Anya's ancient antics: a mahabharat tale

chapter 15

Indraprastha was a breathtaking sight, a city of grandeur and beauty unlike any other. The palace, made of white marble with golden accents, stood tall and proud, gleaming in the bright sunlight. The wide streets were lined with fragrant flower gardens, and fountains carved from precious stone filled the air with the soft sound of flowing water. The walls of the city were adorned with murals depicting stories of gods and warriors, a testament to the legacy of the Pandavas. Around the palace, lush green fields stretched out, with blooming flowers that swayed gently in the breeze.

As the palanquin bearing Anya, Subhadra, and Dushala arrived, a welcoming committee was waiting at the gates. Kunti stood at the forefront, her face glowing with love and affection. Draupadi stood beside her, the Pandavas behind them, while Krishna, ever the charmer, leaned casually against a pillar with a playful smile.

Kunti was the first to approach, arms wide open as she embraced Anya tightly. "Anya, my dear, it's so good to see you!" she said warmly. Her smile was motherly, filled with affection.

Anya, being her usual bubbly self, grinned as she returned the hug. "Kunti Maa! I've missed you more than you know. And of course, I missed your ladoos!"

Kunti chuckled, patting her cheek. "Always thinking about food, aren’t you?"

Subhadra laughed from the side. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think she came just for the ladoos.”

Anya feigned a look of shock. “How dare you! I’m not *that* predictable. I also came to see you all... and maybe eat a little.”

Dushala shook her head with a smile. “It’s good to see you haven’t changed, Anya. We’d be worried if you suddenly stopped thinking about food.”

Krishna stepped forward with his signature grin. “Ah, Anya. You always manage to make everyone laugh. How was your journey? Not too tiring, I hope?”

Anya sighed dramatically. “Oh, you know. It was fine, except for Subhadra and Dushala who kept teasing me the whole way. They wouldn't even let me nap in peace!”

Subhadra raised an eyebrow. “If we hadn’t woken you up, you’d have missed all the snacks along the way.”

Anya gasped and clutched her chest. “That would’ve been a tragedy!”

Everyone laughed as Draupadi stepped forward, smiling at the lively exchange. “It’s good to have you here, Anya. You always bring such joy with you.”

“Thanks, Draupadi! But between you and me,” Anya leaned in to whisper, “I’m really here for your cooking.”

Draupadi smiled, shaking her head. “I had a feeling.”

---

After a hearty lunch filled with more banter and laughter, Anya found herself in the palace garden, sitting on a large wooden swing. The gentle breeze played with her flowing blonde hair, and her wide-brimmed hat tilted slightly as she swayed back and forth. The garden was a serene haven, filled with colorful flowers, trees that provided ample shade, and the sound of birds chirping in the distance. It should’ve been peaceful, but her mind was elsewhere.

*Why didn’t that Mr. Fox say goodbye?* she thought, frowning. *Why did he want me to stay if he wasn’t even going to talk to me properly? Hmph, serves him right if he misses me now. But… why am I even thinking about him?*

She huffed in frustration, lost in her thoughts when suddenly, a hand landed on her shoulder. Startled, she nearly tumbled off the swing but quickly caught herself. Turning around, she saw Nakul standing there with a mischievous grin on his face.

“Nakul!” she exclaimed, lightly punching his shoulder. “You scared me!”

Nakul raised his hands defensively, laughing. “I called out to you, but you were too lost in your *important* thoughts to hear me. Were you thinking about me, by any chance?”

Anya rolled her eyes. “Nope, I was thinking about actual *important* things. Not you.”

Nakul placed a hand on his chest in mock hurt. “Ouch! I thought all you did was laugh and eat food. I didn’t know you were capable of deep thoughts.”

Anya puffed out her cheeks. “I’ll have you know, I think very deep thoughts! I’m like… a philosopher. Anya the Wise.”

Nakul grinned, amused. “Oh really? And what were these ‘deep thoughts’ about? Were you thinking about how much you’re going to eat later?”

Anya glared at him playfully. “You’re impossible! I was thinking about why some people can be so rude! Like not saying goodbye or even being polite.”

Nakul raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Ah, I see. It sounds like someone has been on your mind. Care to share?”

Anya stomped her foot lightly. “Nope! Not sharing with you. You’ll just make fun of me.”

Nakul laughed and shrugged. “Fair enough. But if you ever need advice, remember, I’m here.”

Anya tilted her head curiously. “Advice? From you? What could you possibly advise me on?”

With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Nakul responded, “How to deal with rude people, of course.”

Anya chided him, folding her arms. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, otherwise I’d stomp on your foot for real.”

Nakul chuckled, clearly enjoying their playful banter. “Well, how about this? Since you’re bored, why don’t I take you to my favorite spot in Indraprastha? I promise it’s worth it.”

Anya’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Really? That sounds fun! Let’s go, then. I’m bored sitting here.”

Seeing her enthusiasm, Nakul smiled fondly. “Alright, let’s go. But try to keep up. I know you get distracted easily.”

Anya shot him a look and began walking ahead of him. “I’m not that easily distracted! I’m very focused.”

Nakul smirked, teasing her as they walked. “Sure, sure. We’ll see how long that focus lasts.”

---

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Kunti was finishing her preparations for the evening feast, Draupadi by her side giving instructions to the servants. They were meticulous in their planning, ensuring everything was perfect.

“I hope I haven’t forgotten anything,” Draupadi murmured, her brows furrowing in concentration. “I want everything to be just right for Anya, Subhadra, and Dushala.”

Kunti placed a reassuring hand on Draupadi’s shoulder. “You’ve done wonderfully, Draupadi. Everything looks perfect. You’ve thought of everything.”

Just then, Bheem walked into the kitchen, his eyes immediately falling on the ladoos. “Draupadi, just one ladoo? Please?” he asked, looking hopeful.

Draupadi crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Arya Bheem, the guests haven’t even arrived yet. Can’t you wait?”

Bheem pouted, much like a child denied his favorite treat. “But I’m just… making sure they’re good!”

Sahadev added with a soft chuckle, “Maybe we should hide them until the feast.”

Bheem growled playfully, glaring at his brothers. “Don’t you dare! These ladoos are mine.”

Krishna, who had been watching with an amused expression, laughed softly. “Let him have one, Draupadi. You know how much he loves ladoos.”

Arjun stepped forward with a smile. “If you don’t let him have one now, he’ll find a way to sneak one later.”

Yudhishthir, ever the voice of reason, intervened with a calm smile. “Let’s not start a ladoo crisis before the feast. Bheem, you’ll get your fill later.”

The group laughed at Yudhishthir’s words, and Draupadi relented with a fond smile. The mood in the palace was light and joyful, a reflection of the happiness that had come with Anya, Subhadra, and Dushala’s arrival.

Hey guys it's my bonus chapter for you all 🙂