As Drupada returned to his palace after the defeat, a heavy sorrow weighed upon him. All his sons had lost their lives in the war, and it pained him deeply. He yearned for a son who would possess the power and might of his dear friend Drona's son, Ashwathama. Determined to find such a son, he embarked on a quest to seek out the rishis who could perform the Putrakameshti sacrifice.

Drupada scoured the entire kingdom of Panchal in search of a solution that would bring him a son to be proud of. However, despite his efforts, he faced repeated failures, which only served to fuel his frustration. Desperate for a resolution, he resorted to tormenting the rishis in his desperation to find a way.

One fateful day, Drupada encountered a wise rishi who directed him to Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj, who possessed great power through their penance. The rishi informed Drupada that these revered sages resided in the ashram and advised him to seek their blessings.

Driven by hope, Drupada and his wife set forth towards the ashram of Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj. The two sages were immersed in deep meditation when Drupada arrived. As they opened their eyes, they beheld Drupada's presence and offered their blessings, inviting him to their humble abode.

Drupada beseeched them directly, "I desire a son who can match the strength of Ashwathama."

"We shall fulfill our promise, Drupada, using the power of our penance. We shall perform the Putrakameshti yagna for you," proclaimed Maharishi Yaaj.

"We shall arrive in Panchala after five days, so make all the necessary preparations, as the yagna will span fifteen days," added Maharishi Upyaaj before the two rishis resumed their meditation.

Drupad and his family returned to the capital of Panchal, where he wasted no time in preparing for the grand yagna. The days swiftly passed, and soon the appointed time arrived for Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj to make their way to the royal city. They were greeted with great enthusiasm by Drupada and his people.

Every detail was meticulously arranged, and the yagna was set to take place in the enchanting gardens of the royal palace. The exclusive attendees included Maharaja Drupada, Maharani Prishati, Rajkumari Shikandini, Maharishi Yaaj, Maharishi Upyaaj, and the assisting priests. Raj Purohitji was also present, ensuring that no one would interfere or enter the sacred garden. The ministers were strictly instructed not to disturb the yagna under any circumstances.

The entire area where the yagna was to be performed was adorned beautifully. Strings of flowers, pearls, and elegant silk cloths transformed the surroundings into a breathtaking spectacle. At the center stood the sacrificial havan kund, where Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj took their seats, while Maharaja Drupad positioned himself opposite them. Shikandini and Prishati stood close by.

As the chants reverberated through the air, a mesmerizing atmosphere enveloped the surroundings, accentuated by the radiant moonlight spreading its glow far and wide. Shikandini and her mother felt a mix of anxiety and excitement, anticipating the arrival of a sibling.

The chants continued, intensifying the brilliance of the sacrificial fire. The flames flickered and danced, reaching higher into the sky. Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj diligently offered ghee into the havan kund, followed by Maharaja Drupad and the other priests.

This sacred ritual persisted for over fifteen days. On the fifteenth night, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred. A colossal flame surged forth from the havan kund, shaping itself into a majestic figure. The luminosity compelled everyone to shut their eyes momentarily, while the intense heat caused them to retreat a few steps away from the kund.

Maharishi Yaaj spoke, breaking the silence, "Drupada, the gods are pleased with your sacrifice. It is time to receive your son. Prepare for your final offering."

"I seek a son whose anger is as sharp as a sword. Hence, I sacrifice my armor and sword in this yagna. I yearn for a son whose pride is as impenetrable as armor, and thus, I sacrifice my blood," declared Drupada, cutting his hand as an offering of blood.

"Your wish is fulfilled, Maharaj Drupada. The devas have blessed you with a son who will possess the power of Ashwathama. He shall be your pride, bearing the fierceness of a sword and the invincibility of armor. His blood shall be infused with courage. Your son shall be known as Dhristdyumna, embodying courage and splendor," spoke Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj in unison.

From the depths of the yagna emerged a young and handsome man, Dhristdyumna. Drupada embraced his son, overwhelmed with joy. Shikhandi and Prishati took Dhristdyumna under their care, preparing to nurture and guide him.

Drupada expressed his gratitude to the sages, saying, "Thank you, Maharishis, for granting me this profound blessing. Now, let us conclude this yagna."

"Drupada, the yagna is not yet complete. According to your destiny, you shall also receive a daughter, one who is the embodiment of celestial beauty and the eternal consort of the five Indras. Prepare for your final sacrifices, for your daughter possesses the power to shape destiny," revealed Maharishi Upyaaj.

"If my destiny holds another daughter for me, I accept her with an open heart. Let my final sacrifices begin for my daughter. I desire a daughter as pure as Agni Deva, with a character as fragrant as perfume. I seek a daughter who instills courage in others, and hence, I offer wheat. I yearn for a daughter known for unwavering valor, and thus, I offer gulaal, which never loses its color. I crave the most beautiful woman in the world as my daughter, and thus, I offer kumkum, the epitome of beauty. Lastly, I long for a daughter who spreads love throughout the world, and thus, I offer flowers, the embodiment of love. And my ultimate sacrifice is my tears, symbolizing the love I hold for my daughter," expressed Drupada joyously.

Suddenly, the yagna fire blazed with furious intensity, leaving everyone stunned.

"Drupada, your wish has been fulfilled by the devas. They have blessed you with a daughter. She shall possess an ethereal beauty, imbued with divine youth, purity, love, courage, patience, self-confidence, and intelligence. She shall be known as Draupadi, a name that shall resonate through history. She shall be your pride," proclaimed Maharishi Yaaj and Upyaaj in unison.

Within moments, a breathtakingly beautiful dark-skinned girl emerged from the sacrificial fire. The atmosphere shifted, and an oracle spoke, "Drupada, your daughter is extraordinary, and her groom shall be equally extraordinary. The groom who can wield the divine bow, Kindhura, shall win her hand. Take this bow, Drupad, and organize a svayamvara for your daughter." A divine bow materialized before their eyes.

"Drupada, now concludes this yagna," instructed Maharishi Yaaj.

***

As Maharishi Ved Vyaas finished recounting the tale, he turned to the listener, saying, "Travel to the city of Kampilya, and you shall comprehend the significance of this story. Your period of exile, Pandu Putro, is nearing its end." Maharishi Ved Vyaas then departed for his ashram.

In Hastinapur, Karna had established a secure and prosperous kingdom, with the support of his spies and the love of his subjects. During the nights, he faithfully fulfilled his duty as the ruler of Anga.

Shakuni, seething with anger, viewed Karna as a major obstacle to his plan of destroying the Kuru dynasty. Despite his attempts to manipulate the minds of his nephews, Karna's magical powers thwarted Shakuni's schemes.

One day, Shakuni cunningly advised Karna to return to his own kingdom, stating, "It is unbecoming for a king to remain away from his realm for too long."

Karna smirked and retorted, tauntingly, "Look who's preaching! The one who finds solace in his sister's home." He burst into laughter, fully aware of the jab he had delivered.

Duryodhana, aware of the animosity between his uncle and his best friend, felt distressed, unwilling to lose either of them, as they both held deep places in his heart. He diligently carried out his duties, untainted by corruption.

Bhishma and Vidur prepared themselves for the worst, seeking Karna's counsel in every decision. They held deep gratitude for Karna's assistance in countering the sharpness and evilness of their adversary.

Madirakshi actively supported her husband in every aspect. Vrishasena and Aditi, their mischievous twins, were now seven years old. They delighted in playing pranks on Shakuni, inspired by their father's instructions.

Dhritarashtra experienced a sense of guilt, for he had failed to protect his brother's family, even as he rejoiced in his son's complete role as the yuvraj.

Gandhari, sensing an impending danger, yearned solely for her children's safety. She sought solace in confiding her fears to Karna, who assured her to trust in him.

Bhanumati and Amrita, guided by Karna's advice, became active participants in the realm of politics. Shakuni disapproved of Karna's influence, but lacking the power to oppose him, he seethed in silence. Meenakshi, pregnant with Ashwathama's child, took rest from her activities.

Drona and Kripacharya wholeheartedly supported Bhishma and Vidur, offering their assistance in every possible way.

The atmosphere in Hastinapur remained tense following the Lakshagraha incident, each character in the tale playing their part as destiny weaved its intricate web.