---
Janhvi had spent the past few weeks in Hastinapur, growing closer to the Pandavas. Each brother brought something different to their bond. Yudhishthira’s wisdom and calm demeanor gave her a sense of peace, while Bhima’s humor never failed to lift her spirits. Nakul and Sahadeva were her partners in playful debates, their charm irresistible. Yet, despite her growing fondness for all the brothers, it was Arjuna’s quiet intensity that stood out. His unwavering focus on his craft, his humility, and his strength intrigued her deeply.
One sunny afternoon, Janhvi sat with the Pandavas in the palace gardens. The fragrant jasmine and rose-filled air surrounded them as they engaged in light conversation.
“You’ve been a great companion to us,” Bhima remarked with his usual hearty laughter. “With your wit, you could have been born a warrior!”
Janhvi chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ll leave the fighting to you all. My battles are best fought with words, not weapons.”
“Wise choice,” Yudhishthira said, nodding approvingly. “Courage is not only found on the battlefield, Janhvi. It’s also in facing life’s challenges with grace and integrity.”
Arjuna, who had been observing quietly, spoke up. “He’s right. Courage comes in many forms. You’ve shown plenty of it already.”
Janhvi smiled at him, but before she could reply, Subhadra approached, her eyes subtly flicking between Janhvi and Arjuna. The bond forming between them did not escape Subhadra’s notice, and though she tried to hide it, a twinge of jealousy crept into her heart.
“Janhvi, I’ve been looking for you,” Subhadra said, trying to maintain a light tone but unable to keep a slight edge out of her voice. “We need to prepare for the Pooja .”
Janhvi gave her a gentle smile. “I’ll join you in just a moment.”
As Janhvi walked away with Subhadra, she sensed the underlying tension. While Subhadra was kind, her unease over Janhvi and Arjuna’s growing connection was clear. Janhvi could only hope that their bond wouldn’t complicate her friendship with Subhadra.
---
A few days later, the air in Hastinapur grew tense. Guru Dronacharya had asked for his gurudakshina from the Pandavas and Kauravas: defeat King Drupad of Panchal. It was an important challenge, and the reward was great—whoever led the victory would be named the crown prince of Hastinapur.
“I’ll do it,” Arjuna declared, his calm voice carrying his determination. The Pandavas immediately rallied behind him, and Duryodhan, with his typical arrogance, pushed the Kauravas to join the march.
“This is our opportunity,” Duryodhan said confidently. “The victor will have the crown.”
The battle was set, and soon the cousins marched to Panchal to meet their fate.
---
Back in Kosala, Janhvi had returned home but often found herself thinking of the Pandavas. Their company had left a lasting impression on her, especially Arjuna. Her father, King Vikramaditya, sensed her distraction but said nothing until one morning at breakfast when he announced news that made Janhvi’s heart race.
“The princes of Hastinapur will rest here in Kosala after their battle in Panchal,” he said with a proud smile.
Janhvi’s eyes brightened with excitement. “They’re coming here? To Kosala?” she asked, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.
“Yes,” her father confirmed. “It is an honor to host them after such a grand victory.”
While Janhvi’s heart soared, her sister Aarvi was less than pleased. She groaned dramatically, setting down her cup with a huff. “Why are they coming here? We already have enough guests! Do we really need an army of princes disturbing the peace?”
King Vikramaditya frowned, his voice stern. “Aarvi, show some respect. These are the future rulers of Hastinapur, and hosting them is a privilege.”
“Whatever,” Aarvi muttered. “I’m going to my room. Call me when all the princely fanfare is over.”
Janhvi turned to her sister with a disapproving look. “Aarvi, this is an important diplomatic opportunity. You should be excited to meet them.”
Aarvi rolled her eyes. “Diplomacy, diplomacy. All I hear is how wonderful it is to entertain royalty. You can drool over them all you like, Janhvi, but I’m not interested in princely drama.”
Her father shot her a warning look. “Enough of your grumbling, Aarvi. It’s time you learned the importance of diplomacy.”
“Fine,” Aarvi said with a sarcastic sigh. “I’ll leave the royal duties to the ‘perfect’ Janhvi.”
As Aarvi stormed off, Janhvi sighed in frustration. She had always admired Aarvi’s independence, but her sister’s grumpy attitude often made it difficult to get her involved in royal affairs. Despite this, Janhvi held out hope that Aarvi would eventually warm up to their distinguished guests.
---
The battle in Panchal was fierce, but Arjuna’s skill shone through. He single-handedly brought King Drupad to his knees, much to the delight of Guru Dronacharya.
“You have made me proud, Arjuna,” Dronacharya declared, his voice filled with emotion. “Half of King Drupad’s kingdom will be my son Ashwathama's and he will rule this place.”
With victory secured, the Pandavas and Kauravas journeyed to Kosala, eager to rest after their triumph.
---
In Kosala, the palace was abuzz with preparations for the royal guests. Janhvi moved through the halls, supervising the arrangements, while her mind raced with thoughts of seeing the Pandavas again—especially Arjuna.
As the palace buzzed with excitement, Aarvi remained unimpressed. When Janhvi entered her sister’s room to encourage her to join the preparations, she found Aarvi sprawled on her bed, her nose in a book.
“Can’t you at least pretend to be excited?” Janhvi asked, exasperated. “The princes of Hastinapur are coming.”
Aarvi shot her a disinterested glance. “Oh joy, more people to pretend to like.”
Janhvi sighed. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re too eager,” Aarvi replied, flipping a page. “You can enjoy all the royal attention without me.”
Janhvi shook her head and left, hoping that the princes’ arrival might soften Aarvi’s attitude.
---
When the Pandavas and Kauravas finally arrived, they were welcomed with open arms by King Vikramaditya and Queen Malini. The Kauravas retired to their rooms for rest, while the Pandavas decided to visit the temple.
As they approached the sacred grounds, the soft melody of a voice caught their attention. Inside the temple, they saw Janhvi, gracefully dancing and singing in devotion. Her beauty and grace left them mesmerized. Arjuna, in particular, couldn’t take his eyes off her, completely lost in the moment.
Janhvi, too, was drawn into the dance, unaware of the gazes fixed upon her. When their eyes met, the connection between her and the Pandavas seemed even stronger than before, bound not only by friendship but something deeper.
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Aarvi's Reluctant Destiny
Historical FictionDescription: Aarvi's reincarnation into the world of the Mahabharata was a mistake, at least that's what she's convinced. She'd rather nap through the great war, but her hyper-competent sister, Janhvi, is busy shining in the spotlight. Aarvi's only...
