Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

17 . Allies and Avenges

Third Party Pov

It was the day—the very day marking the beginning of chaos and destruction.

Two armies stood face to face. On one side was the grand army of Panchal, led by the formidable Commander Shikhandini, the daughter of King Drupad. On the other side were the students of Guru Drona, who have freshly completed their training, eager and determined to fulfill their Guru Dakshina, their debt of gratitude to their teacher. The war that was about to erupt was not merely a clash of swords and arrows but a battle rooted in a story of broken friendship, betrayal, and a deep thirst for revenge.

But why? What led to this war? Why had things come to this?

"In the majestic kingdom of Panchal," the story began, "there was once a deep-seated enmity born from the ashes of a friendship that was once unbreakable. King Drupad of Panchal and Drona, son of the sage Bharadwaj, were not always enemies. In fact, they were once as close as brothers, bound by a friendship forged in the fires of youth and learning."

In their younger days, Drupad and Dronacharya were inseparable. They studied together under the guidance of Guru Bharadwaj, their days filled with laughter, learning, and dreams of a future where their friendship would remain eternal. Drupad, always the more optimistic of the two, would often declare, "When I become king, my kingdom will be yours, Drona. You shall have half of it, and we will rule together as friends." Drona, with a smile, would reply, "And I will stand by your side, Drupad, forever. Our friendship will be our greatest strength."

The gurukul echoed with their laughter, and the bond between them seemed indestructible, forged in the innocence and fervor of youth.

But as the years passed, their paths diverged. Drupad ascended the throne of Panchal, becoming a powerful and proud king, while Drona devoted himself to mastering the art of warfare and the study of the sacred texts. Though their lives took different directions, Drona never forgot the promises made in their youth. However, fate was unkind to him. Despite his knowledge and skills, he found himself in poverty, struggling to provide for his family.

In his desperation, Drona remembered Drupad's words—his promises of friendship and shared prosperity. Believing in the sincerity of those youthful vows, Drona decided to seek help from his old friend. With hope in his heart and humility in his demeanor, he set out for Panchal, hoping to remind Drupad of their bond and seek his assistance in his time of need.

But when Drona arrived at the gates of Panchal, he was struck by the opulence and grandeur of Drupad's court—a stark contrast to his own humble appearance. Still, with a heart full of hope, he requested an audience with the king. When he finally stood before Drupad, he was prepared to speak of their shared past, their promises, and the bond that once existed between them.

However, the reception he received was far from what he had imagined. Drupad, now a king hardened by the weight of his crown and the demands of his kingdom, looked at Drona not as a friend but as a mere Brahmin, a man without wealth or power. Dismissing the promises of their youth as childish fantasies, Drupad coldly declared, "Those were words spoken in innocence, Drona. I am a king now, bound by the duties and obligations of my position. I owe nothing to a mere Brahmin. Friendship does not entitle you to my kingdom or my favor."

Drupad's words struck Drona like a physical blow. The realization that their friendship had been shattered by pride and the harsh realities of power left him stunned and humiliated. He left the court of Panchal with a heavy heart, but his spirit was not broken. As he walked away, Drona swore to himself that he would one day reclaim his honor. This humiliation would not go unanswered. He vowed that he would return, not with a plea, but with the power to demand what was rightfully his.