Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale

Mischief-Makers(Added+Edited)

As dawn broke over the sprawling courtyard of Karna's home, Vrishaketu and Aagnik were already up to their usual antics. The serene morning air was punctuated by the sound of hushed whispers and muffled giggles, as the two partners-in-crime crouched behind a low stone wall.

Vrishaketu carefully balanced a small clay pot filled with water on the edge of the courtyard doorway. "This is going to be perfect," he whispered, his face alight with excitement.

Aagnik, his eyes gleaming mischievously, nodded eagerly. "It'll be even better if Bhaiya walks through first. Imagine Bhratashree Vrishasena's face when-"

Before Aagnik could finish, a shadow loomed over them. Both boys froze, their hearts leaping into their throats as they turned slowly. Standing behind them with arms crossed and an unimpressed expression was Suvrata, their elder sister.

"What are you two doing this time?" she asked, her tone exasperated but laced with affection.

Vrishaketu tried for innocence, his smile sheepish. " jijishree....we...we Just... experimenting?"

"Experimenting," Suvrata echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Let me guess-this involves one of your infamous pranks?"

Aagnik, never one to back down, grinned widely. "It's harmless! Just a little fun to start the day."

Suvrata pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. "Harmless? The last time you said that, Virya Bhaiya ended up with dye in his hair for two weeks."

"That was an accident!" Vrishaketu protested. "Besides, he looked good with blue hair."

Suvrata gave him a pointed look but couldn't completely hide her smile. "Alright, you little troublemakers. If I catch you spilling water all over the house, you'll both be polishing the courtyard stones for a week."

As she turned and walked away, the boys exchanged a relieved glance. But their relief was short-lived when another voice interrupted their scheming.

"What are you two whispering about now?" Mrish strolled into view, his expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

Vrishaketu sighed dramatically. "Why does everyone keep catching us today?"

Aagnik gestured for Mrish to lean closer. "Alright, but don't tell anyone. We're pranking whoever walks through that door."

Mrish chuckled, his bright eyes sparkling with approval. "Alright, I won't tell. But you might want to hurry-Pitashree's heading this way."

Panic erupted in the duo as they scrambled to dismantle their trap. The last thing they wanted was to soak their father, of all people. But before they could do anything, the clay pot wobbled precariously.

Karna's voice rang out from behind them. "Aagnik. Vrishaketu. What are you-"

The pot tipped.

A splash of water rained down-thankfully not on Karna, who stepped back just in time-but squarely onto Mrish, who hadn't moved fast enough. The older boy stood there, dripping and stunned, as Vrishaketu and Aagnik dissolved into laughter.

Even Karna, after a brief moment of surprise, chuckled at the scene. "Mrish, it seems your loyalty to your brothers comes with a price."

Mrish wiped water from his face, his grin breaking through despite himself. "Next time, I'm staying out of it."

Suvrata appeared again, hands on her hips. "What did I just say?" she asked, glaring at Vrishaketu and Aagnik, though her tone was more amused than angry.

Karna shook his head, stepping forward and placing a hand on Aagnik's shoulder. "My little fire, you and Vrishaketu have enough energy to light up the entire kingdom. But perhaps you could channel it into something more productive?"