Fated Hearts the Shadows of Kurukshetra

A journey to Kalinga

After 6yrs

 Mahamahim Bhishma was preparing for a journey to Kalinga as king Virahadratha was an old friend of Hastinapur or old friend of Pandu 

After the death of Pandu the relations between the two kingdoms was not very clear , and  Bhishm didn't want a kingdom with such a vast wealth to be Hastinapur's enemy and he wanted to avoid bloodshed 

As he was planning to leave to Kalinga the next day when some of the princes entered his chamber and asked whether they could join him 

Pitamah loved his great grandsons as his own and always inspired them 

Bheem,Suyodhana,Sushasana,Arjun and Nakul entered his chamber and greeted him 

Pranipaat Pitamah, they all said in union and touched his leg for blessings

Pranipaat putro , Sada sukhi raho said Bhishma touching their heads   

Bheem said , we were thinking whether we could accompany u to Kalinga Pitamah 

Why? of course this old man will get bored on the way sure come along my putro 

The faces of all princes lit up as soon as he told they could go along they didn't think it would be soo easy to convince Pitamah 

Prepare for the long journey we will leave early tomorrow morning  before sunrise then we will be able to  reached after 2days . 
The princes where also bored from their life in palace so they decided to accompany pitamaha.

after some planning for their journey the princes retreaded for the night 

Suyodhana and Sushasana were on their way to their chambers to prepare for their journey when they met their dear uncle Shakuni 

Pranipaat mamashree , why are u here so late , asked Suyodhana 

Pranipaat putro , I just heard that u guys are going to Kalinga tomorrow who is going to tell your dear mama about it?

we were about to tell u about it in the morning mamashree said Sushasana  

Anyways, my putro I heard that Kalinga is a vast kingdom with immense wealth almost equal as Hastinapur so make sure to make them your allies it will be good for your future 

Of course mamashree why else do u think we will go along with that Kaunteyas, Sushasana said with a smirk 

None of the kauravs considered the Kaunteyas as the  sons of Pandu so they never called them the pandavas. 

They retreated for the night .

Suyodhana pov , 

As I was laying on my bed , I was unable to sleep my heart stirred for an unknown reason I don't know why it felt very strange as if my heat was getting hollow and maybe yearning for it's other piece . I have never felt something like this ever before .

I stopped thinking about it and again tired to sleep which I was unable to get 

I was awaked by the morning drums of the palace I could barely sleep ,I perhaps slept for an hour or so then I remembered that today was the day we were going with Pitamah to Kalinga .

I got up from my bed went to take a birth and went to pray in the temple of Mahadeva with my mother this was the only time I get to be with her we don't get to talk much but being with my mother keeps me at peace. 

I came to my room all my royal clothes and jewelry was laid on my bed by my dasis , I worn then and my Mukut [crown] and stepped out to see suhsala standing outside my chamber waiting for me with prasad and Tika in her hands.

She smiled when she saw me she gave me the prasad and put the Tika on my head and bent to touch my legs I pulled her into a hug .

I am going to miss u bhratashree , she whined like a small child 

I smiled at her childish behavior I will be back in 2 weeks Guddu no need to be sad 

I will bring you a lot of presents from Kalinga too 

Her eyes lit at the word gifts ,this silly girl I thought 

I then proceeded to take blessing from Pitashree, Matashree ,Mamashree and Choti ma 

I got on my chariot and started my journey to Kalinga 

I had asked my dear Mitr karna and Ashwatthama  to come along but they said it was a family bonding time and they didn't wish to be in between that and not to forget that karna was busy with something else as well , his childhood lover ,  Vrishali ........

They were planning to get married this year. Lovebirds tsk tsk I thought smiling  that my dear Mitr will now be a husband 

It was almost night time we decided to halt and put up our camp never a river 

Everyone were in their tents sleeping I came out of my tent and went to sit by the river ,the voice of water always clams me down .

Today I got to know that the king of Kalinga had only one daughter and her name was Bhanumati I don't know why that name oddly gets my heart to be unstable

Then I thought king  Virahadratha must have brought her up like king Drupad had brought up his only daughter Shikandani as she was the only ruler they would have .

The night passed 

I was not interested in love right now cause all that I wanted was to make everyone who loves me proud and show everyone I am the worthy crown prince of Hastinapur .

We again started our journey the weather was good indicating we will reach earlier than expected 

as we were neared Kalinga Lush greenery adorned the hills, with vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Towering trees, their canopies bursting with life, whispered secrets of the ancient land. The air was fragrant with the scent of blossoming flora, a symphony of colors dancing before my eyes.

In the distance, the magnificent city of Kalinga rose gracefully, its grand architecture shimmering in the sunlight. Intricate carvings adorned the buildings, telling tales of a rich heritage and immense wealth. The sounds of laughter and the hum of daily life filled the atmosphere, drawing me closer. As he entered this enchanting realm, I felt the promise of adventure and the allure of Kalinga's treasures beckoning me forward.

As we reached the grand gates of Kalinga, we were met with a magnificent procession. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the air was filled with the sound of drums and joyous music. The people of Kalinga lined the streets, their faces beaming with excitement and reverence.

At the forefront stood the king, regal in his ornate attire, adorned with jewels that sparkled in the sunlight. He raised his arms in a warm welcome, embodying the spirit of the city. Surrounding him were nobles and dignitaries, each clad in elaborate garments that reflected the wealth and culture of Kalinga.

I, filled with a sense of honor, dismounted from his steed and stepped forward. The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices echoing through the air, celebrating not just the arrival of the commander-in-chief and the princes but the unity of their realms. Flowers were tossed at their feet, and the vibrant atmosphere pulsed with a sense of festivity.

Pitamah pulled the King in a warm hug , he was very happy that king Virahadratha had not forgotten his friendly ties with Hastinapur . 

As we were proceeding towards the palace Arjun said , The woman of Kalinga are extraordinarily beautiful I just wonder how beautiful there princess must be ......

This womanizer , I thought 

You are right Jesth I am also eager to see the princess said Nakul 

I don't know why that made me possessive more someone who is not mine let alone who I have never seen .............

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BONUS UPDATE CAUSE OF LONG WEEKNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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