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Vrishsen sat begrudged in his tent.
It was nothing more than silly matters , but for the adult friend Vrishsen is, Abhimanyu's attention is his foremost priority.

Abhi is more of a social butterfly just like Vrishsen's younger brother, and poor Vrishsen is not that great at plastering a smile across his face while walking around. He found it was better to be on his own or with a very few people he considered family , which included his best friend Abhimanyu as well.

Now with all his brothers and cousins inside the perimeter of a camp , Abhimanyu can't contain his excitement.  He beamed at his dear family with enthusiasm. The prince is cheerful and mischievous like his maternal uncle.

His wheatish complexion shimmered under the soothing rays of the dawn, as he sprinted across the camps to visit Iravan- his eldest brother.

Iravan was rather awkward at first. He knew no one , and his identity as Naga kept people away from him , due to their preconceived theories .
But other few kept it formal due to the general obscurity in Iravan's behaviour, Vrishsen was one of them , and Vrisha's son couldn't be blamed for it as he himself had a  similar attitude .
many others held the entire Naga clan with disregard. Hence Iravan decided to keep his distance from such sanctimonious people so as to not 'disturb' them.
It was after all a war camp and bleak differences could bring unwanted squabbles resulting in a strained unity among the allies. Iravan is one of the commanders and is in charge of the Naga army which gave him important responsibilities to look after , so he channeled all his time and attention onto the soldiers.
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Like always Abhimanyu didn't found his elder brother in his tent , so he diverted his destination towards the roaring battalions.

The soldiers were in the middle of their daily warm up sessions. It was quite early in the morning for such tumultuous energy to course through the air; but afterall, a war is over their head , and this was the expected atmosphere, most of the time.

Ahead of the energetic and pragmatic array of youth , stood the benevolent figure of Iravan - the Naga prince , commanding the soldiers. Abhimanyu, the student of Yogeshwar Vasudeva Krishna and the Venerable Balarama , walked into the humongous arena with the elegance of the indomitable warrior he is. Several soldiers and servants who were scattered across the arena bowed to him in respect while the soldiers in the practice session continued their routine with rigid focus and determination.

Iravan turned his head a bit to catch the glimpse of his younger brother in his peripheral vision. The son of Ulupi decided to ignore the little menace of his brother for the time being. Abhi was cheerful and mischievous, and Iravan- a reserved and introverted adult . Abhi definitely drained a lot of his energy , a smile crept over the Naga prince's features upon the thought.

I know you are ignoring me brother! I am here to request your company for breakfast.
Abhi shouted across the podium to Iravan, his voice had a pinch of mischief in it.
A few soldiers in the arena sniggered at the prince's shenanigan. People focused their attention at the elder prince, expecting the Naga commander's answer.
Iravan turned a bit red upon the attention he was gathering.

Abhimanyu not now brother , I am in the middle of something.
Iravan answered quite formally.

Oohh.. guess nobody has time for me. I will take my leave then , I don't wanna bother anyone.
Subhadranandan sighed dramatically. His maternal uncle's skills protruding little here and there. Abhi pursed his lips to hold his laughter in ,as he turned around to leave , or better say, pretending to leave. Some servants giggled at the prince's drama.
But being the sensitive and oblivious man Iravan is , he took it quite seriously.
Afterall he didn't knew what kind of a little trouble his younger brother could actually be.

Abhi I didn't meant it that way dear brother , it's just ..
I am sorry, don't be upset . Just wait for a minute, I will join you at the passage ahead the arena.
Iravan gave into Abhi's trick. Iravan just couldn't stand the cheerful face crumbling like a withering flower.

Sure!!
Abhi lit up like a child, he bowed in respect for a farewell as he sprinted out of the arena with the same enthusiasm he barged in with.

Wow, I fell for it again , didn't I?!
Even though late , Iravan realised, again.
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As Abhimanyu and Iravan walked along the assembly of tents aiming the one at the centre , they came across Sutasoma and Sathanika who were heading for the breakfast as well.

Brother Abhimanyu! Bhratha Iravan ,
Pranam!
The boys greeted modestly.

Pranam!
Arjunputr chorused.
I guess that you both are up for the breakfast as well!
Abhimanyu extended the conversation.
Yes, ofcourse!
Sutasoma said with enthusiasm.

What else in this world could get brother Sutasoma to be so excited about the mornings?!
Sathanika retorted.
Bhrathaa ...
Sutasoma whined. Abhi sniggered at the indication of Sutasoma's unyielding love for food.
Iravan smiled at the wholesome brothers.

Vrishsen must be coiled up in his chamber , let me go and coax him out of it . Bhratha Iravan , you don't mind tagging along with our brothers to the dinning hall , do you? I will join you 3 along with my friend.
Abhi explained while throwing his arms up in the air , as he gave a toothy smile to his brothers as a farewell . And skewed into the near passage in search of the familiar tent.

The delicacies announced their presence with their aroma wafting thick in the air. And Sutasoma couldn't hold it anymore as he grabbed both the elder ones' hands to drag them to the dinning area. Sathanika and Iravan complied.
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The dinning hall was crowded , the humongous table was occupied by the Kaunteyas and other key warriors and allied kings. Many others were scattered across the same room , some huddled upon the couch in the farthest corner near the soft curtains that fluttered carelessly in the morning breeze adorning the gigantic open windows. Some were strolling across the pavement that rested beside the pathway that passed by the dinning area. While servants and culinary specialists of the Udupi king vehemently rushed back and forth the Kitchen and hall to provide the utmost hospitality to the one they served. The lively hall shifted it's attention to the entrance as they acknowledged Prince Sutasoma , Sathanika and Naga commander Iravan.

Arjun smiled wholeheartedly at them and ushered them to sit beside him. Iravan felt a child like glee coursing through his soul upon seeing his father in such good mood after so long. He returned the smile, and it resembled that of his father's.  Iravan sat to Arjun's right and Sathanika sat next to Iravan , even though Sutasoma took a seat at Arjuna's left , he took off to walk across the dinning table to collect his share of morsel from everyone, not before he chewed a mouth full his favourite fed by his uncle Arjun. Sathanika laughed at Sutasoma's comical expressions and other Upapandava giggled at it. Their family was united , even though for a reason that was grim.

Abhimanyu walked into the room with a grumpy Vrishsen reluctantly following him at a distance. A crowded dinning hall was the last thing he wanted to visit.
Everyone is here !!
Abhi exclaimed to himself merrily.
And he turned around to see a Vrishsen sulking near the door frame. Abhi hid an amused smile at his friend's face as he got Vrishsen inside the hall , grabbing him by his wrist.

The samrat noticed the duo entering the dinning hall amidst the chaos wrecked by the mischievous teenager - Sutasoma.
Yudhishthir smiled melancholically, as he noticed how hard it was for Vrishsen to adjust to the new environment and new found 'family' and Dharmaraj didn't felt offended by it ,he rather related to that feeling.
Krishna was seated next to Yudhishthira. Keshava summoned Vrishsen to give him company. And Yudhishthir was thankful about it , atleast Vrishsen wouldn't leave abruptly , without even having his meal . And as Vrishasena settled next to Keshava , Abhi sat between his friend and Karna.
With the exception of Madreyas the breakfast hall was graced by the presence of all. They all relished the delicacies prepared under the vigilant watch of the Udupi King; Oblivious to the bleak moments that awaited them.

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As Karna was done with his breakfast, he sauntered to the gate ; his gaze ran across the forest path that inhabited on the land behind their camp site. Tall trees and groves of various thick bushes thronged the forest path. Neighing of horses along with grunts emerged from the bushes to the clearing of the forest path.
It was Nakul , riding his horse almost recklessly, grunting and cursing while he winded the reins around his fisted palm so tight - almost bleeding them.

Karna's face shrunk in concern, as he saw an equally distressed but much composed Sahadev following behind Nakul , on his auburn horse .
The younger Ashwineya had his hands tightened around the reins as he neared their camp in nervousness. Karna noticed it , anyone else would have ignored that subtle reaction of frustration.

Nakul pulled the reins hard , and his white horse came to a halt while it almost shrieked in distress. Nakul was always kind and gentle with animals , and his horse was his favourite friend. But the pend up anger was getting the best out of him.

Calm down Nakula , what did the horse ever did to you , that you are punishing it that way?!
Karna subtly but firmly confronted a hot-headed Nakul.
Nakul hoped down his horse and neared the gate where Vasusena stood.

Those Scoundrels did it again!!
Nakula shouted in distraught.

Calm down for a moment , can you? What is this anger for and who are you talking about?!
Karna asked in annoyance, as he placed a hand over Nakula's shoulder in an attempt to cool him.

Yuvraj Duryodhana and his Uncle Gandharraj Shakuni! who else Bhratha?!
Sahadev joined them soon; both the majestic horses secured in his palms via reins that binded them.

They are treacherous and horrible people Dada, once I meet them in the battlefield, my sword will repay their horrible acts.
Nakul resolved through his gritted teeth.

Aarya!
Panchali's melodious voice interrupted them.
You both didn't even had your breakfast, hopefully the discussion could wait.
She continued.

Not yet Panchali. It's necessary that I inform this to Jyesht before anything.
Nakul said firmly as he walked past Karna and Draupadi inorder to find Yudhishthir.

He looks frustrated and upset ; didn't the matter go well Aaryaputr Sahadev?!
Panchali questioned.
No Panchali, yuvraj Duryodhana tricked our Uncle into joining their side even before we reached them.
Sahadev stated , looking almost defeated.

What?! Isn't he your maternal uncle, then why would he be in favour of the Kaurava?! I don't get it!!
Karna said , flabbergasted at the fact that their final straw of hope is being throttled by trickery.

Yuvraj and Gandharraj apparently reached Uncle's tent early in the morning , the soldiers and commanders of the army were facilitated with food suppliments and other pleasures which they were in short of. And they assumed the help to be from our side , so they promised the alliance to the provider of all the given facilities. And uncle Shalya only realised the fact when we went to welcome him.
Sahadev explained calmly, the resentment evident in his body language.

Ohh..
Karna sighed.

So we will be 4 Akshauhinis short in military strength to our enemies.
Panchali breathed nervously behind them.

Haa Panchali. I am sorry , that I couldn't muster the only support we could have brought to our side.
Sahadev said , there was guilt in his demeanor, his head lowered in some delusional weight.
Karna and Draupadi exchanged glances, this could go down the wrong way , if not confronted now. They resolved without a verbal conversation. Draupadi blinked assuredly at Karna .

Arya , why would you apologise for that ?! It is nobody's fault; the Kaurava's crooked strategies are to be blamed. You shall not take it to heart. It's alright. But I am sure , Maharaj Shalya wouldn't be fighting wholeheartedly from their side.
Rest assured, things shall be sorted out soon, we will find a way out of this as well, if we all stand together.
Panchali reassured her husband.
Sahadev nodded gratefully at her.

Now you might wanna join Nakul , to explain the whole situation to Yudhi, otherwise he is just gonna keep rotating around the same point that we have been tricked another time.
Karna said , while wrapping a comforting hand around Sahadeva's shoulder.
Sahadev gave him a watery grin.
Karna reassured him with a warm smile.
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Can't you do a damn thing right Nakula?!
Bheema's frustrated roar echoed throughout the tent.

Karna , Sahadeva along with a worried Draupadi walked into the common tent of Pandava , to listen the comment from Bheema.

Bheemaa that's enough.
Karna's firm and composed tone cut through the tension in the room.
His other brothers stood up in respect as well. Unknowingly Drishtadhyumn also stood up at the authority of the sound, and gawked at Karna for confronting Bheema with that tone.

Dada. Let's not escalate this situation.
Arjun intervened to salvage the sudden raise of heat in the chamber.

It's not about escalating a fight Phalguna . This should be sorted out now.
Karna resolved aloud ,upon seeing a gloomy Nakul standing in the corner , a familiar countenance of guilt has already replaced his earlier rage.

Do any of you happened to think that Nakul and Sahadev could have done anything if Madraraj has refused an alliance in the first place?!
Karna asked rhetorically.

All we can do is to extend a hand upto them , accepting or rejecting the alliance has always been upto the second party. And may be our expectations has been set too high on the fact that he wouldn't reject the alliance at all. On what basis?! Because he is a relative ?!
well if you have forgotten, let me remind you , we are literally in a war against our own cousins , so there is no base in assuming that Madraraj would support us, just because he happened to be an extended family.
Karna continued.

Nakul and Sahadev had nothing to do with Madraraj going to the other side , it was his decision, and we shall respect it brothers.
Karna said with finality
Blaming eachother is not gonna solve a damn thing! Staying together might.
He pointedly glanced at Bheema.
Bheema lowered his eyes.

Sorry Dada , I didn't mean it that way.
Bheema stuttered out an apology.

I didn't said that inorder to make you feel sorry about anything, Bheema. There is no point in arguing over the things that has already been slipped out of our hold .
Karna said as he patted the third Kaunteya's shoulder.

I think we should trust our strength and hold it all together with unity. That's what we have more than them and we shall fight with that.
Karna concluded his monologue.
The occupants of the room breathed a sigh. And looked at eachother.

Yes , Karna is right . The unity among us is what defines us differently from them. And I am sure we will wreck havoc over them with our united strength.
Drishtadhyumn said in a final tone.

Then We shall not drag this discussion any further. I will take my leave.
Said Krishna . He smiled assuredly at the distorted twins. They returned the gesture with a heavy heart.
Besides everything, they did blamed themselves for the situation.
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Karna found a distressed Sahadev seated on a bench in the pavement. His shoulder hunched and his face gloomy.

How about some breakfast at lunch time?!
Karna quipped with enthusiasm as he sat beside Sahadev with a platter full of delicacies.

I am not really hungry Dada.
Sahadev replied with a tired smile.

Oo..
Karna liked the way they addressed him nowadays. It was Panchali who started with the term.
'Dada' , Panchali suggested that name and his younger brothers started addressing him as such. He liked it nonetheless, afterall his sister called him so.

Then what am I supposed to do with all this food that Vrishali cooked?!
Karna said with a dramatic sigh.

Did Bhabhi cooked all that?!
Sahadev turned his head in intrest.
And Radhey nodded.

Well then...
I will have a bite , I would never want to upset Bhabhi.
Sahadev stuttered out . He cherished his Bhabhi ma's food just as much as he loved Mata Kunti's cooking.

Oo.. you don't have to forcefully eat for her sake , I am sure she will understand. And there are way too many kids here , one or the other would definitely want this.
Karna rambled while pretending to look for an apt recipient for the food. His voice had a pinch of playfulness in it as he teased his youngest brother.

Dada , I am right here , I will eat it. Bhabhi ma made it for me afterall.
Sahadev announced as he grabbed the plate from Karna's hold. Vasusena chuckled at the silliness and patted Sahadev's head in a loving gesture.

Well.. where is Nakul?!
Is he busy banging his head against some wall?!
Karna asked in a teasing tone.

That sounds like something an angry Nakul would do. But he will regret it  later, considering his unending admiration for his handsome face.
Sahadeva remarked. And both brothers laughed out loud.
He is in his room Dada.
Younger twin said.

Mm then let me go and check on him.
Karna said as he got up from his seat to leave. As a casual farewell he lovingly caressed Sahadev's head. Ashwineya returned a genuine child like smile.
Karna adoringly beamed at him.

If we consider our paternal family,  wouldn't you be my Uncle rather than my brother?!
Sahadev questioned all of a sudden. Karna's smile dropped for a moment.
Oo Uncle..
Sahadev dramatically called out  wittingly to tease his Dada.

You brat!!!
Karna set off after Sahadev who ran in the direction of Nakula's tent , probably to seek help.

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No. Of words : 3040

Hope you all have a lovely time ahead!!
Take care ❤️
Har har Mahadev!!