The wheels of the chariot came to a halt as the young prince took in the city that is decked as a bride. Colorful and intricate rangoli adorned the streets with exquisitely arranged diyas adding a golden glow to them. The porches of all the houses decorated with elegant flowers woven in various shapes and sizes. The prince could hear the excited murmurs and electrified buzz of the people rushing around trying to make everything perfect for their arrival. Waves of nervousness with a tinge of excitement built up inside him as he acknowledged his situation. His eyes stung as beads of relief and happiness pushed against his eyes trying to force their way down his cheek. A cocktail of emotions washed over him as he realized that he finally caught the pie in the sky.

A couple of traitorous tears escaped their hold as his years of wait came to an end. A firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder pulled him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see his father passing an encouraging smile to him. Catching the drift of his emotions, his father said, "BABHRUVAHANA, son, Hastinapur is waiting for you. Shall we go?" Taking his silence as acceptance, the third son of Pandu - Arjun, signaled the group to proceed. As the prince of Manipur entered the city, expectant faces of the citizens followed him. He sent a charming smile to the kids who are jumping to get a good look at the prince.

Years of habit forced him to check for his mothers' palanquin. When satisfaction of their safety cocooned his heart, he turned around only to be met with a breathtaking view. Words failed him as he gazed at the palace in admiration. Countless diyas gave the palace a golden glow making it seem as if the walls are made of sheets of gold. For a moment Babhruvahana was convinced that they are. Fountains of various shapes gave the gardens a heavenly look. The lotuses surrounding the fountains gave the water a pinkish hue.

The look of awe on his son's face seeing his brother's work, filled Arjun with pride. However, a burst of dejection did not let the pride last long. Guilt ate at him as he realized that this is the first time his son is meeting his family. Descending his chariot, Babhruvahana moved towards his mothers' palanquins. He did not know if this is an attempt to help his mothers or postpone the following events.

The walk from the palanquin to his awaiting family felt like one of his longest walks. All the nights he cried to himself as a child waiting for his father and his uncles whom he heard praises of, all the tantrums he threw to distract himself from the pain, flashed before his eyes as he neared his uncles and elder mother Draupadi. This is it. This is what you have been waiting for your whole life his mind reminded him. Taking a deep breath, he climbs the final stairs that led him to his family.

The newly crowned king of Hastinapur, Panduputr Yudhishtir, wrapped up another session at the court and made his way to his study along with his queen. A sense of dread lingered in the back of his heart effectively dampening the mood of the ever-calm king. Noticing the change his mood, Draupadi inquired the reason for his apprehension. "My love, I have this nagging feeling that some harm has befallen my Arjun and Vrishaketu." answered Dharmaraj. Draupadi answered, "My king, I am sure they are fine. Arya Arjun is an able warrior and can defend himself and Vrishaketu very well."

Reaching their study, the couple see a bunch of letters lying on the table awaiting their acknowledgement. Skimming through the first letter that reached his hand, Dharmaputra landed softly on a nearby chair with shock. His heart clenched as his worst fears came true. Hot tears trickled down his cheekbone as the scroll slipped through his hands and rolled away. Appalled at his reaction, Draupadi picks up the scroll and lets her eyes read the terrific news of her husband's and her nephew's death. A gut wrenching sob escapes her mouth as she sunk to the floor.

The royal couple drown themselves in silence still unable to accept the letter. How can a mere boy kill the valiant hero who won against many seasoned warriors? Why did the prince of Manipur stop the horse that left on Ashwamedha yatra. Hastinapur had no qualms with Manipur. A knock made the couple compose themselves and look up to find a messenger. "What news have you brought?" asked Yudhishtir with an underlying worry. "Greetings Maharaja. I come here bearing a delightful news from Rajkumar Arjun. He and Rajkumar Vrishaketu have been revived using Nagmani. Rajkumar wanted me to inform you that they are returning successfully with the horse."

The initial traces of disbelief are washed away by huge bursts of happiness as tears of merriness replace the ones of sorrow. Dharmaputra, unable to control his happiness, rewards the messenger for the happy news. "Forgive me Maharaja, but there is another message as well. Princess Uloopi, Princess Chitrangada and her son Babhruvahana are also accompanying the Rajkumars to Hastinapur." Overjoyed with the news, Yudhishtir and Draupadi immediately order the staff to decorate the palace and the city for their welcome.

As the conch blows signaling the arrival of the royal party, Draupadi instructs few last minute changes to the helpers and awaits at the palace entrance with her husband. With an uncontrollable excitement on meeting her son, she fails at maintaining a stoic face as Babhruvahana climbs the final few steps before reaching them.

"Greetings grandmother. Greetings uncle, elder mother. It is a pleasure to meet you." says Babhruvahana after taking his elders blessings. "Believe me son, the pleasure is ours." answers Kunti. After due introductions, the family proceed to the common hall. Curiosity fills the young prince as he tries to take in the interiors of the palace and etch them to his memory. Chuckling on seeing his gaping mouth, Yudhishtir says, "You can explore the palace if you wish to. We can talk later." Politely denying the offer, Babhruvahana says, "No uncle. The palace visit can wait. I have been waiting my whole life to meet you. I want to talk to you all first."

"I have heard a lot about each one of you. I have heard that uncle Bheem is a humorous person who can light up any situation easily. However, I haven't seem him talk since we started for Hastinapur. Is everything alright?" questions Babhruvahana. Nakul jumps into the conversation and says with a teasing smile, "You are right son. I think his defeat took a toll on him. I haven't seem him staying this long without grumbling for food either." Babhruvahana lowers his head in remorse and says, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me uncle Bheem. Had I known you were my uncle, I would have never raised my weapons against you." Bheem consoles him saying "No son. Do not apologize. I am happy to be defeated by you. I am proud of how valiant and skilled you are."

Trying to lighten up the mood, Nakul says, "Cheer up kid. This is an amazing opportunity for us. We have another topic to tease Bhrata Bheem now." With a sour expression, Bheem replies, "Nakul, One punch from me still sends you flying. Be careful. I'm sure you don't want to fly in front of your son." Kunti laughs softly at their banter and says, "Putr Babhruvahana, let them be. They still fight as kids. Your mothers must be waiting for us at the dining hall. Let us proceed." Sahadev adds, "Yes son. Go and have something before your uncle gets there. We cannot save you once Bhrata Bheem enters the dining hall." The young prince of Manipur starts for the dining hall pausing to take a look at his father who was silent the whole time.

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Leaning against the window, Babhruvahana stares out at the mountains and the well lit city ruminating over the days happenings. Despite silently praying every day, he never thought he would actually get the chance to spend time with his father, uncles and grandmother. Watching their family laugh and dine together filled him with content. He surely missed his brothers and their loss still hurt him, but now he has hope that he can recover from the pain. The cheerful smiles of his mothers Uloopi and Chitrangada flash before him as thanks god for listening to his silent prayers.

"Greetings Rajkumar! Rajkumar Arjun wishes to enter" says one of the footman. Asking the footman to send his father in, he looks expectantly at the door. "Are you okay father? You were very silent during dinner and in the common hall." Babhruvahana voices his worries. Arjun makes himself comfortable near a window ledge and signals for his son to join him. Heaving a deep sigh, Arjun asks in a heavy tone, "I probably don't deserve it but.. will you ever be able to forgive me?"

Surprised at the question, the prince asks, "Forgive you? What are you saying father? Why would I have to forgive you?" Fighting the tears that threatened to spill, Arjun says, "As your father, I was supposed to help you walk, teach you how to ride a horse, be their for your first word, first steps, first laugh. I missed everything. You had to grow up without even meeting a part of your family." Wiping his father's tears, the young prince replies, "I admit I was cross with you at one point. Every time I saw my friends or any kids playing with their father, I wished for the same but over the time I understood that it is fate that separated us and no one can win against fate right.."

Chuckling at his son's reply, Arjun says, "Such wise words from a young man! I have one request. I could have asked your mother this, but I want to hear your point of view... Can you talk about your favorite childhood memories? I want to be present in your childhood through your memories." With a happy smile, Babhruvahana says, "Sure father. There are many things that I wanted to share it with you. I will start with my earliest memory."

Glossary:

Panduputr - Son of King Pandu

Arya - A term used to refer husband in olden days. It means noble, king

Putr - Son

Rajkumar - Prince

Dharmaputra - Son of Lord Dharma(Yama)

Ashwamedha Yatra - The journey of the sacrificial horse during Ashwamedha Yagna

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The picture above is Babhruvahana

Hello everyone!!

Here's the first chapter! How is it?

I apologize for the delay. I was re-structuring the book so I had to rewrite the first chapter.

I am considering Babhruvahana to be around 23 by the time he reaches Hastinapur.

I have a doubt. I have researched a lot and found few sites/books saying Babhruvahana is the king of Manipur while few say, Chitravahana (his grandfather) is the king. Does anyone know who was the king of Manipur after Kurukshetra?

Please vote and comment ❤️

Stay safe, be happy and Have a good day/night ❣️❣️