Wrapped in a sisterly embrace yet scorched by the embodiment of fire, Dhriti mused - nothing can be the same anymore. Fire burns wholly, and bonds weaker only crumble in the very first flame.

"No, not ours," she thinks and sighs, shaking her head a little, hoping to ward off the thought. "Not ours. Not now, not ever." Draupadi was the companion she had gained through and against the laws of mere fate and mankind; how could she now lose her to the very same circumstances that brought them together in the first place?

To Draupadi, Dhriti's smile felt like an open wound, and the Empress of Indraprasth was painfully aware that she and, her husbands, had collectively put the wound there. She was aware that at some point in her life, she justified crushing the love Dhriti had for her. But now, she only wanted Dhriti to stop speaking and to feel what her sister-in-law has to speak, without weaving any words together.

Panchali shut her eyes one again, wishing the remaining spilt tears could dissolve the abyss of the words she had uttered in madness of wrath.

"Life's tapestry often weaves a complex pattern where the threads of joy and sorrow intertwine," A ruminating Yagyaseni began, parting her lips to form an affectionate smile, "I'm overjoyed that we could see beyond those patterns, beyond those frayed threads. But amidst these tumultuous chaos, I belive possess a sight capable of filling your heart with unbridled jubilation. Come with me!" The fire born articulated, gently parting away from the embrace yet still holding on to Dhriti's hand as she guided the latter in a direction that, to Dhriti, seemed like an illusory menace.

Before a genial smile could grace Dhriti's countenance in response, she found herself already being propelled by Draupadi towards a destination that eluded her gaze. "Accompany you? Leaving my little child alone in this illusory phantom of a palace? A bad idea indeed, Bhabishree." Dhriti chuckled, her mirth tinged with astonishment, as she tried matching Draupadi's impulsive exuberance.

"Your little child is not alone," Draupadi reassured with a jested shrug, "Sakha and Subhadra are there for her to tend along. Be rest assured she won't be running into several illusions like her mother."

"Well, they are the original illusory phantoms I am talking about." remarked Dhriti, whimsically casting her eyes skyward.

Amused by her sister-in-law's description of an 'illusory phantom of a palace,' Draupadi couldn't help but chuckle. "Come now, Dhriti," she chaffed, "In a mere matter of hours, you will surely acclimate to this enchanting sight, and perhaps then you can discern the intricacies concealed within Mayasur's remarkable creation."

The daughter of Kurus hummed at Yagyaseni's justification. This was not her first time meandering through the fanciful concourses. She had lived here before, lived here enough to have had made peace with Mayasur's larger than life spectacles. An extravaganza that was even agreed upon by Kanha himself and indeed, the sublime Palace of Indraprasth was a harmonious amalgamation of artistry and Mayasur's architectural marvel. Golden filigrees and elaborate chandeliers crafted from cascading gemstones adorned the narrow ceilings, refracting a rainbow of beacons as if evoking a celestial dance of luminous allure. Even the hallways that reverberated the danglings of Dhriti's anklets, exuded an aura of ineffable mystique, captivating all who ventured into its hallowed precincts, and in the given moment, even the Goddess of Fortune herself!

"Is that a - a wall? Bhabi, are we deliberately running into a -
Oh, nevermind, that's a door." Dhriti shrugged.

"Your bedroom!" Draupadi's countenance beamed with delight as she gestured towards the room. A deep breath escaped her lips as the two ladies halted in front of pleated curtains which unfurled in enchantment, revealing Dhriti's chambers. The Empress let the younger one venture inside through the descending marble staircases that lead to the ethereal sanctum, where verdant arboreal tapestry extended as far as their eyes could behold. Blossoms, both favourites and exotic, weaved a fragrance that wafted like a sense serenading breeze and Dhriti's newly decorated chambers evoked an ambiance of charm and intimate opulence.

The room was bathed in a warm and welcoming glow, emanating from the carefully arranged earthen lamps that casted delicate shadows on the bright walls, imbubing the room with a soft golden etherea, something that the Goddess of Fortune adored with her heart. "Not a corner for the darkness to reside in your chambers, just as you like it!" Draupadi said, fulfillment cracking out from her voice and eyes almost disappearing behind her smile wrinkles.

Dhriti's lips softly curved at the mention. 'Even when I go to Dwarka, never forget to keep my closed rooms lighted with my favourite earthen pots. I don't like darkness,' She has told to her family who had devotedly remembered her little preference. She stepped further into the enchanting chambers, the delicate scent of exotic flowers intertwined with the subtle aroma oils embracing her. Venturing deeper into her newly adorned sanctuary, her gaze caught hold of a petite yet majestic portrait seated right in the centre of chambers. She squinted her eyes at her classic depiction with a man that felt familiar to all her senses and beyond.

"Pitashree?" A surge of emotions coursed through her, stirring memories long kept dormant within the recesses of her heart.

Pandu.

It was a potrait of herself with the departed king, the one whose mere presence would've cancelled all the hardships her family had went through, the one she wanted to call 'Pitashree' a little longer.

In the painting, her Pitashree stood tall, his countenance radiating wisdom and kindness, his eyes mirroring the depth of his soul. Beside him stood Dhriti, her expression a reflection of the love and admiration she held for her father, a smile that would only gleam in his presence. The strokes of the artist's brush had captured the essence of their bond, immortalizing it upon the canvas for eternity. Tears welled up in Dhriti's eyes as she reached out a trembling hand towards the portrait, her fingers tracing the outline of her father's face with reverent tenderness. Memories of their time together flooded her mind, each one a precious treasure to be cherished.

"Such a meticulous depiction of a man you've never encountered,' Dhruti pivoted, with a bittersweet smile addressing Draupadi, "How did you all manage to breathe life into a moment I once deemed beyond my reach in this lifetime?"

"Who, me?" Draupadi chuckled at the younger one's query. Dhriti looked at her in puzzles. None of her brothers possessed the skill to paint with such excellence, and who else could have captured the likeness of a person they've never met, so impeccably? "I am not the artisan behind this art, my dear."

"She is."

The fire-born gestured towards the chamber's entrance. Serene breezes gently parted the curtains, revealing a lady approaching them. She entered the new chambers with an air of quiet majesty. Her saari, shimmered in the first light of dawn that playfully seeped through the little windows from the corners. Her anklets accompanied her steps like an harmonious prelude of her presence. Raven-black hair cascaded down her back in a waterfall of glossy curls, interwoven with a huge chudamani that instantly gave away her place amongst the royalty.

Dhriti had never once encountered the lady and patiently waited for the her to speak before she could turn to Draupadi and bombard her with several questions.

"Pranipaat bhabhishree," the lady cooed merrily. Dhriti cracked a smile, still turning her amused eyes to Draupadi for conformity.

Draupadi chuckled at the little sticky situation. "Dhriti, meet Devika." She continued, lightly patting her sister in law.

"Ohh?" The goddess's smile grew larger, washing away all the previous perplexion from her face. "Pranam Bhabhishree," she immediately folded her hands in respect. "Forgive my previous incomprehension, I couldn't recognise you."

Devika acknowledged with a graceful inclination, "No need for apologies, Bhabhishree. Considering our lack of prior acquaintance, your confusion is only natural. My familiarity with you is enriched by Arya and Mata Kunti's sharing of your numerous portraits and childhood tales. Your presence indeed exudes a divine essence." With a gentle touch, she offered her compliment, resting a hand tenderly upon her shoulder.

Dhriti's eyes softened, and a warm smile spread across her face. "It brings me joy to know that. I, too, had heard several things about you, Bhabhishree, but never once had anyone mentioned your exceptional talent in painting." She continued, walking back toward the portrait. "It's done so intricately. How did you manage to paint Pitashree with such precision without having seen him? Oh and please don't call me Bhabhishree. Jyesht is the eldest and as his wife you have my equal respect."

Devika's eyes sparkled with a mix of humility and pride. "Thank you...Dhriti. It was not an easy task. All your brothers and Mata Kunti described him in vivid detail, and I felt as if I had known him through their words. I also drew upon my imagination and the essence of the stories they shared."

Dhriti nodded appreciatively, her admiration deepening. "Bhabhi, you have truly captured his essence. Every single day I miss him more than the day before but this portrait, it has as if relinquished those forlorn feelings; as if he's still right beside me," she praised, lighting running her fingers on the canvas.

"Art has its way of bridging gaps and connecting souls," Devika said with a warm smile, gently taking a hold of  both Draupadi and Dhriti's hand, "I am grateful that this little painting could achieve that for all of us."

"Thankyou. . . my dear bhabhishrees." Dhriti replied with a teary chuckle, enveloping her two eldest sister in laws in a heartfelt embrace.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Shatanik and Vaishnavi marvelled at how the golden filigrees of the Indraprastha's palace shimmered as the dawn neared. The youngest of Draupadi had taken up on himself to show his cousin, who had seldom ventured beyond the confines of Dwarka, the enchanting wonders of their home and maybe pull a prank that he can then bring up on their every meal together. Or so, he thought.

"Look over here, Vaishu," Shatanik beckoned, his eyes gleaming with excitement as they walked through one of the grand corridors. "This place is full of wonders you can't even imagine."

Vaishnavi followed eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation. As they moved through the corridor, the walls began to whisper, soft murmurs and ancient tales seemed to emanate from the very stones.

"Do you hear that?" Vaishnavi whispered, her eyes widening in amazement. "What are they saying?"

Shatanik grinned, pausing to listen. The whispers were like a gentle breeze carrying stories from ages past. "They say these walls have heard everything that's ever happened here. Listen closely, and you might hear stories of our ancestors, great battles, and even the gods themselves."

Vaishnavi closed her eyes, letting the whispers wash over her. She caught fragments of tales—of mighty warriors and divine beings, of love and loss, of triumph and tragedy. "It's like the palace itself is alive," she said, opening her eyes with a sense of awe.

As they continued, tiny points of light began to appear around them, flitting about like glimmering fireflies. These weren't ordinary fireflies, though; they changed colors and patterns, illuminating the corridor with a magical, ever-shifting glow.

"Wow, Bhrata! These are so pretty!" Vaishnavi exclaimed, reaching out to touch one. It danced away, leaving a trail of sparkling light behind.

"They're like the palace's little guardians," Shatanik explained, trying to gently place one of them on his palms, "They guide us and keep the halls bright and safe. Especially when you are hungry past midnight and want to make a quick run to the kitchen."

"Midnight isn't the only time we're hungry, now is it?" Sutasom appeared out of no where, followed by a giggling Shrutakarma and Shrutasen. For a brief moment Vaishnavi thought they must've spawned out of some magical doors but the question didn't really overshadow her excitement to see the rest of her cousins; "Infact we should make a quick run to the kitchen right now!"

Shatanik hesitated, "That's a risky one! You need to elaborate."

"Oh come on, since when did Shatanik start to hesitate ever?" Sutasom chuckled loudly and Shatanik turned red in embarrassment, "But don't worry, Shrutakarma excels in one thing and that's in being a strategist. Shrutakarma dear, continue."

Shrutakarma cleared his throat, as if about to explain a war strategy to a bunch of maharathis. "To avoid getting caught, we have a plan. First, we wait until the guards change the shifts, which, by the way, is in a few moments now. Then, we split into two groups. One group stands near the fountain right in front of the kitchen guards to distract them and be alert on anyone's arrival. Perhaps Jyesth Mata's who, I'm sure, will punish us for the rest of the day. Next, the second group will enter the kitchen and grab a bunch of treats and we meet in the corner behind it. Alright my brave men...and a...woman?"

Vaishnavi couldn't believe at her cousins' audacity but this was not the first time either. "You guys have guards guarding the KITCHEN?"

"It's okay Vaishu, they won't have them in Dwarka when their King is lovingly nicknamed Makhanchor." Shatanik patted her back, making everyone erupt into laughter before their plan set into motion; dividing the cousins into two.

Sutasom, Shrutakarma and Vaishnavi quietly slipped into the kitchen, with the boys strategically positioning their sister at the front for the firmly believed that no one in the entire palace could ever find it in their heart to scold the beloved princess. Meanwhile, Shatanik and Shrutasen executed their diversion flawlessly, creating loud splashes at the fountain and playfully threatening to drench the guards, who couldn't help but chuckle at the youthful antics

Once inside the kitchen, while the other two were busy deciding what their bellies would love to digest, Vaishnavi carefully peaked through a small window overlooking the fountain. With a subtle gesture, she signalled to Shatanik and Shrutasen to wrap up their antics and join the rest of the group. The boys quickly obliged, and soon all five were gathered in the dimly lit kitchen, eyes wide as they took in the sight before them.

The array of confections —fruits, snacks, savouries and sweets rich with the aroma of ghee— left them in awe, their excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.

"There's so much to feast on that I can't even decide where to start," Vaishnavi mused, her eyes gleaming as she surveyed the spread. "These are the kind of dilemmas I want in life— so much food, and not enough room in my stomach to fit it all."

"Or perhaps in your hands either."

"What did you say, Shrutasen?" Vaishnavi squinted her eyes in a dash of a mini glare while Shrutasen pretended he didn't utter that joke moments ago.

To his brother's rescue, Sutasom stood up, easing the air, perhaps for another joke. "Everyone, take as much as you like and can, for I'm mot sharing my haul with anyone," he declared, his tone mock-serious. "And if some you have little hands, well, that's not my problem!" He shot a teasing smile at Vaishnavi, who merely shrugged at her fate. Shrutasen and Shatanik, although, were careful to not let out a laugh this time.

"Thankyou for your concern, Bhrata Sutasom, but I'll be gathering all my snacks in my dupatta," Vaishnavi retorted with a confident grin. "And trust me, it's going to hold a lot more than your big boy hands can carry."

This time, Shrutakarma rolled his eyes at the banter. "Petty siblings, petty cousins —what did I do to deserve this all?" The son of Arjun muttered under his breath. "Also can we please continue the word war sometime later and just retreat to a corner and avoid getting caught?" He added almost immediately.

As Shatanik smartly pulled down any curtains around the window and the entrances so as to not invite any attention from the elders, the group of unsupervised little royals settled in a cozy nook of the kitchen, ready to dig into their 'feast'.

As they munched away, Shatanik grinned at the rest. "There is something about eating like this that makes everything just taste so much better." Vaishnavi nodded enthusiastically, savouring another piece of a candied fruit. "But it's more like the thrill of not getting caught, that's what."

"Exactly," Sutasom added, an unsure glint in his eyes. "Though it's just us who find excitement in these little joys of life. Others either find it too risky or too out of their character," he continued, stopping to choose his next bite.
Vaishnavi specifically presumed Sutasom's sudden nameless addressing to be a dig at Prativindhya, who was the only cousin absent this time. "Speaking of Jyesth Bharata Prativindhya, where is he?"

Reactionarily, Sutasom dropped his laddoo and looked at her in horror, "Wait, you thought I was taking a dig at Jyesth? How could you, Vaishu!"

'How could you Vaishu!', Vaishnavi mimicked his exact words, "What do you mean? He's the only one who's not present so I just assumed it's him. Its not? Do I have a secret sixth cousin?"

"What? Nooo! What I meant was," Sutasom quickly changed his expression, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. "There was this boy I saw a few times —always somewhere around Mata. He didn't speak much, scared and lost in his own mind; but he was watching everything, almost like he was studying us. Seeming like he was cosplaying some prince but being pretty bad at doing so."

"Oh, that's strange!" Vaishnavi hummed, looking at the other brothers for more input on it.

"Don't look at me, because I haven't seen him even once," Shrutasen raised his hands, "None of us has, actually, except Bhrata Sutasom so we don't even know if he's real or just some hallucination. After all hallucinations are pretty common here." he said, finishing the last of his treats and wiping his hands on Vaishnavi's dupatta.

"You little —" She sneered at a laughing Shrutasen but immediately silenced by a point that Shatanik made.

"For now, let's hope he is just a hallucination of the palace or at most, just a long lost relative invited for the Rajasuya Yagya; and not the beginning of another threat to our kingdom." The eldest of Nakul spoke like a responsible Prince, gaining a nod from the rest of his kin.

"This Yagya is a huge celebration for our families, we can only hope for nothing to go wrong and that we won't be in another trouble." Vaishnavi added with a sigh.

"But right now, you all are in another trouble...again!" Before the Princess of Dwarka could grab another of her favourite snack, a frightening breeze seemed to stir through the closed windows and hung curtains, carrying with it the faintest scent of Jasmine. Vaishnavi knew it was one of the royal ladies and she sincerely hoped it was Subhadra or Dhriti —the only ones who would let them go without any consequences.

The soft rustle of silk announced the arrival of someone regal and commanding; and before any of them could react, a tall, graceful figure stepped into the dim light of the kitchen, her halting anklets commanding instant attention.

"Mata Valandhara..." Sutasom's voice creaked out like a little mouse in the terror of the moment while Shatanik straightened up knowing full well the blame will be on him for being the eldest in that flock. Now he knew why Prativindhya avoided such antics.

Valandhara, the second wife of Bheem, stood with an air of quiet authority. Her royal attire shimmered under the flickering light from the kitchen lanters; the deep maroon and gold of her saree elegantly draped around her, in a way that symbolised where she came from —the land of Kashi. Intricate jewellery adorned her wrists, neck, and ears; each piece woven from the riches of the Earth. Her posture was poised, every movement deliberate and graceful, a living embodiment of her esteemed royal lineage.

Vaishnavi, confused, not for the first time since entering Indraprastha, staring in awe and a little terror for the consequences her brothers will be facing next.

Valandhara's sharp eyes immediately fell on the half eaten sweets and snacks scattered around the children. She raised her brows, her expression turning stern as she focused on Shatanik and Sutasom. The two gulped audibly, glancing at each other in nervous silence and before they could stammer out an excuse, Valandhara moved closer, grabbing both Sutasom and Shatanik by their ears.

"Of all the children, you two, especially you Shatanik, should know better!" She said, voice laced with disapproval, "Being the eldest here, you're supposed to set an example for your siblings, not lead them to mischief."

Shatanik winced while Sutasom looked genuinely alarmed, "Mata, we didn't mean to—" he began, only to be cut off by the Princess of Kashi walking towards Shurtasen and Shrutakarma. "So this is how the future protectors of our Kingdome behave? Sneaking into the kitchen like common thieves?

For a moment, the kitchen was silent, tension hanging in the air like a storm about to break. Then, just as the children began to feel the weight of their actions, Valandhara's stern expression melted into a warm, almost mischievous grin."And now that I've scared you all enough," she said, releasing Sutasom and Shatanik's ears with a light laugh, "let's enjoy this feast you've so cleverly gathered!"

"Bhrata Sutasom, will you share your remaining treats with Mamishree or does she need to collect her own too?" Now was Vaishnavi's time to return Sutasom all his playful mockery. The boys let out a collective sigh of relief, their fear turning into laughter as they realised they'd been pranked and mocked. While Vaishnavi blinked in surprise, giggling along with them, finally feeling at home around the woman who had initially seemed so intimidating and the palace that spoke only mystery to her.

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Um hiiiiii??!!

I know it's been 2 years since the last update but trust me I've been so so so busy there was truly no time to think of a plot or write an update.

First, I'm in my second year of Medical School now. It's really hectic so I couldn't find absolutely any time to write. This draft had been sitting for a looong time and I couldn't add or edit anything in it because of constant exams and overall a lot happening in life.

So as an apology, here's a super long update and introduction of two new characters that y'all wanted for a long time. Did you like the entry of Devika and Valandhara, and their aesthetics?

Hope you like it,
If you do, don't forget to like and comment
Thanks
xx