The Travel Across Yugas

Chapter 1

Hastinapur!

One of the well established kingdoms of Aryavart. A kingdom with a beautiful palace and a grand court room. A kingdom so powerful that it stood strong for years even when there was no king ruling it. A kingdom that witnessed the great sacrifice done by the son of Ganga and still stands as a witness to his struggles.

The said son of Ganga, named Devrath but popularly called Bhishm, strived hard to keep the Kuru dynasty powerful and intact. Never in his long life did he imagine facing such a situation. To resolve the perennial fights between the Kuru princes, the general secretary (Maha mantri) suggested dividing the kingdom. The entire courtroom fell silent after the suggestion, trying to process it.

"VIDUR!!" Roared Gangaputr, "How can you think of such a thing? I haven't struggled all these years for this kingdom just to divide it. There will be no division" He stormed out of the courtroom.

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In their common sitting area, the five Pandavas and their wife are lost in their thoughts. Vidur has just convinced them to go with the division and left to convince Bhishm. "Aryaputron" called Draupadi. Pandavas snapped out of their thoughts and turned towards Draupadi. Seeing their attention on her, she started, "I think uncle Vidur is right. It is better to have a dharm leading a part of the kingdom rather than adharm ruling over the whole kingdom. "

The younger four nodded their heads in agreement. Yudhishtir was still on the edge. "Grandfather will be devastated. He struggled too hard for the kingdom." Said Yudhishtir. "He did. That is why I am agreeing to this division. His struggle would be pointless if Adharm continues to rule. I am not calling Maharaj as an Adharmi. He follows Dharm but when it concerns his sons, he ends up choosing them." said Yagyaseni.

Yudhishtir agreed to the division reluctantly. "That is not all Aryaputron. We need to decide which part of the kingdom to choose" said Draupadi, " I suggest we choose an area that needs the most development. This way, Maharaj Dhritarashtra's sons would be willing too."

"Khandavprasth" suggested Arjun, "It's a cursed land. Devraj Indra gave his word to the king of snakes present there that there wouldn't be any rainfall in that area. There are no citizens there now."

"Perfect. We can choose that part if everyone else is okay with it" agreed Draupadi. The other four murmured their acceptance. Yudhishtir stood up and said, "I am going for a walk now. I'll see you all at dinner. We can announce our decision tomorrow at court."

Yudhishtir's anxious face worried Draupadi. "Aryaputra Yudhishtir, are you not happy with our decision?" She asked. "No Panchali. I am happy. Our ancestors would be more proud if we work on developing a cursed land rather than working on an established land. Besides, it would help the kingdom get better too."

"Do not worry Panchali. I am happy with our decision. I just want to take a walk to clear my head. I don't know when I will be back in Hastinapur and when I will get a chance to take a leisure walk again." Saying so, the eldest of the five left for a walk.

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Strolling through the streets of the city, Yudhishtir is met with the sight of people busy with their work, kids playing around. People who noticed him greeted him and wondered why he was walking through the city when he could go wherever he wanted in a chariot. Many asked him if he needed something. His negative reply only added to their confusion.

Yudhishtir chuckled to himself on seeing their confusion. He remembered how his charioteer was in the same state a while ago. The poor guy was rushing on his way to get the chariot ready on seeing Yudhishtir when he stopped the man and asked him not to take out the chariot. He then had to convince the charioteer that it wasn't his fault, he was a good charioteer and that he (Yudhi) wished to walk.

After a while, he crossed the hustle bustle of the market and reached the junction which would lead to the residential area. Seeing a similar hustle here confused the prince. He stopped a rushing citizen and asked him what was going on. The citizen's reply shocked him.  "Pranam Rajkumar. Everyone is busy packing their belongings and winding up their business Rajkumar." replied the guy. "Why? Why are you all packing your belongings? Where are you all going?" asked a perplexed Yudhishtir. "We are coming with you of course Rajkumar. Wherever you go." He replied as if it is the most obvious thing.

Wow! News from the palace sure travels fast. Thought Yudhishtir. "But we haven't yet informed Maharaj which part of the kingdom we are taking. How did you decide to accompany us when you don't know where we are going?" questioned Yudhishtir.

"We are ready to go to whichever part you choose Rajkumar. We believe in you that you and your brothers will create a beautiful place that we can call home, out of any type of land. We want a just and righteous king and we see one in you." He replied earnestly.

Yudhishtir is touched and overwhelmed by the trust these citizens have in him. He felt a pang of guilt for taking these people to a cursed land but he believed in his brothers and his strength to make the land suitable for living. With his new found determination to do right by his people, he returned to the palace.

It was the right decision to go on a walk. Maybe the division is for the greater good. He just needed to confirm with his pitamah that he is alright with the division.

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Hey guys!
I have managed to finish the chapter earlier than expected. I'm worried, I dragged it a bit. Did I?

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