of Mathura.

The soldiers of Mathura marched in perfect formation, exuding confidence and readiness for battle. Each warrior carried themselves with a sense of purpose, their eyes fixed on the enemy ahead. Behind the esteemed trio, a host of skilled fighters followed, their weapons glinting in the fading light.

As they drew closer, the ground trembled under the thundering hooves of their warhorses, and the air was filled with the sound of war drums and war cries that sent shivers down the spines of their opponents.

"Akraman !" Jarasandh, atop his chariot, raised his sword high, signaling the start of the battle. The clash of swords, the thunder of hooves, and the war cries echoed across the battlefield as the two armies collided.

"HAR HAR MAHADEV !"

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A/N

Fun Fact about Ekalavya - He has fought against Krishna in all 18 battles, siding with Jarasandh. Interestingly, Ekalavya's son Ketuman also fights Krishna in many of these wars and also during Rukmini haran, suggesting Ketuman and Krishna were peers and Ekalavya was much older than what he is shown.

And Ekalavya is not a poor boy, but a rich man, his father was the king of Nishadh kingdom come on....