Swarg Agaman //Awakening In The Next World//

४. Trance

"So when will Pita come back?" 6 year old Nakul asked. Bheem looked at Yudhisthir and let out a big sigh.
"He won't." Bheem said.
"I sensed something bad yesterday. He will now stay in the sky." Explained Sahadev.
"Then we shall go to meet him." Assured Arjun. Bheem knew giving false hopes will not do anything.
"No Arjun we can't."
In return Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev started howling. Bheem took the twins in his lap and rested their heads in his broad shoulder. Arjun snuggled with Yudhisthir on his chest.
"Don't cry Jyestha." Said Arjun cupping his face with a brave look. "I shall fight everyone who will make you sad."
Yudhisthir chuckled. "Okay my Maharathi Partha."
"Always remember, sometimes things have to fall apart to make way for new things. It may seem tempting to running from destiny, to the past, but believe me we should never do that." Yudhisthir said to them, but it seemed he was telling his own self.
"Father always used to say, united we stand. Now, that he is gone we should always be together. His mortal form left us, but he is alive in our hearts. And when five of us will be together, he will again be alive. Now, will we be together? Do you promise me that?" Yudhisthir said stretching out his palm.
"YES JYESTHA" Four of them said in unison and hugged.
Life's going to be complicated but they need not bother.

"They say Pita and Chotimaa broke a curse. Do you know what curse?" Bheem asked while finishing Pandu's pyre. Yudhisthir shook his head in negative.
Madri walked with a determined look and hugged Nakul and Sahadev and talked with them. She then kissed Arjun and Bheem. Kunti gestured Bheem to carry the twins away. Arjun insisted on not leaving Yudhisthir but Kunti's glare implied him.
"Take care of everyone Yudhi in our absense." Madri said holding his hand.
He was startled.
She then walked and sat in a yogic position upon the pyre.
"Light the pyre, Putra." Shashtashring said handing him the torch.
"But Chotimaa is still alive." Uttered Yudhisthir as his 13 year old mind was confused.
"She is performing Sati. Give your parents mukti. Light it."
He broke into a cry but timidly touched the pyre as it burnt Pandu and Madri.
Bheem covered his eyes and ran to Kunti who stood at a distance.
Yudhisthir stood perplexed. He rubbed his eyes and face. Standing infront of the fire as his eyes screamed sheer determination. His face grew emotionless as his whole body absorbed the heat.
My childhood is burning but my brothers will never be fatherless. I have to be strong for them as it is my Dharm.
The eldest Pandav closed his eyes and remembered his name.
Yudhisthir. One who is patience in a war. In every war. In life's war.
He then opened his eyes. That day he truly became Yudhisthir.

"Let me see. Let me see Yudhisthir."
A female voice pulled him out of the trance. Yudhisthir looked up from Pandu's chest. For one moment he couldn't make out the familiar face.

Gandhari was standing there. Her curious eyes scanning him from head to toe. She was without her blindfold, though her grey hair flew all over her aged face, she looked lively more than ever.

"O god Jiji! We were so enjoying the little reunion." Exclaimed Kunti.

"When did you...." Started Pandu but was cut by another female voice.

"We came when you two were gazing in each other's eyes." Giggled Madri.

"Is it wrong to..." Pandu argued but was again cut short.

"I told Vidur someone was coming. Didn't I?" Dhritarashtra nodded towards Vidur who guided him where to walk.

"Yes Jyestha. Our Chakravarti Samrat is here" Smiled Vidur.

While all of them were talking such, Yudhisthir was in utter shock. It took him sometime to process the sight before him. Pandu shaked him.
"You there?" He shouted in his face.
"Uh...yeah...yes I am... Jyestha Mata" He bent to touch her feet but Gandhari stopped him.
"Let me see you Putra". Gandhari placed his face between her hands and gazed deep into his brown eyes.
Yudhisthir couldn't help noticing her sparkling black eyes which resembled night sky adorned with stars.
No women would be as strong as her to give up sight for Patni Dharm.
"Your face does match your calm and serene voice." Gandhari said.
"So does his footsteps, priye. Come here Putra" Dhritarashtra said opening his arms wide. Dhritarashtra was still blind as he was born blind. He still lent on Vidur for support.
Yudhisthir greeted both of his uncles and turned to Madri. A lone tear escaped his eyes as he again remembered her death.
"This time is not for crying Jyestha Kounteya." She said while wiping his eyes.
Madri's emerald eyes filled with love, a love which he quite have not seen in her eyes except for Nakul and Sahadev. She was still beautiful and her mesmerizing smile could still go places. But now she looked calm. Yudhisthir noticed a deep resemblance of Nakul with Madri.
Well,Nakul should thank Chotimaa for all those years of charm and attention.

Kunti stood silently by Pandu's side proud of her first born as he went to Madri before coming to her. Madri after all has lost all of her sons way before Kunti. Yudhisthir walked to Kunti last.
"Oh so you remember me." Said Kunti in mock anger. Yudhisthir laughed and hugged his mother, "Well you were busy making fun of me and Pita."
Madri saw Kunti and Yudhisthir, laughing and loving and her heart ached. Though now she have learnt to love people, she could hear her mortal self speaking, What about my little boys? Are they not here? Vidur told all of them started their journey together.

She distanced herself from her family and went behind a pillar hiding her tears. Her eyes wanted a glimpse of them as she clenched her heart. All these years they were without me. Have they forgotten me? Is Jiji now their mother?
She mentally scolded herself for thinking such. But still she still loved them more than Kunti's children and she accepted it.
Where are you my Nakul and Sahadev? Your mother is calling you

Hi all! So more new (old) characters introduced. I initially planned to add more to this chapter but then thought of an easy going one. So no new plot added just good old family time. I noticed increase in view but votes remained stagnant. Do vote and comment your views.❤️