Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

21. Difficult Questions

The coronation of Ashwatthama as the king of Panchal had just concluded. The air was filled with celebration, songs, and the clamor of the Kauravas rejoicing. Yet, despite the outward festivity, I could sense something dark brewing beneath the surface. I glanced toward Maharaj Drupad . His face, usually unreadable, now bore a hint of satisfaction, but there was also something more-a simmering cloud of vengeance.

Just a moment ago, I had witnessed the façade of King Drupad's joy. His lips smiled, but his eyes remained cold, distant, as if he were still nursing old wounds. The tension between him and Guru Dronacharya remained palpable despite the grand ceremony.

"Putri," came a voice that broke my thoughts. It was Guru Parashuram calling me.

I turned swiftly. "Ji, Gurudev?" I responded with respect.

"Changing too much could be dangerous," he said simply, as though he had read the very thoughts swirling in my mind.

"Gurudev," I hesitated, "I know what you mean but is it fair that I know the future and yet I do nothing to stop what I know is coming? Isn't that the greatest adharma of all?"

He looked at me, his eyes carrying the wisdom of countless lifetimes. "You are right, Putri. But the suffering you must endure, too, is part of the grand design."

"Suffering?" I laughed bitterly. "My life is filled with endless sufferings, Gurudev. This... this is nothing in comparison."

Before he could respond, a loud voice cut through the air. "Maharaj Drupad, I hear you are a great player of chausar!" It was Ghandar Raj Shakuni, ever the schemer, his voice smooth as silk but with an undercurrent of evil.

The room fell into a hush as all eyes turned toward the Ghandar Raj.

Drupad, holding a goblet of madira, gave a small, curt nod. "That I am, Ghandaraj," he said, his voice tinged with false modesty. "But I am not as skilled as you ."

(Madira - liquor)

I caught the faintest smile playing on Shakuni's lips. His reputation as an unmatched strategist in the game of chausar was known throughout Bharatvarsha.

I shifted my gaze towards Guru Parashuram, whose expression remained calm but observant.

Then, Guru Parashuram spoke, his voice cutting through the growing tension in the hall. "Indeed, Gandhar Raj, I too have heard of your remarkable prowess in chausar. I would be most interested in watching you play today."

There was a flicker of interest in Shakuni's eyes. "It would be an honor, Bhagwan," he replied smoothly. "I'm sure a round with the king would be quite... entertaining. Isn't that right, Maharaj?"

The king laughed heartily at Gandhar Raj's words, his amusement echoing through the hall.

"Not today, Gandhar Raj," King Drupad said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Perhaps someone else will make a fitting opponent for you. Today is meant for celebration," he added, casting a glance at Guru Drona, though the joy on his face seemed only skin deep.

Guru Parashuram, observing the exchange, smiled slightly before turning toward King Drupad. "If the king permits," he began, his tone calm but pointed, "I would propose an unconventional player to face Gandhar Raj today."

The entire Sabha murmured in curiosity. Who could Bhagwan Parashuram be referring to?

"Putri Tvarita," Guru Parashuram announced, and the room went still. "She is an exceptional player herself."

A ripple of surprise spread across the assembly. Shakuni raised an eyebrow in disbelief, while others whispered among themselves. Drupad's expression was unreadable, though I could sense his discomfort at the suggestion.