It was the morning first day of Navratri when Duryodhan with his 100 brothers along with Guruputra Ashwathama, Angraj Karn and Gandhar-raj Shakuni came to Saurashtra. They were welcomed warmly by Maharaj Kshitij and Maharani Ambika.

"You all reached just at the right time, we were about to offer our prayers to Mata Shailputri. You can join us if you wish." Kshitij said.

"Definitely Maharaj, it would be our utmost pleasure." Shakuni said.

All of them went to the Grand temple of Mata Durga to offer their prayers to her Shailputri form. They also found Drupal and his sons there and all could sense a heat in the atmosphere.

"Aditya where is my daughter ?" Ambika asked.

"I am here." Sagarika said.

All the eyes fell on her, Duryodhan's jaw dropped seeing such divine beauty in front of him.

"Pranipat." She softly greeted everyone.

The Kauravas couldn't make out anything to say so they just joined their hands in front of her.

"Come putri, you must offer the aarti today." Drupal said.

Sagarika walked forward and Maharani Ambika gave her the plate. The musicians and singers started the aarti in the honor of Mata Shailputri.

Duryodhan couldn't take his eyes off Sagarika as she offered the aarti to Mata Durga. There was only one thing in his mind now, determination to make her his anyhow.

After aarti, Duryodhan approached Sagarika.

"Pranipat princess." Duryodhan greeted.

"Pranipat." Sagarika greeted.

"I am the Yuvraj and future king of great kingdom of Kurus, Hastinapur." Duryodhan showed off.

"I see." Sagarika said who couldn't be less interested.

"First son of the great Kuru-samrat Dhritrashtra and the great Maharani Gandhari, eldest among 100 brothers and a sister." Duryodhan said.

"Good for you." Sagarika said and walked away.

Duryodhan looked at her with disbelief, how can she just leave like this. But suddenly his frown turned into a smirk.

"Hard to get ? Marvellous." Duryodhan chuckled.

"More like impossible to get." Ashwathama said.

"What do you mean ?" Duryodhan asked.

"Look at you and then look at her, mitra. A clear age difference of 20 years, she would never choose you." Ashwathama said.

"Who cares what's her choice !? I choose her and that's enough. She doesn't deserve to be here but on the throne sitting next to me." Duryodhan said.

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A/N

FUN FACT - THE DEPICTION OF MATA ADI-SHAKTI THAT YOU SEE IN PHOTOS AND IDOLS ARE OF NONE OTHER THAN MATA DURGA. ARDHNARESHWAR FORM HAS MATA DURGA IN THE OTHER HALF.

IT IS SAID MATA DURGA IS THE DIRECT FORM OF ADI-PARA SHAKTI THAT'S WHY OUT OF ALL FORMS OF SHAKTI ONLY SHE IS CALLED JAGDAMBA.

BOLO JAI JAI AMBE !