HARIHARESHWARI 16 - विशृंखलित राजवंशाः

CHAPTER 73

The air was filled with jubilant laughter and the aroma of delicious food as the Yadavas gathered to celebrate their third consecutive victory over the formidable Jarasandh. The streets were adorned with colorful banners and lights, echoing with cheers and music. 

King Ugrasen, seated on his majestic throne at the head of the grand hall, beamed with pride as he looked upon his warriors. The room echoed with laughter and merriment as the guests indulged in sumptuous dishes and sweetmeats, while musicians played melodies that filled the air with enchantment.

Krishna and Balram stood at the center of the feast, revered by all for their valor and leadership in securing the victory once again. However, this time the spotlight was on Satyaki, as it was his first war and his bravery had shone brightly in battle.

"Shinivansh ka parakram amar hai !"

"Yuyudhaan ne apne naam ke sarvatha yogya hai !"

"Yadi Krishna, Balram aur Satyaki humare saath ho, toh Yadavo ko koi parast nahi kar sakta !"

As Satyaki basked in the adulation of the crowd, his father, Satyak, stood beside him with pride etched on his face. He watched as his son was honored and respected by all those around him, knowing that Satyaki had truly proven himself on the battlefield.

Inspired by the bravery of Krishna, Balram and Satyaki, Babhru said, "Yadi agle baar koi yudh hota hai, toh mai bhi apne shashtra uthayunga !"

His declaration was met with resounding applause and support from the Yadava clan. Satyaki patted Babhru on the back, acknowledging his determination. The beaming smiles on Krishna and Balram's faces conveyed their approval and support for Babhru's decision.

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As the golden hues of the setting sun pierced through the opulent room in Hastinapur, casting a warm glow over the silk-draped walls and intricate tapestries, Shakuni reclined on a luxurious couch, leisurely sipping wine.

With an air of nonchalance, he remarked to his eldest nephew, who stood in front of him with a troubled expression, "Putra Duryodhan, mujhe Pandavo mei ansh maatra bhi chhal, kapat, athva durachar nahi dikha. Woh sab dharmagya hai. Fir tumhe kya dikkat hai ?"

Duryodhan, his face contorted with anger and determination, paced back and forth in front of Shakuni, "Aap nahi jaante Mamashree, woh Pandavo ka dikhava hai. Pitamah, Vidur kaka, Kripacharya, sab Pandavo par adhik sneh jataate hai."

Shakuni chuckled softly, swirling the wine in his goblet. "Sadachariyo par sabko sneh ata hai. Isme koi nayi baat toh nahi."

"Sadachari nahi hai woh." Duryodhan, his face clouded with discontent, retorted, "Pandav sadev swayam ko hum 100 bhaiyo se uttam dikhana chaahte hai. Yudhishthir gyaan mei, Bheem bal mei, Arjun shaurya mei aur Nakul-Sahadev vinamrata mei humse aage hai. Yadi aisa raha toh woh humse humara sab kuch chheen lenge Mamashree...."

He furrowed his brow in mock fear, "Bado ka sneh toh chheen hi liya hai... Ek din.... Kadachit ek din woh mere adhikaar bhi chheen le.... Mera singhasan bhi chheen le...."

At those words, Shakuni's demeanor shifted. His gaze turned steely, betraying the depth of his cunning mind, "Singhasan kaise chheen sakte hai woh tumse ? Meri behen ne jo itna bada tyaag kiya hai.... Kuruo par shaashan toh tumhara hi hona chahiye."

Seeing this, Duryodhan, with a sly smirk, walked over to his uncle. Sitting down beside Shakuni, Duryodhan leaned in and said, "Dwitiya Pandav Vrikodar atyant balwaan hai. Mujhe kaise bhi karke, uska vadh karna hoga. Fir baaki Pandavo ko toh mai aise hi bandhi bana lu. Uske baad mai sampurn prithvi par Chakravarti ke bhaati raaj karunga."

As Duryodhan spoke of eliminating Bheem, Shakuni's expression turned grave. The flickering light from the torches cast shadows across his furrowed brow as he contemplated the implications of his nephew's words. His mind raced with schemes and strategies, trying to calculate the best course of action to secure Duryodhan's claim to the throne and eliminate the Pandavas.

With a heavy sigh, Shakuni set down his goblet of wine and rose from the couch, his mind already crafting a plan to bring about Bheem's downfall. In that moment, the air in the room seemed charged with tension as Shakuni's eyes bore into the distance, his thoughts consumed by the dangerous game that lay ahead. He knew the consequences of such actions. And yet, a sense of determination crept into his heart, fueled by his loyalty to Duryodhan.

Finally, after a long pause, Shakuni subtly nodded in agreement, his decision palpable in the air, "Uchit hai. Yadi tumhari iccha Pandavo ko apne maarg se hatane ki hai, toh mai tumhari sahayata awashya karunga."

Duryodhan's smirk widened into a grin of satisfaction, "Mujhe pata tha ki aap meri sahayata awashya karenge."

A chuckle escaped Shakuni's lips, "Kyu nahi ? Mere priya bhaanje ho tum."

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A/N

Shakuni never manipulated Duryodhan.... Infact at some places he has even suggested to make peace with the Pandavas..... Duryodhan, being Kalipurush, was innately evil 🙃

However that doesn't mean Shakuni was any good. He was the branches of the tree of evil that was Duryodhan, meaning he was the one through which Duryodhan performed all his evil acts.