By ending the tyrannical King Kamsa in a fierce battle, Shri Krishna restored peace and justice to the land of Mathura. But the aftermath of Kamsa's downfall sent shockwaves rippling through the Vrishni and Bhoj dynasties, casting a shadow of fear o...
In the humble confines of their thatched hut in Dronacharya's ashram, the Pandavas were unpacking their scant belongings - a few garments, mats, and basic essentials. As they arranged their meager possessions, they recalled their carefree days in the thatched hut in Shatashringa, surrounded by the verdant forests.
"Aisi hi parnkutir thi humari." Arjun said.
"Satyavachan." Yudhishthir smiled as he remembered the games they played and the stories they shared under the same humble roof.
"Waise Varanasahrya ke van bhi Shatashringa jaise hi hai." Bheem chuckled as he recalled the mischief they used to get into while exploring the wilderness around their former home.
Nakul and Sahadev shared a knowing look, soft smiles playing on their lips as they recalled the days spent playing with each other in the woods, their laughter echoing through the trees.
Suddenly they all heard loud yelling from outside. The familiar voice of Duryodhan cut through the peaceful atmosphere, causing the brothers to exchange puzzled glances. With a sense of urgency, the Pandavas rushed outside to investigate the commotion.
They saw Duryodhan arguing with a trembling servant, his face contorted in anger, as he berated a trembling servant for refusing to put their belongings in their hut, "Tumhara itna dussahas ki tum meri aagya ki avhelna karo !?"
"K-Kshama Rajkumar, kintu Dronacharya ka aadesh hai ki hum kisi bhi Rajkumar ki sewa nahi kar sakte." The servant tried to explain.
"Prati-uttar deta hai, murkh !" Duryodhan's voice reverberates through the clearing, harsh and demanding, his eyes ablaze with fury.
"SHAANTI !" A booming voice fell on their ears.
The princes turned their gaze and saw a young man with a stern look approaching. He was tall and well-built, with a commanding presence that demanded respect. His eyes were sharp and piercing, indicating wisdom beyond his years. He appeared older than the princes, his complexion a striking reddish hue.
Amidst his furrowed brow, a radiant gem sparkled, encrusted on his forehead like a beacon of power. As he approached, his gaze bore into Duryodhan, silencing the chaotic scene with a mere glance. The gem on his forehead caught the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing glow that seemed to enhance his aura of strength and wisdom.
"Yeh Dronacharya ka ashram hai, Hastinapur ka Raj-mahal nahi jaha tum kisi pashu ke bhaati chillao." He said.
Duryodhan, usually full of arrogance and bravado, was taken aback by the man's forceful reprimand.
The young man looked at all the princes and said, "Gurukul ke kuch niyam hote hai jo sabhi ko maanne padte hai. Aur pratham niyam yeh hai ki vidyarthi apne sabhi karya swayam karenge. Shishya sewa karta hai, kisi se sewa leta nahi. Bhul jaao ki tum sab Rajkumar ho, jab tak iss ashram mei ho tab tak tum keval ek Vidyarthi ho."
"Tum ho kaun ?" Duryodhan asked.
"Dron-putra Ashwathama." The man said.
Arjun, listening to that, steps forward eagerly to greet him, who was the son of their perceptor. With joined hands, he humbly said, "Pranaam swikaar kare Gurubhrata."
Ashwathama, with a stern look on his face, gazes at Arjun from head to toe. But the young prince stands confidently before Ashwathama, his demeanor respectful yet undaunted by the presence of the older man.
"Tum Arjun ho na ?" Ashwathama asked, his stern expression softened slightly.
Arjun's eyes widened, "Aap mujhe jaante hai ?"
Ashwathama smiled, "Kripa mama se suna tha tumhare baare mei."
And then turning his gaze towards the assembled princes, Ashwathama said, "Tumhare Guru ne tum sabko bulaya hai. Shigreh jaao."
The princes nod obediently, promptly made their way to meet their revered Guru. They all found Dronacharya sitting alone, on a high seat under a Banyan tree, with an air of wisdom surrounding him. The princes humbly bowed before Dronacharya, seeking his blessings, and then settled on the ground near his feet.
Dronacharya's gaze sweeps over the assembled princes. The princes sit in rapt attention, expecting that their Guru was about to impart knowledge and teachings.
However the Dron asked for something instead, "Kuru-kumaro, mere hridaye mei ek vishesh karya hai. Tum sabhi ko mujhe vachan dena hoga ki jab tum sab shashtravidya mei nipurn ho jaaoge, toh tumhe mera woh karya siddh karna hoga."
A heavy silence enveloped the gathering of princes. The Pandavas and Kauravas looked at each other, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds were the only sounds breaking the stillness of the moment. The young warriors dared not speak, for they weren't sure what task their perceptor was expecting.
Dronacharya's gaze shifted from one prince to another, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of longing and expectation. Despite the silence, his eyes spoke volumes, silently pleading for one of them to break the stillness and volunteer for the task that lay heavy on his heart. "Kaho kya meri Vidya ka yeh mol de paaoge ? Kya vachan de sakte ho ?" He asked.
"Mai vachan deta hu." Arjun broke the silence, just as the tension seemed to stretch on endlessly.
Dronacharya's eyes moistened with emotion as he looked at Arjun, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He gestured for Arjun to come forward, the young prince moved closer, his steps measured and resolute, and knelt down in front of his Guru.
Dron reached out and grasped his student's shoulders, "Tumhara naam kya hai, vats ?" He asked in a laden with emotion.
"Arjun." The young prince answered.
Dron's stoic facade softened as he embraced Arjun, inhaling the scent of his forehead repeatedly as a gesture of affection, a few tears escaped his eyes, betraying his composed exterior.
□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□ A/N
The glory of Arjun as a student, starts now 🌝✨ Well technically in the next book... Because this book is nearing its end 🌝
Also, Ashwathama is here ✨ And this is his birth story -
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Plus, if you didn't know, Ashwathama is the ansh-avatar of Mahadev, born from the lord's Kaam, Krodh and Yama.
