WHEN THE STARS ALIGNED / A Mahabharat AU

24. Enchanted forests and truths

(Near Kamyaka forest)

After a short a short break, the group of seven decided to continue their journey further. While the rest were preparing the necessities, the yadav princess stood at a distance. Prakriti gave the string of her bow a light tug and felt a gush of wind rise and blow past her, her waves of now very long traces blew backwards. The corner of her lips tugged upward as she closed her eyes at the familiar feeling. Her fingers felt the familiar tingling of warmth the weapon exuded. It has been months since reformed the hidden bow, the special "machine", as she called it that collapsed or reformed at her will, a light jewellery on her hand, her clasped-bangle.

"I never figured out how that worked." She heard the youngest Pandav say, having finished helping his mother in packing food.

"I'll tell you when I figure it out." Prakriti chuckled, "It's a gift from Dau—" Prakriti stopped as her smile fell. A sudden clench to her heart at the mention of her oldest brother.

If there was one person who would love her no matter what, it was Balaram Dau. He had always been by her side, defending her against Kanha, protecting her from the mothers, scolding the other cousins. He was there.
And if there was one person who will miss her dearly and might not be aware of her being alive (which she hoped wasn't true), it will be him.

"Are you okay?" Sahdev asked, poking her shoulder like a child.

"Yeah. I just miss them. My family..." She shook her head, heaving a sigh.

Sahdev frowned, finally placing his hands on her shoulder softly, "What you did for us was extremely selfless. Initially I didn't trust you one bit, just like I didn't trust Niyati. I know you both are hiding something, but I don't know what or how. But I do trust you now. You had no reason to let go of everything, just to protect us and fulfilling mata's wish, but you did. You are an admirable person, Yadavi, I hope you know that." He smiled.

"You're a good friend, Dev." She smiled back, shoving his sides.

"Ow. Way to ruin the moment. Also, we haven't reached nickname phase yet!" He yelled at her as she walked away.

"Whatever you say little brother." She laughed.

"We're the same age!"

Prakriti didn't pay any attention to the youngest's whines.

Arjun snorted, turning towards Nakul who was staring at his twin in amusement.
"I don't think I've heard that kid whine in ages. Who knew it would take some age-shaming to get him there?" Arjun chuckled.

"Yeah. He seems happy around her. She's been a good friend to him. Honestly, I think she makes all of us happy. Breath of fresh air in a gloomy room don't you think." Nakul nodded.

"Don't let jyesth hear you or he might think you're the one that is in love with her and will back away from ever confessing the love that he has been denying for months now, to her." Arjun deadpanned.

"I don't like her like that. You can be happy around a woman without falling in love with them!" Nakul said in expiration. Arjun shrugged, carrying the rest of the necessities.

After what felt like ages of walking they seemed to have walked into the depth of a forest, the surroundings were becoming darker as the trees overhead grew taller and more dense.