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Guru Dronacharya's
Ashram

On the grounds of Guru Dronacharya's Ashram, Dushasana and the fourth born Kaurav, Vivinsati, stroll inside a tent. They were grateful that their mamashree had provided them with such a facility.

But as soon as the walk in, they are enraged to see a teenage boy already resting on their bed. In anger, Vivinsati turns to his brother, gritting his teeth.

"Bhrata Dushasana, who is this boy, that dares to rest on our bed?!"

"I don't know Vivinsati, but I will surely make him pay." Dushasana's eyes land on a sword laying nearby.

Dushasana takes a step forward with the sword in his hand, ready to strike the boy. A whip coils around the sword and pulls it away from Dushasana's hands just as he is about to strike.

Both Vivinsati and Dushasana are taken aback by the boy's demeanour. With a fierce expression on his face, the boy turns around.

"How dare you snatch Bhrata Dushasana's weapon?" While Vivinsati yells in anger, Dushasana's eyes fall on something peculiar.

A marquise shaped white gem rests on the boy's forehead. Dushasana smirks to himself as he recalls his Mamashree's remarks regarding the gemstone.

"Murkh Vivinsati!" [Vivinsati, you fool!]

Vivinsati stands still, taken aback. Why was his bhrata yelling at him rather than the boy in front of them?

"Saahas nahi, parantu shikshan. Guru ke putra aayu mein chote ho, tab bhi unhe jyesht bhrata yogy hai. Aisa mamashree ne kaha the. Aur yeh toh aayu mein bhi humse bade hai." Dushasana continues, and instantly Vivinsati understands his bhrata's words. [Not courage, but a teaching. Even if the son of the Guru is younger in age, he is eligible to be called older brother. Mamashree said so. And he is older than us even in age.]

Folding his hands in front of him, Dushasana bows his head slightly, with Vivinsati following suit. "Accept my greetings, friend."

The boy looks at the two princes, impressed. Standing from his spot, the man drops the sword, throwing it on the bed behind him.

"You seem cultured. I was afraid that I may have to force the princes of Hastinapur to change their attitude." Ashwatthama answers, clearly impressed by the two Princes.

Vivinsati's eyes keep travelling back to the gem on Ashwatthama's forehead. "What is the gem on your forehead?"

Vivinsati and Dushasana inwardly pray that they haven't offended their teacher's son by asking such a personal question.

They really wanted the boy to be on their side, so that they wouldn't be faced with any problems in the Gurukul or get in trouble with their Guru.

Ashwatthama smiles at the two, before answering, "It is the center of my sharp brain, and limitless powers. It is the fruit of the penace I did in my previous life. Due to this gem, I will never fall sick or grow old."

"Then being friends with a great brahman like you, will be a blessing to the future king of Hastinapur." Dushasana takes a seat in front of Ashwatthama, his words confusing Vivinsati, as Duryodhan was the eldest of the Kauravas.

Previously, Dushasana would have rooted for his brother to be the Samrat of Hastinapur, but ever since his jyesht, Duryodhan had met the Rajkumari of Karwasa, he had been acting differently.

Duryodhan spent more time with the Rajkumari and the Pandavas than with Dushasana. He was even treating the Pandavas with more respect, which surprised the Kauravas.

Currently, Dushasana has his eyes set on the throne of Hastinapur. He wouldn't let his brother or the Pandavas take over it.

"My mamashree has made all these arrangements for me. Hereafter, you will have equal rights on all these things as much as I have." Dushasana's words fill Ashwatthama with delight. He was surprised at the Prince who was ready to share all the luxuries with him.

The two Rajkumar smirk at eachother, upon noticing Ashwatthama's expression. It was easy to fool and bribe someone who has never known luxury, a tactic they learnt from their mamashree.

Ashwatthama looks around the room, ecstatic that he, too, was able to partake in these luxury. He approaches a lamp sitting in a tub of water and rose petals.

Taking a sniff from it, Ashwatthama turns to the Rajkumars. "A lamp burning with perfumed oil? Such great facilities! Life at the palace is actually very comfortable."

"This is nothing. The day you become the Royal teacher of Hastinapur, there will be an abundance of facilities. Your friend promises you." Dushasana fuels the greed in Ashwatthama mind, making him an ally.

While Ashwatthama is basking in the facilities provided by the royals, and Dushasana and Vivinsati are silently celebrating their victory, the tent begins to shake.

Shocked, they frantically look aroumd, wondering what is happening. As they look around for help, the tent begins to shake violently, before flying off in the air, leaving them roofless.

The three look around, confused about what is happening. They watch as the tent flys away from them.

And that's when their eyes fall on Dronacharya, standing with his hands on his hips. His face is adorned with the look of disappointment and anger.

The Pandavas, Jeevika, Duryodhan, and Kauravas run over to the spot as they notice the tent in the air. The Pandavas and Duryodhan stand close to Jeevika as the wind speed picks up around them.

A bunny rests on Jeevika's hands, terrified, cuddling up close to Rajkumari. When Nakul notices the bunny's distress, he motions to Jeevika, who immediately wraps her arms around him.

They all watch, as Dronacharya picks a stick from the ground, and closes his eyes. Dronacharya mutters a few spells, before aiming the stick at the tent.

Dronacharya launches the stick towards the tent. Everyone watches as the stick turns into a lit up matchstick, setting the tent on fire.

Everyone takes a step back as the tent falls to the ground in front of them, eliciting gasps from everyone around.

Kripi, Ashwatthama's mother and Guru Dronacharya's wife, hears the voices and rushes out to investigate.

She stands there, speechless, her hand covering her mouth. Her eyes search the surroundings, looking for any signs of injury on the kids.

"Sone ke patra mein bhojan parosa toh ja sakata hai, parantu usamen pakaaya nahi jaa sakata." Dronacharya monotonously says, his anger underlaced in the words. [Food can only be served in gold platter, but it cannot be cooked in it.]

Dushasana, Vivinsati, and Ashwatthama glare at Dronacharya in fury as he continues. "Facilities or luxuries are not allowed for the students in the ashram."

Ashwatthama's anger towards his father bubbling as he watches the tent burn in front of his eyes. How could his father do this?!

Turning away from his son, Dronacharya faces the Pandavas, Kauravas, and Jeevika. Standing tall, he folds his hands behind his back and questions, "Aaj ka pehla prashn. Kathor parishram kya mahitav hai?" [The first question of the today. What is the importance of hard work?]

Dronacharya's eyes scan over his students, and land on The youngest Pandava, Sahadev. "Sahadev, tum uttar do." [Sahadev, you answer.]

The youngest Pandava, known for his wisdom smiles at his teacher. "Guru dev, jiske jeevan mein kathor parishram nahi, uske jeevan mein saphalata ka koi mahitav hi nahi." [The one who does not have hard work in his life, there is no importance of success in his life.]

Dronacharya nods his head at Sahadev's answer. His eyes then fall on the Rajkumari of Karwasa. "Jeevika, tum batao, Kathor parishram ka kya mahitav hai?" [Jeevika, you tell me, what is the importance of hardwork?]

Feeding the bunny in her arms, Jeevika moves forward to answer, "Guru dev, ek sapna jaadoo se sach nahi hota. Usse sach karne keliye dridh sankalp aur kathor parishram lagta hai." [Guru dev, a dream doesn't come true with magic. To make the dream come true, you need determination and hard work.]

"It's human nature that we want our family and loved ones to get all the happiness without any pain. That's why we always keep them and ourselves away from from hard work. We try to increase our comforts and facilities. But we forget that hard word makes our bodies' healthier. When our brains encounter tough challenges, it becomes more brillant. When our heart and soul experience difficulties they become even stronger. It means whenever we try to keep ourselves away from hard work, aren't we actually shutting the door to our happiness."

Jeevika finishes off, a smile gracing her face. She has no idea how, but answering these questions was pretty simple, as if she was well-versed in the subject.

Narayan smiles at his priye. His priye Chanchala bestows blessings on people who work hard and diligently achieve their fortune. She prioritises hard work above all else.

Dronacharya smiles, impresed at Jeevika's answer. Even Kripi nods in agreement. Dronacharya then looks over to his son, Dushasana and Vivinsati.

"Learn something from her. She is younger than you, yet knows the value of hard work."

With that, Dronacharya walks off, Kripi following behind closely. The Pandavas, and Duryodhan turn to Vikriti with a smile.

"Very well, Gudiya, Sahadev." Yudhishtira strokes Jeevika's head, praising her and his youngest brother.

"Madhavi, Deva, you both were amazing today. Good job with your answers." Arjun says, praising his sister and brother.

Jeevika blushes at the praises, before turning to Sahadev. "Bhrata Sahadev, you answer was correct as well. Good job."

Dushasana, Ashwatthama, and Vivinsati glare at the Rajkumari of Karwasa, before walking away from everyone, promising revenge for their insult.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Jeevika takes a seat in between Vikarna and Arjun on the ground. Food lays in front of everyone, and they were just waiting for their Guru dev's order to begin eating.

It was long day for everyone. They had finished unpacking their luggage and their Guru dev had assigned each one of them with tasks to help around the Ashram.

Just as Duryodhan is about to sit away from the Pandavas and with the Kauravas, Bheem notices this and stops him.

"Bhrata Duryodhan, aap humare saath baitye na." Bheem says, patting the seat between him and Sahadev, shocking the Kauravas and most of the Pandavas. [Brother Duryodhan, sit beside me.]

Yudhishtira, Arjun, and Jeevika are all smiling, while Nakul and the Kauravas are just watching Duryodhan, who is sitting between Bheem and Sahadev.

Yudhishtira is relieved to see Duryodhan and Bheem getting along so well. This was exactly what he desired: all of his brothers in one place.

By clearing his throat, Dronacharya draws everyone's attention. He was relieved to see his students working out their differences.

"Shuru karo." Dronacharya motions for his students to start eating the food. [Begin eating]

At their Guru's order, everyone begins to eat their food prepared by Guru Mata, Kripi. Just as Bheem is about to eat a morsel of food, he notices something that makes him frown.

"Kya huha Bhrata Bheem?" Jeevika questions as she observes his expressions. [What happened Brother Bheem?]

At Jeevika's comments, everyone glances at Bheem. They couldn't figure out what was going on between the two.

With a frown on his face, Bheem raises his head from his plate. "Kuch nahi Ladoo." [Nothing Ladoo.]

"Bolo na putra Bheem, kya huha hai?" Kripi asks, worried about the boy. She always wanted everyone to enjoy her meals, so if someone was not happy, she was upset. [Tell me dear Bheem, what's wrong?]

Duryodhan lays a hand on Bheem's shoulders as he is sitting next to the Vayuputra. "Tell us Bhrata Bheem, what's wrong?"

"The motichoor ladoo in my plate is so small. How will it satisfy my hunger."

Everyone bursts out into laughter, even Dronacharya and Yudhishtira faces are graced with smiles. Bheem pouts at everyone before glaring at Nakul and Arjun, who are kneeling in laughter on the ground.

Duryodhan is elbowed in the rib by Bheem who is glaring at him. He couldn't stop laughing at Bheem's words. Though he couldn't judge much, he is just as much of a foodie as Bheem is.

Taking a deep breath, Vikasani rubs her jaws as they hurt from laughing too hard. Finally managing to control her laughter, Krisha turns to her plate.

The Rajkumari of Karwasa takes the ladoo in her plate and then rises from her spot. Walking over to Bheem, she kneels in front of him.

Everyone watches, confused as Jeevika takes the motichoor ladoo from Bheem's plate and then breaks the ladoos.

With a gentle smile playing on her lips, Shreeja rolls the boondi in her hands. They all look on as Jeevika makes a big motichoor ladoo with her small hands.

Giving the ladoo a final pat, Jeevika extends her arms towards Bheem, who just eyes the sweet in front of him.

[pretend it's a motichoor ladoo because I love them.]

"Yeh lijiye Bhrata Bheem, ab aap yeh ladoo kha sakhte hai." Manushri's lips maintain her soft smile as she continues to stand in front of Bheem with her arms out. [Here you go Brother Bheem, now you can eat this ladoo.]

With warmth filling the hearts of the Pandavas, Kripi, Duryodhana, Dronacharya, Vikarna, and Yuyutsu observe the girl in front of them, who never failed to surprise them.

The Kauravas, and Ashwatthama glare at the girl. They couldn't let go of their anger towards the Rajkumari and now here she was, stealing all the attention away.

"Ladoo, if I eat your ladoo, what will you eat?" Bheem questions, as he takes the ladoo from Jeevika's hands.

Aarna grins at Bheem gently, and shakes her head. "Koi baat nahi, Bhrata Bheem. Aapne khaya, humne khaya, samanya baat hai." [It's okay, Bhrata Bheem. You ate, I ate, it's the same thing.]

Narayan, Mahadev, Gauri, Saraswati, and Brahma Dev view the scene in front of them. They were not surprised by Jeevika like everyone else. Their dear Padma has a childlike and soft heart.

She can't stand seeing people sad or disturbed, and she'll go to any length to make her children happy, even if it means putting herself in danger.

Demons, devtas, devis, and humans can all be her devotees. She will never discriminate against them and will always react to their pleas for help and cheering them up.

And it was because of her nature that Narayan fell in love with her all over again.

"Not at all, come here." Jeevika is scolded by Arjun, who pulls her back to her seat, in between him and Vikarna.

Arjun knows how long Jeevika and how excited she was to eat the ladoos when they had heard that Kripi was making them. He also knows her love for sweets.

He wasn't going to let him dear anuja be devoid of her favourite sweets. He had promised Madhav to keep his Madhav's Madhavi happy.

Plus, he didn't want to see his anuja sad. So Arjun lifts the ladoo from his plate, stretches it over to Jeevika's mouth.

"Here eat this. And I will not hear no for an answer." Arjun scoldes Jeevika, making the girl sigh and then take a bite from the ladoo.

Everyone is enthralled by the magnificent scene in front of them. The girl was indeed a ray of sunshine in their otherwise dreary existence. Everywhere she walks, she is surrounded by laughter and joy.

The rest of the dinner time passes with everyone enjoying the food, Arjun fussing over Jeevika to eat more, and Bheem and Duryodhan having conversations that make everyone laugh.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Happy Belated Diwali everyone! Sorry for the late update. I hope you all had a lovely Diwali.

And may Mata Lakshmi and Vignaharta bestow you with blessings.

I hope you guys like it and sorry for the late update.

Please provide any suggestions that you guys have. I want to make this story interesting for you.

Please tell me what I can improve on and who you have liked so far.

Also, this is a work of fiction and my imagination, it is not to be taken offensively pr seriously. Please refrain from reading if you are offended easily because this story will have changes.