Dhaksha's pov

"So where have you seen me, Rajkumar Uttar?" I asked, trying to gauge his memory.
"Well, I remember seeing you with Karna, the one who won the commoner archery competition in Hastinapur," he replied, a hint of recognition in his eyes.
"Oh yes, I... um, was with Karna that day," I said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my heart.
"You were the one who stood up to that bully and defeated him, right?" he asked, his voice tinged with admiration.
He was referring to that enormous boy who had been terrorizing others.

"Yes, that was me. But I didn't see you there. It was a commoner competition, wasn't it? What's your story?" I inquired, curious about his presence.
"Actually, I was disguised as a commoner that day, trying to observe what was happening in Hastinapur," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Aha, he can blend in, while I must hide my true identity as a woman. How unjust it feels."

"So, what brings you here?" he asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

I felt a wave of uncertainty, but I had to be honest.

"He will definitely find out soon," I heard Kanha Na's voice echo in my mind.
"I have no other choice, Govindh," I said, frustration creeping into my voice.
"Proceed at your own risk, dear Dhakshan," he chuckled softly, though I could sense concern beneath his humor.

"Well, I'm Karna's sister," I replied,taking a deep breath. "I'm here because my family is struggling immensely. I thought it would help if I contributed. You know, working as a woman isn't really an option, so I disguised myself as a man to serve you."

"Where did you learn to weave such convincing lies?" Kanha Na asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Well, dear Govindh, I learned it from you," I replied with a faint smile.
"Return as soon as you can. You'll be treated well by me," he offered, his tone softening.

"Karna's sister? But I thought he was the King of Anga. How can you be suffering?" he questioned, his expression filled with empathy.
This boy seems to understand the world's complexities better than most.

"Well, um, you see... my mother wasn't pleased about him becoming Angaraj. She felt he chose wealth over family, which led her to refuse to live with him in the palace. That's why I'm here, trying to survive," I explained, feeling a lump form in my throat .
"Yahh!! I'm your only brother, don't be like my brother, Karna my brother, Angaraj," Kanha Na said.
"I can smell jealously," I said.
"Anyways I'm your only brother and the universe knows it," he said.
"Yes Mr.Vasudeva Krishna," I said.

"Oh, so that's why you've been disguising yourself as a man. But why here, in our kingdom? You could easily work near your own," he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"He's asking too much questions, Govindhaa."
"Don't call me! I'm busy enjoying these coconut laddoos," Kanha replied dismissively.

"I thought it would be safer here. I never expected you to recognize me," I admitted with a pout, feeling a mix of embarrassment and surprise.
"You're better at spinning tales than you are at cooking, you know," Kanha teased lightly.
"Bhaiyaaaaa!" I protested, feeling a bit playful.
"Alright, I'll let you be," he chuckled, his laughter mingling with the sweetness of the laddoos.

"But when did you realize I'm a woman?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Nah, long before," he winked, starting to walk toward the lake, leaving me baffled.
"But why didn't you ever bring it up?" I called after him, a little hurt.

"Shhh, come sit with me," he said gently, patting the rock beside him by the lake.

"Well, Dhaksha! I had my suspicions from our very first meeting. Your eyes..they had this sparkle to them that men usually don't have," he looked at me.
His words reminded me of Aarya, who always pointed out my unique qualities.

"And during our lessons, you gave off a vibe that felt distinctly... feminine. I can't quite explain it," he continued, gesturing animatedly.
I drifted off for a moment, remembering the joyful days spent practicing archery with Arjuna. It felt like a perfect memory.

"Umm, yeah—please go on," I encouraged him.
His laughter broke the moment. "Then there's how softly you shout. When you teach, I always think you should at least raise your voice a bit!"
"I had to agree with you there."

"You can laugh if that makes you feel better," I said, maintaining a blank expression.
"Alright, alright! Then there's your hands. A warrior's hands are usually rough and callused, yet yours are so small and soft," he pointed out, and I couldn't tell if he was complimenting me or teasing me.

But it made me think of Arjuna again, whose hands were so perfectly smooth—like they were carved with care.

"Are you even listening, Dhaksha?" Uttar waved his hand in front of my face, breaking me from my thoughts.
"Yes, yes! But how could you jump to the conclusion that I am a woman based on just these things?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"I have another reason," he said, smiling sincerely.

"What could that be? Did my hair fell out or something?" I joked lightly.
"Remember a few months ago, during our archery lessons? When Mamashree interrupted us?" he continued. "That day, I caught a glimpse of your feathered chain. No man would wear something like that. It all added up."

He could write a whole book titled "Disguised as Men" with his observations!

I clapped my hands together, impressed.
"I'm not reciting anything; there's no need for applause," he chuckled, but there was a warmth in his eyes.
"So now you know everything. Can you promise me that you won't tell anyone about this? I'm leaving in three days," I requested earnestly.

"Leaving after three days?" His tone was both surprised and concerned.
"Well... I heard my father is sick. I need to be there to support him," I explained, my voice softening. "Promise me."
"I promise you, Dhaksha," he replied, his voice now gentle and supportive.
"Thank you," I smiled, feeling the relief wash over me.
"Maybe you could stay—" he began, but we were interrupted.

"Rajkumar Uttar, the Maharaj is calling for you," the soldiers announced, cutting the moment short.
"Don't you have manners interrupting in between?," he shouted.
"It's alright, Rajkumar Uttar. Acting tough and strong won't make you the perfect prince of Matsya. Sometimes, being patient and kind is just as important," I said gently, trying to offer some encouragement.
"You can go now; he'll be there soon," I assured him with a soft smile.
"Well, if you've seen Dhakshan anywhere, please let me know. I need to pass a message along to him as well. Maharaj has called for him, and I've searched everywhere," he replied.
"Ahem, yes, of course. You can go now," he responded

"Thank goodness he didn't find out," I thought to myself in relief. "I need to change, so please wait for me here."

I hurried to change and returned, asking, "How does this look?"
"You still have your neckpiece sticking out," he pointed out, gently pulling at my chain.

"This was a gift from my brother," I said with a smile, appreciating the connection it represented.
"It's beautiful! Looks like a royal chain," he commented.
"Well, he is the King of Anga, after all," I said, reclaiming the chain from his hand.

"I gave you that, Dhaksha," Kanha shouted playfully.
"Eeee," I exclaimed.
"You're soo dead, Dhaksha," he teased.

"Alright, let's go now," I said, gathering my thoughts.

As we entered the courtroom, I was taken aback to see Duryodhana and Shakuni standing there. It had been years since I had crossed paths with them, and for a moment, I thought maybe I could overlook the pain they had caused my family and me. But as memories flooded back, I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"My dear son, this is Yuvraj Duryodhana and Gandharaj Shakuni," Viratraj introduced them, his voice authoritative yet calm.
"Pranam," Uttar greeted them respectfully.

Inwardly, I prayed to the lords of the universe, hoping that Viratraj wouldn't introduce me to them.
"This is my son's-," he began, and my heart raced.
"What's the occasion for your visit, Gandharaj?" Uttar interjected, his voice strained with tension.

I whispered a silent thank you, relieved that Uttar had cut him off. If Shakuni caught wind of Dhakshan's presence, he'd surely come looking for me, and I wasn't ready for that confrontation.

"Well, I'm here because I heard you've been accompanying our people from Hastinapur. We've come to check on that," Shakuni replied, his gaze lingering on me, making my heart race.

I knew this moment marked the beginning of their discovery of our secret, and I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me.
"What people from Hastinapur?" Uttar turned to me, concern etched on his face.

To be continued.....

When shall Uttar know about Dhaksha's real self?

Will they find Dhaksha who is disguised as Dhakshan?

What more tragedy shall Pandavas face before finishing their Agyatvas?

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