HARIHARESHWARI 16 - विशृंखलित राजवंशाः

CHAPTER 82

As the sun began to set in Hastinapur, casting a warm golden hue over the city, the gentle breeze rustles through the trees, carrying the scent of flowers. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange.

In the courtyard of the palace, the Pandavas were engrossed in a game of catch with their Yuyutsu and their cousin sister Dushala. Laughter and playful shouts fill the air as they chase each other around, their voices blending harmoniously with the sounds of nature.

The youngest child of King Dhritarashtra, was beaming with happiness, her eyes shining with pure delight as she played with her cousins. Despite being younger than Yudhishthir, Bheem, and Yuyutsu, Dushala carried herself with a sense of grace that belied her age. But right now, her eyes sparkled with child-like delight and with infectious smiles she brought a sense of pure joy to the game.

As the game progressed, Dushala found herself lost in the excitement, her laughter ringing out melodiously. With a gleeful smile, she made a powerful throw towards Yuyutsu but accidentally aimed too high, and the ball sailed past him, straight towards Arjun, hitting him on the shoulder.

Dushala's eyes widened in shock, her playful demeanor replaced with concern, "Kshama karna ! Tum thik toh ho ? Arjun ?" She asked.

Arjun, ever patient and understanding, smiled gently, "Aap chinta mat kijiye. Yeh toh kuch bhi nahi hai."

"Ha Jiji." Nakul chuckled, "Isse badi badi chote lagi hai hum sabko, Shatashringa mei."

With a sense of uncertainty but also a blossoming sense of camaraderie, Dushala returns their smile, grateful for his understanding. The game resumes with renewed vigor. The sky began to turn a deep shade of orange, signaling the approaching night.

As the evening grew darker and the first stars began to twinkle in the sky, Yuyutsu suddenly stopped, holding up a hand.

"Mujhe pyaas lagi hai..." He declared, and the game came to a temporary halt.

He made his way to the side where a water jug was placed. To his dismay, the jug was empty, the last drops having been consumed earlier by them all.

Yuyutsu turns to them and says, "Yeh patra khaali hai, mai rasoi-ghar se jal pi kar ata hu."

"Waise bhojan ka samaye ho chala hai." Yudhishthir said, "Khel aaj yahi samaapt karte hai."

"Uchit hai." Yuyutsu nodded, "Mai Bhojanalaye mei aapse milunga."

Without wasting a moment, he sprinted across the courtyard towards the kitchen, his steps swift and agile. The sound of his feet tapping against the ground echoed in the fading light of the evening.

As he reaches the door, he suddenly halts, as the hushed voices emanating from within fall over his ears.

"Yeh karya toh karega na Mamashree ?"

"Chinta na karo, bhanjey. Yeh Kaalkut vish hai, kshan bhar mei Yamraj se mila de."

Peering through the crack in the door, he saw Duryodhan and Shakuni in deep conversation, their expressions intense and secretive. Yuyutsu then saw Shakuni slyly adding drops of a mysterious substance to a plate of food. Duryodhan's face twisted into a cruel smirk as he took the plate and handed it to a wicked-looking servant.

"Yeh keval Bheem ke liye hai." Duryodhan instructed him.

Yuyutsu's eyes widened. Without a moment to spare, he turned on his heels and rushed back to the dining area, his mind racing with thoughts of how to prevent the impending tragedy.

The dining room was very well lit, with flickering torches casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Long wooden tables were lined with ornate plates and goblets, a rich feast laid out for the princes. The scent of spices and roasted meats filled the air, mingling with the sound of hushed conversations.

The Kaurava brothers were seated at the head of the table, their expressions masked in indifference as they conversed with Dushala. Bheem, unaware of the sinister plan unfolding, sat at the far end of the table with his brothers, his laughter ringing out amidst the chatter.

Panting heavily, Yuyutsu rushed over to the Pandavas. They watch him with concern as he reaches them.

"Kya huya Yuyutsu ?" Yudhishthir asked.

Yuyutsu looked around and then cautiously whispered, "Duryodhan ne Bhrata Bheem ke bhojan mei vish milaya hai.... Kaalkut vish..."

His words hang heavy in the air, a sense of danger enveloping the group. The Pandavas' faces turned grim as they processed the gravity of the situation. Their eyes darted around, searching for a way to prevent the impending danger, without bringing attention to it.

Just then, the sinister servant approached with the poisoned plate, his expression masked in malevolence. The Pandavas were struck with shock and disbelief, realizing the dire situation unfolding before them.

Setting the plate in front of Bheem, he looked at Yuyutsu, "Kumar, kripiya apna sthaan grahan kare."

Yuyutsu stood frozen, his eyes locked with the servant's, a sense of dread looming over the room. He reluctantly made his way to his seat, his eyes widen in fear as he watches helplessly. The servant moves to serve the food to all the princes.

Bheem's eyes locked onto the food, suspicion clouding his gaze. His eyes narrow as he studies the contents of the plate, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He looks at Duryodhan, who was already staring at him, but as their eyes meet, the wicked son of Dhritrashtra shifts his gaze, trying to be discreet.

All the princes bow their heads to say their prayers, seeking blessings for the meal ahead. Bheem, kept his eyes closed for a moment longer, his lips muttering a prayer to the husband of Mother Annapurna as well.

Opening his eyes, he confidently reaches for a morsel and brings it to his lips. Time seemed to have fallen still as Bheem takes that first bite, chewing slowly and deliberately. As he swallows, the burning sensation engulfs his mouth and throat. His eyes squint momentarily, but then he squares his jaw as if steeling himself against the pain.

Bheem's face contorts slightly, his throat tightening against the searing pain. Seeing this, Yudhishthir's gaze hardens, Arjun's clenched his fists, and Nakul and Sahadev exchange worried glances. Yuyutsu's eyes remain fixed on Bheem, his mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next.

The room is filled with tense anticipation as Bheem pushes through the pain, his iron will overpower the poison's effects. With each swallow, Bheem's eyes gleam with a fierce determination, a silent challenge to his enemies. Despite the intense pain, Bheem remained stoic, not showing any signs of distress to those around him. As minutes passed, Bheem's tolerance surprised even his brothers and Yuyutsu.

Duryodhan, observing from across the room, clenches his jaw in disappointment as he sees Bheem being able to withstand and tolerate the poison. His dark eyes narrow in frustration, realizing that his plan once again has been foiled by Bheem's strength.

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A/N

And one more plan has failed.

Waise, it is mentioned even after this, many attempts were made on the life of Bheem and the rest of the Pandavas, but they were saved by Vidur. However those attempts have not been specified.

So after Kaalkut poisoning attempt, the only specified attempt is the Lakshagriha.

And for some reason this has made me realise..... Pichle 3 books se Adiparva chal raha hai, aur aane wali 4 books tak chalega 💀
Khandavdahan tak chalta hai yeh....

The moment you realise 18 parvas mei se 1 bhi pura nahi huya~
Mujhe laga 6 books mei Mahabharat cover ho jaayega lekin-😭🤣😭🤣