"She was our sister.", said a voice behind her.
She turned and saw Rajkumar Arjun standing behind her.
He walked up to her and stood beside her as he stared at the portrait.

"Your sister? Well, as far as I know, King Pandu doesn't have any daughter," Suhasini remarked, her curiosity piqued.

Arjun nodded solemnly, a tear glinting in his eye. "He did, though her existence was not widely known, especially because she did not survive long after we returned to Hastinapura upon the death of Pitasree," he explained, his voice tinged with sorrow.

Suhasini nodded, her interest growing. "Tell me more about her," she urged gently.

Arjun took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "A year after Nakul and Deva were born-or rather, gifted to us by the Ashwini Kumars-our Mata Madri was washing our clothes in the River Saraswati. Lost in thoughts of us, she inadvertently invoked a mantra given to her by Rishi Durvasa. Little did she know, she called upon River Goddess Saraswati herself, an embodiment of Goddess Saraswati. The river goddess appeared in her divine glory before Mata Madri and bestowed upon her a daughter, as pure as herself. Charumati was born with the knowledge of the four Vedas from birth and possessed a voice so captivating, it was likened to that of a nightingale."

Arjun's gaze softened as he recalled fond memories. "She was named Charumati, the one with a beautiful mind. Charumati quickly became everyone's favorite, especially Nakul and Deva."

Suhasini listened intently, captivated by the tale of this enigmatic sister whose existence had been shrouded in secrecy.

Just then, a maid interrupted their conversation with a polite knock. "Pranipaat Rajkumar Arjun, Rajkumar Yudhisthir is calling you to the royal court," she announced respectfully.

Arjun glanced at Suhasini with a grateful smile. "You're right, I must attend to my duties," he acknowledged, his emotions still tender. "We can continue this conversation later," he promised before departing for the royal court.

As Arjun left, Suhasini stood alone in the memorial room, surrounded by portraits and statues that spoke volumes of Hastinapura's rich history. Her mind buzzed with questions about Charumati, the sister whose brief life had left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Deeply intrigued, Suhasini resolved to uncover more about Charumati's story, a journey that promised to unveil secrets long buried in the annals of Hastinapura's past.

Suhasini gazed intently at the portrait, her eyes drawn to the lifelike depiction that seemed to hold a deeper meaning. The honey brown orbs of Charumati in the painting appeared to convey a message, though silent and enigmatic. Curiosity urging her on, Suhasini moved closer, her fingertips hesitantly reaching out to touch the surface of the artwork.

As her hand made contact with the painting, a strange sensation washed over her. The texture under her fingers felt smooth yet subtly alive, as if the canvas held secrets woven into its very fibers. She ran her hand delicately over the painted contours of Charumati's face, tracing the lines of her expression. It was almost as if she could sense a presence lingering within the portrait, something intangible yet profoundly real.

Closing her eyes, Suhasini allowed herself to be enveloped by the moment, tuning into the whispers of history that seemed to echo from the painting. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt a gentle tug at her consciousness, a subtle invitation to uncover the hidden truths that Charumati's portrait might hold.

Opening her eyes once more, Suhasini felt a deepening resolve within her. She knew that her encounter with Charumati's portrait was just the beginning of a journey-an exploration into the mysteries of the past, guided by the unspoken language of art and the legacy of those who came before her. With newfound determination, Suhasini pledged to unravel the enigma surrounding Charumati, seeking answers that lay beyond the visible surface, waiting to be discovered.

---

"Hasini!! Hasini!!" called a voice behind her.

Suhasini turned around to see her brother Karn, smiling warmly as he held out a golden plate adorned with a vibrant red Benarasi saree and sparkling jewelry.

"What is it, Vrisha Bhai? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Anga, ruling it righteously?" she asked, eyeing the gifts on the plate with curiosity.

"I'm here to give you this Shagun, Hasini," Karn replied with a smile. "In our family, when a boy gets married, his sisters are offered the first gift. And it's customary that only the bride receives the Shagun. So, I wanted to honor you with this duty."

"Aww, thank you! That's so sweet of you to honor me," Suhasini said, admiring the intricate Benarasi saree and the dazzling jewelry.

"Wait a sec! You're getting married? To whom, though? Who's the lucky one?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Karn blushed a little and looked down shyly. Suhasini playfully pinched his cheeks, making them turn an even deeper shade of red.

"Well, I'm getting engaged to Vrushali, my best friend from childhood and neighbor for now. And the wedding will follow later," Karn replied, still rubbing his cheeks, his smile widening.

"That's great news! So when is the engagement? Is it today, two days later, or next week?" Suhasini asked eagerly.

"Well... it's today!!" Karn exclaimed.

"What?! You're getting engaged today, and you're telling me just now? Seriously? I'm your only sister, and you're dropping this bomb on me today? That's so unfair! I should complain to Guruji about this," Suhasini protested, throwing her hands up in mock indignation.

Karn chuckled at her playful tantrum. "You only arrived yesterday, and then there was the Kala Pradarshani event, my coronation, and the feast. We didn't have a chance to talk until now. Blame it on fate's timing, not on me, dear sister. But I want you to come with me now, after changing, and exchange the Shagun as my sister."

"Okay, okay. I don't know why, but it feels like I've been here forever," Suhasini replied with a smile. She hurried to her room, eager to change into the beautiful gifts bestowed upon her by Karn.

---

After getting ready, Suhasini accompanied Karna to the old marketplace. They stopped in front of a house adorned with mango leaves and vibrant yellow marigolds, a traditional rangoli decorating the doorway. Though evening approached, colored lamps illuminated the house, creating a festive atmosphere.

As they entered, Suhasini recognized the lady from yesterday who had guided her to the Royal Kala Pradarshani and attended the feast with Karna. The lady greeted Suhasini with folded hands, and Suhasini reciprocated the gesture warmly.

Karna's father led him to the groom's seat, while Radha, Karna's mother, handed Suhasini a thali adorned with Shagun. Vrushali, adorned in jewelry and red attire, smiled as she accepted it. Two children brought out rings as the pandit ji chanted prayers for their successful union. Suhasini stood quietly in a corner, observing her brother.

He looked genuinely happy, now having everything he had once desired: a loving family, financial stability, a chance to prove his worth, and a life partner to share it all with. Suhasini couldn't help but wonder why his birth mother had abandoned him in the river to die. Such selfishness seemed unfathomable to her.

As the ceremony concluded, people enjoyed simple yet delicious food. Karna offered to escort Suhasini back to the palace, which she accepted, though she felt he should be spending this precious time with his new life partner.

As Karna drove his chariot, Suhasini gazed at the starlit sky, the twinkling stars reminding her of her father. They used to stargaze together through a telescope.

Upon arriving at the palace entrance, guards let her in. Slowly walking to her room, she heard a familiar voice calling out.

"Putri, wait. Where have you been all evening?" asked Kunti, stepping forward.

"Well, Buashree, I attended Bhrata Karn's engagement ceremony. You know, in our family, the sister exchanges Shagun with her brother's bride," Suhasini explained.

"Karn... getting married?" Kunti asked, surprise evident in her voice.

"Yes, to Vrushali Bhabishree, the girl from yesterday. She's lovely and matches Bhrata Karn perfectly," Suhasini replied.

"I remember her now. He's fortunate to have found such a life partner," Kunti mused.

"Yes, he has everything he's ever dreamed of now-a happy family, financial stability, a chance to prove himself, and a loving partner. But he lacks one thing that's his birthright-his mother," Suhasini said sadly.

"Mother?" Kunti paused, clearly affected.

"Yes, his birth mother abandoned him in the river Ganga. Radha Kaki and Adhirath Kaka adopted him and raised him as their own, but he discovered the truth one day. It broke his heart. He confided in me, saying he often cried himself to sleep over it. Poor soul. What kind of mother could abandon her child like that?" Suhasini's voice dripped with sympathy.

"Perhaps she was desperate and saw no other way," Kunti replied softly. "But it's late now, Putri. You should retire to your chamber and rest."

Suhasini smiled gratefully at Kunti's comforting touch before heading to her chamber. Unbeknownst to her, someone observed her through the chamber window, their intentions hidden in the darkness.

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Words : 1600
Date : 28/07/2024