The air was heavy with anticipation in the palace of Dwarka as preparations for Vajra's return were underway. Servants bustled about with hurried steps, decorating the halls, preparing the finest of dishes, and ensuring that every corner gleamed. But amidst the flurry of activity, Suthanu and Bhanu stood in a quiet corner of their private chamber, lost in conversation—one born of deep love and endless concern for their son.

Suthanu, her soft hands tracing the intricate patterns on a scroll she had been holding, turned to Bhanu. Her expression was a mix of joy and wistfulness. "I can't believe it's been so long Pranesha. I wonder how much he's changed. Do you think he'll still be our little lal? The boy who used to run through these very halls with that bright smile?"

Bhanu, standing by the window, gazing out into the distant horizon, sighed deeply. His heart, though filled with happiness at the thought of his son's return, carried a weight of unspoken emotions. "He's grown, Priyathama. Not just in years but in wisdom, too. Rishi Agastya has taught him well, of that I am sure. But..." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "But I wonder if we will ever truly know the man he has become."

Suthanu gently placed the scroll aside, walking over to her husband. She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his, a gesture they had shared in moments of both joy and sorrow. "He is still our lal, Adi. No matter how much he has learned or how much wisdom he has gained, his heart will always carry our love with him. That is something no time or distance can change."

Bhanu squeezed her hand, his voice tender but laced with a father's longing. "I know. I know, Aaru. But there is a part of me that fears... that we missed seeing him grow. He's been away for so long. And now he returns not as the boy who left, but as a man who has faced the world on his own. What if we no longer recognize him?"

Suthanu smiled softly, her eyes reflecting both her strength and the deep love she carried for her son. "I understand, Adi. I've thought about that, too. But remember, the foundation of who he is has always been built here—with us, with the values we gave him, the love we nurtured. And no matter how much he has grown, those roots will always remain."

Bhanu looked at her, a mix of admiration and gratitude filling his heart. "You always know what to say to calm me. It's your wisdom, Priyathama, that steadies me, just as it has always steadied lal."

Suthanu smiled slightly, though her smile deepened. "It's not wisdom, Adi. It's just a mother's heart."

They stood together for a moment, wrapped in the silence of their shared understanding. The room around them felt warmer, the preparations for their son's arrival becoming more meaningful now that they had voiced the emotions they had carried in their hearts for so long.

As they lingered in the quiet, a knock echoed from the grand door of their chamber. The voice of the royal guard followed soon after. "Rajakumara, Senaka Dhruv has arrived along with Lady Neerja."

Bhanu and Suthanu exchanged a glance, their thoughts of Vajra momentarily giving way to the joy of seeing their dear friends. Their son Agastya, like Vajra, had been away for years, learning alongside him. And now, their sons were returning home together.

A few moments later, the doors opened to reveal Dhruv and Neerja, hand in hand as they stepped into the chamber. 

As soon as Neerja saw Suthanu, her face lit up with a smile that spoke volumes about their close bond. "Thanu," she said, her voice filled with both excitement and a touch of nostalgia. "It's been too long since we will see them."

Suthanu walked forward, embracing Neerja with a fond warmth. "Indeed, it has. But now, our boys are coming home. How are you holding up, Neer?"

Neerja stepped back, her eyes gleaming with both joy and concern. "It's overwhelming, isn't it? Agastya... I keep wondering what kind of man he's grown into. He was always the curious one, always so full of questions. I'm just hoping his heart has remained as kind as it was when he left."

Suthanu nodded, understanding her friend's feelings completely. "I think we all share that hope. But I believe they have grown into fine men. They were in the best hands—Rishi Agastya's."

Meanwhile, Bhanu and Dhruv had clasped hands, their silent exchange one of deep respect and friendship. Dhruv's eyes softened as he looked at Bhanu. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? After all these years, our sons return. I feel like time has passed quicker than I could grasp."

Bhanu nodded, his voice steady but thoughtful. "Yes, Dhruv. It feels as though we blinked, and suddenly, they are no longer the boys we once knew. But I'm proud of them. Happy of the journey they've taken."

As the four parents stood together, their conversation flowed easily, but beneath it all was the shared knowledge that their sons, once inseparable as children, were returning as men who had seen the world, who had faced challenges far from the safety of their homes.

After a while, the conversation drifted towards the preparations for the welcome. 

Suthanu smiled, her face lighting up. "The palace is buzzing with preparations. I want everything to be perfect for them. They've been away for so long... I want them to feel like they've returned home, to a place that hasn't forgotten them."

Neerja placed a hand on Suthanu's shoulder, a gentle gesture of understanding. "They will. They will feel it the moment they step through the gates. They've been away, yes, but they will always carry Dwarka in their hearts."

As the conversations continued, Dhruv and Bhanu exchanged knowing glances. Both men, warriors at heart, had always been focused on duty, on the weight of their responsibilities. But today, they were simply fathers, waiting for their sons to return, filled with the same joy and anticipation that any father would feel.

Dhruv, his voice quieter now, said to Bhanu, "I wonder what they will think of the changes here. The court, the people... things aren't the same as they were when they left."

Bhanu replied, "They will notice. They have sharp minds. But they've been trained to see beyond the surface, to understand the deeper workings of human's hearts. They will know what to do when the time comes."

Suthanu, hearing this, sighed softly. "Let them just enjoy being home for a while before they have to face the burdens of duty. They deserve that much."

Neerja nodded in agreement, her hand resting on her heart. "Yes. Let them be sons before they have to be anything else."

And so, as the palace of Dwarka readied itself for the return of its princes, the four parents stood united by love, by the shared hope that their sons' return would bring with it joy, pride, and the deep sense of home that they had all longed for.

Vajra and Agastya were coming home, and nothing in the world mattered more to them than that.

The day of Vajra and Agastya's return to Dwarka had finally arrived, and the air was alive with excitement. Word had spread quickly through the city, and the streets were filled with people eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved prince. The entire city seemed to be buzzing with a joyous energy, flags waving in the breeze, and garlands of flowers decorating the path that led to the palace.

As Vajra and Agastya approached the gates of Dwarka, the crowds cheered. Men, women, and children stood in celebration. It had been years since Vajra had been home, and his return was nothing short of a festival for the people. Agastya was met with respect and admiration—his quiet strength and wisdom recognized by those who knew him.

As they crossed the palace gates, the atmosphere changed. The grandeur of the palace stood tall and majestic before them, but it was the warmth of home that both Vajra and Agastya felt the moment they stepped inside.

Suthanu and Bhanu had been waiting near the entrance, their hearts racing in anticipation. The moment Vajra's eyes met his mother's, something instinctual happened after he had touched her feet for blessing. Suthanu, who had held her emotions close for years, found herself moving forward before placing the ceremonial plate to a palace-maid, her arms outstretched, and Vajra didn't hesitate. He rushed to her, and in that moment, the distance and time that had kept them apart vanished. She held him tightly, her eyes filling up with tears, as if she had been holding back this flood of emotions for far too long. Vajra was equally teary-eyed , he had deeply missed his mother. 

"Lal," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "My Vajra."

" You were always with me , maiya " , Vajra whispered , " Every moment. I wouldn't have completed this journey without you". Suthanu held him closer. 

Bhanu stood close, his heart pounding with pride and overwhelming love for his son. He watched as Vajra embraced his mother, and then Vajra turned towards him. Father and son locked eyes for a moment with almost misty eyes. No words were needed. Bhanu stepped forward, and Vajra embraced him with the same fierce love. Bhanu, usually composed and regal, always concealed his emotions in public found himself unable to hold back his emotions and he knew it was visible but didn't care. His hand rested on Vajra's head, a gesture of silent blessing and deep affection.

"My lal... you've returned after so many years , let me see you upto my heart's content," Bhanu said, his voice thick with emotion. Vajra smiled softly. 

Bhanumati, could hardly contain her excitement. She had been waiting in the back, bouncing on her feet. The moment her brother's arms were free, she darted forward, throwing herself into his embrace.

"Jyestha! You're back! You're really back!" she squealed, her small arms wrapping around his neck. Vajra laughed, lifting her off the ground and twirling her around, his heart swelling with joy. Bhanumati's joy was infectious, and even in the middle of all the emotion, her laughter brought lightness to the moment.

"You've grown so much!" Vajra said, holding her at arm's length to take in how much she had changed since he left. "My little Jeevaa , my Shambavi is not so little anymore!".

Bhanumati beamed up at him, her heart full. "I've been waiting so long, Jyestha! So long!". 

Krishna came to the gates, his ever-knowing smile softening as he approached his grandson. "Rajkumara Vajra," he called out, his voice calm but filled with affection. Vajra gently lowered Bhanumati and turned to face his grandfather. His respect and love for Krishna were boundless, and without a word, Vajra knelt before him, touching his feet.

Krishna's eyes shone with pride as he placed his hand on Vajra's head, blessing him. "My ladla has returned," Krishna said softly. "You've grown into a man who carries the weight of Dharma. Your journey was one of learning, but now, your journey home will be one of purpose."

Vajra rose, his heart full. Next, he turned toward Satyabhama who had been waiting silently with love shining in her eyes. She held out her arms, and Vajra stepped into her embrace, feeling the deep warmth of his grandmother that he had missed all these years.

"My Ladla," Satyabhama whispered. "You are finally home."

Agastya, standing beside Vajra, had been watching the reunion unfold, feeling the warmth of his friend's family. He had been treated like family here as well, and in this moment, he felt the same sense of belonging. 

Suthanu looked over at Agastya and, with a smile, stepped forward to embrace him as well. "You have grown up a lot , Agastya" she said softly. "I hope everything is good and thank you for taking care of both my little ones."

Agastya bowed his head respectfully. "He's been my greatest companion, Mata - my family in every sense," he replied, smiling at Vajra. Bhanu hugged him next and Neerja and Dhruv had almost rushed together to embrace Agatsya who broke into laughter fondly , his parents had never changed. 

The reunion was filled with deep emotion, and as the family walked back into the palace, it was clear that Vajra's return had brought a sense of completeness back to Dwarka. Yet, in the back of Vajra's mind, thoughts of the world outside lingered as he travelled from Agastyakootam to Dwarka—the changes in men, the growing darkness he had witnessed in his journey. But for now, in this moment, he allowed himself to bask in the love of his family, knowing that his return marked the beginning of another chapter, one that would test him in ways he had yet to imagine.

The palace of Dwarka was finally quiet after a long day of celebration. The people had rejoiced, the royal court had paid their respects, and Vajra had been reunited with his beloved family. But now, as the night deepened, only the soft flicker of lamps illuminated the palace halls.

In Vajra's chambers, Suthanu sat with Vajra by her side. The room was quiet, the kind of peace that only a mother and son could share. She had prepared a meal for him with her own hands, as she always did when he was younger. Now, after years away from home, the simple act of feeding her son felt like a blessing she had missed for too long.

"Eat, lal," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth as she placed another morsel in his mouth. He had been speaking to her for hours, recounting his time in Agastyakootam, his education, his adventures with Agastya, and the people he had met along the way. There was a gentle smile on his face as he spoke of his years in the ashrama, and Suthanu listened with the kind of love that only a mother can have—an unbroken connection to her child's heart.

"And Agastya, as usual, couldn't stop talking about how much he hated waking up before dawn," Vajra laughed lightly, recalling their morning lessons. "But once we were out in the forest, he was always cautious. He has the eyes of a hawk,maiya."

Suthanu smiled, hearing the fondness in his voice. "It seems you both shared more than just lessons," she said softly. "He is as much a brother to you as anyone could be."

Vajra nodded, chewing quietly, but there was something lingering in his expression, something unsaid. He continued talking, mentioning Rishi Agastya's wisdom, the lessons learned, and the trials he had faced. But then, almost without realizing it, his words drifted towards someone else.

"And then... there was Aparajita," he said quietly.

At the mention of her name, a hollow feeling stirred within him, something he didn't know how to place. His voice trailed off, and for a moment, the room was filled with a silence that even Suthanu could feel. She looked at her son, sensing the change in his tone, but she didn't press him. Instead, she let the silence linger, knowing that some truths were better left unspoken, at least for now.

Vajra, too, didn't offer any further explanation. His thoughts briefly wandered back to the moments by the river, the years spent building a bond that he didn't quite understand until it was time to leave. But he didn't say any of this aloud. Instead, he swallowed the feeling and gave his mother a small smile, as if to reassure her.

"Life at the ashrama was peaceful, Maiya," he said, his voice softer now. "It was simple, and it was enough."

Suthanu returned the smile, brushing a strand of his hair away from his face. "I'm glad, my lal," she whispered, her heart full. "You've returned to us stronger and wiser. That is all we ever hoped for."

As the night grew deeper, Vajra began to feel the weight of exhaustion pulling at him. His voice became quieter, his words slower, and soon, his eyelids began to droop. He tried to continue speaking, but the comfort of his mother's presence, the warmth of her hands, and the softness of her lap were too much for his tired body to resist.

Suthanu smiled as she watched him drift off, his head gently resting in her lap. The peaceful expression on his face reminded her of the little boy she used to cradle, the boy who would fall asleep just like this after a long day of play. Now, that same boy had returned to her, though grown into a man. But to her, he would always be her son, her little Vajra.

After a moment, Bhanu quietly entered the room, his steps soft as he approached them. He saw his son, fast asleep in Suthanu's lap, and his heart swelled with unspoken emotion. He walked over, his eyes never leaving Vajra's peaceful face, and knelt beside them.

Without a word, Bhanu reached out and gently caressed Vajra's head, his large hand cradling his son's head as if to protect him, even in sleep. It was a tender gesture, one filled with all the love and affection he felt for his son. For years, Bhanu had imagined this moment, the day when his child would return home, safe and whole. And now that it was here, he found himself unable to fully express the depth of his feelings.

Suthanu glanced at Bhanu, her eyes filled with the same emotion, and together they shared the silence, cherishing the stillness of the night. In that moment, there were no words needed between them—only the quiet understanding of two parents who had their son back.

As the lamps flickered softly in the night, Bhanu and Suthanu sat in the quiet of the room, their hands resting gently on their sleeping son, feeling the weight of his return not just as a prince, but as their child who had come back to them.

They stayed there, together, cherishing the silence, knowing that this moment would live in their hearts forever.

Bhanumati stirred in her sleep, her small hands clutching the soft blanket draped over her. As her eyelids fluttered open, she felt a warmth nearby, and the next moment, she realized it was Vajra, gently caressing her hair with affection. She blinked in confusion for a moment as the early rays of the dawn struck her, then a wide smile spread across her face as she recognized him.

"Jyestha!" she squealed in delight, her voice ringing with joy as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Vajra chuckled softly, pulling her closer as he ruffled her hair. "Did you miss me, Jeevaa?"

Bhanumati nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "I missed you so much, Jyestha! But I always believed you will come back."

Vajra smiled, the affection he felt for his little sister radiating from him. "I'm back now. And I'll never be too far away again."

Bhanumati pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mischievous yet thoughtful expression. "You went away to learn a lot of things, didn't you? Did you become even stronger than before?"

Vajra smiled at her question, noticing the depth in her gaze, a wisdom far beyond her years. "I learned many things, Shambavi. But the most important thing I learned was the meaning of true strength. The core of Dharma being raised from humanity"

Bhanumati's eyes softened as she listened, her little hands reaching out to hold Vajra's face. "You always do a lot for everyone, Jyeshtha. That's why you're the best."

Vajra's heart warmed at her words. Despite her youth, there was something so profound in her understanding, as though she could see right through to the essence of who he was.

"And you, Jeevaa," he said, smiling as he leaned in closer, "you are wiser than anyone your age should be. I think you understand more than I do."

Bhanumati grinned but then grew more serious, her small fingers curling into his shirt. "I understand something, Jyestha... I understand that even strong people need to be taken care of. So, if you're ever tired, if you ever feel alone, you come to me, okay?"

Vajra felt a lump form in his throat at her words. He wasn't sure how she knew, but there was something about her—this incredible wisdom she carried. It was as if she could sense that something had shifted in him, that something weighed on his heart, though she didn't know what it was. She was so like his mother. 

"Alright, Jeevaa," he whispered softly, his voice tender. "I'll come to you."

Bhanumati smiled, her innocence still shining through despite her deep understanding. She leaned her head on Vajra's chest, content to simply be in his presence again.

And for that moment, as they sat together, brother and sister, the world seemed perfect.

Vajra held her close, cherishing the moment, grateful for the presence of his little sister, who somehow knew exactly what he needed even without words.

Inside Krishna's private chambers, there was a stillness, a calm that always seemed to radiate from him.

Vajra sat by Krishna's feet, pressing them gently, his fingers moving with care and affection. He had always revered his grandfather, but after years away, the bond felt even deeper, as though time and distance had only strengthened the connection between them.

Krishna watched his grandson with a fond smile, his wise, ancient eyes observing Vajra with a mixture of affection and love. "You have grown, Ladla," he said, his voice soft yet resonant. "Not just in years, but in spirit."

Vajra looked up, meeting Krishna's gaze. There was something in those words that felt more profound than the simple acknowledgment of his growth. "I learned much, Pitamaha," he replied, his voice equally soft. "But I feel there is still so much I do not know."

Krishna smiled, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "That is the beginning of true wisdom, my child. To know that you do not know. But tell me," he continued, resting his hand gently on Vajra's head, "what weighs on your heart? I can see it in your eyes—there is a heaviness there."

Vajra paused, unsure how to voice the feelings that had been swirling within him since his return. The time in the ashrama, the people he had met, the struggles he had witnessed—everything had left a mark on his heart, one that felt too complex to put into words. And then there was Aparajita... a name that echoed in his thoughts like a quiet refrain, never spoken aloud, yet ever-present.

"I saw many things while I was away," Vajra began slowly. "I learned about the strength of people, their ability to endure, to fight against the forces that threaten them. But I also saw the darkness in men as I travelled back here, the greed, the violence that takes root when dharma is forgotten. Sometimes, I wonder if I am strong enough to stand against it Pitamaha."

Krishna listened intently, his expression softening as Vajra spoke. "Strength, my ladla, is not just in the power of your arms or the sharpness of your sword. It is in your heart, in the choices you make every day. Standing for dharma, even when it is difficult. That is the true measure of strength."

Vajra nodded, but there was still a question that lingered in his mind, one that he hadn't been able to shake. "But, Pitamaha... is it possible to always choose the path of peace? Is it possible to stand for dharma without violence? I killed a man... a cannibal, to protect someone. But... it haunts me still. Could I have chosen differently?"

Krishna's eyes grew distant for a moment, as if he were gazing into the depths of time itself, reflecting on the battles and choices of his own life. "Vajra, there are moments in life when the path of peace and the path of violence seem intertwined, where there is no clear distinction between them. I have stood on many battlefields, where the line between dharma and adharma blurred in the chaos of war."

He sighed softly, his gaze returning to Vajra's. "But remember this: violence is never the goal. It is a tool, one to be used with great caution, and only when every other path has been exhausted. You did what you had to in that moment. You protected the innocent. That is dharma. But you carry the burden of that act because you understand its weight. That is what sets you apart."

Vajra absorbed his words in silence, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. His grandfather's wisdom always had a way of easing the turmoil in his heart.

After a pause, Krishna spoke again, his voice quieter, more personal. "But tell me, Vajra... there is something more. There is someone whom you have grown to respect and now miss, isn't there?"

Vajra's breath caught for a moment, his thoughts immediately drifting to Aparajita. He hadn't expected this conversation to go in that direction, but Krishna always seemed to know, to see beyond the surface.

"I... met someone, Pitamaha" he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "She is unlike anyone I've ever known. Strong, wise... yet burdened with her own battles. She has built walls around herself, but I see her strength, her heart. I... don't know what this means yet, but she has left a mark on me."

Krishna smiled knowingly, a gentle laugh escaping his lips. "Ah, young love? ". 

Vajra almost mock pouted at him. 

" Alright ladla , no fun. I am not teasing you or concluding anything on this matter for I understand your heart. But love is the beginning of something deeper. It is a force as powerful as any weapon, ladla. Stronger than anything you will face on the battlefield. But it is also delicate, and it takes time, patience, to understand its true nature."

Vajra looked up at his grandfather, feeling both comforted and perplexed. "How will I know, Pitamaha? How will I know when I truly face something deeper?"

Krishna's eyes sparkled with the wisdom of a thousand lifetimes. "You will not know with your mind, Ladla. You will know with your heart. And when the time comes, that knowledge will be as clear as the light of the sun."

The silence that followed was filled with unspoken understanding. Vajra felt a profound sense of connection, not just to his grandfather, but to something larger—a truth that was still unfolding, one he was beginning to grasp, slowly but surely.

Vajra leaned down, pressing his forehead to Krishna's feet in deep reverence. Krishna's hand rested on his head, blessing him with the kind of love that only a grandfather can give—a love that was boundless, eternal.

"Remember, Ladla," Krishna said softly, "I will always be with you. In every choice, in every moment of doubt, you will find me there."

Vajra nodded, his heart full of gratitude, knowing that this moment, this conversation, was one he would carry with him forever.

To be continued...

Here comes the next chapter.

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