Chapter 9

Yuddhisthir's pov:-

The moon was bright and the sky was clear. A soft melody could be heard, purely mesmerizing and devotional.

Bhrata Krishna might be playing his flute. It always brings a sense of calmness, that soothes the soul itself.

I stood leaning on the balcony. So many thoughts, so many reasons and so many clues. My mind hasn't stopped buzzing.

Today had been a fulfilling day, with mind-numbing information.

I glanced at the bed, where my future son slept, snuggled within the covers.

Isn't that shocking, at being told that you are visited by your son from the future?

I am married to someone, whom I have no idea about! Anjali, her name is rather sweet. What kind of person, will she be? We just watched two scenes...that isn't enough to know the person, she is. I hope she is someone I can fall in love with. A relationship, Mata had with Pitashree, filled with love and respect.

And that information. From Gandhar raj to Angaraj, everything was so different, so surreal, that it gets hard to assimilate pieces of a huge puzzle. I wonder what had made Devi Sanchali so....pragmatic. She laughs yet I can see that something is troubling her. Her thoughts are very practical, someone who tries to see and cover almost as many sides of a story as possible. It is efficient.

That information was very precise, but isn't the future changing with the children already here?

I wondered what is going to happen in these upcoming days...

It is night, I must sleep..otherwise waking up will be a problem.

Morning came bright and early.

Surya dev seemed a bit too happy, as he liberally bathed Karna and Veer in sun rays when they came to do their usual veneration on the Ganga ghat.

Arjun had woken up with a child curled up around him. Yuddhisthir woke up to Yash waking him up. Nakul and Sahadev had woken up by cold water on their faces, while Bheem and Duryodhan were found together, as Lakshmana and Adrijaweres hugging each other while sleeping in between their fathers.

Ashwathama on the other hand had a peaceful and nice sleep.

Let's say, the princes hurried through their routines, so they could reach the lounge room as soon as possible.

The lounge room was ready, with the machine glowing a bit, and Devi Mahamaya waiting for them.

Bhishma, Krishna, Balrama, Dhritarashtra, Vidur, Drona, Kunti and Gandhari, were waiting with Mahamaya as well.

" Where are the children? They should be here by now!" commented Gandhari, a bit worried.

" I am sure they must be on their way, Jijii!" replied Kunti, her eyes straying towards the door as well.

As if her words had summoned him, Angaraj appeared with Veer beside him. Both were dressed neatly.

" Thank goodness one of you came! No one saw him right?" asked Mahamaya, pointing at Veer, who shook his head negatively.

" Nehi Devi." answered Karna, as he took his seat, in the middle of the three thrones placed, at one side of the room.

" Good. Good," answered Mahamaya, relieved.

" Where are the others, Putra? Weren't all of you together, yesterday?" asked Gandhari, her gentle and calm voice bringing a small smile on Karna's face.

" We were Maharani, but all of us separated when the children were ready to sleep. All of the princes took their children in their rooms, I think. I believe Suyodhan and Rajkumar Bheem are still in the common hall, though." answered Karna.

" They are together?" said Vidur, disbelief colouring his voice.

" They are asleep, I am sure," answered Karna, his voice missing the warmth it held, when he was speaking with Gandhari.

" What about Ashwathama?" asked Drona, diverting attention to himself.

" In the common hall, as well, I think. Unless he could sleepwalk, he shouldn't have wandered off," answered Karna, his voice remaining blank.

Drona nodded, and the door opened again to admit Yuddhisthir with Yash, Ayush and Malvika with him.

" Where is Rajkumar Nakul and Rajkumar Sahadev?" asked Mahamaya, while the kids ran towards where Veer was standing.

" I sent them off to change their clothes," answered Yuddhisthir, before he sat opposite Karna, on the other side of the room.

" Why putra?" asked Gandhari, a curious look on her face.

" They were half drenched in water, Badi maa. Apparently, Malvika and Ayush woke them up by throwing water on them," replied Yuddhisthir, an amused smile on his face.

Before anyone can answer, the door snapped open again.

Lakshmana, Adrija and Adhrit ran in, joining the other kids. Duryodhan and Bheem were walking in together, for once not arguing or glaring at each other. Arjun and Ashwathama were behind them, followed by Nakul and Sahadev. All were wearing clothes rather haphazardly, except Ashwathama, Nakul and Sahadev.

Duryodhan's angavastra was thrown over one shoulder, while the other trailed on the floor. He still looked sleepy. Bheem's angavastra was hanging on his neck, while he yawned. Neither of them had any energy to fight with each other. Arjun's angavastra was rumpled as if someone had tugged on it a lot. Ashwathama was the only one who looked neat and clean, as he literally bounced in the room.

Nakul and Sahadev shuffled in quickly.

After them, the room was closed, its enchantment activating. The machine glowed a bit, before returning to normal.

" Putro, why are you all so...ah..rumpled?" asked Bhishma, a bit amused at their state of dress.

Nakul snickered as he and Sahadev sat in their respective places. Arjun tugged Bheem to their places, as Bheem was going straight towards where Bhishma was sitting. Duryodhan literally walked off towards Balrama, who looked at his student, amused.

Ashwathama dragged him to his seat before Duryodhan could sit on Balrama's lap, in his sleepy state. Krishna was snickering, while he winked mischievously at the kids, who were giggling.

Ashwathama literally dumped him on his seat and then sat.

" Well, kids, it's time for you to go!" said Mahamaya, before she turned to fiddle something in the machine.

The kids nodded.

" Wait, before you go, I have a question. Where is Tatshree, in the future?" asked Vidur, looking at Veer, since he was likely to answer the question.

Veer blinked at being addressed, before speaking, " Well, he is not Mahamahim, as that position is held by Kakashree Suyo. Gangaputra Bhishma was still on his tirth yatra, and we should go, for he should be coming back after 5 years of absence. Everyone must be busy with preparations, to welcome him." answered Veer, before waving at Karna and entering the portal, as Mahamaya gestured to him to enter.

Duryodhan was busy sleeping with his head on Karna's shoulder, to hear what Veer said. But everyone's face was dumbfounded, especially Bhishma, who had a slight hope in his eyes. Krishna's smile was very happy.

The kids had quickly disappeared one after another in the portal, by the time all of them had gained their bearings.

" Now that they are gone, I have some important things to discuss with all of you!" said Mahamaya.

" The kids are gone?" asked Dhritarashtra, a bit shocked.

" Yes, they are," answered Mahamaya, patiently.

" What is it, you wish to inform us about, Devi Mahamaya?" asked Krishna, having an inkling what it might be, as his eyes were twinkling.

" Before I say anything, please wake up the two Rajkumars," said Mahamaya, gesturing towards Duryodhan, who was sleeping with his head on Karna's shoulders, while Bheem was using Yuddhisthir's shoulder.

Karna looked at Ashwathama, who winked at him and took a glass of water, in the view of everyone.

Drona realizing what his son was about to do and he opened his mouth to stop his son, but before that Ashwathama had already thrown the water on Duryodhan's face.

"Maa, bachao! " yelled Duryodhana sleepily, thinking he was drowning or something, before realizing his face was wet as was his angavastra. He also noticed that he was in the lounge and the kids were gone. Apparently, he had done everything, while sleepy.

Gandhari and Kunti giggled, while Ashwathama, Karna, Krishna, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev were snickering to their heart's content.

Everyone else were very amused, while Drona was shaking his head, at the childish acts.

" Putra, exactly what should your mother save you from?" teased Dhritarashtra.

" Probably from our future bhabhishree, Bade pitashree." spoke Sahadev spontaneously.

Laughter rang out, while Duryodhan flushed.

"Chalo, ab bhrata Bheem ki bari! " said Nakul, rubbing his palms gleefully.

" Nakul.." Yuddhisthir tried to warn his younger brother, but Arjun cut him off.

" Offo, jyesht! Karne dijiye na..anand ayega! What's the plan Nakul?" said Arjun, a naughty smirk on his face.

Nakul smirked, as he took a laddoo from a plate and kept it in front of Bheem's nose, who even asleep could smell the laddoo. He jerked towards the laddoo, while Nakul started to go back with the laddoo, making Bheem follow after the smell, sleepwalking. He kept the laddoo in Kunti's hand, who looked at it.

Bheem followed the smell, till front of Kunti. His brows furrowed, while he sniffed Kunti, as the smell of laddoo was coming from Kunti's hand, who was holding the laddoo.

A bit amused, she called, " Bheem!"

"huh?Laddoo tum vartalap bhi kar sakte ho? Wo bhi Maa ke swar mei! Sharam ani chahiye tumhe...ab jaldi ao, mujhe khana hai tumhe! "

Bhishma, Drona, Balrama, Gandhari, Dhritarashtra and Vidur were very amused. While Duryodhan looked like he was minutes away from laughing. Ashwathama, Nakul, Sahadev, Krishna, Arjun, Mahamaya were laughing freely. Yuddhisthir and Karna looked bemused.

Kunti, though a bit amused, was glaring at her son's face. She slapped his head, making Bheem open his eyes, only for him to fall on the floor, finding Kunti's glaring eyes near him. A laddoo in her hand.

" Maa, aap laddoo ke sthan mei kab ayi? " he asked, absolutely baffled, as his head was still muffled with sleep.

" Arjun, apne bharta ko uthao aur usse sthan grahan karne ko bolo.." said Kunti, sternly.

Arjun helped Bheem get up, while still snickering.

After everyone has settled, Mahamaya started to speak softly.

" You met your children, Rajkumaro. Under no circumstances, should they be mentioned outside this room. No one has seen any of the kids, correct?" asked Mahamaya, again.

The young males nodded positively.

" Good. That was all. So will you leave now and come back at a later time of the day or shall we start?" said Mahamaya, chirpily again, causing everyone to gape at her, except Krishna who was snickering. This was the important thing she wanted to discuss?

" Devi, today we have decided that we will watch as much as possible, till before dinner. So, we will start now itself," said Bhishma, after getting over his shock.

" Oh Good!! We will start where we left off," said Mahamaya.

As everyone settled down again, Mahamaya turned towards the machine as it started up.

The screen appeared.

Sun hasn't risen yet. The sky was slightly pink and black. Birds have started to chirp, announcing a new day. The house of the girls was seen. A figure was standing on the porch, wearing workout cloths - Track pants in black and a tank top in grey. Her hair was in a top ponytail and a pair of headphones plugged in her ears. She opened the main door of the house, her face became recognizable. Sanchali was going out for her daily runs.

The scene was paused, as Duryodhan spoke.

" Bhabhishree ne ye kaise vastra pehne hai? " asked Duryodhan, half scandalized and half curious. Karna glared at him.

" Bhabhishree?" asked Karna, a very confused look on his face.

" Haa Bhabhishree. Ab mei apne mitra ke patni ko kya nam se pukarunga?" asked Duryodhan, blinking his eyes.

" I am not married, Suyo." pointed out Karna, with a glare at Duryodhan.

" Arey Angaraj, Rajkumar uchit kahe rahe hai. Humne to bacho se mil bhi liya. Aur waise bhi, Ek bhabhishree nehi, teen bhabhishree aur teen behene mill rahi hai apko Rajkumar Duryodhan." said Krishna snickering, as Angaraj and Pandavas, blushed.

Duryodhan looked a bit shocked at being spoken to by someone (according to him) who always favoured the Pandavas. But he nodded after getting over the shock.

" Baat to appki sahi hai, Dwarkadeesh." answered Duryodhan, a small smile on his face.

" Then we have to find Bhabhishree Bhanumati soon. So that we are not the only who gets teased." said Nakul, before blinking at what he told.

The Pandavas had seen a very different side of Duryodhan yesterday, but to joke with him so easily, was a bit too fast probably.

Ashwathama realizing this will become a landmine, if someone doesn't interrupt, spoke up, " Absolutely correct Rajkumar Nakul. I also want to know from where Lakshmana got her beauty from, because this big guy here, isn't handsome at all."

These caused all five brothers, Karna and Krishna to laugh, while Duryodhan pouted.

" Absolutely correct Dronaputra!" teased Balrama as well, as Duryodhan flushed red, at his Gurudev's teasing.

The adults were actually happy to see the comradeship, no matter how fragile, between the two sets of cousins. Perhaps, there was still a chance.

" Still, putra Duryodhan's question is true. Devi Mahamaya, what kinds of clothes is this? Have clothing style changed so much?" asked Kunti, curious.

Gandhari nodded beside her. Kunti had explained to her the type of clothes Sanchali was wearing. She was curious as well.

" Yes, clothing style had changed a lot. What Sanchali is wearing are workout clothes. These kind of clothes are worn, during working out, that is exercising or sparing. What she is wearing is rather common." answered Mahamaya, calmly.

Kunti and Gandhari nodded, while everyone also looked satisfied. Everyone paid attention, as the scene started to play again.

Sanchali was returning from her run, by 6 am. She entered her house and smiled as all her sisters were up and doing their own sets of exercises.

Anjali was meditating, in traditional position on the porch. Archita and Sonakshi were doing Yoga on their respective mats, in the garden. She frowned as she did not see her youngest sisters - the twins.

" Where are Ragini and Kirti?" asked Sanchi, as she took a gulped water down from her water bottle.

" Both are up di. They are in their room, revising for the last time." said Anjali, as she cracked an eye open, before closing it again.

Sanchi nodded. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

" Must be Sushma. I will go check," said Anjali, as she got up from her position. Sanchi nodded and watched as Anju went over to open the door.

" Kya Sushma, you are late by 15 mins," said Anjali, sternly.

" Maaf kardo Memsahib. Aap to jante ho naa, wo Mishra.." before she can complete the sentence, Sanchi spoke.

" Mishraji ne late karwa diya!" completed Sanchi. Anjali giggled, while Sushma looked sheepish.

" Haa, badi malkin. Sahi pakre." said Sushma, before she went inside the house.

Sushma, was the maid as well as the housekeeper of the house. She worked for the girls from the time Sanchi bought the house. She was suggested by the previous owner to the sisters, as she was trustworthy and a nice person by nature.

" This Mishraji is an item piece. He never gets happy with anyone," commented Anjali, making Sanchi smile at the statement.

" Satya vachan! He also tries to butter up Sanchi di, for who knows what reason!" said Archi, as she came over to them, with her mat rolled under her arms.

" He thinks by buttering up di, he can get his useless son married to our di." answered Sona, as she came towards them as well.

Archita snorted.

" Let him try... Then we will show him." said Anju, quite darkly.

" True!" answered both Archi and Sona, in sync. Sanchi looked half-fond and half-exasperated.

Suddenly the bell started to ring again, with a person yelling, " Sanchi, beti tum ghar mei ho???"

" Nam liya aur Buddha hazir hogaya chini lene! This has become a routine! You deal with him di, we are going inside." said Sona, with a disgusting look towards the closed door, before all the three sisters ran inside.

Sanchi sighed as the bell rang again. She opened the door, to see Mishraji standing there with a bowl in his hands.

" Ji Mishraji?" asked Sanchali, with an amused smile on her face.

" Maaf karna beta, who...chini chahiye thi!" said Mishraji with a huge smile.

" Ji." said Sanchali, before yelling inside to Anju to bring a bit of sugar.

" Please wait a while. Anju la rahi hai!" answered Sanchali to Mishraji.

" No problem beta! I can wait. In this way, I can talk to you too!" said Mishraji.

" Ji." said Sanchali, with a forced smile, already anticipating the question or rather the daily question.

" So, beta, what have you thought of marriage? I mean, you have a successful career and have also a good family background, what more can a boy need?" said Mishraji, smiling brightly again.

Sanchali smiled, a bit forcefully.

" Ji, wo kya hai na, Mishraji, I haven't met whom I click instantly with, you know? So, marriage is off the table for the immediate future," answered Sanchi.

Anjali arrived just then and gave the sugar to Mishraji.

" By the way, Mishraji, here is the sugar..and you know perhaps instead of grilling di regarding her life plans, you should start finding a wife for that son of yours!" commented Anjali.

" ek dam sahi kaha Anju ne! Mishraji, you worry about that incompetent son of yours and stop trying to dream for something that isn't possible." said a woman around 50 years of age, who also was their neighbour.

Sanchali cracked a true smile, before excusing herself and closing the door.

The screen froze, as Ashwathama spoke, " Looks like, dear Karna, you have to give Agnipariksha, soon..Bhabhishree's sisters are rather protective."

Karna glared at Ashwathama.

" Not only him five other people also have to prove themselves. Haven't you heard how Anjali Bhabhishree, spoke when Sanchali Bhabhishree's future spouse was bought up? I am sure every future groom present here will have to give Agnipariksha, my friend! Excluding myself, of-course." said a dramatic Duryodhan, as he and Ashwathama high-fived.

Yuddhisthir looked half-amazed at Duryodhan's easy words with them and half-blushing at said words. The other four brothers blushed slightly.

" I am sure Rajkumar Duryodhan, that will not be a problem..every lover must give Agnipariksha, to prove their love!!" said Krishna, in a very saint-like voice.

Balrama snorted.

" Can we continue, now? No more interruption again!" said Mahamaya, exasperated and amused.

At their nods, the screen started again.

" Ragini, Kirti, come down! Breakfast is ready!" said Anjali, as she placed the dish on the table. She was ready in a pink suit and her hair open, looking gorgeous.

" Kirti, come down!" called Anju again as she sat down. All the sisters were present at breakfast. Only Kirti was left to join.

" Coming!Coming!" said Kirti, running down the stairs swiftly and sat quickly at her place.

Sanchi's phone rang, and she picked it up while sitting. She gestured towards her sisters to start eating.

" Hello?"

" Hello ji. I am the manger of your ABC bank. Your fixed deposit has matured mam. Can you come to the bank by today to complete some paperwork?"

Sanchi hummed, as she spoke, " I apologize, I am a bit busy today. Will it be possible if my sister visits instead?"

" Yes, of course. Thank you mam, for your cooperation." with that she cut of the call.

" Who was it di?" asked Sona, as she took a bit of the puri.

" Bank. Anju, will you go to check it out please?" asked Sanchi, as she hurriedly ate.

" Sure di. I did not know you were busy today?" said Anju, making it sound like a question.

" I am. An important meeting is scheduled. I will have to leave early. Kirti and Ragini, I will drop you both off at your exam centre, hurry up." said Sanchi, quickly finishing her breakfast.

" Badi malkin, you ate so little, have some more." offered Sushma.

" No, no..not today Sushma. Where is your son?" asked Sanchi as he got up.

" He left for school, early in the morning," replied Sushma.

Sanchi nodded, while Sona chirped in, " That's good. Tell him to come over, I will help with his homework."

" Ji." replied Sushma, with a heartfelt smile.

" Archi di, will you be home today?" asked Ragini.

" Yup, took a leave. I will make lunch today. Any preference?" asked Archita, softly.

" Pasta, please. Haven't had it in ages!" answered Kirti, as she got up as well.

The sisters nodded agreeing, while Sanchi hollered, " You two come fast."

" Ayi di!!" yelled back Ragini, as she and Kirti were hugged and fed dahi-chini. (Curd and sugar)

A black car was out on the driveway, leading up to their porch.

Anju walked to open the front door, while Archita and Sona yelled, " Best of luck."

" Thanks dii." waved the twins, as both of them, got into the car.

" Ready? " asked Sanchi, as she started the car, hand on the accelerator.

" Yup di, let's go."

Sanchi hummed, as the car entered the street, while the three sisters waved with Ragini and Kirti waving back.

The screen stopped again.

" Okay, what is that?" asked Nakul, looking at the sleek black car, which Nakul was staring at.

" A car. It's a kind of a machine I guess. It is used for travel and is very fast." explained Mahamaya.

" Like chariot?" questioned Karna, a bit confused.

" Yes. But chariots are slow. That car is very fast. And you can sit very comfortably, inside the car." said Mahamaya.

" It looks very comfortable. I want one! Dau?" commented Krishna.

Balrama sighed, " If you want one, then create it yourself."

" Sure," said Krishna, already thinking of creating it now.

Balrama's eyes widened, " Not now!! What will I do with this brother of mine?"

Krishna gave him a mock hurt look, which Balrama studiously ignored.

" Okay, enough. Can we start again?" asked Kunti, as looked at her nephews sternly.

" Of-course," answered Mahamaya.

The scene started again.

" Sanchi!" called a husky and a male voice.

Sanchi looked back, with a small smile on her face. She was in the office garden, with a mug of coffee in her hand.

" You are late!" commented Sanchi.

" I know, sorry yaar, got stuck in traffic." answered the male.

" Hmm..Kabir, what is the status?" asked Sanchi, her expression becoming stern.

" Going good, till now. He hasn't even noticed someone is buying his shares," said Kabir, his expression serious as well.

" Good. And the search for the main evidence?" asked Sanchali, a dark look in her eyes.

" Not that good. The trackers think that the evidence is in the...mansion," said Kabir, a bit cautiously.

" Which Mansion?" asked Sanchali, her voice controlled and measured.

" The mansion in which...your parents and uncle and aunt were...murdered," answered Kabir slowly.

Sanchali's grip on the mug tightened, till her knuckles were white.

"Are you sure?" her voice eerily calm.

" yes," muttered Kabir.

The mug of coffee was thrown on the ground, with the beverage spilling all around.

The screen froze.

" Murdered?" asked Yuddhisthir, looking pained and shocked.

Almost everyone seemed shocked and worried. Krishna's eyes were serious, while Balrama also portrayed his brother. The adults were shocked and sad.

" We should continue, again. It will allow us to know more," said Gandhari, gesturing at Mahamaya.

The screen started again.

Sanchi's hands were into a fist, as a growl left her throat. The anger and hatred in her eyes were visible, but what more was the need, the requirement for justice, that was present in her eyes.

" Sanchi, don't worry, I will send the most expert group of trackers inside the house, who can search the mansion," said Kabir, cautiously and slowly.

" No."

" No?" repeated Kabir, a bit bewildered.

" No. No one can enter the house. That mansion is protected by lasers and fingerprint protection. There are certain other security measure present as well, like eye scanning and so on." said Sanchi, her breath coming out in short puffs.

" Then?" asked Kabir, again.

" We will think on this later. Tell the trackers to get the rest of the evidence as soon as possible," ordered Sanchi, before she went inside the office building.

The screen shifted again, as it showed evening time, with all of the girls present in their drawing-room.

" Di, you said in the morning about some meeting..did it go well?" asked Archi, as she snacked on cookies.

" yes." replied Sanchi, stiffening up as she remembered the meeting with Kabir.

" How was your exams Ragini, Kirti?" asked Anju, softly.

" Went well di, now it's holidays..." replied Kirti, cheering.

" I am a bit shocked." commented Sona, munching on some samosas.

" About what?" asked Anju.

" The fact that no one has started the topic of Mahabharata and Ramayana, again!" answered Sona dramatically, while Archi sighed at the often visited topic of discussion, or let's say...argument.

" Oh, yes..Thanks for reminding me Sona di!" replied Kirti, while Ragini wilted.

" Did you two fight?" asked Archi, bumping her shoulder with Ragini, who scowled a bit.

" Yes, we did. Want to hear the topic?" asked Ragini, scowling more. Kirti glared back at her.

" What is the topic?" asked Sanchi, finally joining their conversation.

" Kunti." answered Kirti.

" Ah!" hummed Sanchi, disinterested immediately.

" What happened di, you look like you sucked a sour lemon!" said Archita, teasingly. Sanchi rolled her eyes.

"Of course, because the topic of Kunti is a sour lemon." said Ragini, instead of Sanchi.

" Why do you hate her so much? " said Kirti, her frown on her face.

" Because, she is a selfish person." answered Ragini, hotly.

" Enough. No more fights." ordered Anjali, who was watching quietly.

" Sanchi di, what is your thoughts?" asked Sona, enjoying her younger sisters entertainment....discussion,...um..argument...whatever they call it these days.

" She is selfish when it came to her eldest child, otherwise she is a good mother for her five sons, as much as she can be being a politically powerful woman." answered Sanchi, as she got up to go to the kitchen.

The sisters followed her, while Sanchi rolled her eyes looking exasperated.

" Yuddhisthir?" asked Kirti, a bit shocked.

" No. Yuddhisthir was the Pandavagraja, but he wasn't the eldest Kaunteya," replied Archita, as she snacked on a laddoo from the nearby plate.

" What in the world is Pandavagraja?" asked Kirti, while Sona slapped her forehead.

" It means, the eldest of the Pandavas," answered Anjali, as she chopped the vegetables.

" Oh! If he isn't the eldest son of Rajmata Kunti, then who is?" asked Kirti. She though loved mythology, hardly remembered anything from them, therefore, it led to various questions.

" Karna." answered Sanchi, as she stirred the dal.

" Huh?? How?" asked Kirti, again.

" You asked me why I called her selfish? Let me tell you." said Ragini, as she took a deep breath at Kirti'sscepticall nod.

" Kunti got a boon from Durvasa Rishi, after she served him faithfully. That boon would give Kunti a child, from a Devta, whom she summons. Rishi Durvasa warned her saying to only use that mantra after she was married. But of-course, teenage girls don't listen to good advice! So to test the mantra, she called forth Surya dev, with that mantra. Surya dev arrived and when Kunti satisfied that the mantra was working, said he can go back now. But Surya dev told her that he is bound to give her a child, as otherwise the Mantra will not allow him to go back."

Ragini sipped water, as she took a breath.

" Then?" asked Kirti, again.

" Then what? A baby was born, with Surya dev's armour and kundals. The baby's radiance rivalled those of the Sun. Who do you think it is?" asked Ragini, sarcastically.

" Oh! But why was Karna called Radheya, then?" asked Kirti.

" Because, his adopted mother Radha, holds a greater position than Kunti. That's why he is called Radheya first and then Kaunteya." answered Archi, softly.

" Just like Krishna." said Kirti, after nodding.

" Krishna?" asked Ragini.

" Yup. Krishna. He was bought up by Yashoda and Nanda baba. Whenever I think of Krishna, the name of his adopted parents comes first always. Then Vasudev and Devaki." exclaimed Kirti, chirpily.

Ragini nodded at the comparison.

" You have been rather quiet Sanchi di." stated Sona, as she worked on making dough.

Sanchi who was working on the curry, looked at her sisters who were looking at her attentively.

She sighed before muttering, " They always bring me into aforementioned debates."

Anjali, who was standing beside her, snorted.

" Kunti was also called Pritha, which was her real name, I guess. About her abandoning Karna, who at that time was just a new born baby, especially when he wasn't even at fault, was a bit heartless, but understandable. If she did not want a child, she should not have used the mantra in the first place. But when she remembered Rishi Durvasa's warning, it was too late. It is understandable that at that situation, she had to choose between her father's reputation and the baby so she choose her father, obviously. Her current age at that time, is a bit debatable I guess. "

Sanchali stopped for a bit to take a breathe, before continuing.

" It is still partially forgivable, as she was literally stuck between two very difficult situations. Understandable as well. But the situation was created due to her own fault. Anyway, fast forward to her marriage with Pandu. Well, remember the saying, what goes round, comes round?" asked Sanchi, as she mixed the dal with the vegetables.

" Yea. But di, what does that have to do with Kunti?" asked Kirti, curiously.

" Partially forgivable?" asked Ragini, at the same time.

" oho! Let di speak. Continue di." said Sona, as she listened to the tale. Sona handed the dough to Archita, who was standing and listening.

Sanchali smiled as she continued, " Kunti married Pandu, who got cursed that he can never have any children. Isn't that a nice coincidence? Think. On one side, Rishi Durvasa gave a boon of children of gods, on the other hand, Kunti foolishly did a mistake, and then she married the only person who can never have children of his own. What goes round comes round. Kunti had to use the very boon to get children for both herself and Madri. Thus, the five Pandavas were born, embedded with the characteristics of their celestial father. Yamaputra Yuddhisthir, Vayuputra Bheem, Indraputra Arjun, Ashwini Kumaro ke putra Nakul aur Sahadev. "

Sanchali turned off the gas, exchanging place with Anjali.

" But di, you haven't told what you think of her!" said Ragini, pouting a bit.

" I am getting to that Ragini." admonished Sanchi, gently, as she came over to them.

Anjali and Archita took over making chapatis from Sanchali, while she sat down.

" Speak fast di, this two looks like they rather never agree on this matter," said Sona, pointing out Ragini and Kirti, who were sending snide looks at each other.

Sanchali sighed, " Ragini, Kirti, enough! If you don't stop now, I won't say anything."

Ragini and Kirti straightened out immediately. Anjali, Archita and Sona snickered.

" I can forgive Kunti for abandoning her child, due to the situation, which was of her own creation. What I cannot forgive is when she found out Karna, during the Kala Pradarshan, she fainted, yet uttered not a word. She recognized her eldest born, yet kept quiet. It is said that she almost ignored him, keeping away as much as possible. She saw everything, she heard everything, yet said nothing. Her own sons taunted him, she uttered not a word. I can forgive her for abandoning a baby to save her father's reputation but not her silence when she finds her eldest son again, which was her own choice. She knowingly did not choose him. Over that, she revealed the truth, do you know when?" said Sanchali, a cynical tint in her voice.

At their negative response, Anjali spoke softly, " Remember, yesterday we heard that she extracted the promise from Karna - that he can only use all his astras only once against Arjun? That was when Kunti revealed the truth, in desperation to make sure her five sons lived, not six, but five!"

Ragini nodded, a sad smile on her face. Kirti looked horrified, while the atmosphere became gloomy.

" Everyone knew if Karna entered the Battlefield from the first day of the Kurukshetra, then the war would be over in 2 days. So, Krishna sent Kunti to Karna, when he was finishing his Surya Puja, to tell him the truth, saying this was the only way to make sure that brothers don't fight each other. Karna was already aware of his parentage by then. It was said that he met and talked with Kunti for the first time in his life. Krishna knew Karna would not agree, to fight from the side Panduputro's side, so he also said that if Karna doesn't agree, to ask him that he will use all his astras only once against Arjun. Kunti agreed and did as told. Karna listened quietly as Kunti pleaded Karna to join his brothers, he denied just as Krishna predicted. Kunti asked for the boon, Karna's was bound to give due to his oath. He gave the promise as well. He gave two more promises to Kunti from his own violation and requested her for one thing." continued Sona.

" What was those two more promises?" asked Ragini, frowning a bit..not knowing it...

" One was, that he would not kill any of the Pandavas, excluding Arjun. Second, was that she, that is, Kunti will always have five sons, in the end - that is either Arjun and Himself. The request that Karna asked off Kunti, was not to reveal his parentage to anyone, until the war was over." said Archita, a small sad smile on her face.

" Sanchi di?" prodded Kirti.

" The request and the second promise of Karna- as I interpret them, that Karna already knew what he had to do. The only way out of all the oaths was his death. That was the only way, to fulfil his Mitra Dharma and Putra Dharma. After all, Kunti, his birth mother had for the first time in his life talked to him and asked him something, he wasn't going to deny. He probably realized that it would have been better if he got out of the way, of her sons and herself. He was the 'mistake' after all. Kunti, is an amazing mother for her five children, shrewd and cunning in politics, a patient women who knew how to wait for the correct time, but the moment Karna is mentioned, she is seen as an antagonist. And of course, the matter with Draupadi is also mentioned, were due to her another 'mistake', a girl has to marry all the five Pandavas. That's partly Arjun's mistake too...who calls a woman a thing? Personally speaking, I respect her abilities, but I do not like her." said Sanchali, her eyes blank, but her voice held a cynical and pessimistic tone.

Her sisters hummed.

" Di, but if Kunti had revealed the truth, shouldn't her reputation be in tatters?" asked Kirti.

Sanchi snorted.

" Satyavati had a son before her marriage to Shantanu. His name was Ved Vyas, who was the one to dictate Mahabharata, aided by Shri Ganesha. Tell me, little sister, when the Kuru vansh already had a woman married into their family, who had a child before her marriage, do you think they have a right to accuse Kunti?" asked Anjali, her eyes sharp.

Kirti made an 'O' face.

" Exactly, Kunti could have stated about her son before marriage. No one can say a word against it. After all, the world respected Ved Vyas, just fine. Dhritarashtra and Pandu are his children, not Vichitravirya, not by blood at least. If they wanted to point fingers at Kunti, they have to point fingers at Satyavati, which none of the royals will do. Neither Bhishma nor Dhritarashtra. If they wanted to point fingers at Karna for being an illegitimate child, then they have to point fingers at Maharishi Vyas as well. Do you think, Dhritarashtra or Bhishma has the courage to point a finger at the Maharishi? The very same Maharishi, who mind you, is an illegitimate child as well, was the father of both Dhritarashtra and Pandu?" questioned Sona, sarcastically.

" In short, Life and God, gave a chance to Kunti, to rectify the mistake. She was married into a family that already has a past with something like this. She could easily tell, when she found out about Karna. And, isn't it ironic, that Karna was already present in Hastinapur, in the household of Adirath and Radha, before Kunti even arrived there. Mata Ganga probably knew what she was doing, when she floated the basket to Hastinapur, to Adirath and Radha. Life gave her an opportunity, which she didn't take. She wasn't brave enough to stand up to her mistakes. She ran like a coward. I respect her political prowess, from the division of Draupadi to gaining the throne of Hastinapur, she was a very good politician, a very knowledgeable one at that. But I do not like her cowardice." concluded Sanchi, softly.

The screen froze.