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Guru Dronacharya's
Ashram

An Ashram surrounded by a lush Forest, and a beautiful river resonates with the sounds of teenage boys training in hopes of becoming thr Warriors that the future generations would remember.

"Putro! Please come in and eat." Kripi, the Wife of Dronacharya, calls out as she walks out of a hut holding food.

The aroma of the excellent food reaches the boys' nostrils after a long day of training. They were so focused in their training that they were completely unaware that it was time for lunch.

A young boy, approximately 17 years old, licks his lips at the smell and dropping his mace on the foot of the Maharani of Hastinapur's eldest son, Gandhari.

"Bheem!" Duryodhan cries in anguish, grabbing everyone's attention as he hops into his spot, gripping his foot.

Duryodhan shoots a glare to Nakul, Sahadev, and Arjun as they snicker at his state. Karna and Yudhishtira try hard to keep their smiles hidden, but it manages to sneak up on their lips.

As he understands what he has done, Bheem bites his tongue. He quickly raises his mace from the ground, setting his mace down at a distance, and rushing over to his brother.

"I'm really sorry, Duryodhan. Guru Mata's exquisite food had me completely distracted." Bheem apologises to Duryodhan, shaking his body.

Duryodhan's entire body trembles as a result of the impact, making him wince. "It's fine, Bheem," he says, "but please don't shake me."

Bheem suddenly stops shaking Duryodhan's body, causing him to lose his footing and stagger in his place.

Karna notices Kripi waiting for them and being the eldest, steps forward to draw the attention of his younger brothers.

"Bheem, Duryodhan. Guru Mata is waiting for all of us; we must not keep her waiting. Let's go eat our lunch."

At their Jyesht's advice, the boys nod their heads and proceed towards Guru Mata, Kripi. After all of their hard work, they were all hungry.

As they walk closer, they notice the presence of Dronacharya, the Kauravas, Ashwatthama, Vikarna and Yuyutsu, earning a smile from them.

Dushasana and Vivinsati sit at a distance, observing the Pandavas, their eldest brother, and the Sutputra with a sneer on their faces.

However, they were ignored by everyone else like always. The others really didn't want to spoil their own moods by talking to the two of them and hearing bitter words.

Kripi brightens as she sees the boys approaching her. "Come on, Putro. Because you've all worked so hard today, it's critical that you're all well-fed to keep your energy levels up."

Bheem takes a seat next to Yuyutusu right away, pushing through Nakul and Sahadev, the sons of Madri glare at their Bhrata Bheem.

"Bheem, keep an eye on your surroundings." Yudhishtira scolds Bheem half-heartedly, witnessing Nakul and Sahadev giving him puppy looks to punish Bheem.

Arjun laughs as he takes a seat next to Karna, along with his other brothers. His hazel eyes gleefully scanning his surroundings until he realises his anuja is missing.

Arjun punches Karna in the ribs with a frown, attracting Radheya's attention. Radheya passes Arjun a stern look before his eyes fall on Arjun's gesture.

The Suryaputra follows the Panduputra's gaze and landing on the unoccupied spot between Yudhishtira and Duryodhan. Instantly his brows are pinched as well.

The two unknown brothers glance at each other with worried looks. Arjun nods his head, as Karna gestures something towards him.

The son of Indradev turns his head to Kripi and questions, "Guru Mata, Madhavi kahan hai?" [Guru Mata, where is Madhavi?]

This question halts everyone in their action. Even Dronacharya. How had they not noticed the absence of Jeevika. The girl that is talkative and cheerful to not bounds.

Two years. Two years have passed beautifully in the ashram of Guru Dronacharya. These two years have been full of love, knowledge, Peace, and happiness.

Time passed and it mended the broken bonds of the Rajkumars of Hastinapur. Destiny couldn't help but watch how sour relationships that were meant to be bitter turned into brotherly love and bonding.

Someone had caused this change. Someone to whom even destiny would be compelled to bow. Someone, who was the Shakti of the Universe's Protector. Someone who embodied the mother of all mothers. And that someone is;

Rajkumari Jeevika.

Jeevika; The Rajkumari of Karwasa. The Shakti of Narayan, and his priye Lakshmi. The one who charmed the Chitchor, time and time again. The one who was incarnated to change the destiny of Mahabharat.

Kripi's gaze scans the seating area, recognising her beloved daughter's absence. "Putra Arjun, I'm not sure. Do you know where Jeevika is, Arya?"

"No, Kripi. Jeevika completed her training early, as she normally does, and I let her rest for a while." Dronacharya responds, shaking his head in response to his wife's query.

"Gurudev, Gurumata, you know how Mohini is. She rarely stays in one place for long." Sahadev uses logic to persuade everyone to agree with his conclusion.

Ashwatthama looks to his friends and classmates, as well as his father "I agree with Sahadev, Pitashree. Perhaps we should call Shree."

"Bhrata Ashwatthama, you are correct. I'm going to summon Laddoo." Bheem says, standing for his spot and cupping his mouth to loudly yell;

"Jeevika!"

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

At a distance from the ashram, a beautiful forest is seen in view. Every branch, corner, every creature that lives in the forest reflecting the beauty of nature.

The forest appears to be a three-dimensional wonderland for the one's eyes. Ready to absorb the light, from the rich brown clay colours of the woodland ground to the sweetness of the blue-white sky.

A gorgeous young girl is spotted deep in this lush forest, accompanied by numerous animals ranging from preys to preadtors. They all appear to be sitting in peace and harmony with one another.

The girl's magnificent soul glows brightly, outshining the sun's light and rays. Her motherly movements spoke of her loving nature, and her eyes spoke of a pure heart.

A bunny rests in the girl's lap, and she gently strokes its head. The other animals look at the tiny baby bunny with a smidgeon of envy.

Jeevika, the girl, giggles as she observes the envious expressions of the other animals seated alongside her.

"Don't give the poor bunny a hard time. Every day, you all get to cuddle with me. He was only born a few days ago. Allow him to enjoy my warm embrace as well." The girl scolds the animals in a melodious manner.

The animals immediately stop staring at the baby rabbit, as if they understood her. Vikriti has always had a strong affinity for animals and the rest of nature.

Shreeja's attention is drawn to the sound of leaves crunching beneath someone's feet, and she immediately turns her head to the source of the sound.

Padmakshi's enchanting lotus eyes are drawn to a man's silhouette. The sun is shining brightly in the background, bouncing off the trees and the man's torso.

The animals leap to their feet in defence, forming a protective stance in front of Jeevika. Just then, the man's face comes into view.

The man, Bhagwaan Ved Vyas walks in front of the young girl, piercing into the girl's eyes. The animals instantly backs off, taking a step back from Jeevika.

A few days ago, Mahadev and Mata Parvati had paid Ved Vyas, informing him that he should depart towards Guru Dronacharya's Ashram. He was tasked to lead a young girl to a new ashram.

While travelling through this forest, he had felt a pure and divine energy, and now that he glances at the girl, he finally understands why.

The Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity stood in front of him. The mother of all the Universes. Along with her Narayan, she is the one who looks after the world.

Ved Vyas, overwhelmed by MahaLakshmi's presence, bows his head in front of Narayani without even realising it.

Whatever game Narayan and Mata Lakshmi were playing this time, he was glad that he could be apart of their leela.

It was definitely for the greater good of the world. It was inevitable to teach the world a lesson about dharma, or love, if MahaLakshmi and Narayan were temporarily separated.

Bhagwaan Ved Vyas bows in front of Jeevika, who looks perplexed. Manushri folds her hands in respect for the Great Sage.

"Pranipat Bhagwaan Ved Vyas." Unknowingly, Narayani blesses the Sage as she greets him.

Ved Vyas composes himself, his eyes watching Aarna. It was clear that she couldn't remember her own identity. As a result, he'd have to go along with Narayan's leela.

Ved Vyas gives her a friendly smile, "Pranipat putri. What are you doing here? In the middle of the forest?"

"Bhagwaan Ved Vyas, I finished my training early, so Gurudev let me roam around. So I decided to visit the forest and play with the animals." As Vachi answers, Ved Vyas nods his head in understanding.

Suddenly, a loud voice startles all of the animals, causing them to flee into the forest. As the voice resounds throughout the jungle, Jeevika and Ved Vyas listen.

"Jeevika!"

The said girl smiles at the sound of her bhrata Bheem's voice. That's when Jeevika's eyes fall on the sun. It was nearly lunch time.

Jeevika gently smiles as she turns to face the Sage "Would you like to join us for lunch, Bhagwaan Ved Vyas? You must have travelled quite a distance."

Ved Vyas acknowledges the ocean of compassion with a smile. The one who seeks forgiveness for her children in front of Narayan.

"That will work perfectly, putri. I was on my way to Dronacharya's Ashram anyways. Can you lead me towards it?" Ved Vyas asks the young girl.

"Yes, come this way."

With that, Jeevika leads Ved Vyas to Guru Dronacharya's Ashram, not knowing how this was going to change her and Karna's lives going forward.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Everyone winces, covering their ears as Bheem very loudly calls out for Jeevika. They were pretty sure they were gonna be deaf if Bheem continued to doing that again.

"Bheem Bhrata! Do you want me to go deaf when I'm so young? Who will marry a Prince who is deaf?" Nakul sighs and pouts at the Vayuputra as he massages his ears.

"Nakul!" As Bheem starts chasing him around, the older Ashwini Kumar dashes.

Nakul grips Karna's arms, as he hides behind the Suryaputra, using him as a shield. ""Save me for Bhrata Bheem, Jyesht."

Karna turns to confront Bheem, amused at his brother's antics. "Let him be, Bheem. He is younger than you."

Nakul sticks his tongue out at Bheem as he is scolded by Karna. "Nakul, I can see you as well."

Nakul bites his tongue, and sheepishly smiles as Karna notices his actions as well. Everyone except Dushasana and Vivinsati chuckle at their banter.

That's when Yuyutsu's eyes fall on two figures walking through the gates of the Ashram. He instantly raises his finger to point. "Look there comes Jeevika."

Everyone follows Yuyutsu's finger to the direction. They notice the beautiful face of Vikasani. At the sight of her smile, a soothing air washes over them. Then their gaze is drawn to the figure standing next to Shreeja.

Dronacharya and Kripi gasp at figure, instantly rushing over to them. Even Karna, Yudhishtira, and Ashwatthama are gobsmacked at the sight of the Great Bhagwaan Ved Vyas.

The others follow their Gurudev, taking the blessings of Ved Vyas, just like Dronacharya and Kripi.

"Bhagwaan, what have I done to be blessed by your presence?" Dronacharya questions, his heart racing at the possible outcomes of Ved Vyas' visit.

"Drona. I want to speak with you in private." Ved Vyas says, motioning towards Dronacharya's students.

Dronacharya nods, "Of course Bhagwaan Ved Vyas. Please."

With that, Dronacharya leads Ved Vyas to his hut, leaving behind his confused students, son, and wife. Kripi guides the children to their seats, making the kids have their food.

Dronacharya stands in front of Ved Vyas, his hands folded. What was so important that Bhagwaan Ved Vyas wanted to talk to him in private?

Sensing Dronacharya questions, Ved Vyas smiles at Drona. "I know you many questions, Drona. But first you have to answer a few of my questions."

Dronacharya nods his head, not that there was much he could do. He couldn't deny Ved Vyas.

"Answer me, Drona. Have you felt that Jeevika is special? That she is divine?" Ved Vyas questions the teacher.

Dronacharya is surprised by the question. He did feel auspiciousness, purity, and divinity around the Rajkumari of Karwasa. It was as if these adjectives were made for her.

"Truthfully Bhagwaan, I have felt a calm feeling around Jeevika. She also excelled in all the training classes as well as other classes. I really don't know what to teach her anymore."

Ved Vyas closes his eyes, nodding his head. He opens his eyes, glancing at Dronacharya. "Which is why I am here to help you, Drona."

"What do you mean, Bhagwaan?"

"Drona. Jeevika isn't just any Rajkumari. She is the Jagat Mata. She is Narayan's priye. She is MahaLakshmi."

Dronacharya looks on, shocked at revelation. His student was MahaLakshmi?! The Rajkumari of Karwasa was Narayani?!

It made so much sense now that he thinks about it. She excelled in her studies and other activities, while others struggled. She managed to do the impossible by reuniting Kauravas and Pandavas. Plus, she wasn't affected by his Maya at all.

Dronacharya falls on his knees in happiness and shock. He couldn't believe that he was blessed with the idea of being the teacher of MahaLakshmi in one of her incarnations.

Ved Vyas just observes the scene. He knew what it felt like. He had experienced it before. "Now, Mahadev and Mata Gauri visited me last night. They want Mata Lakshmi to go to a new ashram."

"But why Bhagwaan?" Dronacharya questions, curiosity lacing his voice.

Ved Vyas sighs, staring off into the distance, "I don't know, Drona. But I can say that it for the betterment. And also Mata doesn't know her identity yet. So don't reveal it to her. I'm sure this is part of a leela of Lakshmi-Narayan."

Dronacharya agrees with the Great Sage. Ved Vyas, satisfied by Dronacharya's answer, asks him another question, "Give me the name of two of your best archers, besides Mata."

Without even thinking, Dronacharya answers, "Arjun and Karna."

"I have to lead one of them to Bhagwaan Parashuram. Who should I take?" Ved Vyas questions the man in front of him.

"Bhagwaan, I can only give of them the knowledge of Bhramastra. Since Arjun is the Rajkumar of Hastinapur, I have to teach him. But I don't want Karna to be deprived of this knowledge. So please take Karna to Bhagwaan Parashuram."

Dronacharya's answer is laced with dispair, his heart heavy with the decision. The two were his star students and to give one of them away was hard.

"I understand. So get Karna and Jeevika to pack today. I have to take them with me."

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Arjun watches with hurt filled eyes, as Jeevika and Karna bid farewell to the others. When Dronacharya had announced that Jeevika and Karna had to leave the ashram, Arjun was heartbroken.

His Madhavi was very dear to him. She was a younger sister that he never had before. When he had first Madhavi, he was immediately protective of her. And Madhav had tasked him of taking care of Madhavi. How was he to do tbat now?

And Karna. Karna was always there to guide him, like an elder brother. He knew that when he was at his lowest, he could turn to Karna, Jeevika, and Yudhishtira for help.

When Eklavya cut his thumb at Dronacharya's command, Arjun was taunted by Dushasana and Vivinsati. They blamed him for Eklavya's lost thumb.

After this, when he was emotionally demotivated to continue training, Karna and Madhavi were there were him. They guided him to become the ideal student that he is today.

With a heavy heart, and tears in her lotus eyea, Madhavi stands in front of Parth, breaking his heart at the sight of her tears.

Arjun's hands immediately trace over to Jeevika's cheeks, brushing her tears away. "Don't cry, Madhavi. You know I can't stand seeing tears in your eyes or misery on my darling anuja's face."

Manushri wraps her arms around Arjun's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably in his arms. The Pandavas, Duryodhan, Yuyutsu, Vikarna, Karna, and Ashwatthama all join the hug.

Ved Vyas, Dronacharya, Kripi watch from a distance with saddened eyes. Kripi was crying herself. Jeevika was a daughter that she never had and so to let her go was hard.

"Putri? Putra? It is best that we depart now. Otherwise it will be too dark for us to see." Ved Vyas reminds Karna and Jeevika, breaking their hug.

Jeevika and Karna nod, pulling away from their brothers. Jeevika sniffs, turning away from the Rajkumars of Hastinapur and Ashwatthama.

If she turned back now, she wouldn't be able to leave. She knew this was for her own and Karna's betterment.

Bidding a goodbye to everyone, Karna and Jeevika depart from Dronacharya's ashram, leaving behind heartbroken Pandavas, Ashwatthama, Vikarna, Yuyutsu, Kripi, and Dronacharya.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Jeevika sighs and inhales deeply. She has been walking with Ved Vyas for several hours. She was starving and exhausted, but she wasn't going to complain since she was a warrior, and warriors must learn to control their emotions.

Ved Vyas and her had dropped Karna at the entrance of Bhagwaan Parashuram's ashram. Jeevika was a little saddened by the fact that she didn't get to see Bhagwaan Parashuram.

The two are currently on their way to a new ashram, that Ved Vyas was tasked to take Jeevika too. And she doesn't understand why it has to be so high up on a mountain.

It seemed as if she was climbing Kailash, and at the top of the mountain, she would meet Mahadev and Mata Gauri.

"How much further do we have to travel, Bhagwaan Ved Vyas?" Jeevika finally asks a question, pausing to calm her heart rate.

"We have arrived," Ved Vyas says, turning to the young girl and pointing to something in front of Jeevika and him.

Jeevika's eyes follow Ved Vyas' finger to the indicated location. And what she sees is like a visual treat to her eyes.

The Ashram is stunning. On top of a mountain, surrounded by waterfalls and lush vegetation.  Animals dance around the hermitage; for this place rings with melodic strings of nature.

Something about this Ashram felt similar to Jeevika. Like she has visitied a place like this before. The difficulty was that she couldn't recall seeing anything like this before.

The aroma of excellent food follows Jeevika around the room, teasingly ringing her nostrils. Jeevika's stomach grumbles, making her cheeks pink.

"Bhook lagi hai?" [Are you hungry?]

Jeevika is startled by a new yet familiar voice, which interrupts her admiration of the ashram's beauty. Shreeja turns to face the person who has just spoken.

Saraswati and Parvati couldn't believe what they were seeing. After such a long time, they were finally meeting their Sakhi. Their Sakhi looks so cute in this childhood form of hers, that it reminds Parvati of Ashoka Sundari.

Parvati and Saraswati haven't seen their best friend in millions of years. Gauri and Sharda treated Lakshmi like a younger sister, whom they had to protect and cherish at all costs.

If Parvati and Saraswati missed their Sakhi so much, how much did their Bhrata Narayan miss his priye.

Jeevika and Ved Vyas both face the Kailash swamini and Brahmani. Recognizing them, Ved Vyas bows his head, Jeevika following his actions.

"Pranipat Mata Gauri, Pranipat Mata Sharda,"
Ved Vyas extends his greetings to the two goddesses.

Parvati and Saraswati acknowledge their reverence by motioning for them to raise their heads again. The two goddesses' eyes are drawn to their Sakhi.

"Are you hungry?" Annapurna repeats her questions, this time concern lacing her voice. She who feed all, couldn't keep her sakhi hungry for long.

Jeevika pouts her lips and rubs her stomach with her hands in a circular way. She responds with a nod of her head, "Ji Mata. I am very hungry."

Uma takes a step nearer, kneeling in front of Padmakshi and cupping her face, smiling at her best friend's expressions. "Come in, and I'll serve you the tastiest food I've ever prepared." "Don't tell anyone."

Saraswati beams as she sees her sisters begin to form a bond. They felt fortunate to have finally met Shree after such a long period, whereas Narayan would have to wait.

Saraswati's gaze then shifts to Ved Vyas, who had been waiting patiently. "Thank you for guiding Jeevika to the ashram, Bhagwaan Ved Vyas."

"Satyavachan!" [True]

Jeevika is startled as a new voice enters their surroundings. She raises her eyes from Parvati's embrace and notices two Rishivar.

A sensation of familiarity sweeps over Aarna as she sees the two men, and she feels relieved and calm. It was as though she had unknowingly put her trust in them.

Ved Vyas bends his head in front of the men once more. "Pranipat Adi Yogi ji, Pranipat Brahmarishi Viswasrush."

After blessing the Great Sage, Mahadev and Brahmadev shift their focus to Vishnu priye, their sister. They exchange looks before returning their gaze to Jeevika.

Jeevika nods at them, to busy being pampered by Gauri and Sharda. The two goddesses were already providing protection and love to their sister.

"Behen Sharda is absolutely correct. Thank you, Bhagwaan Ved Vyas," Adi Yogi expresses his gratitude to the Sage before returning his attention to his sister.

"Please take Jeevika to the kitchen, Devi Gauri, Sharda, and feed her. After such a long voyage, she must be famished." The goddesses nod in agreement as Viswasrush speaks. Her sisters accompany Jeevika to the ashram.

Unknowingly Jeevika steps into a new chapter in her life. A chapter that would lead her closer to her real identity, and a chapter that would lead her closer to her Narayan.

· · ─────── · ॐ· ─────── · ·

Now! Who's ready for a new chapter of Jeevika and Krishna's life.

And Also with the blessings of Mata Saraswati, I got 89-94% in my final exams .

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.