With all kinds of riches, the Bhishm handed over the Kuru princes as disciples to Dron, in accordance with the prescribed manner.

Dronacharya was delighted and accepted them as his students and took them to Varanasahrya, where they shall be living for a while till their education gets over.

On the first day of Gurukul, when all dressed in saffron garments befitting of Brahmacharis, were seated near his feet, he asked his students for a promise.

"Unblemished princes of Bharatvansh, there is a special task in my heart. You must promise me that you will give it to me when you have become skilled in the use of arms." He said.

Everyone stayed silent, not knowing what he was going to ask, and whether it shall be an easy or hard task. But Arjun stood up in an instant, not caring about the possible nature of the promise.

"I promise Gurudev." He said enthusiastically.

Dronacharya smiled and embraced this student of his, shedding tears of joy. Seeing Arjun, a sense of determination also overtook Manvendra.

"I also promise." He said, impacted by Arjun's enthusiasm.

"We too." The rest followed.

And thus started their training in various forms of weapons. Manvendra used to put extra efforts, because he knew that learning the art of weaponry is an engaging and challenging journey that requires dedication and discipline

And being the son of Rudradev Manyu, he had a natural inclination towards the weapons, ever since Kripacharya used to teach the Kuru-princes. At that time only Manvendra had found his potential in spears, swords and archery.

But now under the mentorship of Dronacharya, the Vidurputra was able to see the beauty, intricacy and cultural significance, the weapons held, which not only delivered a lethal blow to the enemies but also projected the skill, craftsmanship and artistic values of the maker.

Due to the teachings of Dronacharya, Manvendra came to know that a spear is not just a simple weapon, but a stunning example of human ingenuity and craftsmanship, whose beauty lies in its simplicity and elegance, which held a sacred meaning as the symbol of strength, courage, and honor.

He came to know that a sword is not just a mere weapon but a testament to the skills and dedication of the swordsmith who crafted it, as well as the warrior who wielded it in battle. The way a sword moves through the air, the way it feels in one's hand, and the sound it makes when it strikes its target all contribute to its beauty and the awe it inspires in those who behold it.

The Guru's grace showed Manvendra and the other princes, how much grace the art of archery holds and how the act of shooting an arrow itself is also a thing of beauty. As the string is pulled back and the arrow is released, the entire body is engaged in a fluid motion that is both graceful and powerful.

Indeed, Dronacharya's ability to inspire and guide his students towards achieving their full potential, was something to reckon with.

He was patient, understanding, and was able to tailor his teaching methods to suit the needs of each individual student. Yes, he had set high expectations to them, but he also provided a constructive feedback to help his students grow and develop.

"Raudra, wielding the weapons you look like Manyu wielding thunder." Dronacharya would often comment seeing spears in the hands of Manvendra.

And so Dronacharya, not only imparted the knowledge but also instilled a love of learning, which was found most in Arjun, who was favourite of his Guru.

And why wouldn't he be ? He took a great deal of care in worshipping his preceptor and showed the greatest devotion in learning the art of weapons.

Dronacharya used to teach diligently, and when he couldn't, his son Ashwathama would teach the princes. He was a young man and quite serious in maintaining the discipline around the ashram.

The news the excellence of Dronacharya's students, was being spread across Bharatvarsh. And it didn't took long, before other princes from other lineages such as that of Vrishni and Andhak, to name a few, came and made Dronacharya their perceptor.

There were many commoners who also came, one among them was from Anga-desh, named Karn. He was the son of Bhishm's Sarthi Adirath.

He was quite older than the other students, around the same age as Ashwathama. But Karn was one of the most determined students to learn. He had an ambition to be best.

And hence, he was always at rivalry with Arjun, who couldn't care less. The Indraputra, was always busy in polishing his skills, rather than responding to unwanted taunts. His skills was his answer.

But seeing the envy Kauravas had with Pandavas, which wasn't hidden completely in Gurukul, Karn was quick to befriend Duryodhan, so he gets a chance to compete with Arjun.

"Taat, would you like to practice with me ?" Arjun requested Manvendra.

"You know I can't say 'no' to you." The Vidurputra smiled picking up his bow.

Although the lesson for the day had ended, Arjun wanted to practice to refine his art, while Manvendra just wanted to leave their living quarters because Kauravas had started entering and he wanted nothing to do with them.

"You both here ?" Ashwathama asked.

"To practice Drauni." Manvendra said.

"Raudra, aren't you both good enough already ?" The son of Dron asked with a smile.

"We can always be better, Guru-putra." Arjun said.

"Better but never the best." A voice said.

They all turned their heads only to see Karn walking towards them, with a bow in his hands, his golden armour and earrings shinning brightly in the setting sun.

"The position of best, solely remains for me." Karn said.

"Radhey, did you forget what the shaashtras say about boasting ? If you have come for practice then do it without disturbing others." Ashwathama said firmly.

Karn scoffed while Arjun and Manvendra ignored him and began their practice. The son of Adirath too began shooting targets, but for him it was more so a competition, yet he seemed to be losing to the son of Indra and Manyu, whose movement and frequency were far swift than his.

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A/N

Waise student Arjun is truly an inspiration 😍✨

And Karn chacha, aap idhar kaahe agaye baccho ke bich ? Aur aa bhi gaye toh kaahe tang karte inko ? Kaam se kaam rakhiye 🙂