Dharmyudh : The Rewritten Destiny

74. Proposal In King's Chamber

The golden sun hung low in the sky, casting its warm afternoon light through the latticed windows of the royal palace of Hastinapur. In a private chamber, four figures sat in a semi-circle, their expressions serious and pensive. The room was furnished with carved wooden chairs draped in silks, a low table holding goblets of spiced wine, and heavy curtains that muffled the distant hum of palace activity.

Duryodhan leaned back in his chair, his imposing figure exuding authority and defiance. Beside him, Dussasan, his younger brother, sat upright, his expression a blend of curiosity and concern. Shakuni adjusted the hem of his robe as he tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest. Completing the group was Amrit, Duryodhan’s close friend and confidant.

The atmosphere in the chamber was thick with tension as Shakuni began, his voice dripping with calculated intent.

Shakuni :- The Pandavs are playing a dangerous game, my dear nephews. Even as we speak, they are busy forging alliances, strengthening their position by marrying princesses from powerful kingdoms.

Duryodhan scoffed, a sardonic smile curling his lips.

Duryodhan :- Mamashree, you speak as if we stand alone. Do not forget that we too have powerful allies—mighty kings who stand ready to fight for us.

Shakuni shook his head, his expression one of faint exasperation.

Shakuni :- Ah, Duryodhan, your confidence is admirable, but misplaced. It is true that some kings stand with us—perhaps out of fear, obligation, or personal loyalty. But make no mistake: the tide is turning. One by one, the hearts of the rulers are leaning toward the Pandavs. Their web of alliances grows stronger by the day.

A frown darkened Duryodhan’s face, but before he could retort, Amrit interjected, his tone firm and assured.

Amrit :- Let them gather their alliances. What do we need of foreign kings when we possess the mightiest warriors of Aryavarth? Think of it—Bhism Pitamah, invincible even in his old age. Guru Dronacharya, the master of arms. Kripacharya, the sage and strategist. Ashwatthama, a force unto himself. And then there is Duryodhan, the rightful heir to Hastinapur, and myself. Tell me, Shakuni Mama, who in Aryavarth can stand against such a lineup?

Shakuni closed his eyes momentarily, as if summoning patience, before opening them to fix Amrit with a knowing gaze.

Shakuni :- Strength in warriors is indispensable, no doubt. But wars are not fought with swords alone, my dear Amrit. They are fought with strategy, with alliances that bring resources, troops, and, most importantly, legitimacy. Consider this: even with all our warriors, how will we hold the throne if the world perceives the Pandavs as rightful and righteous? Strategic marriages have won empires far larger than Hastinapur. Would you ignore this crucial tool?

Amrit fell silent, his jaw tightening as he exchanged a glance with Duryodhan. The latter leaned forward, his eyes narrowing at Shakuni.

Duryodhan :- Then tell us, Mamashree, what do you propose? What is your strategy for countering the Pandavs’ schemes?

Shakuni’s lips curved into a sly smile, his sharp features illuminated by the slanting sunlight.

Shakuni :- It is time to build alliances of our own, starting with a marriage—Dussasan’s marriage, to be precise.

The suggestion was met with a startled silence. Dussasan’s eyes widened in shock, and he spluttered,

Dussasan :- My marriage? What has that got to do with anything? And why me?

Shakuni raised a hand, silencing him with a wave.

Shakuni :- Patience, my dear Dussasan. It is not just a marriage but an alliance—one that will tip the scales in our favor. You are young, strong, and of noble blood. A union with a princess from a powerful kingdom will send a clear message that the Kauravas are not only strong in battle but also in diplomacy. This will encourage others to align with us.