On the threshold of the Hastinapur palace, each prince was adorned in simple saffron robes, a symbol of humility and readiness to learn. Strands of rudraksha beads hung around their necks, signifying their devotion to their education and spiritual growth. The air was filled with a sense of excitement and determination as the young princes prepared to embark on this important chapter of their lives.

As the Pandavas and Kauravas prepared to depart for Gurukul, the grand palace stood solemnly witnessing the heartfelt farewell. The blind king Dhritrashtra and Queen Gandhari, blindfolded in solidarity with her husband, stood at the threshold to bid their sons goodbye.

The air was heavy with emotions as the royal couple embraced each of their sons one by one. However, when it was Duryodhan's turn, a palpable sense of attachment filled the air.

Dhritrashtra's grip tightened, his fingers trembling slightly, his voice cracking with unspoken words of love and concern, "A-Apna dhyaan rakhna putra.... Samaye se bhojan aur nidra lena..."

"Apne bhaiyo ka bhi dhyaan rakhna, Suyodhan." Gandhari's usually serene face showed a hint of sorrow beneath her blindfold, her maternal instincts overpowering her usual stoic demeanor.

"Ashwast rahiye aap dono." Duryodhan declared boldly, "Mai iss kul ka sarvashresht yoddha ban ke aayunga."

Dhritrashtra and Gandhari clung to their son, feeling torn between pride in his confidence and concern for his growing arrogance. They knew that Duryodhan's path was fraught with challenges, and their hearts ached with the knowledge that his ambition could lead him astray.

On the other side, Kunti embraced her sons, the Pandavas, with pride and confidence. Her eyes reflected unwavering belief in their potential to become great men. She knew that the values instilled in them would guide their path, and their bond as brothers would be their strength.

She told them, "Aaj se Guru Dron tumhare Pita ke samaan huye. Unki sewa karna, aur unke sabhi aagyao ka palan karna tum sabhi ka kartavya hoga. Guru sakshat parambrahma ka pratik hota hai, unka aadar aise karna jaise bhagwaan ka karte hai."

"Jo aagya, Mata." The Pandavas nodded.

Kunti then turned to Yudhishthir, keeping a hand over his shoulder she said, "Tum agraj ho, putra. Iss liye apne vachan aur aacharan par khaas dhyaan dena. Kyuki tumhare sabhi Anuj, tumhara hi udaharan maanenge. Jis path par tum chaloge, uss hi path par yeh sab chalenge."

"Mai vachan deta hu, Mata. Sadev dharm ka palan karunga." Yudhishthir said with joined hands.

Kunti smiled and then turned Arjun and Bheem, "Tum dono shaurya aur bal mei shresht ho. Apne bhaiyo ki raksha sadev karna."

"Ji Mata." Bheem and Arjun nodded.

Kunti then turned to Nakul and Sahadev, who looked at her with joined hands, she caressed their faces and said, "Abhaye hoke rehna, jab tak tumhare bade bhai tumhare saath hai koi tumhe aahat nahi kar sakta."

Kunti's words are filled with a mother's love and wisdom, instilling courage and strength in her younger sons. The twins said, "Aap chinta mat kijiye, Mata. Jyesht bhratao ke aashraye mei hum surakshit rahenge. Aur Pitashree ke bhaati veer yoddha ban ke aayenge."

The Pandavas then knelt down before her, touching her feet gently and seeking her blessings before their journey

Kunti, with love and pride in her eyes, raised her hands and blessed her sons wholeheartedly, "Yashashvi bhava ! Kirtimaan bhava !"

As the Pandavas and Kauravas bid farewell to their elders with mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension, they descended the palace stairs with determined strides. Each prince, clad in the attire of Brahmacharis, mounted their respective chariots with grace and anticipation evident in their eyes.

Bhishm took his place at the head of the procession, his imposing chariot a symbol of authority and wisdom.

"Varanasahrya chale, Adirath." Bhishm told his charioteer.

Adirath obeyed and drove forward, setting the pace for the journey ahead. Behind Bhishma's chariot, the rest of the princes followed in a disciplined line, their chariots, pulled by trained charioteers, gleaming in the morning sun as they made their way through the bustling city streets. The people of Hastinapur gathered to witness the departure of their princes, sending them off with prayers and good wishes.

Though there were well wishes for all, most prayers were directed towards the Pandavas, stirring jealousy in Duryodhan's heart. He could feel the weight of expectations and admiration skewed towards his cousins, fueling his envy and resentment. Duryodhan's gaze shifted from the cheering crowd to the confident Pandavas, who effortlessly drew admiration from everyone. However the eldest son of Dhritrashtra, quickly brushed off the negative emotions for the time being.

After some time, the princes' chariots entered the city of Varanasahrya, the bustling streets quieted in reverence for the noble procession. The sun's golden rays illuminated the path ahead, casting a warm glow over the ancient buildings lining the streets.

Upon reaching the forest where Dronacharya resided, the princes were greeted by the serene beauty of nature. The rustling leaves whispered secrets of wisdom as the gentle stream nearby provided a soothing background melody. Not far off, the sound of hammers striking wood echoed through the forest as men, commissioned by Bhishm, diligently constructed thatched huts for the princes.

As the princes descend from their chariots, they walk in unison behind Bhishm, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity.

"Pranipat Dronacharya." Bhishm greeted.

Dron smiled, "Pranaam Gangadutt."

Bhishm extended his arm towards the servants who accompanied them, signaling them to present the offerings meant for the Gurukul. The servants swiftly brought forth cows, sacks filled with grains, trolleys laden with weapons and shields, bundles of clothes, and various ornaments for the ashram. Additionally, they carried parchments, inks, and all the necessary supplies the Gurukul would require.

Dronacharya observed the generous offerings with a twinkle in his eyes. The servants placed the items neatly in the ashram, ensuring that everything was organized and easily accessible for the students.

Bhishm then spoke in a tone of deep reverence, "Aaj se Kuruvansh ke yeh sabhi Rajkumaro ka maarg-darshan aapko karna hai. Inhe mahaan yoddha banane ka kartavya ab aapka hai."

A warm smile spreads across Dron's face as he acknowledges Bhishma's words. He then gazes at the princes, who immediately bow respectfully to their new teacher, their eyes filled with eagerness and respect.

"Chinta na kariye, Mahamahim. Aaj se aapke Rajkumar, mere shishya huye." Dron said.

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A/N

The Kuru princes are now officially the students of Dronacharya ✨✨