"Destiny is the mastermind which decides the destination of a person. When it takes you there, you might understand the reason." ~ Subhadra

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It was yet another bright day in my Kanyakul. I was sitting with Dushalla near the lake with a few other girls around us. I had explored the most talkative side of Dushalla and she of mine. Over the days, we developed a bond, much more than friendship. A bond which I had always longed for, of sisters.

"Subhadra! Which musical instrument are you planning to choose?" Dushalla spoke in her usual melodious voice making my lips curve into a smile.

"I can't decipher anything from your smile Subhu" She coaxed.

"I am thinking on learning to play the Veena" I said smiling. My Pitashree's descriptions about Goddess Saraswati were heavenly and I had developed an admiration towards her and the Veena. 

"Alright. You know, I heard more about my brothers yesterday" Dushalla started when a voice interrupted us.

"Dushalla! Subhadra! Charu! What are you all doing here? It's time for your music classes" we turned to find our teacher behind.

"We are coming Guruma!" We replied, getting to our feet. Following her, we found the other Princesses waiting for the teacher.

"It's so boring to sit idle, we are much before time." 

"What have we been doing since morning?" Another Princess asked and we laughed at our own condition.

"It seems like Guruma has gone to the temple. She might not be back soon" Charu said after enquiring with the other staff in the Kanyakul.  

"Its time for me to entertain you by sharing some news about my brothers from the Gurukul" Dushalla proposed and everyone nodded enthusiastically.

"Firstly, Bratashri Duryodhan! He has started learning mace. Brata Bheem is also in the same field. Guru Dhronachaarya himself said that they are invincible."

There was a huge round of applause following her words. 

"Next, Bratashri Dushasan! He seems to have developed interest in sword fight. Brata Nakul is his main opponent in Gurukul." Though Dushalla loved all her brothers equally, I noticed that she had accepted the fact that her brothers could never get along. Placing her brothers as opponents didn't please me.

"I have heard these names. Your brothers seem to be famous in Aryavat." A girl started.

"Yes! The Pandavas and the Kauravas my brothers. Being the gift of Gods..." she started again and Charu glanced at me helplessly.

"Three... two... one" I whispered and we both shouted Dushalla's name in unison making her jump back in fear.

"Subhu! Charu!" She shouted at us and the dam broke as everyone began laughing at Dushalla. "We are not at fault. We have heard about your brothers being the gift of Gods a thousand times in these days" I said with veiled smile.

"Tell us something which we don't know about them" Charu added.

"Bratashri Sahadev is specialising in axe while Bratashri Yudhisthir is dealing with a spear" she said in an excited tone and I hummed.

"And what about the third Pandava,  Arjuna?" Charu asked and I found myself growing curious to know about him.

"What does his name have to do in my life? It's an ordinary name like any other but why does it feel so special?" I thought.

"Bratashri..." Dushalla started and we heard the sound of a few footsteps behind us. I turned behind to find our teacher back from the temple. As we assembled, Gurumata started, "It's time for you to choose your respective fields in music."

"Dushalla, let's begin with you."

"Vocal singing" She replied.

"Charu, what about you?" My teacher asked her.

"Archery" she said in a dreamy tone.

"What?" I asked in a high pitch which set all eyes on me. I could have never been more clumsy.

"I mean it's a good weapon. I opt for a flute!" 

"Subhadra?" It was my turn now.

"I want to learn to play the Veena" I replied.

"A rare choice. Generally, students do not opt for it, owing to the time it takes for one to master the art. I shall personally begin your lessons now. The remaining students will be guided by the remaining teachers." She said and everyone nodded and started to  disperse to their respective classes. My teacher walked away to arrange for the class and I found Dushalla and Charu engaged in a conversation.

"Archery?" I heard Dushalla making fun of Charu who frowned.

"I guess you misheard Guruma's question" I added.

"It's all because of Dushalla and her brother Arjun" She replied running away.

"What?" I looked at Dushalla.

"Have I ever understood the meaning of her words?" She asked making me laugh. Indeed, Charu had a concealed personality. It wasn't easy to understand her feelings.

"I am leaving now Subhu, will tell you about Bratashri Arjun soon" Dushalla walked away leaving some butterflies in my stomach.

"Arjuna."

The name provided a sense of comfort which was well beyond the levels of my understanding. A smile settled on my lips as I repeated his name in my mind before proceeding to the temple to begin my classes.

"Pray to Goddess Saraswati who is the epitome of calmess and knowledge before we commence our lessons" Guruma told me.

Saraswati namastubyam varade kamarupini; vidhyarambam kharishyami sidhir bhavathu me sadha 

"Before we begin, I would like to correct the positioning of your hands" Guruma said, placing my fingers correctly on the strings, after which she began playing the tune. 

"Is this how we play it?" I asked trying my hands on the strings.

"Firstly, learn the notes after which you can try the instrument" She said but I started playing a tune I had previously heard at my home. 

"This is the first time you've began playing, yet it is perfect." My teacher said with a smile but I was feeling uncomfortable. All words of Dushalla about her brother kept playing in my ears.

"Subhadra! This is enough for the day. I am convinced that you shall master the art in advance." I nodded bowing to my teacher before leaving to the lake.

"What happened Bhadra, why are you so low?" Dushalla asked, walking by my side. I shook my head and smiled vaguely at her.

"Anyways, I have a news which would make you forget all your troubles and that is we are going to be meeting my brothers tomorrow!" She whispered in my ears, jumping up and down in excitement.

"Are they coming here?" I asked.

"We are going there!" Dushalla exclaimed.

"My paternal uncle Vidhur has promised that he would take me to the Gurukul tomorrow for a small reunion and I convinced him to take both of you along as well." I blinked twice to register her words.

"I am excited Dushalla!" I squealed.

"Let's tell Charu about this visit!" I said and we both ran to give the news to Charu.

The mention of Charu is purely fictional and not to hurt anyone's sentiments. She has an important role to play in this story.