Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 5 : Be Careful

AUTHOR'S POV:

The sun had barely risen when Kunti noticed the unusual excitement in Bhishma's demeanor. He was deeply engrossed in reading a letter, a rare smile playing on his usually stoic face. Curiosity piqued, she finally approached him. The excitement surrounding Mithila's princess had spread through the palace, and everyone wondered why Bhishma, known for his calm and composed nature, seemed so elated by the visit.

"Tatshri, why are you so excited upon the arrival of Mithila's princess into our land?" asked Kunti, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Bhishma looked up, his smile widening as he placed the letter aside. "Kunti, the princess of Mithila is a very dear friend of mine. I am overjoyed that she will be attending the Kala Pradarshan."

Kunti's brows furrowed. The idea of Bhishma having such a close relationship with a princess from another kingdom was surprising to her. "The princess of Mithila is your friend? How, Pitamaha?"

Her question drew the attention of Arjuna, who had overheard the conversation as he entered the hall. "I too am curious, Pitamaha. How is it that the princess of Mithila is your friend?"

Bhishma chuckled softly, the memories of the past flooding his mind. "Let me tell you how it all began..."

Bhishma's Memory of Mithila

It was a cold winter when Bhishma, along with Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, set off on a journey to the kingdom of Mithila to discuss a potential alliance between Hastinapur and Mithila. The journey was long, spanning three days, but the company of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari made it easier.

When they finally reached Mithila, the grand gates of the kingdom opened, and they were greeted with warmth and hospitality. King Janaka himself came out to welcome them, and after the formalities of the alliance were completed, it was nearing evening.

The cool air of winter had set in, and Bhishma, enjoying the peace that came after a long day of discussions, decided to take a stroll in the palace gardens. The garden was beautifully lit with hundreds of small diyas, their flames dancing in the night breeze, casting a serene glow over the lush green surroundings.

As Bhishma wandered through the garden, admiring the tranquility, he became so immersed in the beauty around him that he lost awareness of his surroundings. He was deep in thought when a sudden gust of wind blew through the garden, causing one of the diyas to tip over, its flame dangerously close to falling on Bhishma's shoulder.

Before he could react, a hand swiftly intervened, placing itself between the flame and his body. The diya's flame licked at the skin of the person who had saved him, but Bhishma, startled, immediately turned to see who had come to his rescue.

There stood Avika, the princess of Mithila, her hand slightly burnt from the flame, yet her face calm and composed. Bhishma was taken aback, not only by her beauty but by the courage and selflessness she displayed in that small act.

"Putri Avika, I have been blessed with the boon of ichcha mrityu—death will only come to me when I wish for it. What harm could this small fire have done to me? Why did you burn your hand to save me?" Bhishma's voice was filled with a mix of surprise and admiration.

Avika smiled softly, her eyes gleaming with kindness. "Mahitatma, I know that no harm can come to you because of your boon, but that does not mean you are immune to pain. This fire may not kill you, but it could still hurt you, and I could not stand by and watch that happen."

Her response left Bhishma speechless. It wasn't just her bravery that impressed him, but her compassion, the way she cared about even the smallest harm that could come to him. In that moment, Bhishma knew that Avika was not just any princess—she was someone special, someone who looked beyond her own safety and well-being for the sake of others.