Water to The Fire - Pandava x Reader - A Mahabharata Fanfiction

Part 8 - Are we...?

The news of Y/N's stunning transformation and the celestial aura she radiated at her coming-of-age ceremony spread like wildfire throughout the land. 

From the highest echelons of society to the common folk, the praises of "Bhisma's daughter" echoed in every corner. Her beauty and grace were subjects of endless admiration, and titles like "Bhisma's little star" and "Devi incarnate" became common currency in conversations.

In the days that followed, rumors began to circulate about powerful rulers and wealthy merchants eager to court the illustrious Lady Y/N. Her divine charms and the impressive dowry she brought with her made her the most sought-after match in the marriage market. Her ascent had been nothing short of meteoric, and she had become a symbol of beauty and grace.

Bhisma, hearing the constant buzz of admiration and the influx of suitors, felt a swell of paternal pride. His heart was warmed by the recognition of his daughter's brilliance. 

Yet, beneath the surface of his pride, a shadow of worry loomed. With so many potential suitors vying for Y/N's hand, he wondered how he could ensure that she found true love—a partner worthy of her unmatched radiance and virtue.

Unbeknownst to Bhisma, dark schemes were already unfolding behind the palace walls. The fervor and passion that Y/N had ignited in the hearts of the nobility were like kindling ready to be set ablaze. Shakuni, ever the schemer, saw this as the perfect opportunity to exploit the rivalry and desperation among the suitors. His mind was already racing with plans to manipulate the situation, knowing that the fire of competition could be used to his advantage.

As the palace buzzed with excitement and anticipation, the stage was set for a dramatic unfolding of events. The quest for Y/N's hand was more than a mere match-making affair—it was a battleground where love, ambition, and vengeance would collide. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Y/N's life was about to become a whirlwind of intrigue and drama, orchestrated by those who sought to influence her fate.

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That night, the Pandava brothers found themselves restless, unable to sleep as their thoughts were consumed by the recent ceremony. Each of them lay awake, their minds fixated on the image of Y/N—her beauty, grace, and the profound impact she had made on them. They each wondered if she could ever reciprocate their feelings.

Meanwhile, Y/N, absorbed in a book in the quiet solitude of the library, hardly noticed the late hour. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated her focused expression until Yudhisthira's gentle voice interrupted her reverie.

"Hey, it's getting late. You should probably rest," he said lightly, his tone filled with concern.

Y/N looked up, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, sorry, I lost track of time reading. My bad."

He smiled warmly, his eyes full of kindness. "Don't apologize. I just came to walk you to your room safely, if that's alright with you?"

Y/N nodded shyly, appreciative of his considerate gesture. As they walked down the dimly lit hall together, a comfortable silence enveloped them.

When they reached the door to her chambers, Yudhisthira hesitated, as though wanting to say something more but unsure how to express it.

"Well, thank you for looking out for me, brother. Safe travels to you as well in finding rest tonight," Y/N said, her voice soft and sincere as she gave him a warm smile before preparing to enter her room.

"Wait, Y/N..." Yudhisthira called softly, causing her to pause and turn back to him. The moonlight cast a gentle glow on his face, but his eyes betrayed an inner turmoil.