Anya's ancient antics: a mahabharat tale

chapter 46

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In the grand palace of Kalinga, nestled deep within the beautiful gardens, Bhanumati sat with an air of grace and confidence. Her sharp features were being carefully groomed by her maids, who adorned her in the finest jewelry and fabrics. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, and her skin gleamed in the sunlight. Every inch of her presence exuded elegance and power. She knew she was beautiful—her beauty was her weapon, and she wielded it without hesitation.

As she admired her reflection in the mirror, the doors to her chamber opened, and her father, the mighty King of Kalinga, entered. His voice, deep and authoritative, broke the peaceful silence.

“My beautiful daughter, Bhanumati,” he began, his face solemn. “I’ve received a letter. It concerns your future marriage.”

Bhanumati’s sharp eyes flickered with curiosity as she turned towards him. “Marriage?” she repeated, her tone calm but laced with intrigue.

The King nodded. “Yes, a proposal has come from Hastinapur, regarding a union with Prince Duryodhan.”

Bhanumati's perfectly arched brows furrowed. “But, father,” she said, her voice steady, “Isn’t he already married to a princess from Dwarka? And besides, I’ve always wanted to marry Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas. He’s the rightful heir to Indraprastha. I would become a queen, a true ruler of a powerful kingdom.”

Her voice carried ambition, the kind that had always driven her to aim for the highest prize. To be queen, not just of any kingdom, but of Indraprastha—the city of power and prosperity.

The King sighed, his weathered face showing signs of disappointment. “My daughter, it’s not as simple as you think. All the Pandavas are already married, and not to just any women. Yudhishthir shares a common wife with his brothers—Draupadi, the princess of Panchal, fireborn, and the Queen of Hastinapur. In her presence, no other woman can rise to claim a higher position. She is powerful, beloved by all, and holds great influence.”

He paused for a moment, observing the growing tension on his daughter’s face. “And besides, Indraprastha is not independent. It remains under the rule of Hastinapur, and Yudhishthir himself follows Duryodhan’s lead. You may never truly rule there.”

Bhanumati’s expression darkened, but she remained silent, considering her father’s words. Her desire for power hadn’t changed, but the path to it seemed less clear now.

King Kalinga leaned closer, his voice dropping to a more persuasive tone. “Duryodhan, on the other hand, is the future king of Hastinapur. His throne is secure. While it’s true that he is married, his wife is not of royal birth. She’s an adopted princess of Dwarka, with no bloodline to threaten your position. If you marry Duryodhan, you could easily surpass her and take your place as queen.”

Bhanumati’s dark eyes narrowed as she pondered her father’s words. Her mind raced with possibilities, weighing the benefits. Becoming queen of Hastinapur was indeed a powerful position, and she had heard of Duryodhan’s strength and ambition. She knew of his ruthless nature, but that did not deter her. In fact, it intrigued her. A man of power deserved a woman of equal strength.

She looked up at her father, her decision forming. “But father, I’ve heard that Duryodhan is deeply in love with his wife. It’s said he wouldn’t even entertain the thought of another woman.”

The King gave a wry smile. “That may be true, but Duryodhan is still a man. And there is no man who could refuse you, Bhanumati. You are beautiful, intelligent, and far superior to any adopted princess. If anyone can sway him, it is you.”