The sun has started to rise and the Pandavas have dropped their disguise. Now its time to head back to Saurashtra.

Arjun picked up Sagarika who was still in deep sleep and mounted on the horse, with her secured in his arms as her head rested on his chest.

On their journey the Pandavas couldn't help but kept stealing glances of Sagarika, sleeping peacefully in Arjun's arms.

'How lucky is Arjun, getting to hold her in his arms.' Yudhishtir thought.

'Only if I could hold her like that.' Bheem wondered.

'He is indeed the best for her.' Nakul thought.

'How peaceful she looks in his arms...' Sehdev smiled.

Suddenly everyone was brought to their senses by a loud roar. They saw a huge lion coming towards them, all of them got alert. The lion's hungry eyes were fixed on Sagarika and the Pandavas noticed it.

Arjun tightened his grip around her as the rest of the Pandavas picked up their weapon. The lion lunged towards Arjun but Bheem hit him with his mace.

But the lion was not going to give up just now as he lunged again towards Arjun but was hit and thrown aside the horse of Sehdev. Then Yudhishtir threw his spear at the him, but the lion swiftly moved aside.

"Leave or we'll show no mercy." Nakul warned the lion.

The lion roared and ran towards him but Nakul kicked him away making him fall on the ground. The lion fumed in anger and frustration, but diverted all his attention to Sagarika.

Arjun held her securely as he took out an arrow from his quiver, he threw the arrow right at the lion, hitting his left eye. The beast roared in agony and ran away deep in the forest.

His roar caused a disturbance in Sagarika's sleep, she stirred and Arjun caressed her head.

"Go back to sleep." He whispered and she again fell into deep slumber.

"I wish I could sleep as carefree as her." Bheem said, the Pandavas chuckled.

They resumed their journey and soon reached the palace, where Kshitij, Ambika, Aditya, Drupad and his children worriedly pacing back and forth.

Krishna was standing away from everyone waiting for Arjun to return. Karn was assuring Duryodhan who was getting irritated by each passing moment.

Suddenly their gaze turned to Pandavas who entered the room with Sagarika.

"Sagarika !" Everyone exclaimed running towards them.

"My sister !" Aditya took her from Arjun's arms.

"Careful she is asleep." Arjun said.

"Take her to her room." Drupad said.

"Where did you find her ? Where are those dacoits ?" Kshitij asked.

"Maharaj, that was us only." Arjun said.

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A/N

PROTECTING BELOVED FROM THE BEAST ? NOICE.

I AM JUST LIKE SAGARIKA....A LION CAN BE ROARING NEXT TO ME AND I'LL STILL BE ASLEEP....WHICH IS SAFE CAUSE THE LION MIGHT THINK I AM DEAD AND THEN LEAVE.....LIONS ARE VERY PROUDY, THEY DON'T EAT THE DEAD.