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The royal family of Himavanti, left for their home. While, Krishna, who had planned on to leave for Dwarka, even before, stayed there. However, Balram left for Dwarka, to look after things in their kingdom.

Here, in Hastinapur, the environment continued to be stressful. Dhritarashtra decided to divide the kingdom in two half. So that, Duryodhan can remain the crown prince without any dispute, and Khandavprastha was given to the sons of Kunti.

Yudhishthir, perhaps in the hope of peace agreed to this losing proposition. Dhritarashtra's this decision wasn't for avoiding minor squabbles. The latter may have not thought about it— but, Shakuni had made a plan with great care.

Khandavprastha was on the west side of river Yamuna. It was hilly terrain, where dwelt the people of the Naag clan. That was the reason why, Khandavprastha, despite being a part of Hastinapur, it was never considered as such.

The game being played was that half the kingdom should be given to the Pandavas, so that nobody can blame Dhritarashtra for being unjust. But in reality, what was given to the Pandavas was next to absolutely nothing— which is why, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev didn't want to accept this proposal of division.

Everyone sat in Kunti's chamber— her sons, daughter-in-law, and her nephew, Krishna.

"Bhrata, Jyesth Pitashri's sweet talk is an unfavorable mirage." Bheem pointed out furious. "Even if not full, he did usurp the half kingdom for his son."

Yudhishthir sighed, "He's our elder Bheem. You shouldn't talk about him like that."

"But shouldn't elders also behave like one." Sahadev replied, a bit straightforward.

"Sahadev is this the way to talk your elder brother?" Kunti scolded.

Draupadi was perplexed, listening to her husbands' talks. This family political was a new thing for a princess like her— who was born young out the holy fire of the yagya— the time she spent in Panchal, she was brought up with love.

When Krishna passed her a smile, as if reading her thoughts. The discussion continued.

"Forgive me, Ma. But I was just–"

Sahadev was cut off by Arjun, "Is there a place for 'but'?"

"Alright then, let me ask this without any 'buts' and 'ifs'. Who give Jyesth Pitashri the right to divide the kingdom without asking us." Nakul asked.

Sahadev was wise and intelligent, indeed, while, Nakul who was known for his good looks, was actually a diplomat.

"If you all aren't ready to accept Yudhisthir's decision,  then I–" Kunti was interrupted by Krishna.

"You may regret words spoken in anger later, Bua."

"Then, you tell me Krishna," Kunti sighed, "Shouldn't they have faith on their elder brother, instead of questioning him."

"Ma, we all have faith in Bade Bhaiya, there is no question about that." Arjun spoke.

"Also, isn't it right, that when all the members speak their minds freely, it keeps the family together." Krishna smiled, before looking at Nakul, asking the latter to continue what he was saying.

"Go ahead, Nakul,"

"All I wanted to say is— Hastinapur is ours by right, and Bhrata Yudhishthir had been made the crown prince. Then, why did Jyesth Pitashri divide the kingdom, and give the part of the capital to Bhrata Duryodhan?"

"I just can't understand, that why can't you realize, that Tatshri Bhishma is also a part of this, and no matter what, your Pitamah can never go against you all!"

Kunti spoke, Draupadi looked at her mother-in-law's distressed face, and then looked at Arjun, who was about to say something. Draupadi gestured him to be bit soft while talking, as he nodded agreeing with her, without a single thought.

"Ma," Arjun called, "We do admit that Pitamah's blessings are always with us, and he may have decided to give it some thought, before approving of this decision."

"But I refuse to believe, that he suggested that Hastinapur shall be given to Duryodhan, and that forest of stone, Khandavprastha to us." He added, firmly. "We can accept the partition of kingdom, but why shall we leave Hastinapur? Duryodhan is younger than Bhrata Yudhishthir, then why isn't Khandavprastha given to him. Why we're always exiled? Can't we just ask this much from Pitamah?" Arjun concluded, a little furious.

"I agree, what did we get?" Bheem looked at Yudhishthir with disappointment.

"Hmm," Krishna smiled playfully, "I can give answer to this."

Attention of all when towards him, as Draupadi asked in her silvery voice, "And what's that, Keshav?"

Krishna smiled more, "Maharaj Dhritarashtra has given you, your karmabhumi."

The tension in Kunti's chamber hung thick as Krishna's words resonated. Draupadi, still trying to understand the intricacies of politics, asked, "What is our karmabhumi, Keshav?"

Krishna replied calmly, "Your karmabhumi, is not just a piece of land. It is the stage where your actions, decisions, and destiny unfold. Khandavprastha may seem like a mere territory, but the challenges it holds will shape your legacy."

Arjun, intrigued, questioned, "But why Khandavprastha? Why not Hastinapur?"

Krishna's eyes twinkled as he explained, "Hastinapur may be the throne, but Khandavprastha is the forge. It is in facing adversity, overcoming trials, that your true strength will emerge. Your destiny is not written in palaces but in the journey through thorns."

Bheem, still unconvinced, grumbled, "What about Duryodhan getting Hastinapur?"

Krishna responded with a knowing smile, "Sometimes, what seems like a gift is a challenge in disguise. Duryodhan may have the throne, but the true test lies in how he wields its power. Your path is different, and your conquests will be measured by a different touchstone."

Yudhishthir, thoughtful, nodded in acknowledgment. Krishna's words began to weave a tapestry of purpose and destiny in the minds of the Pandavas.

★

The chariot bearing the flag of Anga entered Hastinapur's palace gates, coming to a halt as the king of Anga descended. Karna, on his way inside, noticed Krishna in the garden, smiling at the blossoming buds.

Deciding to greet the lord of Dwarka, Karna made his way into the royal garden. "Pranam, Vasudev?"

Krishna's attention turned to Karna, and he smiled, "Pranam, Angraj!"

Karna nodded, and Krishna continued, "You must've arrived to meet your friend."

"That's right!"

"Why not? Rajkumar Duryodhan, for sure, wanted to tell you about the news of him remaining the crown prince of Hastinapur."

Karna looked perplexed, "But aren't the Pandavas safe and back already?" he mused.

"Indeed, they are! However, inside the palace, the followers of dharma have given their permission to Maharaj to divide the kingdom into two halves— Hastinapur and Khandavprastha. The latter would be given to my cousins."

Duryodhan had informed Karna that Kunti was Krishna's father's sister. Shocked, Karna stood composed, realizing it was all part of Shakuni's plot.

"Mahamahim Bhishma also agreed to this?"

Krishna nodded.

"But he is a follower of dharma," Karna thought.

"Indeed, he is. But it's not that easy to understand dharma," Krishna said, reading his thoughts.

"So, please enlighten the path of dharma, Vasudev."

Krishna smiled, "Looking at the situation arising inside the four walls of this lavish palace— I'll just say, a person certainly fights for his rights but should not desire things over which he has no right."

As the breeze gently rustled the leaves in the royal garden, Karna absorbed Krishna's words, a contemplative expression on his face. "But how do we discern what is truly our right?" Karna queried, his eyes searching Krishna's for guidance.

Krishna, with a serene demeanor, replied, "Rights are not just about entitlements. They come with responsibilities. Angraj— dharma, is the thread that weaves through the fabric of right and wrong."

Karna, intrigued, pressed further, "But in this political web, how does one untangle the threads of dharma?"

Krishna's eyes twinkled knowingly. "Following dharma means making hard choices. It involves being wise, understanding others, and caring about the greater good. You need to think about how your actions will affect not only you but also everyone around you."

Karna nodded, absorbing the wisdom, but a hint of confusion lingered. "Yet, even with such understanding, how can one ensure justice prevails when the game is rigged?"

Krishna's smile widened, acknowledging the complexity. "Justice may not always be immediate, but the seeds we plant with righteous actions eventually bear fruit. Trust in the journey, Angraj. It may have twists and turns, but the destination is shaped by the choices we make."

Karna, feeling a sense of clarity, expressed his gratitude, "Your words shed light on the path ahead, Vasudev. I shall tread it with mindfulness."

The warmth of Krishna's smile lingered as Karna took his leave, exchanging a respectful farewell with the divine lord. The sun, nearing the horizon, cast long shadows that seemed to dance, a silent witness to the intricate interplay of right and wrong within the unfolding drama of the Kuru family.

★

"What has he written?" Madirakshi inquired, reclining on the bed, casting a curious gaze toward her younger sister.

Her sister, engrossed in Arjun's letter, held the parchment in her hands and sighed, "They are moving to Khandavprastha. Also, he mentions that Madhav told them that Duryodhan had come to Dau, and he literally flattered him."

Madirakshi rose from the bed, contemplating the implications. "If that's the case, it means even if Dau won't go against the Pandavas, he won't oppose Duryodhan either. He's going to stay neutral."

Suchitra, her expression furious, exclaimed, "Maharaj Dhritarashtra has become blind in his love for his son!"

Madirakshi couldn't agree more. The unfolding events were taking drastic turns, and predicting the future seemed increasingly challenging.

However, she offered a reassuring smile, saying, "But we shouldn't forget that Madhav is there with them. And he won't let anything wrong happen to them."

Suchitra found solace in her sister's words, nodded in agreement. As uncertainty loomed, Madirakshi added, "Madhav's presence ensures a guardian for them in these uncertain times. His wisdom and guidance will navigate them through the complexities ahead."

Suchitra, appreciating the perspective, acknowledged, "You're right, didi. The divine intervention of Madhav brings a sense of reassurance amidst the tumultuous events unfolding."

As they discussed the letter's contents, the room resonated with a mix of concern and hope, mirroring the intricate tapestry of emotions woven by the enigmatic saga.

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Hello there, readers!

Sorry for being so late in updating the chapter. I was extremely busy with college assignments, internals and semester exams.

Hope you all understand.

Anyway, how is today's chapter? Edited version of some chapters, (including this one) are completely different from the previous ones. So, I hope you all are catching up with the edited version.

Please comment and hit the star button to vote.

Stay tuned!