Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

65.Ascendancy

Rudra leaned closer to the door, squinting into the dim interior. "Okay, it's confirmed. Didi is mad—and I mean really mad," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't see her, but you can practically feel the anger radiating from in there."

Suddenly, the door swung open with a loud creak, and Varuni stepped out, her face pale and drawn, as if she had just weathered a storm. She still looked like she was carrying the weight of that storm, ready to unleash it at any moment.

"I think it's better if we leave her alone for a while," she said flatly, brushing past the group without meeting anyone's gaze.

"Of course my sakhi would be mad," said another voice, smooth and playful, causing everyone to widen their eyes in surprise.

"Vasudev!" Arjun exclaimed, shocked but delighted as he turned to greet his friend.

Bowing slightly with his hands joined, Krishna grinned. "Bhrata Yudhishthir," he greeted warmly, inclining his head toward the eldest Pandava.

"Pranam, Vasudev! What a surprise!" Yuvraj Yudhishthir said with a broad smile.

Krishna's smile widened. "Angraj invited me to his wedding, and I couldn't possibly miss it—especially knowing my sakhi is here."

As soon as he spoke those words, everyone's smiles faltered.

As friends, they wanted to support Tvarita, but as princes, they couldn't ignore Angraj's wedding. The entire royal family had been invited, and their Mata Kunti had ordered the brothers to attend.

Bheem raised an eyebrow. "I wish there was some way we didn't have to go."

Krishna chuckled, folding his arms. "Chaos and weddings go hand in hand, Parth! Where there's a wedding, there's always a storm—sometimes in the form of angry brides, sometimes anxious grooms, and sometimes long-lost relatives who show up unannounced." His wink was unmistakable.

Yuvraj Yudhishthir couldn't help but laugh. "You truly have a way with words, Vasudev. But where are Bhrata Balram and Subhadra?"

"Oh, they're back at the palace, greeting Maharaj first as per customs. Bhrata Balram and Subhadra wanted to meet Tvarita, but duty calls, and well... I'm not much for customs," Krishna said with a grin.

"Tvarita will be delighted to see you, Mitra," Arjun said, chuckling.

"Well, after everything that's happened, I'm not so sure," Krishna said, glancing at the hut. "I've heard about the incident."

"The entire Aryavarta knows?" Varuni asked, concerned.

"Of course," Nakul replied.

"No wonder," Sahadev added. "Angraj is... well, he's known by everyone."

"You must be Rudra," Vasudev said, turning to him.

"Pranam, Vasudev," Rudra said, bowing respectfully.

"It's finally good to meet you, Rudra. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have our Tvarita back," Vasudev said with a smile.

"It is my duty, Vasudev, to protect my sister," Rudra replied solemnly.

"Why don't you princes return to the palace while I have a conversation with Tvarita," Vasudev suggested, looking toward the hut.

"I'm here, Tvarita! You better come out; I've missed you," Vasudev Krishna called lightly, his voice carrying across the ashram, drawing attention from everyone nearby.

"You should go now," Vasudev said, waving the group off.

"Alright, alright," Bheem said, raising his hands in mock surrender as they all left.