The Other Princess

Foreboding

The next day, a sense of tension still hung over Panchala. As the early morning sun cast its warm glow over the palace grounds, word quickly spread that Grandsire Bhishma had arrived from Hastinapura. His arrival, unexpected yet significant, brought a solemn atmosphere with it.

Samyukta and Draupadi stood at the entrance to the palace, waiting to greet him. Bhishma, with his long, flowing white beard and his tall, commanding presence, approached them with slow, deliberate steps. His eyes, as sharp as ever despite his age, softened as he saw the two women.

"Grandsire," Draupadi said, bowing respectfully, while Samyukta followed suit. "It is an honor to have you here."

Bhishma raised his hand in blessing, his deep voice carrying a tone of wisdom and authority. "May you both be blessed with strength and patience," he said, his gaze lingering on Samyukta a moment longer. He knew what had transpired, and though he did not voice it, his eyes reflected concern for her.

"Welcome, Grandsire," Samyukta responded softly, feeling a mixture of emotions-relief that Bhishma was here, but also a lingering anxiety over what would happen next. She had convinced Dhrishtadyumna not to carry out the death sentence, but the tension between Panchala and Hastinapura remained high.

Without further words, Bhishma made his way into the palace to meet with King Drupada. His presence alone commanded respect, and the guards and attendants bowed low as he passed, knowing the gravity of his visit.

Inside the grand hall, Drupada awaited him. Prishathi, standing beside the hwll entrance, signaled to Samyukta and Draupadi. "Go to your rooms for now," she said in a low voice, her expression firm but understanding. "Let the men handle this matter."

Reluctantly, Samyukta and Draupadi turned to leave, casting one last glance as Bhishma disappeared into the hall where Drupada sat. The heavy doors closed behind him, sealing whatever discussions would unfold.

In the dungeon below the palace, Duryodhana, his pride still wounded, had been waiting. He had been kept under guard for a full day and night, his temper simmering beneath the surface. But now, at Bhishma's command, he was finally released. The moment he was freed, Duryodhana stormed out, barely looking at the guards who stepped aside to let him pass.

In the courtyard, Bhishma stood waiting for him. His stern expression left no room for argument. "It is time to return to Hastinapura, Duryodhana," he said firmly. "You will not speak another word of this incident. Your actions have brought dishonor to both you and our family."

Duryodhana's jaw clenched, but even in his anger, he dared not defy Bhishma. His gaze flickered briefly toward the palace, where he knew Dhrishtadyumna and Samyukta were still inside. There was hatred in his eyes, but he swallowed it for now, knowing Bhishma's authority could not be challenged. With a sharp nod, he mounted his chariot, Karna at his side.

As they rode out of Panchala, escorted by Bhishma, the palace fell into a tense silence. The storm had passed for the moment, but Samyukta knew that the conflict between Panchala and Hastinapura was far from over. Bhishma's presence had prevented a war that day, but the undercurrents of rivalry and tension still ran deep.

In her chambers, Samyukta sat by the window, watching the chariots disappear into the distance. She breathed a sigh of relief, but her mind was still troubled. The events of the past few days had shaken her, and though Duryodhana was gone, she could not shake the feeling that something darker loomed on the horizon.

* * * * *

Two months later....

In her third month of pregnancy, Samyukta carried a soft glow, her cheeks fuller, and her energy shifting between lively and exhausted. Morning sickness still lingered. With each day, her heart fills with anticipation, embracing this new journey with quiet joy and strength.