Brows furrowed with thoughtful concern, Mukul and Mridul sat down near a tree, discussing the words of Nitiksha. A tense line had surfaced on their foreheads, a dream? They knew undoubtedly that it was a memory of Draupadi that had come forward to Nitiksha, but it was too soon. Nitiksha was barely teen, had just completed her formal education with little to no whatsoever experience of real life.

She couldn't, not so soon, possibly comprehend the truth of her life. In her kalyugi body and mental capacity, it would be too much for her. The truths of her previous life might weigh her down.

Passing each other a worried glance, they wondered what had the Paramatma sent for her, was the fate of Nitiksha destined to burn in fire?

"There is only one thing I can think of now-" stated Mukul, folding the parchment back, "We can send her to our Guru, Dron Putra Ashwatthama. With his wisdom, she might grow and become ready to face her fate."

Mridul sighed, "Sometimes I wish that Devi Draupadi hadn't chosen to be born again- Arjun had already spent eight centuries, he would survive two more without a hitch."

Perhaps, then she would have been in heaven with all sorts of heavenly things at her feet. But was all of them combined worth more than a moment with her husband? No.

"You are right Mukul, our revered teacher holds the knowledge that Nitiksha is seeking for, we must guide her to him." Said Mridul, his thoughts wandering at the possibilities that might occur.

They wrote a letter, explaining what they had concluded, without giving away the name of Dron Putra, they wrote about what would be needed for her to find him.

'Born as a Brahmin, once a mighty King;
Residing in the forests of Vidarbh,'

He was the one, who possessed the wisdom and insights, who has ancient knowledge, and can find the answers that remain hidden from the ordinary eyes.

In their hearts, they knew that this was the moment when Nitiksha would embark on a journey- a quest to find the deep hidden motive of her birth. Her conviction would be wavering, to find the answers of her being.

As the letter reached Nitiksha, she read with her heart in her hand.

"Dear Nitiksha, we have listened to the whispers of the wind and have found an answer for you. In the forest near Vidarbh, a brahmin by birth, once a king, resides. He is the one who may hold the answers to your questions. Seek him out, for he is the key to unlocking the mysteries that lie within you."

Nitiksha's eyes widened with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She understood the gravity of their words and the significance of the journey that lay ahead.

Little did she know that her journey would not only reveal the answers she sought but also uncover truths that would forever alter the course of her life.

"No. Absolutely no." Swarnsheel's voice was firm, "It is pitiful that you dwell on a mere dream- but wanting to wander around a forest, to look for ascetic? I shall not allow this." His voice trembled slightly as he denied her request.

A father's protective instinct has surrounded him, all he wants is to shield his daughter from any potential harm. And to allow his daughter in a forest far away, heavens would break down into hell before that happened.

Nitiksha's heart ached at the sight of her father's concern. She knew his worries were justified, rooted in a deep sense of paternal love and protection. Yet, her own yearning for truth and understanding pulled at her soul, urging her to follow the path that beckoned her.

With a gentle touch, Nitiksha reached out to her father's hand. "Pitashree," she spoke softly, her voice filled with both gratitude and determination, "I understand your worries, and I appreciate the depth of your love for me. But this journey, this quest for knowledge, is an integral part of who I am. It is a calling that resonates within me, urging me to seek the answers that lie in wait."

Niti," Swarnsheel began, his tone filled with love and worry. "As your father, it is my duty to ensure your safety and well-being. This journey into the depths of the forest fills my heart with apprehension. The unknown can be dangerous, and I fear for your safety."

His eyes met Nitiksha's, shimmering with paternal affection. He continued, "I understand your yearning for knowledge, your desire to know the mysteries that lay within you. But as your father, I cannot bear the thought of any harm befalling you."

Swarnsheel's gaze softened, a mixture of pride and reluctance shining in his eyes. He sighed, his love for his daughter interwoven with his fears. Finally, he nodded, accepting Nitiksha's resolve. "Niti," he said, his voice laced with emotion, "I trust in your strength, wisdom, and determination. But I cannot give you permission for this journey.

You may still go to the forest and complete your quest, I shall not stop you- but remember, that any step you take towards that forest for this quest will be against my wishes."

As Nitiksha listened to her father's concerns and the worry on his face, she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. Deep within her, a longing for knowledge tugged at her spirit, yet she understood the weight of her father's worries and the love that fueled them. Without a hint of defiance, she gently lowered her gaze, respecting her father's decision.

With a voice filled with understanding, Nitiksha replied, "Pitashree, I understand your worries, and I hold them close to my heart. Your love and concern for my well-being mean the world to me. I do not wish to bring you any distress or anxiety."

She took a step closer to her father, reaching out to hold his trembling hands. "Please know that my desire for knowledge will not blind me to the risks that lie ahead. I am aware of the dangers that may be present in the unknown, and I will not recklessly let them affect my safety."

With a heavy heart, Nitiksha accepted her father's decision.

Somewhere near Vidarbh:

"Ashwatthama," Arjun was busy packing his things into a small trunk, "Where are you going now?" Ashwatthama stood near the door frame and titled his head. Arjun never stayed in one place for long, sometimes Ashwatthama happened to be in the same place as Arjun and they stayed together.

Arjun had stayed in almost all parts of the earth, he roamed around as Vishnu Bhakt across the world, and as mentor to countless people, all of whom had been imprinted in history.

One of the reasons why he never stayed in a single place was that perhaps he could be attached to the people; And Arjun no longer wanted to get attached to people, knowing they would die and he would not be able to bear to mourn for more people.

"Vrindavan," Arjun had a smile on his face, a smile so bright and pure, that Ashwatthama wished that the time would stop and Arjun remained smiling forever.

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Hey there, lovely readers!

How's it going with "Akshvi Ishva" so far? I really want to hear what you think about this chapter and the whole story in general.
Did you enjoy it? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
Thanks for joining me on this literary journey. 

Happy reading!

Lots of love,Kruti