Asmi: The Warrior of Fate

The Ties that Bind

Asmi wandered through the grand corridors of Hastinapur, her senses overwhelmed by the grandeur. Everywhere she looked, there was something new - from the intricate carvings on the walls to the non- stop activity as everyone prepared for the Kalapradarshan, set to take place soon.

She had managed to change into more traditional attire- a simple, elegant lehenga which Subhadra had helped her choose. The fabric felt foreign against her skin, yet there was something comforting about it. Subhadra had been really kind to her, as had Dushala, the only sister of the Kuru princes.

"Kalapradarshan ke liye sabhi atyant utsahit hain, Jiji." Subhadra said, her voice soft as they walked. "Dushala ne humein kal ki tayariyon ke vishay mein bataya tha." (Everyone is excited for Kalapradarshan, sister. Dushala had mentioned the preparations for tomorrow to me.)

Asmi smiled, feeling a warmth towards Subhadra. Her friendliness was something she admired, and despite the tornado of emotions Asmi felt, she couldn't help but be drawn into this world.

Dushala joined them, her face gleaming with excitement. "Asmi, how are you feeling? You're about to become a part of Kalapradarshan! Though in audience."

Asmi let out a small laugh, trying to mask her nervousness. "Feeling? Nervous hoon. Kintu thoda excited bhi." (I'm nervous. But a little excited too.)

Dushala grinned, nudging her. "That's good. From your smile, it seems like you don't even have patience to wait for the day."

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud voice. "O! Stree!" Dushasan's gruff voice boomed from down the corridor. He and Vikarna approached, their massive frames taking up space. Asmi tensed a little but kept her composure. (O! Girl!)

"Kaun ho tum? Kalapradarshan ka kuch karya kar rahi ho kya?" Dushasan asked, his tone suspicious but not completely unfriendly. (Who are you? Are you working for Kalapradarshan?)

Asmi opened her mouth, but Dushala quickly answered. "Dushasan bhrata, yeh Asmi hai. Humari atithi. Aapko unhe bhaybheet nahi karna chahiye!" (Dushasan brother, this is Asmi. She's our guest. You shouldn't scare her!)

Dushasan let out a hearty laugh, "Hum bhaybheet kar rahe hain? Arre nahi! Bas samajhna chah rahe hain ki yeh nayi atithi kaun hain." (Am I scaring her? No, no! I just want to understand who this new guest is.)

Vikarna, the quieter of the two brothers, nodded as in greeting. "Humara ghar aapka bhi ghar hai. Aapko yahan bhaybheet hone ki aavashyakta nahi, devi" (Our home is yours too. You don't need to be afraid here.)

Asmi smiled. "Main bhaybheet nahi ho rahi hoon," she said, trying to sound confident. "Par aapke mehel mein thodi si kho gayi hoon." (I'm not scared, but I'm a little lost in your world.)

Dushasan chuckled. "Tum humare saath ho, toh yeh mehel avashya hi tumhara bhi hoga." (If you're with us, this palace will become yours soon enough.)

But before Asmi could respond, her attention was drawn to a man sitting in the corner of the room, rolling dice with a smirk on his face - Shakuni. 

He was quite handsome despite his age. She thought.

"Tumhare nain bohot kuch bolti hain, bacchi," Shakuni said, not bothering to look up from his game. "Par yeh smaran rakhna, yeh sansar utna saral nahi hai jitna tumhe lagta hai." (Your eyes say a lot, girl. But remember, this world isn't as simple as you think.)

Asmi narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling an irrational flow of irritation toward Shakuni. There was something about him that instantly made her feel negative. Maybe it was his sly tone or the way he seemed to enjoy the chaos around him.

But she couldn't help herself. "Toh, aap itne ashvast kyun hain, Gandharraj?" she said with a smirk, not wanting to back down. (Then, why are you so confident, king of Gandhar?)

Shakuni chuckled darkly. "There's a thin line between confidence and cunning, girl. But you'll understand... in time."

Before Asmi could respond with something, Subhadra gently pulled her away, whispering, "Stay away from uncle Shakuni. His intentions are never pure."

Asmi nodded, grateful for the advice. She was starting to see just how complex this world was.

Later, in the grand palace courtyard, Asmi found herself in the company of the Pandavas - the five brothers who were at the heart of the epic.

Arjun, the archer, stood practicing his aim, his focus did not break even as Asmi approached. Bhim, with his huge frame, was deep in conversation with Yudhishthir, the eldest. Nakul and Sahadev, the twins, were by the horses, tending to them.

Subhadra introduced Asmi to them and the brothers greeted her warmly. "Our younger sister says you're quite different. We're curious to know more about you." Arjun said, his voice calm but curious.

Asmi smiled, feeling at ease with the Pandavas. There was a warmth to them, a sense of camaraderie that contrasted sharply with the Kauravas' intensity. "I also want to know more about all of you. It'll be interesting to watch you all at Kalapradarshan."

Bhima chuckled, his laugh booming. "If you think watching us will be interesting, you better get ready now!"

Asmi laughed along with them, already feeling a bond growing between her and the Pandavas. But before they could continue talking, a familiar voice rang out.

"Tumhara hriday ab tumhara marg darshan kar raha hai, Asmi," Krishna said, appearing seemingly out of nowhere in her head. "Tum yahan se nahi ho, par tumhare aatma tumhe yahan lana chah rahi thi." (Your heart is showing you the way, Asmi. You may not belong here, but your inner self brought you here.)

Asmi felt her heart skip a beat. Krishna always had that effect on her, his words coated with mystery yet offering her comfort.

As the day went on, Asmi found herself in the presence of the elder statesmen of Hastinapur - Mahamahim Bhishma and Mahamantri Vidur. The two were in deep discussion when Asmi entered and they immediately included her in their conversation.

"Child, your arrival has brought a new light to this palace." Bhishma said, his voice full of warmth. "Everyone here wishes for your happiness and well-being." 

Asmi felt tears prick her eyes. There was something about Bhishma's gentle tone that reminded her of home. "Main abhi tak samajh nahi paayi hoon ki yeh sab kaise hua, par mujhe yahan aakar atyadhik harsh ka bodh hua hai," she said, her voice thick with emotion. (I still don't understand how all this happened but I'm feeling a lot of happiness here.)

Vidur, ever the wise one, nodded thoughtfully. "Yeh yatra tumhare liye awashyak thi. Tumhare mann mein jo uthal puthal hai, hum aasha karte hain tumhe uske uttar yahi mil jayein." (This journey was necessary for you. The turmoil in your heart might find its answers here.)

Support, Comment and Upvote, guys!