"Mother!" her eldest son stood at the doorway looking aghast.

"What happened brother?"called out her sons waiting outside the hut.

Getting no answer from their eldest brother, they shuffled towards thier Mother. The sight of their mother cradling an unmoving bloody lump in her arms greeted them.

"What fate has befallen you, Oh Mother! You have been pious and dedicated throughtout your life. What did you deserve to hold this disfigured dead flesh in your arms?" the eldest said brokenly.

She paid him no mind. Clutching her youngest to her bosom, she said to her babe," You shall live, my dear. I shall shape you myself. From this broken shell, you shall emerge as the brightest of them all."

"Mother," her eldest whispered as he reached out for her.

***
Abhijishya woke up grasping for her child. Her hands curled around thin air as her lips parted to call out a familiar name. Only a breath escaped as her mind fought to cling on to the rapidly fading features of her children. Closing her eyes, she leaned back against the swing trying to figure out the sudden yearning she was feeling.

Abhijishya remained silently swaying in the swing for sometime. The cold morning wind caused her skin to break out in goosebumps. Her stiff neck made it clear that she had fallen asleep on the balcony swing after Charu's visit.

She looked blearily at the slowly lightening sky. Dawn was near. Abhijishya got up from the swing. It was going to be a busy day ahead. There was no time to ponder on strange dreams. Gopal had said her mind is ignorant to the reality of her essence.

'It would be great if my mind and my essence have a meeting sometime soon. Preferably before I lose my sanity,' she scoffed at her thoughts.

Rubbing her face, she walked sedately to her chambers. The dream had unsettled her and evoked unexplainable emotions. The people she saw felt too familiar. It was as if the answers were within her but just beyond reach.

She shivered at the cold breeze and quickened her pace. Her mind still resonated with the call of her son from her dream.

================================

Abhijishya had expected to see her husband in bed sleeping soundly. Instead, Nakul stood in front of the mirror putting on accessories looking freshly bathed. He looked much better than the man she had seen yesterday.

Nakul caught sight of Mohini's reflection on the mirror. Their eyes met and a smile bloomed on both faces.

"Isn't it a bit too early to be all dressed up for the day?" Abhijishya walked closer to Nakul and picked up the aangavastra. Her deft hands put it around Nakul with practiced ease.

"I am tired of staying in bed," Nakul flexed his right hand and made a fist. "We will be leaving Hastinapur in a few days. I should help my brothers in the preparations. Morever, my hand has healed completely."

The minuscule wince along with the spasm of his branchioradialis did not go unnoticed. Abhijishya gently uncurled his fingers and pressed on his forearm to ease the muscles. The wound was healing nicely but Nakul's grip was weaker than before.

"I am sure I need not tell you that straining your hand will have adverse effects and prolong the recovery period," Abhijishya remarked. His lips twitched and formed the familiar fond smile.

Nakul put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "I know. I promise I won't do anything strenuous. Just don't tell me I have to spend another stay in bed," he implored. Abhijishya smiled in amusement.

"Fine. I won't but you must take care of yourself," she said firmly.

Now that his wife was closer, Nakul could see the traces of exhaustion on her face much more clearly. He lightly brushed his finger tips over her prominent dark circles. "Look who's talking."

Abhijishya averted her gaze.

Nakul said softly," Love, you weren't there beside me when I woke up this morning. I know something is not right. Tell me, dear."

Shaking her head, Abhijishya gave a reassuring smile. "It is not like that. I have been worried about you. That's all."

Nakul looked at her. After all this time, he could tell when his Mohini was lying. She was not telling him something. He didn't know whether to push her or not.

"Kumar Yuyutsu seeks audience, Rajkumar," called out a guard from outside.

Nakul was surprised. Yuyutsu had never tried to reach out to him or his brothers voluntarily. "I'll be joining him soon. Ask him to take a seat," he said loudly.

Abhijishya wondered why Yuyutsu came to visit Nakul. At the moment, she was not presentable to have company as per current standards. "You shouldn't keep Bhrata Yuyutsu waiting. I must go and get ready for the day." She lightly touched Nakul's right hand," Please be careful."

"I will be careful. Don't worry. See you later, love," Nakul smiled and walked out of the chamber.

Abhijishya stood there for sometime lost in thought. It was too early to visit someone. She was sure this wasn't just a casual visit. Taking quick steps, she went to the bathing room. She needed to speak to Yuyutsu later.

================================

After doing her morning routine, Abhijishya went to the common sitting room that linked all the private chambers of the Pandavs. She half expected Yuyutsu to have left but found him and Nakul sitting silently.

As she drew closer, Abhijishya could make out the tension running through her husband's stiff frame.

"Pranipaat," Abhijishya greeted. Eyeing both of them, she continued," I hope I am not interrupting anything."

Yuyutsu simply shook his head. Nakul clenched his fists and looked up with enraged eyes.

"It was Suyodhana,"he grit out. Abhijishya furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Rajkumar Suyodhana? What are you talking about?"

He got up abruptly and started pacing. "You were wrong, Mohini. It was Suyodhana. He did everything."

Abhijishya glanced at Yuyutsu for an explaination. He sighed and stood up as well.

"I think you are probably aware that I was absent in the palace when an attempt was made on Nakul's life. After my return, I was called by Kakashree Vidur to investigate about the matter. I saw the gold dagger found with the dead body of the mercenary and found it oddly familiar. It took me some time to recall where I had seen it," Yuyutsu took a deep breath as if pronouncing the truth was taxing."The dagger belongs to Rajkumar Suyodhana. Nearly a fortnight ago, he had sent me to collect it from the jeweller after it was encrusted in gold. The topaz on the hilt is unmistakable. It is his dagger."

Abhijishya drew a shaky breath. That meant Rajkumar Suyodhana was the one who silenced the mercenary. She grimaced. So he probably knew about his brother's infatuation towards her.

Nakul turned towards her. "Enough. We have had enough," he seethed. "Last time Mata ordered us to leave Hastinapur but this time Suyodhana will have to answer. If Maharaj doesn't punish him, I will go to war against him. I am sure my brothers will agree."

"Are you out of your mind?" Abhijishya said bewildered. It was too soon for Kurukshetra to happen. She was working on getting Karna on their side. Arjun did not have half the divine weapons he was supposed to have. Neither did Bheem possess the knowledge of strength from Lord Hanuman. Her mind went on listing the pros and cons if the war occured now.

"Are you telling me to stay silent and do nothing like a coward? In case you forgot dear," Abhijishya flinched at his tone. "I almost lost my right arm. First he poisoned Bhrata Bheem, then the house of lac and now this. He called you a-," Nakul paused then grimaced in disgust. "I should've taken down his head when I had the chance."

All the stress and anger accumulated over the days were bubbling up inside her. Abhijishya said sarcastically," Oh! And end up losing you neck too? What is with you Ksatriyas leaping for your weapons and announcing war at every opportunity?!"

Yuyutsu looked warily between them. Nakul bristled at her words. "I can't expect you to understand as you clearly have no Ksatriya blood in your veins. Should I wait till that Suyodhana and his pet Shakuni succeed in killing me or my brothers?!"

"For Gods' sake, I already told you it wasn't Suyodhana and Shakuni this time. Sushasan had my painting in his room and is nurturing some sort of misguided infatu-" Abhijishya bit her tongue releasing what she had said.

Nakul stood as still as a statue before her. "You knew," he breathed out in surprise.

"Listen to me. You cannot go to war against Hastinapur now that Jyesth has accepted the land offered to him. He has pledged his rule to be under the monarchy of Hastinapur. We don't have any proof except a few witnesses-" Abhijishya was interrupted.

"You knew,"his voice was hard. Nakul's face twisted into a scowl with betrayal and fury.

"Arya-" Abhijishya lifted her hand to touch him. Nakul stepped back. He scoffed out loud. "So is something going on which I need to know about, dear? " he said in a mocking tone.

"Wha-" Abhijishya's eyes widened in realisation of what Nakul was implying. She stared at him speechless for the first time.

"No words huh?" Nakul laughed. It was an ugly sound.

"Nakul," Yuyutsu said in an edgy tone. Nakul shook his head. "I hope you remember the way to your chamber dear." Saying that, he walked away.

Abhijishya couldn't move from her place. He couldn't really think that of her.

"Rajkumari?" Yuyutsu said; his voice not louder than a soft whisper.

Having momentarily forgotten about Yuyutsu being present, Abhijishya became acutely aware of his gaze on her then. He had heard everything. She straightened her posture and wiped her face clean of any expression except a small smile.

"Pardon me, Kumar. I must take your leave now. I have my duties to attend to," Abhijishya said with a slight bow.

"I'll talk to him," Yuyutsu called out to her retreating figure. Abhijishya made no acknowledgement of hearing him.

================================

Rest of the day, Abhijishya drowned herself in ordering around dasis, making lists of gifts given by Maharaj Dhritarastra, the das and dasis that will be accompanying them and other chores. She didn't want to think about the morning at all. If she felt a burning sensation inside her, Abhijishya entertained the idea of having heartburn due to not eating a morsel the entire day.

It was late in the afternoon when she found her target in the archery arena. She walked purposefully towards him.

"Your friend is a hypocrite," Abhijishya said standing some distance away from Karn who was teaching archery to the soldiers.

Upon hearing her words, Karn's index finger twitched before releasing the arrow. It hit the target a hair breadth away from the red circled centre.

If he was annoyed at his miss, Karn didn't let that show on his face. He relaxed his posture and handed the bow to a nearby soldier.

"Continue with what I showed you all so far. I'll be back in a few minutes," he announced before walking towards Abhijishya.

"Is this how you generally greet people, Rajkumari? Or is this way of greeting specially reserved for me?" Karn said wryly.

Abhijishya chuckled. "I thought you would prefer this way of greeting rather than the posh palace mannerisms."

Karn inclined his head. "It is refreshing but I won't tolerate you speaking ill of my friend."

Abhijishya shrugged nonchalantly. "Rajkumar Suyodhana can make a low born King of Angraj and his friend but cannot accept this low born as the Kulvadhu of the Kurus. Does it not sound hypocritical to you, Angraj?"

"Suyodhana is quite liberal. He speaks inappropriately when angered. That does not mean he looks down upon any person because of their caste. Someone wise once told me that when a person brings up one's birth or caste it is their begrudged acknowledgement that they couldn't find any fault in one's character," Karn smiled.

Abhijishya chortled," Using my words on me, eh? Nice. I feel rather flattered that you think I am wise. Thank you, Angraj." She didn't bother bringing up Suyodhana almost calling her a prostitute.

Karn shook his head. "I only speak the truth. You are wise and quite observant. In fact I thought you would have already figured out the person who tried to harm Rajkumar Nakul. Have you?"

Abhijishya smiled thinly. "I am more concerned about the well being of my husband. We will be leaving Hastinapur in a few days. I am rather busy with the preparations."

Karn accepted her unwillingness to answer his question. "I am glad he didn't have to lose his hand. Rajkumar Nakul is truly exceptional with his sword."

"He is," she simply said. Both stood silently for a while lost in their own thoughts.

Abhijishya squinted towards the sky. It was almost sunset. She would have to leave for Sandhya Aarti soon. "Did you find out how you came to possess your armour and earrings?"

"No. Pita said I always had it with me," Karn replied in a clipped tone. Then he inclined his head slightly,"I must take your leave now. I still have to show a few more techniques to the soldiers. I hope everything goes well after you leave Hastinapur."

Abhijishya knew she had gotten Karn looking for answers. She wasn't sure if he had found out that his Radha Maa wasn't his birth mother. Perhaps it was cruel of her but some things should be left for self discovery. She hoped Mata Kunti would bend and divulge her secret soon.

"Then I shall not keep you away from your duties anymore. Thank you for your well wishes. We shall meet again when I visit Mata Kunti in Hastinapur," Abhijishya smiled.

Karn nodded and walked away. She watched him go out of hearing distance. Then she looked up at the tree.

"It is not polite to eavesdrop, Arjun," Abhijishya said lightly.

Arjun jumped down from the tree branch he was sitting on hidden behind the canopy of leaves.

"Not my fault you both chose the tree I was sleeping on as the spot for having a conversation," he shrugged.

Abhijishya raised an eyebrow. "Just like you conveniently chose to follow me around today?"

"Just like you chose to ignore me much to my inconvenience," he said cheekily. Then he looked in the direction Karn was instructing the soldiers. "He is rather tolerant of your intrusive ways."

"You are rather tolerant of me speaking so amiably to him," she replied.

"Purposefully," Arjun looked at her. Abhijishya relaxed her shoulder muscles. "I like conversing with him too," she admitted.

Arjun smiled. "Contrary to popular belief, I don't mind him when he is not challenging me and supporting Suyodhana in his misdeeds. Those instances are very rare," he said thoughtfully.

"Not going to ask me about the purpose?" Abhijishya asked.

Arjun shook his head. "No. I trust you. You'll let us know when you think the time is right."

"Bless my soul, atleast someone does believe in me," Abhijishya chuckled bitterly.

Arjun walked slowly towards her as if approaching a small distressed animal. He took her clenched fist in his hand and gently uncurled her fingers. Four crescent wounds decorated her palm. Abhijishya hadn't noticed the pain. She moved away her hand from Arjun and uncurled her other fist.

"You might notice a bump on Nakul's head. Bhrata Bheem conked him hard. He said that might shake him back to his senses," Arjun said lightly.

"Looks like it didn't work," Abhijishya muttered looking away. Arjun didn't mention the odd hitch in her breath or her tears which she wiped away. The growing darkness did nothing to veil the sight of the archer.

The sky grew grim with accumulating grey clouds. It would rain heavily soon. Abhijishya curled into herself when the squall blew past them. Arjun moved closer to her in an attempt to be a barrier between her and the wind.

"It'll take time," he said at last. "Until then let's see if I can make an archer out of you."

"It is night time, sakha," Abhijishya said thickly.

"There is an archery arena inside the palace. I generally use it to practice archery in the dark but this time we could light some mashals. Panchali will help Mata with Sandhya pujan. I think I can afford to steal you away for a while," Arjun said with a smile. The clouds rumbled over them.

"Come on. It will rain any moment now," he said over the thunder. Abhijishya nodded and followed him indoors.

Before entering the arena, Arjun looked at her. " It was good to hear you calling me a friend instead of a brother."

"Being a friend is easier. Like you and your Madhav," Abhijishya answered.

Arjun nodded. "Uncomplicated. Like you, me and our Krishna," he frowned slightly. "It is so strange calling Madhav Krishna."

Abhijishya's lips uplifted into a real smile. "It is strange hearing you call him Krishna." Arjun chuckled and they entered the arena.

~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~

A.N. - Finally!!!! I wrote it down!!! *cries in happiness*

...

Excuse my emotions please. *uses dharamraj tissues*

Warning : It is going to be a long A.N.

Why didn't I update till now?

The answer is a number of reasons. First of all, I forgot. Yea, your author forgot what she had planned for this chapter. And the next... and the next... and... well you get it. The exams messed me up big time. I had to think what I want in this chapter and how I will continue the story afresh. It took a lot of time. Becuz you think one thing while writing and in the flow, you come up with ideas.. like oooh let's add Yuyutsu, Karn and Arjun into the mix... how about adding a couple fight... uh huh very tasty *stirs the chapter*

In my low times, I entertained the idea of unpublishing this story (I mean crazy right? Who in the right mind thinks that? *awkward laugh*) Then deleting discord, wattpad and running away. Then saying I am gonna abandon this story and give up being human. (Being an ostrich or seal sounds appealing... sounded... sounds...) *looks away nervously* but BUT fear not folks, I won't do any of that *grins* All thanks to Karn the therapist. Sayra612 tussi great ho 💖💖💖

Discord is my guilty pleasure. So yea, that contributed majorly in my procrastination. Sorry... Not sorry. Love my dysfunctional fam there Mahabharata_family.

I am a sorta impulsive and whimsical person. So I have urges to do something at times. Like pestering people into giving me attention, writing stories (yes Dhi was an urge), colouring my sister's colour book (ears still ringing from the time I coloured her doraemon green... wanted to make a loki doraemon... she was not happy. *looks sadly at the crumpled paper in dustbin*)... what was I saying again? Oh right... so sometimes I give into these urges becuz they make me happy.

Which brings up the topic.. About Future Updates - I gave up painting in Class 10. I want to get back in touch with that side of me again. So far I have planned on two paintings I wanna create. If they turn out as good as I have imagined, I'll show them to u folks. SO, there won't be daily updates for Dhi. Becuz I also gotta think about the plotline, write it then publish it. It takes time (in my case). As these are for my pleasure, I don't want painting as well as writing to turn into a burden for me. Hence, you'll get once a week updates.. or twice a week. (Don't ask which day... i dunno. But you'll get updates in 7 days)

I also have online webinars. I had one today. Tomorrow I have two. I have stuff outside of wattpad and discord. And I found out Bibitti Bobitti Boo is fake so ppl, Sohini can't do frequent updates. As in once in two or three days frequent. Can't do that.

How did I convince my procrastinating self to update? Becuz of you guys!!!! Dhi crossed 5K votes. I crossed 100 followers. Some ppl voted for all my chapters. Then I was like you ungrateful person, update. So here it is!!!

People whom I told I will read your books/updates : I will! Gimme some time. I'll read them now that I have finally updated.

You looking for new Mahabharata fanfics to read? I got two recs for you.

Knit by Our Fates by nerd_positive

Persuit of the Inevitable by mythooolover

You looking for sad poems that will make you stare at your screen, contemplate life, cry and make you want to read more? I got it.

Thantophobic Words by Sayra612

You ppl must already know that DrKanu 's Delightful Trauma won the Mahabharata awards 2020 arranged by Mahabharat_Adorers. I know I already congratulated you Yudi bro but once again CONGRATULATIONS. If you all haven't read it yet, go give it a read.

Interested in Ramayana? I also got it.

The Bygone Empress by DrKanu

I also think you peps would like UnderratedFam. So feel free to check out this community.

No, I don't do paid promotions. -_- . I like their books, think they have potential so recommended them.

Special mention : Once again to Ava_2312 my Paarth. That's you as Arjun right there in my chapter. 💖💖💖

jimmyprotested29 wifey, my Ruku of two servers 💖💖💖 (she waited for me to finish writing this update after we just had a chamber made in discord) Love my sas queen.

Why am I telling you all this? I felt like it. *shrugs*

Before I go back to pestering people { Smol. Cute. Star. - today's person ;") } I want you to comment your views. Lemme know what you think of the chapter as well as the story so far. Colour the star as well.

DCT jindabad!!!

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")

P.s. - I am opening a guessing contest. You have three guesses. I won't say whether you are right or not. The person/s who guesses the identity of Abhijishya's not-human form (i.e. divine, celestial, other worldly, true form or whatever u wanna call it) will get a shout out as well a prize from me (not cash prize. I am broke). I'll decide the prize later. Contest will be open till I publish Chapter 65.