Kuruvanshi

A Distinct Journey

HASTINAPUR
- After 2 months -

The cool evening breeze hit the beauty of the palace of Hastinapur. The palace was coloured up in faint pink and orange. The lightest traces of clouds patched the warm sun. Duryodhan was sitting on his armchair thinking about something. He was happy that now the Pandavas were no longer there in his life, also he was kind of sad as he missed troubling them. He smirked as he remembered how he had bothered them through out their lives. His thoughts vanished as his uncle walked into his chamber.

He stood up, "Pranipaat mamashree."

"Kalyaan ho mere bacche!" Shakuni smiled.

"What's the matter mamashree? What made you step in here?" he asked.

"Nothing much mere bachhe. I just came here to talk to you about your coronation," Shakuni informed.

Duryodhan was silent upon his words. Seeing him so Shakuni questioned, "Mere bacche, why are you not saying anything? Why aren't you asking your father to crown you as the king??"

Duryodhan spoke, "I have asked that several times mamashree.. Also now, I find no objection from Pitamah too, but pitashree is still not ready to crown me.. I don't know why.."

Shakuni thought for a while and said, "Oh, I got it! Your queen!"

Duryodhan was confused, "What?? My queen??"

"Yes, mere bacche. Have you forgotten? You can became the king only after you are married. You along with your wife shall be considered as the king and queen only then.." Shakuni voiced.

"But.. mamashree.. I don't want any wife! I'm enough for myself," Duryodhan uttered.

"Don't you want the throne of Hastinapur?" Shakuni asked.

"I do..but.."

"No buts mere bacche, you have to marry. At least for your desire of becoming the king if not for companionship," Shakuni put-ahead.

Duryodhan was not quite content by his idea, but he finally accepted, "Ok.. I will marry.."

---

"Arya," Gandhari voiced at her husband as they were sitting in their chamber at the late evening, "It's been 6 months that Kunti, Pandavas, Vrushali and Devika have attained heaven.. and still the whole palace has not yet come out of its grief. I think we should arrange some event to lighten up the palace and the people."

"Yes. I too think you are right Gandhari.. But, what event can we organise? Do you have any ideas?" Dhritarashtra asked.

"What about Suyodhan's marriage?" Gandhari questioned.

"Wow! That's a great idea Gandhari! But, will he agree to it?" he questioned back.

"Arya, there's something more important to think about than his approval.." Gandhari said.

"What is it?"

"Even if he agrees.. do you think anyone will let their daughter marry someone who is least interested in marital life and always worried of becoming the king??" Gandhari put-forth.

Dhritarashtra didn't answer anything. There was a wave of silence in the air, when a guard approached at their doorstep, "His highness, you have a message from King Chandravarma of Kambhoja. With your permission may I send the messenger?"

Dhritarashtra nodded. The guard went out and in no time, the messenger arrived.

"Pranipaat Maharaj, I have come here to convey you a message from Maharaj Chandravarma," the messenger said and started reading the letter: