With the rise of the sun, Abhijishya prepared her mind to face the hurdles that they will face in Hastinapur. She would no longer have the luxury to remain unperturbed. But just for now, she focused on the people in front of her.

"You have become as dear as our Subhadra, putri. With you here among us, some of the sadness I felt whenever I missed Subhadra became less. Now that you are leaving, I don't know how will I be able to stay without another daughter," Mata Devaki said with tears in her eyes.

Abhijishya hugged her. "Oh Mata, you say as if I won't ever come here to visit you. Don't cry or else I'll end up crying too."

Mata Devaki gave a shaky smile. Abhijishya smiled back then turned to Mata Rohini. She also hugged her. "Amidst taking care of your family don't forget to take care of yourself," Mata Rohini said. Abhijishya nodded.

She was pulled into an embrace by her four Bhabishrees.

"I'll try to come before the births of my dear little persons," Abhijishya said.

"Babies," Rukmini chuckled tearfully.

"Bhabishree Rukmini, Bhabishree Revati please take care of yourselves," she said with concern.

Revati said," We will. Don't worry about us."

"Once you get settled in, you could ask Panduputra Arjun to teach you archery. It is a very useful skill," Satyabhama advised.

"Yes Bhabishree. Then perhaps next time the contest between us would be of our skills in archery," Abhijishya said. Satyabhama looked very pleased.

"You shall be dearly missed, Abhijishya. Remember to light the fire before you start cook in Hastinapur," Jambavati teased.

"Bhabishree," she pouted. "I'll remember. But I still don't know what I'll do about the spices. Next time I visit, you must teach me properly," Abhijishya said.

Jambavati nodded," Of course. Have a safe journey."

Nakul and Abhijishya sought blessings from Matamaah, Pitashree Vasudev and Mamashree Satyaka.

Satyaki came towards them. "When you come here next, I want to spar again with you both. Send my respect and regards to Gurudev (Arjun)," he said.

"We will. Take care, mitra," Nakul said and pulled him into an embrace.

"Small and large intestine, Bhrata Satyaki," Abhijishya grinned.

"I only accepted because I wanted to stop the argument. But fine, you win. Small and large intestine," Satyaki said.

"Will you be able to put organs back into place without me, Bhrata?"she teased.

"Only once, behena (sister) only once," he said. Then added softly," Have a safe journey. You both will be missed."

Abhijishya and Nakul both smiled back. They walked to the chariot where Bhratashree Balram and Bhrata Gopal were standing.

They touched their feet.

"I feel like keeping you here with me, Abhijishya. I will miss you a lot," Balram said. Then looked at Nakul,"Look after each other."

"Yes Bhratashree," Nakul said. Abhijishya gave into her urge to hug him. "I will miss you all so much," she mumbled.

Balram caressed her head affectionately. "I know."

She turned to Gopal and said with a watery smile," Who will you convince to get you makhan now that I am leaving?"

Gopal pulled her into a gentle hug and said," I'll have to wait for you to get me makhan then."

"I'll miss Dwarka very much," Abhijishya said then added hesitantly," Perhaps, the next time I visit Subhadra can meet me."

"Not the next visit. She'll meet you when you'll be ready to meet her," he said.

Abhijishya nodded. "Any messages you want me to pass along to your Parth and sakhi Draupadi?"

"Not this time. You'll handle everything," Gopal said.

"About the sun..." she trailed off. "What do I do?"

Krishna looked at her as if searching for something then smiled sadly. She wondered what he saw.

"I cannot make your choices for you, Abhijishya. It must be revealed to him by the one that owes him the secret. You can try to unlock the chest but don't push too hard. The lock should not break," Krishna said.

Balram and Nakul looked at them in confusion. To them, Krishna's words were even more cryptic than usual.

Abhijishya looked thoughtful for a minute then nodded.

"Don't get lost in what will happen that you forget to live in what is happening. May your journey be pleasant," Gopal said with a smile.

"I'll see you when you wish to see us," she replied.

Krishna smiled and nodded.

Nakul and Abhijishya got up on their chariot and the horses pulled them gradually farther away from Dwarka.

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

Nakul noticed Abhijishya was quieter throughout the next few days. He didn't ask because he knew she was already missing Dwarka.

They had set up camp at the border of Panchal and waited the arrival of his mother, brothers along with Panchali. After they reach here, all of them would set out for Hastinapur together. He already dreaded the backlash they would have to face when everyone learnt about Panchali's marriage to all five brothers. He also knew Gandharraj and Suyodhana would take advantage of this opportunity to the fullest.

"What is going on inside that head of yours?" Abhijishya asked as she tapped his forehead.

Nakul's face immediately broke into a smile. He pulled her to sit on his lap. She gasped then chuckled encircling her hands around his neck. He kissed her cheek and said," A lot of things actually. I was thinking about how you seem sad at leaving Dwarka."

She hummed. "I am a bit sad. Within two weeks, I was absolutely captivated by everything in Dwarka. But I also missed Mata Kunti, Jyesth, Bhrata Bheem, Arjun and Sahadev. Even Panchali. So I am happy to see them again." Then Abhijishya looked straight into his eyes and said," You are worried about the reaction of everyone in Hastinapur upon hearing about you and your brothers' marriage to Draupadi jiji."

Nakul sighed. "I am."

"Rajkumar, your brothers have arrived," a soldier informed from outside.

"Everything will turn out fine," Abhijishya promised. "Now get up. Let us greet everyone."

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

Outside, the rest of the Pandavs got down from their chariots along with Kunti and Draupadi.

Abhijishya grinned at their sight. She and Nakul walked to Mata Kunti first and touched her feet.

"Pranipaat Mata," they greeted.

"Suputra Janani Bhava,putri. Kalyan ho, putra," she smiled.

They did the same with Jyesth Yudhisthir, Bheem and Arjun while Sahadev took their blessings right after.

"It's so good to see you, Dhruvi," Draupadi said with a smile.

"You too, jiji. Next time, you should come along with us to Dwarka," Abhijishya said and embraced her.

"Let us go inside. We have some things to let you both know before we set out for Hastinapur," Jyesth Yudhisthir said in a sombre tone.

They entered the tent and sat down in a circle.

"Before we discuss more serious issues, I would like to convey some good news," Abhijishya said with a grin.

"What good news, putri?" Kunti asked.

"Bhabishree Rukmini and Bhabishree Revati are going to be mothers soon. I am going to be an aunt to little Krishna and little Baldau," she said joyfully.

Their faces brightened immediately. "Madhav is going to a father?! That is really wonderful news," Arjun proclaimed happily.

"Yes Dhruvi, I wish I could congratulate them now," Draupadi said with a smile.

"Blessed be Narayan," Mata Kunti said joining her hands. "May they stay safe and in good health."

"Also Bhratashree, Mitra Yuyudhana sends his respect and regards to you," Nakul said.

Arjun smiled. "How is he progressing? Have you seen his skills?"

"He is a fine archer, Bhratashree. But Abhijishya here is better sword weilder than your student," Nakul said with a proud smile towards Abhijishya.

"Well done, Abhijishya," Bheem said jovially.

"Satyaki is good with his sword. You have come a long way, Abhijishya. I hope I can see you both spar some time," Arjun remarked.

"Thank you, Bhrata Bheem, Bhrata Arjun. Would you teach me archery too? Bhabishree Satyabhama suggested I should learn it. But I am in no hurry. We can start once we have settled down," Abhijishya said.

"I practice archery everyday, Abhijishya. We can start from tomorrow itself," Arjun replied.

"Not tomorrow. Later,"Abhijishya said.

"Why Bhabishree?" Sahadev asked.

"I want to perfect my left grip before I start. Either way I am not that interested in archery. I like handling a sword better," Abhijishya answered.

"Yes, Abhijishya. We all are very much aware of that. What was the message in reply to that letter again?" Arjun pretended to think while glancing at Nakul.

"Arjun," Abhijishya hissed.

"What letter?" Yudhisthir asked curiously.

"Nothing important, Jyesth," Arjun said with a perfectly angelic smile.

Abhijishya knew some things were bound to rub off on Parth from his Madhav. She resisted the urge to shove Arjun when he grinned at her.

"You spar with men?" Draupadi asked hesitantly.

"Yea, I need to test my skills. It's nice to measure my progress with someone other than Arya. I know his movements now but he still wins. One day I'll surely best him," Abhijishya replied with a discreet wink towards Nakul.

Nakul's eyes softened. "I look forward to that day." She blushed.

Yudhisthir noticed Kunti hadn't said anything. He decided to change the subject of conversation.

"Alright, I think we should get over the discussion so that we can set out for Hastinapur soon," he said.

Everyone sobered up on cue.

"Sahadev and I have discussed at length. I just wanted to let you, Nakul and Abhijishya, know that you don't have to worry about anything," Yudhisthir said.

"Yes, Pitamaah and Tatshree would understand everything once Jyesth explains our side," Arjun said.

Nakul smiled feeling at ease.

"Pardon me Jyesth, but what will you do if Maharaj doesn't hear you out?" Abhijishya asked.

Yudhisthir smiled. "Maharaj is our Tatshree, Abhijishya. He will certainly listen to us."

Abhijishya wondered if he was truly that naive to believe so. "What if we all are stopped at the border and not even allowed to step inside the Kuru Kingdom much less Hastinapur?"

Sahadev realised that Abhijishya was indeed making a good point. "Your words have merit, Bhabishree. Jyesth, we cannot really count out what Bhabishree said."

Yudhisthir looked thoughtful.

"Pitashree and your Kakashree Vidur won't let such injustice happen," Kunti said firmly.

Seeing a losing battle, Abhijishya didn't say anything more. "I hope you are right, Mata."

"We should depart now, Jyesth. Or else we cannot reach Hastinapur before dusk," Bheem said.

Yudhisthir nodded. They all got up on their chariots.

"We just have to present our defence firmly, Abhijishya," Arjun tried to reassure.

Abhijishya smiled slightly and replied," If you say so, Arjun. If you say so."

Arjun looked at her retreating figure getting up on Nakul's chariot and wasn't able to squash the apprehension the more he thought about what Abhijishya said.

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

Abhijishya half expected them to be stopped at the border itself but thankfully they had arrived inside the Hastinapur palace.

She waited alongside Draupadi near the chariots while the Pandavs as well as Mata Kunti went to meet the assembled welcoming party in front of the entrance door of the palace.

"You really think we will be unheard, Dhruvi?" Draupadi asked.

"It is a possibility, jiji. I am not a person who puts faith in another person easily. From my brief stay here before, I think only Kakashree Vidur will be inclined to truly hear us out," she said.

"But what about Pitamaah? Aryaputras said that he is quite fond of them. They also respect and love him. Would he not give us a chance to explain ourselves?" Draupadi asked with uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

"Pitamaah loves the Pandavas because of their righteousness. If he hears about your marriage to all five brothers, I fear he will be too angry to listen to us," Abhijishya replied.

Seeing Draupadi's increasing anxiety, she said," But you don't worry. I'll try my best to get us a chance to be heard out. I have learnt quite a few things from your sakha Govind afterall."

Draupadi smiled.

That's when Abhijishya heard Mata Kunti calling for her. She gave a comforting squeeze on Draupadi's hand and walked towards the Pandavas.

"Blessed be Kuru Kulvadhu Abhijishya," cried out the guards and dasis. Petals were showered by the dasis and her every step fell on soft flowers.

Before Abhijishya stood Maharaj Dhritarastra, Maharani Gandhari with Pitamaah Bhism and Kakashree Vidur to the left. Suyodhana, Karn, Sushasan, Shakuni and a few more Kaurav brothers stood to the right.

Maharani Gandhari was holding a aarti thali. She turned in the general direction of Nakul and said," Come, putra Nakul. Stand beside your wife and let me welcome you both inside together."

She did aarti and put vermilion on Abhijishya's and Nakul's forehead. Sprinkling rice grains, she said,"Welcome putri Abhijishya. I am very happy that you have come back to us as a daughter-in-law now."

Nakul and Abhijishya touched Maharaj Dhritarastra and Maharani Gandhari's feet together.

"Kalyan ho. Akhand Saubhagyabati Bhava," they blessed. Then they took blessings from Pitamaah, Kakashree Vidur who blessed them heartily.

"We look forward to the women's council, putri. It is even better that you have become a part of Kuru family now," Pitamaah said.

"And it is my fortune to have married into the family of the righteous Gangaputra and great Kuru clan, Pitamaah," Abhijishya replied with a smile.

Despite their reluctance, Nakul and Abhijishya had to seek blessings from Gandharraj, Suyodhana, Sushasan and the present Kaurav brothers.

"What a turn of events, won't you say putri Abhijishya? First you were just a refuge of the Royal family and now you have returned as royalty yourself. Quite a feat, I must acknowledge," Gandharraj Shakuni sneered.

Nakul visibly tensed beside her. Abhijishya simply smiled and joined her hands. "Pardon me, Mamashree but I do not see what feat I have achieved. I only loved a person whom I later married. It is as simple as worshiping one's God."

Shakuni grinned. "Of course, of course. I see you have the way with words similar to Vasudev. I am not that proficient I must admit."

"Just like my brother and I do not possess your talent of twisting them," Abhijishya smiled sharply.

Gandharraj stiffened but his mouth remained stretched in a grin.

"Kunti, call our third daughter-in-law too," Gandhari said.

Abhijishya noticed Karn standing way off to the side. She joined her hands and smiled on making eye contact. Her gesture was returned with a strained smile. It looked like her parting words made an impact on him.

She turned towards Draupadi who was now standing before Maharani Gandhari.

"I may not be able to see you putri but I am sure your beauty must be competent with Arjun's valour," Gandhari said. Then she turned towards Arjun and said," Come forward putra Arjun. Let me welcome you both together."

Arjun stepped beside Draupadi. Nakul left her side and joined him like his other brothers.

"Rajmata, all five of us need to be welcomed along with Draupadi. We, all five of us have married Panchali," Arjun said.

His statement was followed by shocked silence.The five Pandavs and Draupadi stood with bated breath.

~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~

A.N. - The Pandavs, Mata Kunti, Draupadi and Abhijishya are here in Hastinapur. This chapter was full of foreshadowing of future turn of events.

Please do vote and comment.

Also if anyone is interested in roleplaying Mahabharata characters, message me. I need Gandhari, Dhritarastra, Pandu, Dussashan, etc. Some characters are already chosen.

Until the next time,

Byee ;")