The Pandavas played joyfully under the careful eye of Kunti. The sound of their laughter echoed through the meadows, blending harmoniously with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The playful banter and camaraderie among the brothers created a sense of familial bliss.

Meanwhile Pandu strolled through the lush meadows of Shatashringa, where the vibrant colors of spring danced around him. The sun's gentle rays kissed his skin, warming him after the cold winter months. He admired the trees of palash, tilaka, chuta, champaka, paribhadraka and many others that were laden with fruits and flowers.

Behind him, Madri followed closely, her graceful steps matching his pace. She was dressed in a semi-transparent garment that billowed softly in the breeze, revealing glimpses of her enchanting beauty. The delicate fabric clung to her slender form, accentuating her ever so youthful curves and enhancing her presence.

Pandu, mesmerized by the splendor of spring, felt a stirring in his heart. The delicate petals and the soft colors of the flowers reminded him of the tender emotions of love. He turned around to glance at Madri, her semi-transparent garment shimmered in the sunlight, revealing hints of her enticing silhouette.

Pandu couldn't help but notice her youthful beauty, accentuated by the enchanting spring ambiance. Sensing his desire, she artfully swept her hair to the side, unveiling more of her radiant skin, a silent temptation. In her eyes, he saw a reflection of his own passion.

His cheeks flushed with a mixture of excitement as he was overcome by a wave of desire. Unable to resist the pull any longer, he ventured into the nearby woods, with Madri's laughter dancing in his ears. She, with her playful spirit and captivating beauty, followed him into the heart of the woods.

However, the rustling leaves and chirping birds seem to taunt her, as he was out of her sight. She glances around, confusion and worry clouding her features. Just as she is about to call out his name, she feels a sudden strong grip around her waist from behind. A gasp escapes her lips as she turns around to see Pandu smiling at her.

Madri's breath quickens as she is pulled closer to him, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.

"A-Arya...." She struggled and resisted, to the best of her strength.

But his lips on her neck sent shivers down her spine, making her relent. The scent of wildflowers and the rustling of leaves filled the air as he held her tightly, the warmth of his embrace melting her defenses.

At a distance the Pandavas were engrossed in a lively game with a ball made of vibrant flowers. Their laughter echoed through the meadows as they ran, dodged, and leaped gracefully to keep the flower ball aloft. The brothers  laughed, teased each other, and reveled in the joy of spring.

Their movements were graceful and joyful, a perfect reflection of the season's renewal and vitality. The once barren land now bloomed with vibrant wildflowers, painting the landscape in hues of pink, purple, and yellow. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, and birds chirped happily in the clear blue sky.

Kunti stood watching with a tender smile, her eyes filled with pride and love for her sons. As the sun bathed the hills in a warm golden light, the Pandavas continued their game.

"ARYA !" Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the tranquil scene, causing the Pandavas to freeze in their tracks. Kunti's expressions turned into a worried one. Without a moment's hesitation, they raced towards the source of the cry.

As they reached the clearing in the woods, a heart-wrenching sight awaited them. In the distance, they saw Madri, their other mother, crying and lamenting.

"Akeli aao Kunti ! Balako ko wahi chhodo !" Madri lamented.

Kunti turned to her sons, whose faces were etched with concerned frowns, "Jaha khel rahe the waha jaao."

Confusion and worry gripped the Pandavas as they looked at each other, unsure of what was happening. Nevertheless they obeyed and quickly left the place.

Kunti approached Madri, her worst fears were realized when she saw the lifeless body of Pandu, lying on the ground. Madri was holding onto him, her tears flowing freely as she embraced him in a desperate attempt to bring him back to life. The sight struck her like a thunderbolt, and a wave of grief and disbelief washed over her.

As Kunti knelt beside Pandu's lifeless body, the weight of her loss crashing down on her, she let out a heart-wrenching cry that echoed through the hills of Shatashringa.

"Arya ?! Rajan !" Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably as she reached out to touch Pandu's feet, feeling the coldness of death that had claimed him. She cupped his face in her trembling hands, tracing the familiar lines and contours that she had known so well.

Kunti lamented miserably, "Tum toh shraap ke baare mei jaanti thi, fir kyu tumne yeh kiya, Madri ?! Tumhe inka rakshan karna tha !"

Memories flooded her mind - their shared laughter, the moments of joy and sorrow they had faced together, the dreams they had woven for their children. The realization that those moments were now just memories brought a fresh wave of grief, and Kunti's cries grew louder, more desperate.

"Shraap ke baare mei chintan kar yeh sadev dukhi rehte the... Tum mujhse adhik bhagyashali ho Madri... Kam se Kam tumne Inka prasann mukh dekha..." Kunti cried.

Madri, with tears falling relentlessly from her eyes, replied, "Meri mati hi bhrasht ho chuki thi... Maine rokne ka prayas kiya tha, kintu swayam par niyantran kho baithi.... Aisa laga ki yeh apni niyati ko siddh karna chaahte the..."

Both the women became quiet, trying to comprehend the reality before them. The silence of the hillside was broken only by the sound of their muffled sobs, echoing the pain in their hearts. For a brief moment, the only sound that filled the air was the haunting melody of their silent tears. The two women, bound by their love for Pandu, wept miserably.

And then, with a deep breath and a steely resolve, Kunti composed herself. She looked into Pandu's peaceful face, drawing strength from his memory.

"Mai inke saath jaayungi." Kunti said.

Madri looked at her, "Kya ?"

"Mai Jyesht patni hu. Inke dharm ke fal mere hai. Mai apne pati ke saath, yam ke dwaar jaayungi. Utho Madri aur inhe chhodo. Humare putro ka dhyaan tumhe rakhna hoga." Kunti said.

Madri shook her head, "Mai abhi bhi apne pati ko aalingan mei baandh rakha hai. Meri kaamna bhi purn nahi huyi hai. Iss liye, jyeshtha aap mujhe inke saath jaane ki aagya de. Yeh aaye mere paas the, bina inhe sukh diye mai kaise inhe jaane du ?"

"Kintu-" "Nahi Kunti." Madri interrupted her.

She said, "Mai tumhare putro ko apne putro jaisa prem kabhi nahi de paayungi. Aur yadi tum chali gayi, toh iska paap mujhe awashya lagega. Kintu mujhe vishwas hai ki tum mere putro ko apne putro ke bhaati hi prem karungi. Samrat mere prati kamasakt hone ke karan mrityu ko praapt huye hai, iss liye unke saath mai jaayungi. Iss liye meri baat maanlo, aur hum dono ko ek saath agni do."

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A/N

Chakravarti Samrat Pandu ka annt, ho hi gaya.... I'd say that he was easily one of the most glorious characters of Mahabharat, whether it be as a warrior, a king, an emperor or as a Brahmarishi.

And I hope you all were able to feel his greatness, he who was not of a divine origin but a pure human.