Hastinapur had undergone a remarkable transformation into a modern state. Karna and Madirakshi had dedicated countless hours to serving the people, working tirelessly to uplift the region. Anga had emerged as a formidable superpower, boasting a robust army.

Meanwhile, Shakuni was still grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War. He found himself in a challenging period, as all the kingdoms had turned him away, refusing to offer any assistance.

Bhanumati and Madirakshi had become sisters through their bond and shared experiences. Bhanumati actively contributed by providing insightful suggestions on both internal and external affairs, supporting her husband. Within two months of their marriage, Bhanumati and Duryodhana celebrated their union, and after three weeks, news of Bhanumati's pregnancy with twins brought great joy to the entire palace.

Amidst the celebration, Madirakshi couldn't help but notice a concern regarding Bhanumati's pregnancy. In a solemn gathering, she shared her apprehensions with the family, vowing to stand by Bhanumati until her due date. Karna nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. Madirakshi dedicated herself to nursing Bhanumati, ensuring her well-being, and instructed Duryodhana to heed her every word.

Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama were exhausted from the workload assigned to them by Bhishma. Recognizing their need for respite, Bhishma graciously granted them a three-month holiday. Karna was relieved from his duties as the protector of justice, and Madirakshi, urging them to embark on a long vacation, received unanimous agreement from the four friends.

Deciding to travel incognito, they opted to experience the journey as commoners rather than royals. The Pandavas set off for Dwarka, intending to visit Matsya Desh, then Vidarbha, and finally Magadha, adopting the guise of sut people using a special paste provided by Madirakshi that altered their appearance. In just two days, they familiarized themselves with sut culture and work under the guidance of Adhirath, wearing the comfortable attire of sut people.

Equipped with the necessary provisions, they bid farewell to Bhishma under the cover of night, ensuring no one would follow their trail. Their excitement for the trip was palpable as they embarked on a foot journey towards Matsya Desh, halting at the border of Hastinapur in the heart of a jungle. There, they cooked their meals and fashioned makeshift beds from leaves.

Their daily routine in the forest comprised meditation, workouts, and bathing in the river. Once ready, they resumed their journey towards Matsya Desh, engaging in lively conversations and laughter. They even indulged in tiger and deer hunting, utilizing the tiger's hide as warm clothing and fashioning knives from the deer's antlers to prepare the finest cuts of meat.

Knowing that Ashwathama abstained from consuming meat due to his Brahmin heritage, Karna made sure to prepare vegetarian dishes for him. The burdens of their responsibilities and thoughts were set aside, enabling them to fully relax.

Although their bodies, as warriors, required no rest, they offered solace to their minds through this daily routine in the forest. Along the way, they assisted numerous travelers in need, rescuing them from bandits and even engaging in a battle against a group of marauders intent on looting them.

Finally, they arrived in Matsya Desh, finding refuge in a Kshatriya household. The owners of the house entrusted the musketeers with the task of repairing their chariots as payment for their stay. The friends took pleasure in the work, and amidst their interactions, Karna shared stories about the hardships and vibrant experiences of sut life.

After exploring Matsya Desh, they continued their journey under the cover of night towards the Kingdom of Vidarbha. Immersed in the mystical ambiance of the nocturnal wilderness, they prepared their sleeping arrangements before gathering around a campfire. Duryodhana revealed a hidden stash of beer, intending to celebrate their friendship. Initially hesitant, Karna eventually relented, persuaded by his friends' insistence. The atmosphere grew lively as they brainstormed ways to make their journey even more captivating, settling on a treacherous and demon-infested route.

Enthusiastically agreeing with Karna's proposal, they deviated from the usual path, skirting the outskirts of the kingdom of Mewar. Venturing into the dark forests of Mandore, whispered to be haunted by demons since the era of Ravana, they discovered its historical significance tied to the kingdom of Mayasura and Ravana's defeat at the hands of Lord Rama. Mayasura had cast a protective spell over the forest at the behest of Lord Rama, capturing all the monsters within its boundaries to ensure the safety of the people. The tale continued with Mayasura's relocation to the forest of Khandavprastha, where he served the Nag clan under Takshak's command.

With their combined strength and Karna's magical abilities, the musketeers defeated numerous demons, liberating the forest's tribal inhabitants from their torment. Some of the demons turned out to be cursed warriors who had regained their freedom and pledged their loyalty to the musketeers. Secretly, Karna dispelled Mayasura's magic, breaking free the demon who threatened revenge upon him and his friends, vowing to seek penance from Lord Brahma to defeat them. This encounter left the musketeers on edge, aware of the looming danger.

Grateful for their valor, the tribe treated the musketeers like royalty, immersing them in their culture, dance, and song. After two weeks, the musketeers bid farewell and resumed their journey.

Back in the royal palace of Hastinapur, Madirakshi remained devoted to caring for Bhanumati, attending to her every need. She pampered her, ensuring she didn't strain herself, taking leisurely walks in the palace gardens in the evenings. Gandhari and Kunti assumed responsibility for the twins, with Aditi accompanying Gandhari and Vrishasena delighting in Kunti's company. Vrishasena, mischievous like his father, proved to be a handful for Madirakshi. However, when Vrishasena became inconsolable, yearning to hold Bhishma's bow, Kunti intervened, lulling him to sleep with the same lullaby she sang when she relinquished her first-born child. Witnessing Kunti's love and affection, Madirakshi was moved by her grandmotherly warmth, her eyes betraying a glimmer of tears.

Hastinapur's economy flourished under the implementation of new reforms, attracting a myriad of traders.

Meanwhile, the four musketeers found themselves on the outskirts of Vidarbha after traversing through various kingdoms. Taking respite in a humble cottage owned by a sut family, they experienced a unique journey accompanied by horses, relishing the novelty. They explored the city, venturing into the sut market since their presence was restricted in the city's main marketplace due to the prevailing caste system. In Vidarbha, caste discrimination reached its peak, with separate temples designated for different castes. Disheartened but containing their anger, the musketeers ventured into the sut market, purchasing gifts for their families.

Continuing their expedition, they arrived in Chedi, repairing chariots and offering their services to the royal courtiers in exchange for sustenance. Three fulfilling weeks were spent in Chedi before setting out for Magadha. Accompanied by a sut family, who acted as their guide, they immersed themselves in the vibrant cities of Magadha for an entire month.

During their time in Magadha, Dushasana rescued a woman from a bandit attack, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. However, he kept his suspicions to himself, unable to place where he had encountered her before. After bidding farewell to Magadha, they discovered they still had four more weeks of holiday remaining.

Karna proposed an exhilarating adventure: climbing the treacherous Mahendragiri mountains via the more challenging route and meeting Lord Parashurama. Excitedly, they embraced Karna's suggestion, yearning for the thrill of mountain climbing. Embarking on the arduous path, they reveled in their newfound wildness, playing pranks on each other along the way.

On their journey, they stumbled upon a river that snaked through the valley, separating the land. Holding hands, they leaped into the water, feeling an exhilarating rush. Reclaiming the valley, they ascended the straight cliffs with unwavering courage, eventually reaching the humble abode of Lord Parashurama. Witnessing their arrival, Karna proudly showcased his gurukul to his friends, prompting Lord Parashurama to awaken from his meditation. They reverently bowed at his feet and spent a week steeped in the strictness of his teachings, relishing the experience. Lord Parashurama regaled Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama with anecdotes from Karna's mischievous youth, leading the friends to tease Karna about the origins of Vrishasena's antics, remarking, "Like father, like son." Karna, in turn, donned the role of both tour guide and cook, providing invaluable insights and nourishing meals for his companions and guru. With the blessings of Lord Parashurama, they bid farewell and resumed their journey.

As they headed back to Hastinapur, they deliberated on how to further enrich their remaining days of vacation. Dushasana proposed visiting the scenic Vindhyachal ranges, while Ashwathama suggested spending time in Mithila or exploring a new kingdom, relishing the serenity of a cottage. Duryodhana yearned for the snow-covered Himalayan mountains, envisioning playful encounters with the wintry landscape. Karna, however, proposed a test of their survival skills, traversing the deserts of Panchal. Intrigued by Karna's idea, the friends unanimously agreed, packing essential supplies, primarily water.

Embarking on their desert journey, they donned white garments and covered their heads to shield themselves from the scorching sun. Desert foxes became their hunting targets, and Karna skillfully prepared vegetarian dishes for Ashwathama, utilizing the resources of the arid land. They rationed their water consumption, conserving it for the nights. Eventually, they triumphed over the desert, showcasing their survival skills.

With time still remaining before their return to Hastinapur, they decided to visit Mithila as suggested by Ashwathama. This leg of the journey became the most cherished, as it was the birthplace of Mother Sita, devoid of the caste system that plagued other regions. They found respite in the home of a Brahmin family who acted as their guide, showcasing the true essence of a joyous life.

After bidding farewell to Mithila, they embarked on their final leg of the journey back to Hastinapur, arriving within three days. With a little over a week remaining of their holiday, they decided to spend quality time with their families. Upon reuniting with their loved ones, they regaled them with tales of their adventures during the three-month hiatus.

The Pandavas, comparing their own limited enjoyment, regretted not planning a similar excursion, envisioning a journey devoid of royal attire. Together, they savored the remaining days of their holiday with their families, rejuvenated by the three-month respite.

***

In the grand palace of Nagore, a young woman of twenty-two, gazed at a painting of a common man who had valiantly saved her from dacoits during her trip to Magadha. A profound connection had formed between them, blossoming into love within her heart. Determined to keep this love a secret until her impending svayamvara, she clutched the painting tightly as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

***

Five months later, Bhanumati found herself in the throes of labor pain, sending waves of anxiety throughout the palace of Hastinapur due to the complications surrounding her pregnancy. After enduring fifteen grueling hours of labor, the palace was finally filled with the cries of two newborns.

However, Madirakshi approached Duryodhana with somber news—Bhanumati had lost more blood than anticipated, rendering her unable to bear children in the future. With a heavy heart, Duryodhana named their twins Lakshman and Lakshmana. Vrishasena and Aditi rejoiced, excited to have playmates in their midst.

***

In the Nagore palace, a woman gazed at the moon, tightly embracing a portrait of Dushasana, whispering, "My parents have arranged my svayamvara, with a sword challenge. I yearn for that man to abduct me, for my love for him knows no bounds. Oh, Lord Vishnu, I beseech you to send him to my svayamvara."

"May it be so, eternal protector," the universe's caretaker softly responded.