The gentle breeze whispered through the curtains of Manvendra's room, bringing in the scent of freshly bloomed flowers with them. The soft rustling of leaves outside the window whispered of the changing times, as the trees shed their emerald robes to don vibrant hues of crimson, amber, and gold.

Manvendra was standing in front of the mirror, getting ready to leave for Khandavprasth. Dhisana was aiding him with a smile on her face.

With grace and tenderness, she delicately adorned her husband with auspicious symbols and regal embellishments. Her eyes were filled with adoration, as she meticulously draped a resplendent silk angvastra, woven with intricate patterns, over his broad shoulders.

As Manvendra observed his wife's artistry, his eyes sparkled with admiration and gratitude. Her every touch affirmed her love and loyalty, making him feel both cherished and empowered.

After she was done, he looked in the mirror and a charming smile appeared on his face.

"Once I return back, we'll leave with the Ashwarohis." Manvendra said looking at her.

"No. I'll stay here only." Dhisana said.

"But why ?" He asked, his brows furrowed and confusion evident.

"To serve Mata and Pitashree." She said with a smile, "Raudra, our duties to the kingdom and our families are intertwined with our love. By accompanying you, I would be neglecting my responsibilities as a daughter-in-law, and failing to uphold the honor that behooves my position."

"But, what about you ? Will you be able to live without me again ?" Manvendra asked.

"I don't want to be the shackles that hold you back. I wish to be your wings that give you freedom. Don't worry about me. I will be happy and content when I come to know that you are fulfilling your duties and earning fame." She said.

Manvendra's expression softened, understanding beginning to dawn upon him. He saw the love and devotion in his wife's eyes and felt an overwhelming sense of pride at the woman he had chosen as his partner. He saw the selflessness she had in her.

He smiled as he cupped her face gently and said, "Dhisaney, now you sound not only like an Aryaa, but a true Kshatrani."

"As you know I strive to be better, just for you. Now come, the Pandavas would be waiting for you." She said.

And so they both left the room and went to the threshold of the palace where all were wishing for a safe journey to the Pandavas, Draupadi and Kunti. Dhisana went up to Kunti to offer her respect, and bid her goodbyes to Draupadi, while Manvendra approached Yuyutsu.

"Your bhabhishree has decided that she will live here." He said.

"Don't worry taat. I'll see to it she experiences no discomfort." Yuyutsu said.

Manvendra smiled patting his cousin's shoulder, "I know I can always rely on you." He said.

"Raudra, shall we leave ?" Yudhishthir asked.

"Certainly Jyesht." Manvendra said.

And so they all climbed down the stairs, he and Pandavas went up to their chariots, while Draupadi and Kunti went inside their palanquins.

Manvendra looked back at the threshold of the palace, his eyes meeting that of Dhisana. He gave her a smile that expressed his immense pride in her decision to remain in the palace, fulfilling her duties as a devoted daughter-in-law.

While departures usually bring forth tears and longing, Dhisana kept smiling at him, her eyes shone with an inner strength and resolve, for she knew her place within the palace and the responsibilities she carried.

Love radiated from every fiber of her being as she stood tall and proud, ready to fulfill her role as a pillar of support for her husband and the kingdom.

Manvendra then turned his gaze back to the horizon, "Ride." He said to his charioteer.

The chariots and palanquins moved ahead and left the premises of the palace.

And thus the story comes to end. They were different, yes. One was the prince of Kurus and the other was the princess of Mlecchas. But again, not every beautiful poem rhymes.

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A/N

And thus on the last Somvar of Shravan, our story Raudra Bhava comes to an end by the grace of Mahadev ✨

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And I'll publish Harihareshwari sometime in this week only 🌝
Till then take a look at the cover -