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The moon hung high over Hastinapur, casting long, silver shadows across the stone corridors. While the rest of the palace slept, the flicker of a single torch remained lit in the private library a place Yudi often frequented when his mind was restless.
Karn and Duryu watched from the shadows of the arched balcony.
Karn: He’s reading the treaties of Ayodhya,( whispered, his keen eyes catching the seal on the parchment Yudi held.) He’s trying to find a reason to trust them. His conscience won't let him sabotage a potential alliance based on our 'hunch' alone.
Duryu smirked, leaning against the cold pillar.
Duryu: Then we give him a reason that doesn't involve politics but to involves the heart.
Karn: Is the messenger ready?
Duryu: He is. ( Explaining him what all instructed the guards karn shocked..)
Karn (looked at his friend): That’s cold, Duryu.
Duryu: It’s necessary, Mitr. If Yudi goes to that swayamvar out of duty, he’ll marry a woman who sees him as a stepping stone. Devika sees him as her world. I’m just... clearing the fog.
As the 'messenger' a trusted soldier in civilian clothes stumbled past the library and 'accidentally' dropped a scroll near the door, Yudi looked up.
Yudi: Wait! You dropped this,(he called out, )
The man, acting panicked, fled into the darkness before Yudi could hand it back. Frowning, Yudi unrolled the parchment. As he read, his expression shifted from confusion to a deep, hurting realization. It wasn't just about a trap..
Yudi: Is this how the world sees righteousness?" (He murmured to the empty hall.)..As a weakness to be exploited?
"Bharata?"
Yudi turned to see arjun standing at the end of the corridor.
Arjun: I saw the messenger run off,( arjun said, playing his part perfectly which was directed by duryu.) What is that?
Yudi handed him the scroll, his gaze returning to the garden.
Yudi: A mirror, arjun. You were right. Ayodhya seeks a puppet, not a partner.
Arjun suppressed a smile.
Arjun: Then don't give them one. Let bharata Bheem go. Let him show them that Hastinapur’s 'strength' isn't just in books, but in maces. And you... perhaps you should go where you are actually valued.
Yudi: I am not going
The palace gates were bustling. Bheem stood tall, his armor gleaming, while Nakul checked the horses with his usual precision.
Karn: Remember..(he whispered to Bheem as he mounted his chariot) The goal is to win the challenge, but refuse the hand. Claim a vow. Make them look foolish for trying to trap a tiger.
Bheem grinned, cracking his knuckles.
Bheem: I’ll make sure they remember the name of Bheem for generations.
As the chariots thundered out of the gates, Gandhari and Kunti stood on the upper terrace.
"You look satisfied, sister," Kunti remarked, glancing at Gandhari.
"The seeds are sown, Kunti," Gandhari replied, her voice filled with a mother’s quiet triumph. "Duryu has his Janvi, Dev and Adwi have found their peace, and Yudi... Yudi has finally opened his eyes."
The chariots had departed, but the dust they left behind seemed to settle heavily on the hearts of the palace women.
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