Petrichor - Time Travel To Mahabharat Era

37

"And we call them guns! We shoot them from a certain range, and if you are good with aim, it's a sure shot!", she snapped her fingers and explained the warfare of her era to Dron. He was listening to everything with so much interest as he has never heard of those. "Well, I must say, you guys have some really advanced weapons!", he told her. She just nodded at him.

"But didn't you say, you also fought with your enemies? Women are usually restricted from battlefield, aren't they?", he asked confused. She just chuckled bitterly and said, "There we fight for ourselves. Not others. But there are people who love their country, and they fight for it. We don't discriminate between people who has genuine talent. If you have the skills to kill a whole army and you are rejected on the basis of your gender? It's foolish!".

Dron found it little silly and said, "But still, women doesn't belong to war field. They can't-", but got interrupted by her, "Do anything which will help war! Is that what you wanted to say, Acharya?". He just nodded. She smiled at the misogyny this era was holding. Right from the beginning, even from Bhishma, they spoke about all the warfare and weapons but when she wanted to talk about constitution and the policies, he straight up deviated the topic. She understands that this era is not as advanced as hers in thinking. But putting women down is not it.

She wanted to end this conversation, "Acharya, even shumbha nishumbha were killed by Mata Kali! Is she not a woman?". Dron started saying, "But she is a godd-", and again got cut off by her, "In that sense, every woman is God. We are here alive, breathing, because of a woman. Even God is a woman", she said and Dron wanted to argue more, but got interrupted by his wife Kripi, "Are you guys only going to talk, or care to have some lunch?", she asked smilingly. Dron just nodded and said, "we are coming!". As Kripi left, he turned towards Vaishnavi and said, "This conversation doesn't end here, Putri! We will have a talk about it later again", to which she replied, "I also want to continue this Acharya, I just hate to lose. Be it life, war, or a silly argument!". They both nodded and left the place.

In the dining area, The new King Ashwathama was waiting for his father and his crush. She saw that there was a place beside Ashwathama and Dron. She  captured the seat beside Ashwathama as she wanted to avoid Dron. He noticed that even when there was place everywhere, she sat beside him.

"Hey Ashwa!", she said while playing with his crown, which he removed and placed aside. "Wow! Initially it was Ashwathama, then Ashwath, now Ashwa! What are you gonna call me next? Ash?", he said and laughed. She looked at him wide eyed and said, "Damn!! That's such a cool name, Ash! You know what? I'm gonna call you that from now on?". He immediately joined his hands and bowed his head and said, "Please don't do that!", for which she just raised her hand, as if blessing him. He saw that and they both soon burst into laughter.

Kripi was watching them both at how close they are, and how happy they are with each other. By the amount of time she spent with her, she made out that Vaishnavi is a very good woman. She is the embodiment of perfectness.

"You know? I saw that my cooks make every kind of dish so that you will enjoy eating them. I know you love food", Ashwathama said excitedly. She just smiled sweetly at it as the gesture was flattering. "Aww! You didn't have to do this, Ashwa!", she hit his shoulder slightly and started eating. He just rubbed the place and smiled looking at her, who was eating happily.

"Vaishu!", he called her. "Yeah?", she replied without distracting from food. "Do you know why unmarried woman write letter in their hand by mehndi?", he asked, silently wishing for a positive answer. He did not want to delude into things without knowing anything from the other side.

She stopped eating for a second and just smiled looking down. She looked at her hand where the letter 'A' was written and remembered Arjun. She could still feel his lips on her forehead and her cheeks became red. She started saying slowly, while looking down, "Of course I know. If she loves someone or she wants them as her partner".

'Di- Did I just say LOVE? Isn't it too soon for that? I don't care! Time and heart won't behave when I'm with him.'

She had that thought and smiled to herself, as that one Archer of a Man had her under his control. She looked up while smiling, only to meet with Ashwathama, who was smiling as if there was no tomorrow. He breathed out, "Thank you! Thank you Vaishnavi!".

'He is thanking me for just answering his question? This era really has some weird people. Some get offended easily and some get pleased easily! Lol!'

She just chuckled at him and said, "You are silly, Ashwa!", and resumed eating again. But little did she know, as in why he was smiling. He didn't not eat anything for the rest of the day as her answer filled his heart. Kripi and Dron were watching them and looked at each other, having the same thought in their minds.

***

Vaishnavi stood beside Simba and was getting ready to leave. Kripi said, "What is this Vaishu! You said you were on a solo tour around the country, and you only stay for one day? At least stay here for the night dear!". She looked at her pouting and said, "I would love to Mata! But, i have promised my brother as well that I will return by the day after! So, please understand". She just blessed her by keeping her hand on her head and caressed her saying, "Putri, may you get all the happiness in the world!". Vaishnavi just smiled and hugged her. "Aww! I'll miss you", she told Kripi.

After breaking the hug, she went to Dron and touched his feet, for which he blessed her saying, "Sheegrameva Kalyana praptirastu!". She looked at him weirdly as this blessing came out all of a sudden, and he was smiling at her. As she was wondering why he would bless her to get married soon, Ashwathama came near her and said, "Vaishu! I kept food for you, incase you get hungry!". She just looked at him and pouted again, and held his shoulders. "I will miss you man! Will meet you soon, okay?", she said and started to move towards Simba. "Take care!", Ashwathama said and waved his hand. She waved back and started her journey.

Ashwathama turned towards his parents and said, "Pitashree! Matashree! I need to tell you guys something-", he got cut off by his mother, "You like her! Right, Putr?". He looked at his mother with his eyes wide open and his father Started to speak, "Son, be sure! Do you really like her? Because Your Mother and I think that she is a perfect fit to be a queen. Your Queen. And your mother is already loving that girl! Tell us, Do you like her?"

He replied looking in the direction from where she disappeared a moment ago and said, "I love her!"

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello guys, how are y'all doing today? ☺️ Did anyone get the Pokemon reference?

How did you guys like the chapter? Please vote and comment 😄 🙏