Four months had elapsed since the profound encounter with Maharishi Ved Vyasa. The Pandavas had settled on the outskirts of the bustling city of Kampilya.

Yudhishthira had assumed his duties as a priest, while Devika devotedly cared for Yudhya and Hidimba, who was now two months pregnant with Bhim's second child.

Nakula and Sahadeva diligently worked in the stables, tending to the horses and cows. Bhima and Arjuna took charge of the security, ensuring the safety of their place of residence. Kunti, on the other hand, immersed herself in prayer, her thoughts consumed by the absence of Karna. Devika, noticing Kunti's longing, softly said, "We owe our lives to Angaraj Karna, Mother." Kunti nodded, suppressing her emotions, and initiated a new conversation.

One day, they heard news about Draupadi's upcoming swayamvar, scheduled to take place in just one month. The decision was unanimous—they would all attend the svayamvara.

***

At Hastinapur, the royal court was in full swing when a soldier burst in and announced, "A messenger has arrived from Panchal!"

The room fell into an air of skepticism, except for Karna, who had gathered intelligence through his vast spy network and knew the purpose of the messenger's arrival.

Shortly after, the messenger entered and addressed Maharaj Dhritarashtra, saying, "Pranipaat, Your Majesty. I am here to extend an invitation to all the Kuru princes for the svayamvara of our princess, Draupadi."

"Are you referring to Yagyaseni Draupadi, the one born from fire?" Shakuni inquired.

"Yes, Gandhar Raj," replied the messenger.

"The invitation also includes Angaraj and Maharaj Shon," the messenger added.

"I will not attend the svayamvara, as I am already married. I decline your invitation," Karna asserted in a commanding voice.

"The same applies to me," Shon added.

"But Angaraj, you should go," Shakuni interjected.

"Why should I? And who are you to offer me advice? I haven't sought any counsel from you, Gandhar Raj. Do not interfere in my personal matters. I warn you," Karna warned sternly, rendering Shakuni speechless. He lacked the courage to confront Karna directly.

The messenger acknowledged Karna's decision and said, "It's alright, Angraj and Maharaj Shon. We accept your refusal, as Lord Vasudev Krishna had already informed us that neither of you would attend the svayamvara due to your existing marriages. Emperor Prithvi has also declined the invitation for the same reason. So, Maharaj, I await your decision," the messenger concluded.

"All the 101 princes will be present at the svayamvara of Rajkumari Draupadi," Dhritarashtra declared before anyone could object. He desired Draupadi to be wedded to one of his sons and sought Panchal's support for Duryodhana.

With the messenger's departure from the royal court, Duryodhana, Dushasan, and Vikarna voiced their discontent. However, Dhritarashtra paid no heed to his sons' protests, and in the end, they reluctantly accepted his decision.

Bhanumati, Amrita, and Rekha were displeased, but they understood the predicament faced by their husbands. Madirakshi consoled her sisters, assuring them that Draupadi would never choose a married man.

Twenty days later, all the Kuru princes embarked on their journey to the swayamvar. Shakuni, however, remained behind as Karna had played a trick on him, hiding his book of dark magic. Shakuni was determined to retrieve it at any cost.

Karna then headed towards Bhishma's chambers to discuss something important. He entered the room where both Vidur and Bhishma were present and began, "Mahamahim and Mahamantri, be prepared for the division of the Kuru Empire. The Pandavas will return after the swayamvar of Princess Draupadi, along with Rajkumari Hidimba."

"Rajkumari Hidimba?" Bhishma questioned, taken aback.

"Yes, Rajkumari Hidimba is now the wife of Rajkumar Bhima. They are husband and wife. I request your acceptance, as it concerns two lovers. We should not separate them. So, Mahamahim, I expect you to support them without protest," Karna explained.

"Putra Karna, I wholeheartedly accept their union. If they love each other, I have no objections," Bhishma replied with a smile. Vidur nodded in agreement.

After the meeting with Bhishma, Karna met Ashwathama, and the two decided to embark on a holiday. They chose to visit Mount Mahendragiri and meet Bhagwan Parashurama. Drona was delighted to learn that his son would have the opportunity to meet his guru, Parashurama.

The next day, they set off on their journey to Mount Mahendragiri. Disguised as ordinary travelers, Ashwathama and Karna arrived at the mountain's foothills on the fifth day. They decided to stay in the humble abode of Bhagwan Parashurama and dedicate themselves to his service for the next seven days.

Meanwhile, Duryodhana and his brothers reached Kampilya within two days and were warmly welcomed by Drupada. They also met Krishna and Balram, eagerly anticipating the day of the swayamvar.

***

On the day of the Āryāvrata, Draupadi underwent her ceremonial bath. Afterwards, she prepared herself with the assistance of her mother and sister. The Panchal Guru Mata explained to Draupadi the significance of marriage and why married women traditionally tie up their hair.

In the svayamvara assembly, the Pandavas sat among the other Brahmins, deliberately concealing their true identities. No one in the gathering recognized them. Krishna was also present as an honored guest.

At the appointed time, King Drupad greeted and honored all the participants, announcing the arrival of his daughter, Draupadi. Amidst the melodious music, the sounds of bugles and drums filled the air as Princess Draupadi, accompanied by her brother Dhrishtadyumna, entered the swayamvar hall.

All eyes were fixed upon her as she made her entrance. Dhrishtadyumna addressed the gathering, proclaiming, "Respected princes, you can see a fish hanging from a rotating wheel mounted atop a pole. The reflection of the fish can be seen in a wide oil pan placed at the bottom of the pole. This bow, the Kindhura, blessed by Lord Mahadev, can only be lifted by someone who possesses unwavering confidence in their strength. Should any trace of doubt creep into their mind, the bow will become heavier than a mountain. Only a person who has freed themselves from desire, anger, and greed can string this bow."

"Only Mitra Karna possesses such archery skills," declared Duryodhana.

"Yes, and Jyesht and Arjuna also possess considerable archery prowess," added Dushasana.

"But Dushasana, Arjuna is dead," Yuyutsu intervened.

"Let us witness who emerges victorious in this svayamvara," Vikarna suggested.

The contest began, with several princes stepping forward to test their luck, one after another. Yet, none of them succeeded. Disheartened, they returned to their seats.

Drupada and Dhrishtadyumna grew increasingly concerned, realizing that none of the assembled princes had triumphed. At that moment, Arjun sought Yudhishthira's permission to participate in the contest. With his elder brother's consent, Arjuna, disguised as a Brahmin, gracefully approached the stage.

The sight of a Brahmin attempting a feat that valiant princes had failed at amazed the spectators. Some whispered, "He must be mad!"

Unperturbed, Arjuna confidently lifted the bow and arrow. Fixing his gaze upon the fish's reflection in the oil pan, he drew the bowstring and released the arrow. The arrow whizzed through the air, piercing the fish's eye. The crowd could hardly believe that a Brahmin had surpassed the assembled princes in archery skills.

Feeling insulted, the princes advanced, intending to harm Arjuna. However, the Pandavas promptly stood by Arjuna's side, ready to defend him. Witnessing this, the people recognized the strength and skill of the five Pandava brothers.

Krishna stepped forward and urged the frustrated princes to accept their failure gracefully, diffusing the tension. The fighting ceased.

Meanwhile, Duryodhana, who had been observing, deduced that the victor must be Arjuna and that the four Brahmins were the Pandava brothers. He promptly rose from his throne and halted the agitated kings, declaring that the Brahmin was his brother, Arjuna, a royal prince. Reluctantly, everyone accepted this revelation and returned to their kingdoms.

Nakula and Sahadeva hurriedly informed Kunti, Devika, and Hidimba about Draupadi's selection. The group made their way to the palace, where they were warmly greeted by the Kauravas and Maharaj Drupada's family.

Word of the events reached Hastinapur. Vidur and Bhishma rejoiced at the news of their grandson's victory. Dhritarashtra found himself in a dilemma, as the power of the crown prince would once again be divided. Gandhari, on the other hand, felt elated and began adorning the palace. Bhanumati, Amrita, and Rekha were relieved that their husbands had not taken another wife, and they welcomed their new sister. Madirakshi remained silent, well aware of the impending turmoil, as Karna had confided in her about the entire situation.

Two days later, the marriage ceremony between Arjuna and Draupadi took place.

Ashwathama and Karna returned to Hastinapur, having received the news from Meenakshi. Ashwathama was overjoyed, while Karna simply smiled, already aware of the development. He longed for the arduous times they all would face to come to an end, although he remained unaware that his own situation would soon become even more challenging than before.