Destiny or Accident?

Episode: 13 || Angaraj.....!

"Time is not the enemy, but the mirror;
it shows us how fleeting we are,
and that eternity lies in what we create,
not how long we last."

As Arjun, the third Pandava, concluded his dazzling performance, the arena erupted into a storm of applause. His name reverberated through the air as the crowd chanted, their admiration burning hot against his skin. Feeling the weight of their adoration, Arjun knew it was time to bow out of the arena, his heart swelling with pride.

Guru Drona approached with a proud gleam in his eyes, clapping Arjun firmly on the back. "Well done, Arjun," he praised. "Your skill with the bow is truly unmatched. You have proven yourself a worthy disciple."

Arjun smiled back, humbled by the praise and expressing his gratitude.

Turning toward Maharaj Dhritarashtra, Guru Drona's voice rang out with pride. "From the very first day I trained him, I knew he was destined to be the greatest archer the world has ever known. Today, it is for all to see—Arjun, my disciple, is the supreme archer of the world."

The crowd's cheer rose to a fevered pitch, the chants of Arjun's name nearly shaking the ground beneath them. In the corner, Bheem pumped his fist in triumph while Nakul and Sahadev laughed, celebrating their brother's victory. Yudhishthir's smile radiated pride as he watched Arjun bask in the glory of the moment. But not all were pleased—Duryodhana and Dushasan stood in the shadows, their teeth grinding in frustration.

Ashwatthama, seated on the podium, gave Arjun a playful thumbs-up and winked at the crowd, teasing the moment. As Arjun prepared to take his leave, a sudden darkness swept over the sky, and from that darkness, an arrow came slicing through the air with deadly precision.

A voice—loud, clear, and commanding—followed: "Before you declare him the greatest archer, perhaps you should test him against me."

The arena fell into stunned silence, every eye searching for the source of the voice. Mahamahim Bhishma and Guru Drona immediately called for their soldiers to find the intruder. The crowd buzzed with shock—who would dare challenge the newly crowned supreme archer, and a prince, no less?

"Reveal yourself!" Bhishma's voice thundered through the arena. Soldiers scoured the grounds, but before they could act, a tall figure leaped effortlessly into the arena, his silhouette cutting through the darkened clouds.

Ashwatthama and the Kauravas stared in disbelief at the stranger's graceful entrance, while the Pandavas, seething, tightened their grips, ready to defend their brother.

Arjun straightened, studying the man who now stood before him. He wasn't royalty—Arjun could tell that much—and the man looked to be only a few years older than Yudhishthir.

"I challenge your disciple, Guru Drona," the man declared, his voice calm yet laced with fire. "Arjun, pick up your bow and face me."

Instinctively, Arjun glanced at his teacher, seeking guidance.

The stranger's lips curled into a smirk. "Why do you look to him?" he taunted. "Do you need his permission to fight? Or are you afraid that your brief reign as the supreme archer will crumble to dust once you face me?"

Arjun's brow furrowed, his confidence flaring. "I am not afraid," he shot back, a determined smirk of his own taking shape. "And you will never defeat me."

With that, Arjun raised his bow, and the stranger mirrored his movement, ready to duel.

"STOP!" Bhishma's commanding voice echoed through the arena, freezing both combatants in their tracks. From his seat, he addressed Guru Drona. "Since you are the one who arranged this display, we defer to you to set the rules."