"What are those people from Hastinapur doing here?" Uttar turned to me, his curiosity piqued.

I glanced at him, trying to appear nonchalant about the entire situation. It felt like the air was thick with tension.

"This is impossible, Gandharaj! There shouldn't be anyone in my palace except my loyal subjects," Viratraj insisted, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Uttar's gaze bore into me.
"Stop staring!!," I whispered, feeling the urgency of the moment.
"But Viratraj! We have solid intelligence and even conducted an exhaustive inquiry. Just tell us the truth—it's no big deal. They're not important; they're just our slaves," Shakuni chimed in with a sinister grin that hinted at the chaos to come.

I couldn't believe it. I was the sister of Devakinandan Krishn and Rajkumari of Dwarka. With the Pandavas by my side, gifts from the gods, and Draupadi born from Agni—how could we ever become your slaves, Evil Mamshree?"

"I'm sorry, Gandharaj and Yuvraj Duruyodhana. I thought your visit was meant to foster friendship between Hastinapur and my Kingdom, but now it seems accusations are flying. I must ask you to leave," Viratraj asserted, gesturing for them to exit.
"Viratraj... grant us some time to search your kingdom and then we'll go!," Shakuni's tone took on a seductive quality, adding to the air of danger.
"I'm afraid, Gandharaj, that no one from your beloved Hastinapur is here. Please, leave quietly," Uttar interjected, a hint of authority in his voice.

"Are you aiding those people in your palace, Viratraj? Why not just admit it?" Shakuni replied, winking mockingly.

Ugh, even Valak seemed more appealing than him right now.
"Listen, we have no clue what you're talking about," Uttar shouted, frustration rising.

I noticed how Duruyodhana remained silent, his gaze fixed outside. Was he plotting something or just lost in thought? Not a hint of his usual chatter.
"I'm not permitting you to remain in our Kingdom. You must leave, now," Viratraj's voice grew louder, determination evident.
"Angaraj Karna has arrived!" the guards announced, heralding the entrance of someone significant.

Angaraj? Dhaksha, this cannot be a good day for you.

"My poor sister," I heard Kanha chuckle
"You save everyone else across the world, but now it's my turn! If they catch me, our Agyatvas will be jeopardized," I replied, urgency creeping into my tone.
"This is your story, and you have to navigate it. Not me," he teased.
"I know you're laughing right now. I hate you, goodbye," I pouted, feeling the weight of impending events.
"But remember, Krishn loves you, my sister," he said, his tone turning serious.

"What's happening, Dhaksha? Your brother has arrived," Uttar whispered, suspicion tightening around his words.
So that's why Duruyodhana had been staring outside.

"Yes, yes," I replied, forcing a smile as I noticed Karn was already at the edge of the courtroom.

"Please don't look at me, Karn.
"Just act tough. Stand firm, I told myself, a mix of anxiety and determination coursing through me."
As he walked past me without so much as a glance, I felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment.

"Welcome, Angaraj. What brings you here today?," Viratraj asked, his tone guarded.
"I'm here for my Mythran, Duruyan. I'm with him," Sakha stated, his allegiance clear.

"Why do you all suspect we harbour your people? We have nothing to do with your so-called slaves," Viratraj shouted, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Yet, Sakha stood wordlessly beside Duruyodhana, his silence heavy with implications.
"Then grant us a chance to search your kingdom and palace," Duruyodhana finally spoke, his voice steady.

"I cannot permit anyone to intrude upon my palace or kingdom. I demand everyone leave—now!!!!," Viratraj's shout echoed in the chamber.

Karna glanced my way as tension mounted among us.

Who invited him here? He hadn't spoken a word, but I could sense his loyalty to Duruyodhana was unwavering.

"Well, well, well, perhaps I should allow them to stay," Kichak interrupted a deviously playful tone in his voice.

All villains crop up from nowhere, I guess.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Arjuna's pov

"No, dear, you need to move your hands like this," I gently gestured to Saigavi, trying to guide her.
"Is this okay?," she asked, uncertainty in her eyes.
"Perfect, dear," I reassured her with a warm smile.
"Start the music!!," I said.

I could hear only Virthik playing the flute, but when I turned to Mirthik, it was clear he was lost in thought.

Such a familiar scene; just like my Dhaksha always said, father like son.

"What's on your mind, my dear Putri? Is something bothering you?" I inquired softly, stepping closer to him.
"Mata was just admiring the beauty of the scenery outside," he replied, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"My dear Putri Mirthi, would you please start playing Tambla now?" I pinched his cheek gently and tried to coax him into the moment.
"Yes, Pitashree... uh, Mata, yes Mata," he finally smiled, but I could sense the hesitation behind it.

"Good, now let's hear that music!"
As I watched them dance, I corrected their mistakes and introduced them to new steps, hoping to lift the mood.

"Brihanala," I overheard a whisper, the name hanging in the air like a worried breath.
Curious, I glanced around the chamber.

"Well, you all continue, dears; I'll be back in just a moment," I said, stepping outside to see what was amiss.

Was I imagining things?
"Brihanala...," the whisper came again, clearer this time.
It was Bhratta Bheem and Yudhistran.

"Bhaiya! What's wrong? What brings you here all of a sudden?," I approached them, instinctively covering my face with my shawl, sensing the tension.
"It's about Dhaksha," Bheem Na whispered, his eyes filled with concern.

"What about Dhaksha? Is she all right? Is it serious?" I asked, my voice rising with worry.

"Shh! Nothing serious, but we're in a delicate situation," Yudhistran Na whispered with concern in his voice.
"What situation, Bhratta? Please tell me," I urged, anxiety creeping in.
"It's Duruyodhana and Gandharaj. They're here, and they're arguing with Viratraj about searching this palace," Yudhistran Na explained, worry etched on his face.
"Dhaksha is in the courtroom with them right now. We're safe for the moment, as long as Gandharaj doesn't recognize her," Bheem Na reassured us, his expression reflecting the tension we all felt.
"What should we do now, Bhratta? Gandharaj will eventually find out!" I said, my eyes darting around us to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

"Let's just hope for the best. There's not much we can do right now," Yudhistran Na sighed, trying to instill some calm.
"But—"

I suddenly heard footsteps drawing nearer.
"Bhaiya, hide! Quickly, go inside," I whispered urgently.

They slipped behind the pillar while I nervously rotated my shawl, peeking outside.
Kichak was approaching.

"What is he doing here? Is he really heading to the courtroom?"
He neared, and I instinctively looked away.

"Brihanala, I would love to see you dance one day," he said, his lingering gaze unsettling me.
"Honestly, women are like Goddesses, enduring so much," I muttered as I turned away.

"Brihanala, I would love to see you dance one day," Bheem Na playfully imitated, trying to lighten the mood.
"Bhaiya!" I exclaimed softly, feeling the tension rise.

"He's making his way to the courtroom, I think," Yudhistran Na noted, his concern evident.
"What?" Bheem Na replied, alarmed.
"It's now up to Dhaksha to remain hidden from Gandharaj and Duruyodhana," Yudhistran Na said, looking out the window with concern.
"What can we do?" I asked, feeling a growing helplessness.
"We can't even enter the courtroom, Arjuna," Bheem Na added, his voice heavy with worry.
"All we can do is pray that she stays safe. Let's meet tomorrow in our usual spot. Arjuna, please talk to Dhaksha tonight and tell her to be extra careful," Yudhistran Na said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"I'm worried about her too," Bheem Na admitted, his voice trembling.
"I share your worries, Bheem. But right now, fretful thoughts won't help us. We need to think strategically. We still have three days left in our Agyatvas. Let's unite in prayer that we remain safe until then," Yudhistran Na suggested with a reassuring gaze.

He was right, but anxiety gnawed at my heart. If they discover her now, I feared what they might do.

"Okay, Bhratta. I understand. Let's go back to our places. And Arjuna, if she doesn't come back, let me know immediately," Bheem Na instructed, his voice firm yet caring.
"Yes, Bhratta! I promise. You both take care," I replied with a reassuring smile, though inside I felt the weight of worry.
"Let's meet again soon," Yudhistran Na said gently.
With that, I headed toward my chamber, my heart heavy but hopeful.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Dhaksha's pov
"Well, if they can't search their people, maybe I can find them myself, right, Jijashree?" Kichak strolled into the room, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing.
"Kichak, your Patni's brother, right, Maharaj?" Shakuni asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

An uneasy sensation washed over me.
"Yeah, yeah, my sister's husband," Kichak responded with a disarming smile.
As he locked eyes with me, I noted the sinister twist to his grin. What was he plotting now?

"So, I've made a decision," Kichak announced, a hint of triumph in his tone.
"You can't decide anything, Kichak! It's Maharaj who should be making the calls regarding them," I interjected, my voice rising with urgency.

"Oh, fuck. What did I do? Did I blew my cover off?"
"Yeaah, yeaa! He's correct. How could Maharaj leave such important decisions to Kichak? After all, he is just the brother-in-law," Shakuni chimed in, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.
"Why was Shakuni getting involved now? "

I felt Karna's gaze upon me, an intense scrutiny that made me uneasy. I quickly averted my eyes, desperately seeking distraction.
"Maharaj, really? I shouldn't be the one deciding?" Kichak challenged, his tone dripping with condescension.

In response, Maharaj stayed silent, his head bowed in contemplation. What was about to unfold?

"You see? I told you all! I can make decisions here," Kichak declared with a flourish, moving ever closer to me.
Oh my, what was coming? I silently prayed for strength against whatever force was at play.

"So, what have you decided, dear Kichak?" Duruyodhana asked, a mix of curiosity and expectation in his voice.
"Well, since my Jijashree didn't allow you to search in our palace, perhaps I can lend a hand," Kichak proposed, his tone feigning generosity.
"How noble of you, Kichak," Shakuni replied with a smirk, as if he maneuvered the pieces of this unfolding scheme.

I wanted to scream—my instincts told me to be wary.
"I'll find them and present them to you tomorrow. For now, you may stay here in the Virat kingdom. Looks like I can make decisions after all, right, Dhakshaa...N?" He flashed a questioning look my way.

As all three—Karna, Shakuni, and Duruyodhana—turned their attention towards me, I could feel the tension thicken in the air. Something significant was on the horizon.

To be continued....

Will they find about Dhaksha?

What shall happen to Dhaksha in the courtroom?

Will their 3 days go in peace?

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