She kept staring, could she be so lucky that the people who became her family far from her own are the ones who saved her life years ago. Deep inside she knows her saviour is with her, but could it be this mysterious person she's curious to get to know. Could it be that silent man who with those intelligent eyes can read a person as easily as he reads a book. She should ask them, she has to know. She turned to Nakul trying to capture his attention to ask him, but what should she ask? Is Sahadev an Ashwineya? Are you an Ashwineya. No no, that'd sound weird. God himself will help her. Thinking so, she started talking to Nakul, telling him about some prank ideas in rabbit language. "This will be our secret language, and from now on no one else will know our prank plans" she kept speaking, forgetting about others who were staring at them. Obviously, Nakul became her best friend, a person so similar to her, so sweet yet so naughty. Pranking with him would definitely be fun. Frustrated at not understanding and being left out Bheem finally spoke out on behalf of all "What are you guys talking, you know animal language not us. Nakul you don't need to show off that you are an Ashwineya, look at Sahadev, he's better than you."

Looks like god has decided to answer the questions in her heart. Yes Sahadev is her saviour, the one she came looking for, and now he's family to her, she'll definitely repay him with her life if needed. She was too lost in thoughts and didn't notice others getting up to go back to the palace. Arjun observed her state and came to her "What happened Diti, why do you look so shocked"? "Nothing bhrata". "Diti, I can understand whatever you feel, I'm a gift from lord Indra too. And remember, this brother of yours will do anything for you". She smiled listening to his words, "Bhrata, the love and care you all show is enough for me, what else would I need". Seeing her back to normal, Arjun too started walking to where his brothers were fighting, i.e,  Bhrata Bheem and Nakul, these both would never change he thought. Everyone slowly went to their rooms. 

Aditi was now very happy, she skipped around the palace as she has nothing to do. She couldn't find anyone, "Don't know where Dusshala and Subhadra are, I have nothing to do, it's so boring here". "Then come with us to the garden we are going to enjoy there, I mean bhrata Yudhishtir and Dev will study but the others will enjoy" came the voice of Nakul, the smirk on his face evident in his voice. Sahadev glared at him while the remaining just ignored him. 

"What are you guys going to do there, tomorrow is Ganesh Chaturthi, shouldn't we help everyone" asked Aditi. "Mata Gandhari and Dusshala are planning it, and you are a guest Rajkumari Aditi. How can we make you work" said Yudhishtir. "Bhrata Arjun you said I'm like a sister to all of you, and Bhrata Yudhishtir is still considering me as an outsider, he called me Rajkumari, don't you consider me your sister?" she pouted.

"Rajk... Aditi, it's not like that, of course you are like my sister" Yudhishtir looked worried on seeing Aditi sad. Aditi and Nakul started laughing while Arjun tried to hide the smile. "Arey Bhrata, I was just kidding, I know I'm a part of your gang now". "Yes, and now I have to bear with another prankster and also protect my ladoos" interjected Bheem. Laughing happily they all reached the garden. Sahadev and Yudhishtir sat under the shade of a tree while Bheem practiced his wrestling skills. Aditi, Arjun and Nakul were watching everyone, soon they started planning a water fight. "Nakul, Bhrata Bheem is very concentrated in his practice if you disturb him now, he'll kill you" said Arjun. "Aditi will save me, won't you sakhi?" asked Nakul giving her his best puppy eyes. "Sure Mitr, anything for you" she said laughing at his antiques. The war was only meant for Bhrata Bheem, but soon everyone except Yudhishtir was pulled into it (He might be calm, but disturbing him while studying is dangerous). Sahadev being the youngest couldn't escape, the look on his face when his scrolls got wet was worth looking at. Bheem decided that two pranksters together is a very bad thing and decided to slowly escape from there. But who wouldn't miss a giant teddy bear walking away. Instantly Aditi was behind him followed by, Nakul and Arjun. Seeing his brothers and sister running around like kids reminded Yudhishtir of their childhood. After coming to the palace, there wasn't a single day where they could laugh without being interrupted by taunts. they did have some good time at Gurukul, and he dreaded returning back except for his mother, the only one he missed. He assured himself that his cousins would change, they have grown up now, maybe they'll leave all those childish grudges aside and be a family for once. But there hasn't been a single incident to strengthen his belief. But Aditi is really special, she has become part of the family, it wouldn't be same once she goes back to Saurashtra.

As he was thinking all this, he saw Aditi running after Nakul with a pot full of water. When did this happen, partners fighting against each other? He can already see the similarities between Nakul and Aditi, and he didn't miss the budding friendship between them, these both would soon become inseparable friends, that he is sure of. 

Aditi while trying to catch up with bhrata Bheem suddenly felt something hit her back, turning around she saw Nakul laughing at her holding an empty pot and Arjun staring at both of them, slowly backed away. Soon she was chasing Nakul running around in the corridors. Nakul came to a two way corridor and stopped to think which way to take. Seeing him stop Aditi ran fast to take her revenge. She used all her strength to throw the water, not seeing Nakul step aside at the last minute. She looked, expecting to see a drenched and defeated Nakul. But what she saw made her shiver.

There stood Duryodhan in all his glory, drenched and seething at her, behind him stood his younger brother glaring at her and his friend Karna with a weird expression. Looks like they were going to meet mamashree Shakuni. 

If looks could kill, the glares from the brothers would have killed her 100 times by now. Seeing Duryodhan infront of her, Nakul and Arjun instantly stood by her side. Rest of the Pandavas came running to her side. "How dare you?" Duryodhan stepped forward, instinctively Bheem stood in front of her, face to face with Duryodhan, matching their glares with his own. Yudhishtir seeing the situation escalating tried to control it. But a person fueled by anger wouldn't listen to reason. And expecting him to listen to the one whom he treats as an enemy is impossible. 

"Who do u think you are, you might be princess of your kingdom, but this is my kingdom. You can't escape without a punishment for insulting the Crown Prince" shouted Duryodhan. "Bhrata Duryodhan, we were just playing around, it wasn't intentional, and the crown prince isn't announced yet, and it's Jyesth's right." replied Nakul calmly, though his eyes showed the anger he is trying to restrain. How dare Duryodhan claim his brother's right and insult his best friend. 

"Now you'll teach me about rights? Look Dusshasan, even the baby birds are chirping. Seems like they are fluttering their wings." taunted Duryodhan. "Forget wings bhrata, I'll break the necks of the birds that trouble you." smirked Dusshasan. Turning to Aditi he commented "Playing with boys. Do you still think you are a kid? What kind of a princess are you? Don't they teach manners in your kingdom"? 

"Duryodhan!!! She's a royal guest, don't disrespect her" exclaimed Gandhari who came there following the shouts of her son. "Mother, how can I disrespect someone who doesn't have any respect"? laughed Duryodhan and his brother, while Karna was feeling completely frustrated. Insulting a woman who has just made a mistake unknowingly. Why take out the anger for Pandavas on the innocent lady. 

"Enough Putr, don't forget she's like a daughter to me, go and change your clothes, Bhratashree Shakuni is waiting for you". "Ok Mata!" Duryodhan gave a last glare to Aditi before turning back to leave. 

"I'm sorry from my son's side putri, it's just his anger, he isn't that bad usually, he just blabbers in anger and I don't know how you got the talent of angering him". "It's ok Maharani." she turned around and walked back to her room without a backward glance as all the brothers stared at her. Their heart clenched on seeing the unshed tears in her eyes. And even Gandhari noticed the feeling of hurt in her voice and more than that she didn't miss the use of Maharani instead of Mata.

"Jyesth, none of us can bring her back to normal except mata, let's go and tell her about this" suggested Bheem. "You are right bhrata Bheem, we let that Duryodhan insult her infront of us, what kind of bhrata's are we". "Arjun, we'll apologize to her" decided Yudhishtir. "This is all because of me, I shouldn't have given the idea of water fight" sighed Nakul. Knowing his over sensitive brother Sahadev immediately said "Bhrata Nakul, it isn't the fault of anyone, Bhrata Duryodhan shouldn't have lost his temper so easily. As Jyesth said, we'll apologize to her". Deciding this, they all started towards their mata's chamber.

Sahadev kept thinking of her, she is different, it was neither bad nor good, just different. He was definitely suspicious of her when she first met him, all his brothers are very trusting, but he can't let anyone hurt them. But when he got to know who she is is, he wanted to apologize. She is very observant, she has already seen his weird behaviour, so apologizing would be the best. But when she started speaking animal language, he was the most confused, she was a gift from Lord Indra, not the Ashwini devtas, then how can she speak it? But his suspicion has been broken long back, when she stood up for Bhrata Arjun, no informer of Duryodhan can speak to him with such confidence. And the way she makes everyone happy with just her presence, she definitely is different from any girl he's met. She's a mystery he wishes to solve. He might be silent and not so open with others like his brothers, but this girl definetely became a part of their family. A very important one, especially for Bhrata Arjun and Nakul. 

When all the Pandavas entered her chamber Kunti was happy, but soon her eyes were searching for her Krishaa. "Where is my putri? Isn't she always with you doing some mischief" she asked. On listening to that, all their faces fell, and a mother's eye doesn't miss a thing, "What happened puton, you are scaring me" her face paled with concern for her daughter. Finally Yudhishtir spoke up telling her all that happened. "Hey Narayan, Jiji has told me to keep her away from Duryodhan and now she's an enemy to him" she sat on the bed with all the brothers standing around her, "Mata only you can make her normal, please talk to her" pleaded Nakul.

Mata Kunti soon was walking hurriedly towards the guest chambers to meet her Krishaa, "My poor kid, how can Duryodhan talk to her like that" she mumbled. As she reached her chamber, the silence that greated her was enough to tell how hurt Aditi was. She entered the room to find Aditi sitting in front of the mirror, but having a far away look on her face. Kunti put her hand on Aditi's head "Putri, won't you talk to your mata"? "Mata, from where I came, there isn't difference among people. Gender, age, or size of the body doesn't matter. Everyone is special in their own way. And isn't everyone children of god? Then why the difference mata? Why am I being judged for playing with my people". she expressed her question that has been killing her for long. "Putri, everyone is equal to god, we humans are the ones who make the differences and you have every right to play and enjoy with your family, people who don't understand what a family is are the ones who make these differences to break people apart. My Krishaa will never be judged, you always have the freedom to be yourself with us dear". Hearing this Aditi turned around and hugged her, letting out the tears finally escape her eyes. 

Unknown to them a certain king, who felt his friend has hurt an innocent person, came to apologize, heard the whole conversation. He has seen many people who judged a person by their gender or caste, but here in front of him sat a girl who believes everyone is equal. He wished more people were like her. When he first met her, he knew she was an innocent soul, and kind person. Someone who even being a rajkumari, wanted to be addressed by her name. But now, he wants to know her, she is special, a lady who unlike others wants an identity, instead of accepting her father's or husband's. He didn't know Saurashtra has such good and open minded people. He would definitely love to go there. Thinking so he left the chamber, knowing Mata Kunti could take good care of her. 

Once Aditi was composed, she and Kunti left to the Pandavas room. She knew them enough to know they are feeling guilty. But it isn't their fault. She'll hug them and tell them that thought Aditi. Upon reaching there she found everyone's anxious face looking at the door waiting for their dear Diti to come. All of them stood up and came running to her, everyone apologizing in their own way. Nakul held his ears as Bhrata Bheem promised her ladoos specially made by him. Seeing them she couldn't control her laughter "I am fine, and when I have family like you, why would I not be. It is not your fault, so no one needs to apologize. And may I know why is everyone staring at me like that"? she asked. "Just seeing when this prankster girl of ours started being so mature" said Arjun while ruffling her hair diffusing some of the tension. "Bhrataaa... Mata look at them" she pouted making everyone laugh and forget their worries completely. 

"No one will tease my putri. Come dear, we have lots of work to do, Dusshala and Subhadra are also in the puja room. There are still a lot of preparations to be made for tomorrow's puja". 

The palace was again decorated with diyas everywhere, rangolis in front of every entrance, Aditi didn't understand how people can do all this so fast. But the palace was again shining like a star and the puja room was beyond description with all the flower garlands hanging on the walls and pillars. The statue of Ganesha sitting on a mandap, staring at everything going on. Aditi remembered all the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthis in swarg. Ganesha being the remover of obstacles and the lord of people as well as ganas of Lord Shiva was the first to be prayed before starting anything, and she always loved to listen to the story of his birth, how he showed to everyone that Mata and Pita are more than the whole world for a child. She never knew her parents and always wished to have the happiness of being pampered by them. Looks like Ganesha has finally listened to her. With these happy thoughts she started helping everyone with the preparations.

The next day she woke up early, bathed and wore a new pink and yellow ghagra. All the dasis who came to help her get ready couldn't help but stare at the beauty in front of them. She looked like a delicate porcelain doll, and only one thing ran in their mind, she might be the most beautiful princess in the whole aryavart.

Before starting the puja Aditi was sent to fetch the prasad that has been left in the kitchen by mistake. As she was going towards the kitchen, she saw Angraj Karna standing in the garden staring at the sun. She instinctively walked to him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around thinking who wanted to disturb him now. Seeing her in front of him brought a smile to his face though. "Rajkumari, I mean Aditi, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the puja"? he asked. "I was just fetching the prasad, Karna and I could ask you the same question"? He chuckled "I wasn't invited". "But why?" she asked with confusion evident on her face. Such an innocent person, Mahadev let her always be this way he thought as he said "I don't know". Sorry Aditi, I had to lie, as I don't want to bother you with the explanations of birth and caste and spoil your mood again. She frowned but he soon shooed her away saying it's time for puja.

Soon she brought the prasad with her and the puja started. It was as wonderful and peaceful as she can remember. Time passed and soon evryone has completed their lunch and retired to their chambers. Mata Kunti along with Aditi and Subhadra went to the Pandavas room for some family time. Some were making lighthearted conversation while some were teasing or planning pranks. Suddenly in came a person. A man who looked like a prince, he might be one of those 100 brothers, but she has seen all of them and she doesn't forget a face. Who is this then? She turned to look at others. It seems other than Subhadra and Aditi everyone else knows him. There were smiles on their faces as they went to great him. 

Who is this person??? 

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Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all of you...❤️❤️❤️

I hope you like the chapter...

Finally I'm back, exams are done, I'll try my best to update the next chapter as soon as possible, before classes start again. And I've decided to start updating it weekly... So see you soon...😊❤️

Do vote and comment. I'd love to know your opinion.

Have a nice day!!!

Love

-- Ashwini...★