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The flags of the allied nations fluttered in the gushing wind. The site evoking a sense of both pride and anxiety within the confines of the heart that beholds it. Several kings and their loyal soldiers were here to support them; And apparently they had kept their trust on the Pandava brothers to provide them a fruit worth that support, in the form of a victory etched in the annals of history, written in the ink of righteousness.

Karna and Vrishali drove on a chariot, with Karna holding its reins. Five horses pulled the majestic chariot with great enthusiasm, their hooves patted against the hard and sturdy land of Kurukshetra.

As the dust rose and settled behind them , Radheya's thoughts swirled around his teacher. The great teacher Parashurama had once conducted a grand yagna in the land of Kurukshetra, turning it holy with his devotion. He has bestowed a blessing upon the land through the yagna that, 'whoever faced their brave death in the land of Kurukshetra would attain the heavens.'

Karna was now standing firm on the same land , where his dear Gurudev had once slaughtered many arrogant rulers with his mighty axe. The great Bhargava Parashurama has wiped the earth's surface rid of several haughty Kshatriyas , not just once but a whole 21 times back to back. The thought sent a trail of goosebumps along his being , the land wasn't just another battlefield, but the lap of defeat for the unrighteous. They had a legacy to keep, had a responsiblity to fulfill.

Bade bhaiyya!
A hand was gently placed on Karna's shoulder, who was lost in his own world since their arrival. Karna recollected himself to the present and turned to meet the curious gaze of his brother Arjuna.

Arjuna!, seems like most of the tents are already set . Only few more work remains.
Karna sighed, dragging his gaze across the vast expanse of tents, trying to make things seem normal as possible.

The new atmosphere is irking him beyond limits. He felt left out , a bleak rush of outlandishness invaded his mind. He knew nobody here; royalty was a ghettos for him since childhood. The trite pretences of respect and pompous hospitality to show-off prosperity that tagged along with the royal status, left an egregious taste about royals in his mind. He knew he shouldn't judge everyone based on a stereotypical behaviour , but he couldn't help but notice that every other royals were one way or the other - sanctimonious; with very rare exceptions like Dwarakadheesh ShreeKrishna.

Yes , things are falling into place. Your tent is set towards the west wing near to the river and amidst our tents; hope you will like it there bhaiyya!
Arjun said. He wasn't unaware of the turmoil Karna was going through, but he chose to ignore that eerie feeling along with Vrisha. Dhananjay too was feeling smothered by emotions that choked him to a state of frenzy that he desperately tried to mask with a stoicism. He was barely holding on to his dear sanity and a discussion about the said insane anxiety was the last thing he required at the time.

Karna noticed how Arjun's voice was barely above a whisper. Like he is intentionally holding back many things. But Radheya didn't commented on it as he didn't wanted to come across as presumptuous. Arjun walked away to catch upto Bheema as both were summoned for an unofficial gathering among kings and commanders.

The air was tense around Vasusena, the stomping feets of marching soldiers and the distant sound of metals, wooden planks and materials rising and settling in the process of tent making, mingled with the mid-day breeze.
A few random murmurings and hushed conversations drifted through the air. Karna's warrior senses weren't being merciful to him. Gossips about the man with a golden armor and their assumptions about his sudden appearance, perturbed him. He shook his head , a frail attempt to get rid of such thoughts and walked towards west , to find his assigned tent.
A rest was needed , the journey has been tiring even though he only had persued half the way.
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The chariot of light , 'Rashmi rath' was a sight to behold. It stood amidst other chariots with its banner fluttering high with pride. The proud and majestic chariot grabbed the attention of the trespassers, people paused abruptly infront of it , to engrave a memorable image of it in their mind.

Some have seen a couple entering the camp ,seated on the chariot ; and whoever witnessed it had solemnly said that the couple and the chariot ,both looked divine .The illustrious chariot had huge wheels with a sun symbol in its centre . The body was shimmering under the sunlight, blinding anyone momentarily. The golden intricate patterns over the off-white impenetrable metal casted a regel shade over the chariot , 5 robust horses all a dark shade of brown looked divine just like the chariot they dragged.They were being fed by the apprentice. They neighed in satisfaction as they were rid of the reins and were having a fulfilling meal.

Kumar Uttar , Son of King Virat and Queen Suddeshna , the boisterous prince of Matsya kingdom , sprinted across the rally of tents to the stables , while immersed in cherishing his new surroundings, he stumbled upon array of chariots that stood not so far away from the stables.

The one in the middle , a chariot so bright and majestic caught his attention. He almost pranced upto it and ran a hand over its beautiful patterns carved in gold and rare metals.
'It is divine for sure' - Uttar muttered.
The prince has heard about the Gandivdhari being gifted a divine chariot by Agnidev. He presumed it to be the same. But right next to it stood another one , looking equally divine and lustrous. Golden emblems along with silver patterns carved over the strong white and brown structure of the chariot , had a myriad of symbolisms that boasted the glory of the illustrious Lunar Dynasty.
'Then whom does that rath belongs to?! .'- Uttar pondered once again.

Both had the flag of Indraprastha hoisted over it , but the initial one that caught his attention, had symbolical representations of the Solar Dynasty.
And the latter had a Kapi Dhwaja along with the banner of Indraprastha; Uttar knew that Nandi Ghosh was the one that had the Anjaneya established over it , so he concluded that the one with the Kapi Dhwaja would be Arjuna's Nandi Ghosh and the other one belonged to someone else.
The curious Uttar wondered whom!

As he pondered over the owner of the illustrious chariot , his ears caught the echos of horse hooves approaching their war camp. Without sparing another minute near the stable , Kumar Uttar skipped to the entrance of their camp to acknowledge the new visitor.

Vidarbha's flag fluttered vehemently over the 3 chariots that neared the Pandava camp, it was almost a Senamukh , with the exception of elephants. The chariots had golden emblems carved on the wheels , navy blue hues which covered the metal and wooden chariots added to the regel aura of the approaching Senamukh. And Kumar Uttar concluded that it was necessary to forewarn the emperor of the approaching visitors.
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Yudhishthir stood at the balcony of the tent that was situated at the centre of the entire camp, overlooking the ongoing preparations. Tents were set , his brothers were in a discussion with the kings and commanders of the allied nations . But Dharmaraj decided to take a moment of absence from the casual meeting, leaving it under the ever focused watch of Dhananjaya, and Draupadi decided to join Dharmathma to look over the hustles and bustles going around them.

Yudhishthir noticed a group of soldiers and 3 chariots approaching their camp from distance , the flag wasn't in vicinity yet , so he scrutinized his attention to the advancing Senamukh alone, trying to pinpoint the identity of the callers.

Samrat , I apologize for the intrusion , but Rajkumar Uttar of Matsya kingdom requests your audience to inform you about something important.
A soldier decked in armor and head gear stepped inside the chamber with his spear and sheild at hand . He bowed deeply in respect and expressed his reason for interruption.

Let him in .
Yudhishthir demanded in a composed tone.

Kumar Uttar walked inside , and bowed to Draupadi who was seated on the divaan in the room and payed his respect.
Pranipath Samrat , pranipath Mata.

Yudhishthir turned around from the balcony with a serene smile .
Kalyan ho putr Uttara. What is the important matter son?!
Yudhishthir said further.

We have visitors samart, I think the approaching senamukh is from Vidharbha , with King Rukmi at its head.
Uttar stated .

Oh! I wonder if they are here for an alliance .
Yagyaseni muttered to almost herself.

It might be the reason Kalyani , but let us not keep any expectations. Would you mind preparing for their welcome dear?!
Yudhishthir said to Draupadi.

Kumar Uttar , can you accompany your mata to the entrance son ?, I will join soon.
Yudhishthir said dotingly, as he tried to ease the tension, that Kumar Uttar still had with the Pandava brothers after the death of his maternal uncle Keechak by the hands of Bheema.

Sure , Samrat.
Uttar smiled and turned to Draupadi as she ushered him along with herself towards the exit of the chamber . Uttar bowed to convey his respect to Yudhishthir one last time before he followed the Samragi out of the chamber.
And Yudhishthira moved forward to exit the chamber after them and strode across the walkways that connected various major tents together, heading to the west wing. He had to get Karna's consultation in this matter. Rukmi isn't an enemy but neither he is a well-wisher.
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Karna stood absentminded in the extended balcony, that overlooked the Markanda river that flew past the Sthaneshwar in a rush.

Maharathi Karn! Grievance for interrupting your peace , Emperor Yudhishthir requested your permission to enter the chamber.
The guard outside his tent , who stood firm even after his request of an unguarded chamber , now stood at the entrance awaiting his response.

Sure , please let him in!
Karna turned around in anticipation.
The soldier bowed and took the exit quickly.
Yudhishthir walked in with a calm smile for his brother.

You don't have to ask for permission to enter this chamber Yudhi , don't make things too formal dear.
Karna said with a warm smile, his face as serene as ever. Yudhishthir always flushed at that nickname , and Karna has been noticing that , so Radhey takes pleasure in addressing the samrat with that particular name , to see a slight hint of glee in those ever calculated stoic eyes.

Sure Jyesht! I will take care of it from now onwards. But I just didn't wanted to rudely interrupt you.
Yudhishthir warmed up sincerely inside the chamber of his elder brother.

Is there any matter that I can help you with? Then you could have just sent someone to fetch me.
Karna added.

And I thought I can always barge in here if I wanted to!
Yudhishthir attempted on a lite hearted comment , and both chuckled.

Sure you can! What is it brother?
Karna enquired.
Vidharbha Naresh Rukmi is at the gate , I was wondering if you could join me to usher him in . I vaguely have an assumption about his intension of visit.
Yudhishthir concluded, the mask of calm stoicism finding its way back to his face.

Sure , lead the way!
Karna ushered, and both the Kaunteyas left the warmth of the chamber.
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Vrishali had nothing to do as she strolled back into the branched corridors of the tents after tending to the horses in the stables for a while . She looked around to find any familiar face at all and found none. But she almost recognised a strikingly attractive woman who walked across the main corridor aiming the entrance gate , with a teenage boy alongside her. She carried the elegance of a queen and the air around her hung heavy with regality. Vrishali assumed her identity and decided to make the conversation that she has been postponing for years now.
As Vasusenpriya caught up to the empress , she noticed the hustles going on in the entrance and halted on her steps for a moment behind them.

But Draupadi's senses told her to turn around and she did to find a beautiful and charming woman standing there , presumably a bit reluctant to approch her currently. So Pandavpriya felt an urge to make her feel at ease ;
Do you mind joining me to the entrance Devi?! , I would appreciate your company.
Draupadi initiated a conversation assuming the other one's uncertainty.

Vrishali turned her attention to Draupadi from the entrance, and the kindest smile grew on her lips as she gazed the most beautiful woman she had ever met , both inside out. The polite gesture to acknowledge her presence and to understand her reluctance with respect, has cultured a newfound care along with the already nourished respect for the yagyaseni inside the Shudra-girl's heart.

I would love to.
Vrishali said with a smile that melted Panchali's heart ,
'She seems lovely and genuine'.
Panchali mused to herself . And in a long time , a hearty smile bloomed on the face of yagyaseni for a stranger.

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Their feet navigated through the not so familiar insides of the huge tent.
The curtains that adorned the temporary walls were of royal blue and white shades, torches were carefully placed and lit for convenience . And Yudhishthira skewed into another major corridor with Karna beside him.

What do you think about Rukmi? Is he trustworthy?
Karna asked to Yudhishthir who walked along his right as his gaze traced the hallway with his arms secured behind his back. Yudhishthir looked thoughtful as his brows frowned deeper. And he unwittingly chewed on his lips due to habit.

I only had a few encounters with him in the past , I think he is a little grumpy during official assemblies of kings , and has left a sour image behind, after each meeting . But don't know him on a personal level , he is Krishna's brother-in-law and thus respect paid will have to be utmost.
Yudhishthir said , shrugging a bit at last.

Mmhhmm.
Karna hummed in understanding.

What do you think brother ?
Yudhishthir quipped.

We have a total of 7 Akshauhinis currently , while the Kaurava army has 9. Another ally would be of help , if he is here for that reason . Let's see what he is upto . From what you said , he seems like a trouble . But afterall, it's better to have a few trusted leopards rather than a hundred of Coyotes who will tear you behind your back.
Karna said with an assuring smile. And Yudhishthira felt a confidence filling his being. He returned the smile with the assurance he felt.
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Glossary:

#Sthaneshwar: name of 'Kurukshetra' before the war among the Kuru princes took place.

#Senamukh: 3 chariots, 3 elephants , 9 horses and 15 foot soldiers consist of a Senamukh.

No. Of words : 2465

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