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Ayuki,

Karwasa

A crying Jeevika lay on the bed, and the pillow hugged her face, embracing her torment. The first tear escaped, and the others followed, forming a large pool on her pillow.

[ignore the women]

Her lungs screamed for oxygen, and her sobbing was as if she were drowning. Her ribcage ached, her cheeks burned, and her mind conjured up memories  and the tears flowing.

Jeevika preferred to be alone, isolating herself in her room. She didn't talk to anyone on her way to her room, ignoring everyone. She didn't want to be around anyone.

Dark clouds surrounded the entire Empire. The wind was wild. It roars and groans, bending tree trunks and splintering branches; the wind blows and molests, bringing with it mountains of clouds that was a perfect representation of the whirlwind of emotions that was raging through her mind and heart.

As rolling clouds come crashing down on the ground, a dazzling flash appears out of nowhere, zigzagging across the lead-heavy sky, followed by ear-piercing thunders that shatter the sky and rattle the ground.

Doors slammed shut, curtains flailed fiercely, bracing for the impending storm. Another bolt of lightning rips heaven apart, and another thunderclap shatters silence. Beads of rain congeal into threads, then sheets, beating down on trees, rooftops, and streets with the help of malevolent winds.

Jeevika pulls her blanket more closely around her, and her hugs her pillow more tightly. The Rajkumari glances out of her open balcony door, the storm reflecting her pain.

The moon was cloaked in a heavy darkness that fell to the earth. The clouds jostled amongst each other causing loud vibrations and flashes of light. Jeevika lay staring up waiting for the moon to shed it's dark blanket and bring a little bit of light to the world.

Many might call her dramatic or a crybaby, but what do you expect from a person who has never been yelled at?

In love for their Rajkumari and terror of Satrupa, no one ventured to raise their voice at Jeevika. Satrupa, who had previously warned others not to yell at Jeevika, had now raised her voice at her.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

The storm outside clears out like Jeevika's mind. A melodious sound fills the air without effort, like the waves filling holes in beach sand; the sound rushing in and around Jeevika. There was something about the tunes that felt so heavenly, as if it were liquid energy seeping right through her skin.

Even the angriest man would calm down after listening to this melody. The coldness around Jeevika vanished and a cover of love wraps around the Princess.

"Who are you? Who always takes away all my worries?"

No one responds, as the music gradually lulls Jeevika to sleep. Jeevika's tears have dried up on her cheeks. Through Jeevika's balcony, a peacock feather flys into her chamber.

Krishna smiles at the sleeping form of beloved Priye as the feather settles exactly on Jeevika's cheeks, as if held by someone, and her tears vanish.

"Don't be upset, priye. It breaks my heart to see you like this."

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Mahadev and Parvati smile as they observe Jeevika and Krishna from Kailash. Kartikeya and Ganesh were perplexed. What calming effect did their mamashree's flute have on their mamishree? 

Parvati chuckles at her sons' expressions. They looked so cute when they looked lost. Mahadev softly smile at them, as his sons turn to him for answer.

"You two want to know how Narayan consoled an upset Lakshmi?" The Parvatinandan nod back. "Behen Lakshmi's mind is always at peace with her Narayan's tunes."

The two brothers had become even more lost. What did their father mean when he said that? This is something Parvati notices and decides to explain. "Narayan decorated his flute with their love for each other. The music that leaves Krishna's flute is their love. Everytime Jeevika hears the tunes, her subconscious mind is reminded of Lakshmi's memories with her Narayan. Now do you understand?"

Ganesh and Kartikeya nod as they comprehend the matter and continur to watch their mamishree a d mamashree. Their mamashree and mamishree's love was stronger than anything they had ever witnessed.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Silence filled the room as Vikram, Satrupa, and Darika sat in the court room. They had been sitting in silence ever since Jeevika ran out of the room, crying. Paras, Manav and Yuvita had followed behind, leaving these three together.

Vikram was stuck in the middle. On one side was his mother and on the other side was his daughter. He knew why his mother didn't want to let Jeevika go to Gurukul, but he also wanted his Padmakshi to be like his wife, Darika, a warrior.

Darika was trying her best. She wanted to send Jeevika to gurukul. She knew that being MahaLakshmi, Vikriti's life on Earth will not be easy.
So she wanted to prepare her for any situation or obstacle that came Vachi's way. 

"Mata, you should let her go to gurukul. It is for her own good." Darika tries to appeal to her mother-in-law.

Vikram decides to chime in, "Maa, she really wants to go. Did you see how excited she was? Please? For her happiness?"

Satrupa clenches her fists, breathing heavily. All her mind could play was her yelling at her little granddaughter. She also remembers the happiness that laced Jeevika's face when she asked for her birthday gift.

But how could she let her granddaughter go away from her? All that roamed in front of her eyes was the unconscious form of Jeevika when she was attacked.

After that attack, Satrupa had been extra careful with Jeevika. Everyone that was to meet Jeevika had to go through a test and only then will they be able to meet her.

After the attack, the citizens of Karwasa rarely saw their Rajkumari. They were only allowed to catch a glimpse of her on functions and events. Even then, she was only allowed to stay for only awhile, before she had to leave.

The dasis around Jeevika were handpicked by Satrupa. Everything, from Jeevika's clothes to her food was made under Satrupa's care and supervision.

Hearing Darika's words brings her back to the present. "Darika! I don't understand why you want to send her there? My decision is final." Satrupa questions her daughter-in-law in anger.

Darika knows how stubborn her mother-in-law can be so Darika doesn't reply. The Samragyi simply just walks forward and kneels in front of the throne that Satrupa is sitting on.

Darika grasps Satrupa's hands that are resting in the Raj Mata's lap. "Maa, I know what happened 6 years ago has shaken you. It has shaken me as well. On most nights, I get nightmares of that day, where all I can see is our Vikasani's unconscious and bruised form."

"Then why do you want to send her there, Darika. She is safe in the walls of our palace." For the first time after her husband's death, does Satrupa's voice quiver.

Darika wipes Satrupa's tears, tightening her grip around Satrupa's hands. "Maa, you and I both know that we can never keep our Jeevika all to ourselves. One day, she will get married and then she will have to leave us. We also know that if it was not important, you and I could have easily taught her. But Maa, what happens when one day we are not there to save our Jeevika?"

Vikram feels his heart breaks at the news of his daughter getting married and leaving his house forever. He was her father, he had watched her grow from a baby to the girl, and now in a few years someone will come and take her away from him.

Satrupa's heartbeat quickens at the thought of her granddaughter, defenceless and all alone with no one to protect her.

"Maa, she needs to learn things for herself. She needs to learn how to protect herself. Ever since she was born, she has always been sheltered by all of us. We have never prepared her for the hardships of the world. Maa, you, Samrat, jiji, Manav and Paras have seen places and lands that Jeevika has never seen. She should also be allowed to experience all these things. Let her go, Maa. It's not in her nature to be bound in a place for long. Let her fly." Darika finishes her words, her voice breaking at the end.

"Darika is right, Maa. Jeevika should be allowed to explore and learn like us. Let her become fearless like you and Darika. Make her the strongest woman that no one dares to lay a hand on her."

All this while Satrupa was silent. Her mind wanted to say yes. To let her granddaughter go to Gurukul, but her heart wanted to protect Jeevika amidst the walls of the castle.

Satrupa simply rises from her seat and walks out of the courtroom, numbly and silently. Vikram shifts his gaze to Darika, who is smiling.

Darika is standing with a smile on her face and tears running down her cheeks. Her mother-in-law's decisions was now very clear to her, and she mentally thanked Narayan for them.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Chavi and Ragini were concerned about their friend's well-being. Jeevika, who was always talking, was suddenly sculpting idols out of clay without saying anything.

Normally, Jeevika would tell stories about the gods while they performed this, but today, not a single word came out of her mouth.

"Jeevika, Why are so quiet today?" Ragini finally asks because the stillness is too much for her.

But alas, she is met with silence. Chavi sighs, washing her hands free of clay and mud. The girl then walks over to her best friend, whose sole focus was on the idol of Mahadev.

Chavi cups Jeevika's face, her hands caressing Jeevika cheeks in a sisterly manner. "Jeevi, tell me, Who upset my dear Krisha?"

"Was it Paras? I swear I have told him so many times not to be annoying, but does he listen?!" Ragini abruptly cuts Chavi's words, startling both Chavi and Jeevika.

But again, they were met with no words. Jeevika simply gives Chavi a tight fake smile, before turning to her clay idol. A dejected Chavi pulls away from Jeevika.

The always bright, mischievous, bubbly, and ambitious girl, today was lost somewhere. Her smile would brighten up the room, yet her sad face would suffocate those who caused.

Today, there wasn't any shine in her eyes when she smiled. She was behaving like a plastic doll, eyes in a daze, distant. It was as if she was always somewhere else. Her head, perhaps?

She didn't talk much anymore, either. The two remember when they had entered her room. She sat on the bed with puffy cheeks, and swollen red eyes from crying.

She didn't even have breakfast in the morning. Everyone was running here and there for her birthday, yet she didn't feel any happiness.

Sensing that she needed some time alone to recollect her thoughts, Chavi and Ragini simply gather their stuff and begin to walk.

The Pandavas, who were walking in the garden, looking for the Rajkumari, suddenly come face to face with the Princesses of Parvas; Chavi and Ragini.

"Pranipat Rajkumari Chavi, Pranipat Rajkumari Ragini." The Pandavas wish the Princesses, taking note of their solemn expression.

"Pranipat." The two sisters reply in a low tone.

Arjun frowns at the Princesses, before walking in front of them. "Kya hua Rajkumariyon? Aap dono itni dukhita kyu hai?" [What happened Princesses? Why are you two so sad?]

The two sisters glance at one another. They didn't if they should share this or not because it was a family matter. But they don't know why, they felt like they could trust the five brothers.

"Humare saath chaliye." Deciding to the trust the five brothers, the two sisters lead the Pandavas to where they were previously seated. [Come with us.]

Before following behind the two, the Pandavas gaze at each other, completely befuddled. Even though they didn't know if they could help or not, they were willing to help the two Princesses.

Chavi and Ragini stop a few steps away from where they were exactly sitting. "There." Ragini points out with her finger, which the Pandavas follow.

The Pandavas witness the Rajkumari engrossed in the making of a statue out of clay and mud. Mud was on her clothes and cheeks, but it only enhanced to her charm.

The Rajkumari was so immersed in it that she didn't even notice the Pandavas and the two Princesses watching her from the sides. The Pandavas notice the shine in her eyes missing, and a tight smile on her face.

Nakul, confused, turns back to the Princesses, before whispering, "Why is the Rajkumari sad?"

"We don't know, but she has been like this since the morning. When we went to her room, her eyes were swollen, like she was crying." Chavi answers, readjusting the strap of her bag.

"We have been trying to cheer her up. But she hasn't smiled since the morning, nor has she talked." Ragini adds, nervously chewing her nails.

The Pandavas' gaze kept returning to Rajkumari. They were uneasy at the possibility of her crying. They'd only seen Rajkumari as a cheerful girl.

The five brothers share a look. They don't know why, but they felt compelled to cheer up the girl. It seemed as if it was their duty to make the girl smile and talk again.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Jeevika places the completed idol of Mahadev on the side. The idols might not be the best looking but Jeevika made them with full devotion and love for her bhrata.

[credit: Art Tech; Youtube]

She's always felt a brotherly love for Mahadev. It seemed like he was always there for her. Where some feared him, because of his anger, Jeevika loved him because he easily pleased and showers his blessings on his true devotees without any complex rituals.

Madadev is a tapasvi who enjoys meditation and is devoid of wealth and has given his entire wealth to his wife, Mata Parvati. Jeevika engrossed in the thoughts of her Bhrata Mahadev, when a delicious smell reach her nose.

Suddenly a plate is placed on the ground across from Jeevika. What she saw in the plate made her mouth water. It was her favourite; Khoya Coconut Ladoos. They were garnished and plated so perfectly.

Looking up, Jeevika sees the Pandavas sitting in a circle around the plate of ladoos. Taking a deep breath, Jeevika licks her lips, before returning back to her statue.

The Pandavas smirk, noticing they had caught Jeevika's attention. It had taken them a while to enter to kitchen as no one will let them because they were guests.

When they did enter, Bheem kicked all the staff out, only his brothers with him. It took them a long time to decide what to make, but Arjun felt as a voice in his head kept whispering, to make khoya coconut ladoos.

Bheem instantly liked the idea and divided the work between all his brothers. Now they just had to wait for the Rajkumari to fall into their trap.

"Amazing Bhrata Bheem. I have never tasted ladoos as tasty as this." Sahadev praises, placing a ladoo in his mouth.

Jeevika shifts in her seat at Sahadev's words. Observing this, Arjun also decides to join in. He purposely takes a ladoo, places it in Jeevika's field of sight.

Smirking, Arjun takes a bite when he knows he has Jeevika's full attention. "Bhrata Bheem, your hands are magical. I honestly pity those people that can't have your ladoos." Arjun says in between his chewing.

A unexpected whine escapes Jeevika's mouth, and the Pandavas hold in their laughter. "What can I say Arjun? I am very good at making food. You know those who can't have food from my hands are just not lucky I guess."

"You are absolutely right, Bhrata Bheem." Nakul places a ladoo in his mouth and Jeevika just watches with her mouth wide open.

Having had enough of the Pandavas food torture, Jeevika marches towards them. As she reaches their circle, she places her muddy hands on waist. Yudhishtira and Arjun hold back a smile, whereas Bheem, Nakul, and Sahadev close their eyes, enjoying the ladoos.

Jeevika clears her throat, but everyone ignores her. She does it again, this time stomping her feet on the ground, but they ignore her again.

Noticing that they are ignoring her, Jeevika takes a seat in between Bheem and Arjun. But much to her dismay, they don't pay her any heed.

"Even I want a ladoo. Can I have one?" The Pandavas have a sly smirk on their faces. They had gotten the Rajkumari to speak; now it was time to make her smile.

All five brothers stare at her. Nakul raises an eyebrow and says, "Did you say something, Rajkumari?"

Huffing in frustration, Jeevika grumbles, "I said can I have a ladoo?"

"I am sorry Rajkumari, but ladoos only go to people who are happy. You don't seem happy, so you cannot have them." Yudhishtira speaks, making Jeevika throw her hands up in exasperation.

She has never heard of such a law before. She really wanted the ladoos, they looked so tasty. Jeevika musters up her best fake smile.

"Can I have a ladoo now? See I am happy now." Jeevika points at her fake smile and Arjun coughs, fighting back a laugh.

Much to Jeevika's displeasure, the five brothers shake their head at her. "Not like that Rajkumari. You have to laugh our way." Arjun declares.

Jeevika pouts at Arjun's words. "And what way is that?"

Before Jeevika can say another word, Bheem and Arjun start poking her stomach. Soon Nakul and Sahadev also join in the tickling session. Being really ticklish, Jeevika instantly cracks up.

Her laughing was so free and pure that the Pandavas thought it was melody. Her laughter was summer rain and birdsong, and the Pandavas felt the sun lighten as they heard it. Her laughter seemed to lift a veil from their eyes, allowing them to view the world more clearly.

Her soft expressions of joy seemed to be both a gift and a sign of the Pandavas' and Jeevika's deepening relationship with each other.

"St-stop." Jeevika manages to slip out, as she tries to breathe in between laughing and being tickled.

Taking note how her face is turning red from not being able to breathe, the Pandavas pull back, sitting back in their respective.

Taking deep breaths to calm herself down, Jeevika sits down on her previous spot. With a bright real smile on her face, she turns to the five brothers.

"Can I have a ladoo now?"

The five brothers laugh, before nodding in a yes. Jeevika pulls the plate of ladoos towards herself, only to notice that her hands are covered in mud.

The Pandavas also notice this, so they each grab a coconut ladoo from the plate, before one by one feeding Jeevika with their own hands. The girl smiles at them, her worries all forgotten.

"Now tell me Rajkumari, did you like my ladoos." Bheem inquires so he has more to brag about in front of his brothers, about how the Rajkumari liked his ladoos.

Jeevika only nods back, to busy in eating a ladoo from Yudhishtira's hands. The others smile at her, her mouth was full of ladoos, yet she accepted more when Yudhishtira fed her.

"Calm down ladoo, and don't eat so fast. Otherwise you will choke." Bheem accidentally blurts out, his eyes wide in realization.

Jeevika freezes, her eyes diverting to Bheem, and then the Pandavas. She observes them for awhile, before her lips turn into a smile.

"It's okay, Bhrata Bheem. You can call me Ladoo. I like the nickname." The Pandavas visibly relax under Jeevika's gaze.

Arjun wraps his arms around her shoulder, pulling her close. "So that means that we can call you by any nickname?" Arjun receives a hum from Jeevika as an answer.

Arjun smiles brightly at her words, "Then from now on I will call Madhavi. You are so sweet like honey."

"When then Bhrata Arjun, if that is the case then Sahadev and I will call her as Mohini. Because she is really beautiful and can enchant anyone." Nakul and Sahadev decide at the same time.

Now everyone turns to Yudhishtira, who just smiles at them. Even Jeevika awaits what he will nickname her. "Well Rajkumari reminds me a beautiful doll I once say Mata give to Dushala. So I will call you Gudiya."

Yudhishtira extends his arms, and Bheem, Arjun, Sahadev, Nakul and Jeevika all rush in his arms. The hug has woven their souls in a way that is a forever siblings bond.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Somewhere far, but not so far, a beautiful woman is seen admiring herself in a mirror. Her beautiful kohl filled eyes standing out the most. The woman was trying to wear a earring.

Grabbing a ring from a variety of other precious gems, she lifts her arm high in the hair, wearing the ring on her middle finger.

Then her eyes land on the various selection of expensive necklaces that lay in front of her. A gold necklace with grey and red gems catch her attention, and she instantly ties it around her neck.

Standing from her vanity, the woman grabs her heavy and loud payal. She places her foot on a platform before wrapping the payal around her feet.

After wearing her payal, the woman moves in front of the mirror. Noticing her beauty she does the nazar na lage hand gesture, and places a black dot behind her ear. She looks at her reflection confidently.

I'm coming

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Who is coming? Who is this woman?

I hope you guys like it.

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.