Asmi: The Warrior of Fate

Division!

The morning sun arrived along with the chirping of the birds, but the air in the royal court felt heavy. Today was the day the fate of the Kuru dynasty would be decided- a day that none had expected would come so soon.

Inside the grand hall, the tension was palpable. The king, Dhritarashtra, sat on his throne, beside him sat Queen Gandhari, Mahamahim Bheeshma, Mahamantri Vidura, and other key members of the cabinet. Duryodhan stood tall, his gaze fixed on the floor, while Yudhishthir and his brothers stood a few steps away, their expressions calm yet determined.

The court was filled with nobles, ministers, and commoners alike, all waiting for the king's final decision. Asmi stood quietly beside Karna, her heart heavy with the weight of what was to come. She had known this moment was inevitable, but it didn't make it easier to accept.

Vidura stepped forward, his voice calm but filled with sorrow. "It has been decided by the king and the council that, since both Yudhishthir and Duryodhan have proven themselves worthy in battle and in wisdom, the kingdom must be divided to maintain peace."

A murmur of shock and disbelief flew through the crowd. Division of the Kuru kingdom? No one had expected such a drastic solution.

"Khandavprastha and Hastinapur will be the two halves of this great kingdom," Vidura continued. "Yudhishthir, as the elder, you are given the choice to select which half you will rule."

Yudhishthir looked at his brothers, then at the king. His gaze briefly flickered towards Duryodhan, who stood silent and unmoving. With a steady voice, Yudhishthir spoke, "I choose Khandavprastha."

A wave of whispers swept through the court. Many had expected Yudhishthir to choose the prosperous and well- established Hastinapur, but his decision spoke volumes about his wisdom and humility.

King Dhritarashtra nodded solemnly. "So be it. Yudhishthir shall be the ruler of Khandavprastha, and Duryodhan will remain in Hastinapur as its heir."

The official announcement followed, and soon the court prepared for Yudhishthir's coronation. The Pandavas bowed before the king, the queen, and the elders. As their pitamah, Bheeshma placed his hand on Yudhishthir's head, blessing him, though his heart was heavy with sadness at the division of the family he had sworn to protect.

The coronation was a grand affair, with music, flowers, and the sound of drums filling the palace. As Yudhishthir was crowned the ruler of Khandavprastha, the emotions in the room were mixed. While the moment was meant to be a celebration, it felt more like a farewell.

Asmi stood with Karna, watching the Pandavas with tearful eyes. The thought of them leaving Hastinapur was too heavy for her. These men were more than just warriors, they were her brothers in spirit. She had shared moments of joy, laughter, and even conflict with them, but always with the understanding that they were family.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Asmi found herself standing before the Pandavas. Arjun, her dear friend, was the first to step forward. "Asmi," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "Humein pata tha yeh din aayega, but it doesn't make it any easier." (We knew such a day would come,)

Tears brimmed in Asmi's eyes. "I'll miss you all so much," she whispered, her voice breaking. "But I know you'll make Khandavprastha a kingdom of great honor."

Arjun smiled gently, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Tumhe vachan dena hoga. Ek din, tum humare paas aogi, jab hum sab kuch sambhaal lenge. We can't imagine our lives without you." (You will  have to promise something. One day, when we'll settle everything there, you'd visit us.)

Asmi's tears fell freely now, but she nodded. "Main kabhi apne bhrataon ko mana nahi kar sakti," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "You know that." (I can never say no to my brothers.)

Each of the Pandavas stepped forward, one by one, bidding Asmi goodbye in their own way. Bhim, with his usual nature, tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but even his smile was strained. Nakul and Sahadev, with their quiet strength, simply hugged her, knowing words would not do justice to the bond they shared.

Yudhishthir, the last to step forward, placed a hand on her shoulder. "You have always been our sister in spirit, Asmi. That will never change."

Asmi's heart ached as she watched the Pandavas prepare to leave. They were family, and the thought of them no longer being in Hastinapur felt like losing a part of herself.

The next morning, the Pandavas were ready to depart. The entire court gathered to bid them farewell, and the atmosphere was thick. Even Duryodhan, who had always been at odds with Yudhishthir, approached his cousins with a sense of newfound respect.

He stood before Yudhishthir and said, "You chose Khandavprastha. It may not be suitable for settlement yet, but I have no doubt you will make it flourish. I wish you and your brothers luck."

Yudhishthir nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Thank you, Duryodhan. May both our kingdoms grow in strength and honor."

Duryodhan glanced at Asmi, who stood beside him, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. She had been quiet since the coronation, but her emotions were written on her face.

As the Pandavas mounted their chariots, Asmi stepped forward one last time. "Take care of each other," she called out, her voice trembling with emotion. "And remember, you'll always have a home here in Hastinapur, with us."

Arjun waved at her, a faint smile on his face. "Hum avashya hi milenge, Asmi. Ye hum sabhi ka antim milan nahi hoga." (We will see you soon, Asmi. This is not goodbye.)

As the chariots went away, Asmi stood there, watching until they disappeared from sight. Her heart felt heavy, but she knew this was not the end. The bond they shared would endure, no matter the distance between them.

That evening, as the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Duryodhan and Asmi found themselves alone in the palace gardens.

Duryodhan had been quiet since the Pandavas' departure, his mind occupied with thoughts he hadn't yet voiced. But now, sitting beside Asmi under the moonlit sky, he felt a sense of calm.

"Kya aapko lagta hai ki ve sab theek honge?" Asmi asked softly, breaking the silence. (Do you think they'll be alright?)

Duryodhan nodded slowly. "They're strong. They'll manage."

Asmi looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "I know you'll miss them, even if you won't admit it."

Duryodhan chuckled, shaking his head. "Yaad? Kadachit Arjun kintu anya sab..." He trailed off, smirking. (Miss them? Maybe Arjun but the others...)

Asmi smiled, but her heart still felt heavy. She leaned her head on his shoulder, drawing comfort from his presence. "Tomorrow, I leave for Dwarka," she whispered.

Duryodhan stiffened slightly but didn't pull away. "I know. I wish you didn't have to go."

Asmi sighed. "Krishna ne aamantrit kiya hai. Main mana nahi kar sakti." (Krishna has called me. I can't refuse.)

For a long moment, they sat in silence, the weight of her impending departure hanging between them. Finally, Duryodhan spoke, his voice soft. "Promise me one thing."

"Kya?" she asked, her voice equally soft.

"Promise me you'll come back," he said, his hand gently taking hers. "I don't want to lose you."

Asmi's heart swelled with emotion as she squeezed his hand. "Main wapas aungi, Duryodhan ji. Meri pratiksha kijiyega." (I'll come back, Duryodhan. Please wait for me.)

The night passed quietly, with the two of them sitting together under the stars, the bond between them growing stronger with every unspoken word.

Tomorrow, Asmi would leave for Dwarka, but tonight, she was here, with him.