"Rajkumar, whatever may be your decision, it must be decided soon," the RajVyada said.

"But Vyadji, Nakul is a swordsman; right being his dominant hand. How can we decide to.." Arjun couldn't finish the sentence.

Yudhisthir looked at Sahadev,"Is there truly no other way?"

Sahadev opened his mouth then closed it. He glanced at Abhijishya; his eyes conveying a silent plea.

Nakul said," It's not like I am going to die, Jyesth. It's just a hand. Well, I have another one." He let out a hollow laugh that wrenched Abhijishya's heart.

Brushing away her tears, she said sharply," Shut up you idiot! Why are you so keen on chopping off your own hand? There has to be something that can be done." Abhijishya fisted her hair and pulled hard trying to think of any possible way to save Nakul.

Nakul couldn't see his Mohini in so much distress. He closed his eyes and reclined back against the pillows. Maybe this was what he deserved for his vanity. He'll end up a disfigured. On a positive note, his face would remain handsome as ever. That was the only thing that he excelled at. His lips twisted into a bitter smile.

"Got it!"Abhijishya exclaimed. "Arjun, get me oil in a jug and a big bowl,"she said. Arjun nodded and walked out quickly.

"What are you going to do, Abhijishya?" Yudhisthir asked.

"I will suck out the venom from his arm. That way it wouldn't have to be amputated. Vyadi, please move aside," she said as she sat down on Nakul's right side.

Nakul caught her hand with his left one. "You are not doing this. The venom of hump-nosed pit viper is very potent and dangerous. If you swallow a little bit by mistake..." he trailed off trying not to think of the consequences.

"It'll be okay. I won't swallow a drop. We are going to be fine," Abhijishya said with determination.

"Rajkumari, you are bound to ingest some venomous blood. Even if you don't, I haven't suggested sucking the venom out because it'll cause haemorrhagic blisters if kept in mouth for prolonged periods- " the RajVyada was interrupted.

"Vyadji, that's why I asked for the oil. It will work as a barrier between the venomous blood and my mouth. The fang bites are bleeding so I think this venom is a blood thinner. We need a natural blood coagulent as well as something to treat the affected area. Please see to that. Leave the removal of venom to me," she said.

"As you wish, Rajkumari," the RajVyada said. "Please excuse me, Yuvraj. I must fetch the needed herbs."

Yudhisthir nodded and the RajVyada left. Arjun entered carrying a large bowl and a jug of oil.

"Set the bowl to my left and the jug to my right. Arjun, pass me your dagger," Abhijishya instructed.

"Bhabishree, you need to sanitize the blade. Here," Sahadev said passing a diya.

Abhijishya nodded as she took it. After heating up the blade, she waited for it to cool down a little.

She gently took Nakul's hand and said apologetically," Bear with me, Arya. Please."

Nakul gave her a reassuring smile. She took a few calming breaths to stop her hands from shaking. Nakul clenched his eyes and hissed as Abhijishya made a small slice through the bruised swollen part of his right forearm. Blood seeped out like water.

Abhijishya quickly sipped a little oil from the jug and put her mouth over Nakul's wound and sucked. The taste of iron mixed flooded the inside of her mouth. She turned to the bowl and spat out the blood.

She repeated this process a few more times. Then Abhijishya put pressure on the wound to draw out the toxic blood.

Nakul shouted in pain. His figure was strung taut as he clenched his jaw trying not to scream. Abhijishya didn't stop. Silent tears ran down her cheeks but she pressed her mouth against the wound to suck out the venom.

Seeing Abhijishya struggling, Yudhisthir held the bowl near Abhijishya's face. She sent him a grateful look.

After nearly an hour, the swelling had subsided considerably and barely any blood was coming out of the wound. Nakul had put his face in the crook of Sahadev's neck sometime during the procedure. "I can't feel my hand, Sahadev," he mumbled out.

"Just a little more," Sahadev soothed his twin's head. Abhijishya pushed on the wound from the sides and a little blood trickled out. Nakul groaned as he was too tired to even scream.

She spat out the last of the toxic blood into the bowl and gestured for water. Arjun immediately passed her a pitcher. Abhijishya rinsed her mouth several times but the taste of blood wouldn't leave her tongue.

She got up and stumbled almost blindly out of the room unable to see through the sheen of tears. Abhijishya dry heaved at the side of the wall uncaring of the many eyes of the soldiers watching her.

Her knees gave out as she finally cried. Nakul's shouts of pain had been unbearable to her. It took all of her strength to not stop altogether and give him temporary relief.

A hand landed on her shoulder. She flinched and wiped her cheeks hastily. It was Arjun. He remained silent as she lifted herself up from the floor.

"He is calling for you," he murmured. Abhijishya nodded,"RajVyadji?"

"He came in just now,"Arjun answered in a soft voice. Both of them walked inside.

Meanwhile, Sahadev had removed the ropes from Nakul's hand. Keeping the blood restricted would further damage the hand.

"I hope you have rinsed your mouth thoroughly, Rajkumari," the RajVyada said.

"Do not worry about me. Tell me, will Arya's hand be fine now?" Abhijishya asked sitting near Nakul's feet.

"The swelling has somewhat subsided and the bruising has lost some of it's purplish hue so all the signs are good. I have put a paste of Agnikrita (cashew nut tree) bark. It'll bring down the swelling completely," RajVyada showed her another small bowl containing some paste. "This is the extract of Draksha (grape) seeds. It has be applied alternatively with Agnikrita bark paste." He pointed to another glass and said," It contains the extract of Atmagupta seeds ( Velevet beans). Rajkumar will need to take this every two hours to encourage natural coagulation." Then he looked at everyone with a grave face," I will be honest. Rajkumar Nakul has been very lucky that the bite was treated immediately. I have heard of many deaths caused by hump-nosed pit viper bites due to delayed treatment. I am not sure how this will affect his hand in the long run. For now, there is no need for amputation."

Abhijishya let out a sigh of relief. Nakul would be alright now. But the RajVyada was not done speaking.

"I expect some venom is still in Rajkumar's body which he has to fight off on his own. As the amount is miniscule, I estimate he'll feel nausea, tiredness and dizziness for about a day. He might even have trouble breathing so please make sure he doesn't lay down completely. If the Yuvraj permits, I shall take your leave now. I left a few people waiting for treatment," the RajVyada said with joined hand.

"We thank you for your services. You can go attend your other duties now. You shall be called if needed again," Yudhisthir said.

The RajVyada bowed his head and left.

Sahadev pulled away from Nakul and made space for Abhijishya to sit beside him.

Upon seeing her, Nakul smiled weakly and said," Your 'overthinking' saved me from loosing my hand. I'll never contradict you from now on. You are always right."

"Your timing of humour is awful," Abhijishya said with a watery chuckle. "Still managed to make you laugh," Nakul mumbled as his eyelids drooped from exhaustion. He fell asleep to gentle fingers running through his hair.

Yudhisthir came near Nakul and placed his hand on his forehead. He blinked his eyes to keep his tears at bay. "I need to see if the man is caught or not. I have duties I must attend to now." Saying so, he walked out of the room; his face so calm as if nothing in the world was wrong but his eyes said otherwise.

The unspoken words settled like heavy fog between Sahadev, Arjun and Abhijishya. Sahadev was staring unblinkingly at his twin whom he had come close to losing. Arjun was trying to restrain his restlessness and Abhijishya was trying to come up with the one who tried to harm Nakul.

"Do we really need to be here?" Arjun blurted out and felt ashamed when met with surprised looks from the awake occupants of the chamber.

Abhijishya and Sahadev exchanged glances. Both understood that Arjun was feeling trapped and helpless in this palace. Just like them. It wasn't in their hands to take any decision regarding division and settling elsewhere.

"You should go," Abhijishya said softly; almost apologeticly. She knew Arjun needed some chore to focus on. "We haven't had anything in the morning and it will be noon in two more hours. Will you please make sure none of our meals are tampered with?"

The naked gratitude was unmistakable in his copper eyes. Arjun nodded. "I'll go- I'll go make sure everything is alright. See you all later." He left then; his footsteps heavier than usual.

"When should we allow ourselves to let go of our patience?" Sahadev wondered out loud.

"Pateince will run out with our endurance someday,Sahadev. For now, you have spoken too soon," Abhijishya replied.

With a farway look in his eyes, Sahadev gave a wry smile and sighed,"I know. I know."

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

It was wee hours in the night. Abhijishya hadn't been able to sleep much less eat anything. Her constant paranoia was eating up her mind. The man had not been caught yet. He could be hiding anywhere inside the palace and try to kill Nakul again. Sahadev also hadn't left Nakul's side.

Pitamaah, Jyesth Mata, Kakashree Vidur and Maharaj Dhritarastra had come to visit and ask about Nakul's health. Surprisingly even Suyodhana had come enquiring about Nakul's health. It had been a hesitant and awkward conversation. But Bhrata Bheem had been angry and accused Suyodhana which resulted into another spat between cousins and Suyodhana had left soon after.

Bheem and Arjun had joined the soldiers in searching the palace when news reached that no man was found with the black jumping tiger insignia at dusk. Yudhisthir on the other hand was busy with some matter with Kakashree Vidur and Pitamaah.

Her musings were cut by the sound of anklets and soft steps entering the room. It was Draupadi. Abhijishya made no move to rise from her place as she came near her.

"Dhruvi, I know you must be hurt by my beha-" Draupadi whispered but stopped when Abhijishya held up a hand.

"You did what is expected of an ideal daughter-in-law. You followed Mata Kunti's wishes like an obedient daughter and did everything to please her. There is no need for further explaination. I have been preoccupied these past few days so didn't have any spare time to harbour hurt or any ill feelings towards you. But this topic is unnecessary at the moment. I believe you would like to keep our husband company for sometime," Abhijishya said lightly removing Nakul's hand from her waist.

"Mata is still in the prayer room," Draupadi said sitting down in Abhijishya's place.

"Thank you for letting me know, jiji. I'll send a dasi to attend to your needs if any," Abhijishya said and walked out of the room.

Draupadi watched the retreating figure of her sister-wife and wondered if she had some irreparable damage to their relationship.

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

"Come in, putri Abhijishya," Kunti called out without turning around. She was sitting in front of the idol of Lakshmi-Narayan.

Abhijishya entered the prayer room and said," Pranipaat Mata."

"You don't wear anklets so it is easy to distinguish between you and Draupadi. You have quite different opinions and taste than other women. But I did notice you do wear delicate gold chains around your ankles. Nakul's choice in jewellery has always been unique; always keeping in mind the comfort of the one wearing it," Kunti said ignoring her greeting.

"Arya does keep in mind even my littlest likes and dislikes. I don't like the unnecessary noise anklets make when I walk so he suggested the gold chains instead. He prefers to see me well embellished," Abhijishya said. Kunti got up and turned around. Her eyes were still swollen from crying.

"My dear Nakul has always been too caring and once he gives something place in his heart, it remains intermingled with his every breath," Kunti said as she came near Abhijishya. She gently moved aside Abhijishya's heavy jewellery and pulled out the lotus pendant necklace.

"His choice has always been remarkable," Kunti said softly gazing into Abhijishya's eyes.

Abhijishya smiled at her calmly; her face giving nothing away.

"Good," Kunti murmured letting go of her necklace. "You have learned to display yourself like a Royal woman. Never let anything strain that smile."

She stepped back a little from Abhijishya. "My five sons are like five fingers of a hand and together only they can form the most powerful fist. I always worried whether their future wives would be able to understand that. After all, divided loyalty can give rise to dilemma and conflicts. Then, Bless my fortune, my mistake turned out to be a golden lotus in disguise. Draupadi became the common palm from which my five sons are attached," Kunti said with a smile. Abhijishya's mind flashed to the afternoon spend with Jyesth Mata.

"Malti, string five beads together,"

'Five beads are the five Pandavs and the common string is none other than Draupadi.'

"You, on the other hand, are the most unique ring made out of the purest of gold. No wonder, my Nakul, loves you a lot. But here is the concern, if the ring sits too tightly against a finger, blood circulation is cut off from the palm and other fingers."

"Now, Malti, put the gold thread through only the fourth bead."

'I am the gold thread through Nakul, the fourth bead. Gold because our relationship is of love; of self made choice.'

"Then there is the danger of someone trying to take away the gold ring. Now, tell me, putri, does one sacrifice their finger for a ring or do they take it off and give it away?" Kunti asked; her eyes hard and smile fixed.

"It depends on how one values the ring, Mata," Abhijishya answered.

"Clever girl," Kunti laughed lightly. "Value. Truly everything depends on whether one values the ring more or thier finger remaining attached to the palm and being able to form a proper fist more. Like I said earlier, divided loyalty can prove to be very dangerous."

"Indeed," Abhijishya agreed.

"Pull the gold thread with one hand and the other thread with another,"

'What will happen when there is strain between Draupadi or the rest of Pandavs and her? Which thread will the fourth bead remain strung on?'

"You are very open minded and kind which is very noble. But one must think of the worldly affairs. Your unique opinions could clash with Draupadi's. I know Madri's and mine clashed occassionally. But we both know you do not intend to stay limited to only the household. Your liberal views could clash my eldest Yudhisthir's. Then my son Nakul would have to decide whom he values more. The heart of this mother only wishes to stop any situation like this from rising. If the finger doesn't let the ring slip off before it becomes too tight, then it will turn into dead flesh making the fist weaker," Kunti said looking straight into Abhijishya's eyes.

The thread snapped and the four beads scattered onto the floor; only the fourth bead remained strung on the gold thread.

'Nakul loves me as I love him. Mata thinks that Nakul will remain strung to me even if that breaks the bond with Draupadi and the Pandavs. All five would be scattered.'

Abhijishya remained silent. Kunti sighed and said,"I never interfered with anything you chose to do. Be it wielding a sword against another man even though you are a married woman or involving yourself in administrative matters. You are efficient and intelligent. Even if I do not completely approve, I know I should not limit you. You love my son a lot and my son loves you even more. That day in the court when Nakul held his sword against Suyodhana's neck for you uncaring for his own life, fear gripped my heart; fear of losing my son. I am proud he stood up for his wife but he didn't even glance at his elder brothers. That was when I realised that out of everything in his life, he made a choice for himself only once and that is you. I cannot ask my son to not choose you. But I can ask you, my daughter, to save this mother from ever facing her worst nightmare where her sons stand divided." She looked down and brushed a stray tear away from her cheek.

Abhijishya took Kunti's hand in hers. "We want the same thing, Mata. I shall never ask Arya to choose me over his brothers. But to pacify your worried mind, I give you my word that Arya will always obey his elder brothers as he always has. The five Panduputras are not five but one and will always remain so," she said tying the gold string with the single bead around Kunti's wrist which she had carried with her since Jyesth Mata's lesson on stringing beads together.

Kunti smiled and placed a hand on her head. "Kalyan ho, putri. Akhand Saubhagyavati Bhav. Forgive this mother for doubting you."

"There is no need for forgiveness when everything was intentional," Abhijishya sent a sharp smile Kunti's way who stiffened momentarily then relaxed.

"If there is a next time then I think you would prefer a direct approach," Kunti asked stroking the bead.

"I don't like to overtax my patience unnecessarily, Mata," Abhijishya replied.

"Jiji was right when she said you and I would get along splendidly. You have learned to string beads quite well I see," Kunti smiled.

"I hear it is an intricate art that is a necessary lesson for all palace women," Abhijishya obliged to be a part of their inside joke.

Kunti laughed. "Not many can learn it, putri. Madri failed and Dussala still has much to learn. I wonder how Draupadi will do."

"Jiji will learn," Abhijishya replied. Kunti patted her shoulder and said," All in time. All in time. Good to see your faith in her. Now, come, your huband, my son will need us. The sun will grace the eastern sky soon."

Abhijishya nodded and joined her hands before Lakshmi-Narayan in respect. She knew it was not right to give word on behalf of Nakul but she also knew the unity of the Pandavs had to be unshakeable.

As she followed Kunti out of the prayer room, Abhijishya only saw a Ksatriya widow ensuring the survival of her five sons whatever the cost.

Afterall, the women who learned the lesson of stringing beads knew one thing best and that was how to survive.

~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~

A.N. - Shoutout to frostymishti as she was the one who completely understood the lesson of stringing beads by Gandhari.

I hope everything is clear now regarding Gandhari's bead scene and why Kunti's behaviour towards Abhijishya.

Nakul gets to keep his hand. YAY!!!

Comment about your insight on Kunti and Abhijishya's convo.

One more thing, is my potrayal of different characters distinguishable or do they all feel same-ish?

I know this chapter is much lengthier than usual but I had to figure out some way to explain everything without sounding boring. (Which I hope the chapter isn't)

Please do vote as well.

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")