Author's pov

The palace was wrapped in a gloomy and merrier atmosphere because on one hand their beloved daughter was leaving for Hastinapur and on the other hand their son was soon going to be announced as the yuvraj. Avantini's eyes were filled with tears as she bid farewell to her daughter and the Maharaj blessed her for her upcoming life that she has to face alone. He didn't utter a word but his eyes spoke a lot because the position of a king doesn't allow you to be vulnerable or shed tears in front of anyone but a father's heart is helpless.

"Kunti you know about everything that happens in those long luxurious halls of Hastinapur and no one is a stranger to the politics that take place there. You're also a mother and that's why I'm trusting you and agreed of sending Vedika with you. I don't want her to being dragged into this mess she still hasn't overcome that trauma yet. I'm worried about her" said Avantini holding hands of Kunti while everyone was busy in their own chit chat.

"Bhabhi she's like my own daughter and I know how to protect her from all that dirty games that are played in Hastinapur. I promise you that she'll be happy there and no one would there to harm her in my presence" remarked Kunti gaining an assuring look from the Maharani.

Soon the Rajmata with Vedika and other three Rajkumars commenced their journey. Kunti was with Nakul and Sahadev as both were pestering her to accompany them and since no other option left Vedika accompanied Yuyustu on the other chariot.

"It's such a good today Vedika isn't it? The sun shining brightly and birds chirping around" said Yuyutsu striking a conversation

"Yeah true and see your horse is also happy today, yesterday he didn't even ate something"

"Oh he's one moody creature I must say but I love him. He's with me since my childhood"

"Your first love" chuchkled Vedika

"What? laughed  well you can say that but still that spot is yet to be filled by someone special"

"Love and all huh! I must say you look like a true love type person"

"I believe in love. It's the most purest feeling that one can ever feel"

"But sometimes it can even destroy you" remarked Vedika in a low voice

"Still we love that person don't we?" replied Yuyutsu looking straight in her hazel eyes

"Yeah but at the same time it makes us vulnerable. They make certain promises and take vows to always remain by our side but in the end all those are lies just like everyone they leave us alone in the darkness shattering us into million pieces, this is love Yuyutsu. The person for whom we live becomes the reason of our misery. Love is just like an illusion of happiness in which we immersed ourselves" she said as she started twisting the loose end of her drape reflecting her anxiety which Yuyustu noticed and said "You must have expirenced it right? That's why you're saying it with so much confidence but experiences changes with situations and soon yours will also change"

"What do you mean?"

Before he could answer their chariot stopped abruptly making them curious what could have happened.

Vedika's pov

Both I and Yuyutsu stepped out of the chariot to find if every thing is okay or not. Both Mata and Bhrata Nakul were standing behind Bhrata Sahadev who was trying to take out the wheel of chariot which was stuck in the mud.

"Mata what happened?" I said standing near her.

"Just the wheel of the chariot is stuck in the mud"

"Don't worry Vedika Sahadev is trying to get it out" piped in Bhrata Nakul

"Mata and Vedika you shouldn't stepped out of the chariot this area is not safe many wild animals roam around here" said Bhrata Sahadev

"Yeah but not as wild as this creature" commented Bhrata Nakul pointing at Bhrata Sahadev who narrowed his eyes at this comment and everyone tried to suppressed their laughter. I giggled thinking that they really don't spare a chance to tease each other. While everyone was wrapped up in this little comedy show I sensed something behind the bushes. My body tensed as the figure became visible and he walked towards us. His pace became faster with each second and was approaching Bhrata Sahadev who was lost in his world of pulling out that damn wheel!

"BHRATA SAHADEV!" I yelled as I ran towards him and pushed him out of the way before I could react any further the creature who was non other than a huge lion pounced upon me and made impossible for me to moved out of his trap. Then he suddenly dug his claws in my arm making me winced in pain. Before he could do anything further he fell on the ground roaring as if he was crying. I tilted my head and looked Yuyutsu standing with his arrow and bow as he shot him in his leg.

Mata immediately ran towards me and helped me to stand up "Putri! You're okay? Are you fine? Oh narayan your arm is bleeding!"

"It's not that much hurting mata it's fine but first of all you have move to a safe place before anything bad happens" I said taking mata a little far away from that big lion who was lying there helplessly. Bhrata Sahadev and Bhrata Nakul who was first in shocked regarding what happened soon they come to their senses and surrounded the animal. Bhrata Nakul tried to talked to him in his own language as he was blessed with it that he could understand the feelings and language of animals. I clutched my arm with my other hand tightly as it was hurting real bad but first of all the most important thing which have to be dealt with was lying on ground before us.

"Bhrata Nakul please safe him I don't want him to die" I said as tears brimmed in my eyes watching the state of that lion

"Vedika you're arm is bleeding too much" interjected Yuyutsu "Nakul you help that lion and Sahadev you immediately cure Vedika's wound it's really deep. I don't want her to get infected by any means" to which Bhrata Sahadev nodded and he came with some green paste I think he made it from herbal leaves and it smelled really bad.

"Ouch!" I winced as Bhrata Sahadev applied that paste on my wound.

"Who the hell told you to become a hero there and then save me! Isn't your life important to you? What would we have done if something happened there if Bhrata Yuyutsu would have been late even by a second while aiming his target!" shouted Bhrata Sahadev at his highest pitch and it was the first time he was speaking in this tone.

"You were busy there Bhrata and if I haven't came many things could have happened and...and see I'm fine I'm not hurt" I said tried not to break down in front of him.

"Putri but today you could have lost your life" said mata rubbing my back as she sensed my nervousness.

"But I'm fine mata it's a small wound only don't worry and bhrata we all are safe and that matters" I replied looking at both of them.

"I wanted a sister but not that stubborn" said Bhrata Sahadev still dressing my wound.

"Well now you have to bear with me you ain't got no choice" I grinned trying to lightened the mood.

"I've pulled out the wheel from the mud and we're almost about to enter the borders of Hastinapur. We should get out of here soon before any more problem arises and also Vedika needs rest we should hurry up" remarked Yuyutsu standing near the chariot. His expressions was difficult to make out whether he was angry or hurt I don't know.

"Bhrata Yuyutsu is right mata. We should soon leave and also I've dressed his wound and also made him understand that not to attack anyone like he did today" he said pointing at the disheveled state of lion.

"You really have a way with the animals don't you bhrata?" I said

"They can be really good friends with us Vedika if we humans try to  understand them and just treat them with love rather than scaring them off"

"You're right this means you have so many friends around you" I chuckled making him shake his head.

"Okay enough of this we have to reach Hastinapur we cannot spend our night here it's not safe and specially for Vedika in this condition"

Everyone nodded and soon we were again ready to commenced our journey. Mata forced me to accompany her because now she didn't wanted me to be away from her sight.

"You should know Vedika your life is not only yours, many people are connected with you and care for you. So next time before doing such stupidity just take a look around yourself and see how many are there waiting for you" said Yuyutsu monotonously avoiding my gaze as he helped me to stepped up on the chariot and before I could say anything he left from there. Now what has gotten into him one time he behave like such a good friend and then like an angry bird. These men are so difficult to understand!

"Putri I'm sorry because of us today you could have-" said Mata as her voice cracked. I wiped her tears and replied "Mata tell me you're my family right? Then it was my duty to protect my family and not standing back like a coward and after all you're a kshyatrani then how can you expect your daughter to sit back quietly"

"I must have done some penances to have you. You're really a gem" she said kissing my forehead to which I smiled.

Soon the sun dipped below the horizon the last gasp of beauty before the darkness would take over its control and the opening of large gigantic doors could be heard indicating we have entered the borders of Hastinapur.

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