Everyone is stunned and turned to look as to who is the person who interrupted the king's announcement. Maharaj Dhrithrastr himself was annoyed, who has the audacity to interrupt him, it was already difficult for him to make the announcement, the love for his son is clashing with the love for his brother.

Just as he was about to question who interrupted him, in walked the great Guru Dron along with his son Ashwatthama. Everyone was confused as to why Guru Dron would interrupt such an important announcement, even Ashwatthama was looking at his father, not understanding what is happening, while Shakuni and the Kauravas were more than annoyed. They were already scared that Mahamahim's speech might change the king's heart and now this interruption.

Guru Dron entered the hall and stood in front of everyone, he folded his hands and addressed the king "Your Majesty, I apologize for interrupting you". He walked to the center of the court and continued "I know that you are going to announce your heir today, that is the reason I came here. I request you to not choose any of my students as the Yuvraj".

Everyone was shocked, why was Gurudev asking none of his students to be chosen, everyone has seen their skills. All of them are extremely talented. Shocked with the request Maharaj questioned "What are you saying Guru Dron?" To which Dronacharya replied, "As long as a sculptor is not satisfied with the sculpture, even the god cannot reside in it, it isn't deemed as worthy of worship". Dhrithrastr couldn't understand what he was talking about, but the intelligent minister of Hastinapur, Vidur immediately understood the meaning behind the words. He rose from his seat and spoke "Maharaj, Guru Dron haven't received his gurudakshina yet, which means the princes are still the disciples of him and we couldn't appoint any of them as the heir".

Listening to this, Dhrithrastr asks what Guru Dron wants as his gurudakshina, to which he replies "I want my students to pay me back using the skills I gave them. Let me see who is the most superior among my disciples. Even I wish to see who is the most capable among everyone". Even Vidur and Mahamahim felt this acceptable, as Vidur said "Only a teacher is capable of testing his disciples in the most apt way, And then no one can say we are biased".

Listening to this Shakuni instantly stood up to oppose the idea. The competition didn't go as planned, they couldn't harm Arjun, but thanks to Karna, there wasn't any winner. He used his tricks to make sure Duryodhan wins. Sending the youngest of the Pandavas, the Madreyas, who were swordsman against a mace user, and then doing adharma to get Yudhishtir leave the arena himself and making Bheem forget his surroundings by making him angry. All worked out well, except for removing Arjun. And he also knew that all this plan worked because they were singled out, together no one can beat them. He plays his tricks to help the Kauravas, but even he knows that the bond between the brothers is too strong to break.

Though he tried his best to argue with Vidur, even Maharaj agreed to Guru Dron's proposition, so he sighed and gritted his teeth, knowing that the outcome won't be in their favour. So he tried once again, this time targeting the Guru himself, "Guru Dron, what if you are partial and choose only a particular prince".

"I consider your doubt as my insult, Gandhar Raj. A teacher is always impartial and I doubt all the princes together wouldn't be able to pay my gurudakshina" said the great guru. Everyone present there were curious as to what Dronacharya wants that all their skillful princes together can't give. Mahamahim Bheeshma voiced the question in everyones heart, "What are you asking for Guru Dron".

"I want revenge for my insult" these words resounded in the court as everyone fell silent. "I want the King of Panchal, Drupad at my feet". He continued to explain the story of how he was insulted in the court of Panchal by his own friend Drupad with whom he studied together in his father's hermitage. He could have defeated him that instant but Drupad insulted his skill, so he kept the flame of revenge burning inside him and took a oath to defeat Drupad at the hands of his disciples using the same skill that has been ridiculed. "The time has come princes, use your skill and complete the oath of your teacher" he roared.

Everyone was silent, no one knew what to say. Finally Dhrithrastr spoke, "No Guru Dron, that is impossible, they are still kids and inexperienced, fighting an experienced king and his whole army, that is too much to ask, please ask something else" he pleaded. "No maharaj, this is gurudakshina, not a business, if my students are not confident enough then let it be, I'll go somewhere else to teach someone who is capable of fulfilling my oath" he thundered and turned around to leave the court.

Seeing his guru leave the court disappointedly, Arjun couldn't stay silent anymore "Guru Dron" he shouted and ran to him. "Every word from my Guru is a order to me and I Panduputr Arjun take a oath that either Drupad's head will be at your feet or my severed head in your hands". Some were worried while some were proud, but the troublesome trio were busy in planning their next step, now that Arjun took the oath, backing down would give Yudhishtir the chance of becoming the Yuvraj, they couldn't let that happen. So Duryodhan stood up saying he will fulfill the oath with his own hands and all his brothers stood behind him. Soon the Pandavas stood behind Arjun. Though they had to launch an attack on Panchal, it looked like they were trying their best not to attack each other.

The Mothers and Dusshala were worried for them, but now that the princes have decided, they were eager for the attack. Finally the loving father of Kauravas had to give in to the demands of his sons and gave the order to attack Panchal which led to a happy uproar from the princes. But only few were doing it to pay their gurudakshina, the others have their own intentions behind it.

Finally the court session ended and everyone was busy in preparing for the war. Weapons were being sharpened, shields were being polished, armours was being tested. Everyone is busy in doing anything that would help their princes win. All the ladies were praying for the wellness and victory of their beloved princes. They just have 2 days before they leave, so all the princes are spending their free time with their family. Aditi and Subhadra also got to know of what happened in the court thanks to the gossiping dasis.

The Pandavas along with Aditi and Subhadra could be found in Mata Kunti's chamber talking to her and eating from her hand. The atmosphere though tense still held happiness as the air was filled with laughter from the jokes of the pranksters. As Kunti sat on the bed looking at Nakul and Aditi again teasing Arjun, Bheem laughing out loud while eating ladoos and the serene smile of Yudhishtir looking at his family fondly. She felt someone sitting beside her, she didn't have to look to know who that is, "What happened Deva?" she asked before looking at him. For her Sahdev is always a litttle kid, he might be the most intelligent person, but he is way too shy and mostly silent unlike his twin who makes his presence known the second he enters a room.

"Nothing mata, I just feel happy to be with all of you.", he whispered putting his head in her lap. "Me too putr, thanks to Aditi and Subhadra, my wish of having a daughter is also fulfilled. I feel so content, once all of you come back from the battle with victory, we can stay here happily forever." though she said that, even she didn't believe it, throughout the years she has seen the hate grow among the cousins. But she hoped for things to settle. They never came here for power, they came for the love of a family. But what is the use of 100 brothers when they can't even bear your shadow.

As she was thinking all this, she felt a head on her shoulder, and soon all her kids surrounded her, slowly everyone slept off without a thought, where as some others in the palace were restless, making plans and playing tricks.

Early in the morning Dusshala, Subhadra and Aditi together went to the temple, praying for the princes victory. As they were coming back Aditi runs into Karna returning from the river after offering his prayers. She hasn't talked to him in days so she decides to talk to him while Dusshala and Subhadra had to return to the palace as they had some works.

"Pranipat Karna, sorry I couldn't talk to you much this week" apologized Aditi. "It's ok Rajkumari, everyone has been busy this week" he said. On not getting any reply he turned to look at her glaring at him, "What happened?" he questioned. "You asked me call you by your name but you are still calling me rajkumari, how is that fair Angraj?" she questioned. Karna couldn't help but smile at her angry expression. She looks so cute even when she is angry he thought. 'Cute', what are you thinking Karna, he reprimanded and pushed the thought away as he continued talking to her. They didn't even realize when they reached the palace until Nakul called her from the gardens, she took leave from Karna and went to Nakul, Sahadev and Yudhishtir who were discussing their battle plans in the garden. "What were you doing with that person" asked Nakul. "I was just talking to him, why?". "Don't you know he's our enemy" replied Nakul. "Enemy, but why? He isn't bad, he follows dharma. How could he be your enemy" she asked innocently. "Because he fought against bhrata Arjun" Nakul stated like it's obvious. "But wasn't that a competition where he challenged and Bhrata Arjun accepted? So that makes him bhrata Arjun's competitor not enemy, isn't it jyesth" she asked Yudhishtir.

"Of course Aditi, you are right, he isn't an enemy to us, Nakul don't make such assumptions. He is a friend to Hastinapur, so he is our friend too" instructed Yudhishtir. Nakul nodded his head. Sahadev as usual was listening silently while testing his weapons. Aditi slowly walked behind him and tapped on his shoulder. He turned around and raised an eyebrow asking what she wants. She was about to thank him for saving her life all those years ago, when a dasi comes running to inform that Pitamaha Bheeshma has called all the Pandavas.

Aditi followed the Pandavas to Pitamaha's room. She has a request to make. She thought she could convince him, but as they neared the room, she was unsure if he would agree to her request, but she has to try, this is what she came here for. All the Pandavas requested permission to enter and went in, but she stayed out, deciding to talk to Pitamaha alone, she knew that the Pandavas will also oppose her idea and convincing all of them would be very difficult.

Once the Pandavas took blessings from Mahamahim, they saw that Aditi was still waiting at the door, "What happened sakhi, why are you waiting at the door" asked Nakul. She was about to say something, when Pitamaha called her inside, she looked at the Pandavas and gave an assuring nod, telling them that she will come back to Mata Kunti's chamber after her talk. Everyone left to complete their works while a certain prince was looking for a rajkumari whom he wants to talk to before he leaves.

"Come in putri, I think I know what you came here for, but it is dangerous, you are our guest and we can't let any harm befall on you" said the great Bheeshma. She took a deep breath and started "Pitamaha, what harm will befall me when the most powerful princes of Hastinapur are there with me, and Guru Dron is also with us. I will be fine, I won't go to the war, I will just stay in the tent and treat any wounded rajkumars. I have learnt ayurveda and I feel I can be helpful there, staying here would just keep me worried. Please pitamaha allow me to accompany the rajkumars", she begged folding her hands. Mahamahim was in a dilemma, he understood the princesses concern and he saw the bond she formed with the Pandavas, he can't say no to her, but it isn't wise to send her there alone, she will be the only girl there. "Putri, I have no problem with your request, but I am not your guardian here, your parents sent you here on the request of Putri Kunti and Gandhari, ask them, and if they agree, I will make the necessary arrangements for your departure" he stated. He might not be able to say no, but Kunti and Gandhari who love Aditi as their own daughter will know what is best for her, they are already sending their sons on a dangerous mission, they wouldn't be willing to send their daughter on it too.

Aditi had a smile on her face listening to this, she can easily convince her mothers as pitamaha had already agreed. She took her leave and started running to the Queen's chamber as she got to know from the dasis that Mata Kunti is there with Mata Gandhari. As she was running she saw someone before her and stopped in time so that she wouldn't bump into him. "Thank god, people would think it is a custom in Saurastra to bump into people" she murmered. The words were caught by the sharp ears of the person. He chuckled, which made Aditi look up and a broad smile came on her face, "It's ok Aditi, you have already bumped into me, so you don't need to do it again" laughed Karna. "Karna, are you making fun of me" she pouted. "How can I make fun of the great princess of Saurastra" he questioned though the smile never left his face. They both stared at each other unsure about what to talk, "What are you doing here Karna?" she finally questioned. That is when the smile on Karna's face fell, how did I forget everything that happened and am standing here laughing, he thought. He wanted to fight along with the Kauravas and was helping them plan when Guru Dron asked him to leave, and declared that if he participates then the kauravas would be disqualified. How is that fair, and why shouldn't I use my skills for someone who gave me the proper recognition and respect, he mused. Aditi was looking at him confused as to why his smile suddenly changed into a frown. He saw her staring at him and took leave from her, walking away as fast as he could. She stared at his retreating back worried she might have said something wrong. After he turned a corner and disappeared from her view, she continued to the Queen's chamber. On arrival she saw Mata Gandhari hugging Mata Kunti as if she is the only one keeping her from completely breaking down. Though scared herself, Kunti was trying to be brave for both her jiji and also herself.

"Mata" the call from Aditi made them turn their heads to her as she walked to them unsure of how to convince the mothers who are already worried. "Come putri Krishaa" called Kunti and made her sit with them. One glance at her and Kunti understood that Aditi wants to ask something. She can understand her kids even in their silence, "What is it you want to ask putri"?

"Mata, that, I want, I mean, if you agree, I" she stammered. "Putri, you call us mata and are hesitating to talk" Gandhari interjected. Aditi took a deep breath and started explaining her request, "Mata, I know Ayurveda, I can be of use to anyone injured and I promise I won't go to the battle field. I've already asked Pitamaha, and he told me to ask you, I will be worried out of my mind here. Please mata, allow me to go". "But putri" Gandhari started but was interrupted by Kunti "Jiji, she might be right, the more doctors available, it will be more useful and Krishaa will be under the protection on Guru Dron himself, so I think it is ok to send her".

Even though Kunti was worried, she can see the resolve in Aditi's eyes, and she didn't want to stop her. Aditi couldn't stop the smile spreading on her face. She hugged both her matas and started running to tell this news to the Pandavas. As she was running she heard two familiar voices talking, even though she knew it's wrong, she couldn't stop herself from listening.

"Angraj, don't be angry, Gurudev wasn't trying to insult you." "Then why did he stop me from participating, Rajkumar Yuyutsu, he thinks I'm not skilled, and he won't even give me a chance to prove". The hurt in Karna's voice was apparent, and she couldn't stop herself from speaking, "Karna, why are you seeing things only from one side? When you step back and look, only then will you see the whole picture. Guru Dron isn't insulting you in anyway. He isn't allowing you to fight because that would be against his oath. He wants his disciples, to use their skills and defeat Panchal Raj. You aren't his student, and if you defeat him, Panchal Raj will still mock him that someone else defeated him". "I am sorry for interrupting, it isn't my place to tell you this, but I feel that one should look through all the perspectives before coming to a conclusion, because not everyone thinks the same way" she said.

Yuyutsu and Karna were staring at her, mouth agape. As everone was busy planning for the attack, they thought no one will interrupt them, but here infront of them was a princess, who is a foot shorter than them, but still standing confidently and telling them what is right. Karna couldn't help but admire the wisdom of the princess. Yuyutsu seeing Karna staring at Aditi without blinking, decided it is best to leave. After a minute or two, Karna found his voice, "Thank you Aditi, my anger didn't let me think properly, but you showed me that I have no reason to be angry. I wish I can always have you beside me, to help me think properly" he said before realizing what he spoke, he looked at her hoping she wouldn't take it the wrong way, but seeing her smiling, he was relieved.

"By the way matas allowed me to go along with the princes so I can help them, why don't you come along, we can sit and talk. I am sure once the princes go to war, I'll be bored" she requested with puppy dog eyes. Karna couldn't help but smile, ne nodded his head, "I'll join you there Aditi, I will see you soon" he said before taking leave. As he was walking back to his room, the smile wouldn't leave his face, first time in years he felt content in being himself.

As he entered his room he heard, "What happened Angraj, why are you glowing, is there something you want to share, about someone?" there was a smirk apparent in the voice. "Rajkumar Yuyutsu, you here? What are you talking about, and why did you leave me alone with rajkumari?" he tried to change the subject. "I'm an archer too Angraj, things don't escape from my eyes. Think whatever you might but remember that she is different from other princesses" he said as he stood up to leave. "She might be different, but she is still a princess" muttered Karna, which was caught by the sharp ears of the other archer but he refrained from replying and silently left.

On the other hand the Pandavas were shocked to know that Aditi is coming with them. "Diti, my little pumpkin, it might be dangerous, isn't it jyesth? I can't risk my sister getting even a scratch. Why is everyone silent" Arjun rambled, unwilling to let his innocent sister come into harms way. "I will protect her Arjun, if anyone comes near her, I will crush them" stated Bheem, giving a reassuring nod to her. "Bhrata, why are you talking like she is coming to the battleground with us, she'll stay in the tent, under Gurudev's protection. Isn't it sakhi?" asked Nakul. Finally Aditi had enough, she turned to Yudhishtir, "Jyesth, I promise to be careful and I'll help anyone who is wounded while Mitr Nakul and Sahadev are in battle. I will stay in the tent. Even Mata and Pitamaha agreed. Please let me come" she asked. Yudhishtir, knowing that he can't say no to her just nodded. Simultaneously cheers and groans could be heard but no one opposed the idea anymore.

Everyone retired to their rooms early, they have to wake up early in the morning as there is a pooja being conducted for the victory of the princes. Aditi was too excited as she finally got to know her saviour and was busy planning on how to repay him. Mata Kunti was both happy and worried for her sons, they are exceptionally skilled warriors, but a mother's heart always yearns for the well being of her children, no matter what. The Pandavas were eager to fulfill their Guru's oath and on the other hand the Kauravas were planning to make sure they win at any cost so the throne would be theirs. But one thing is common among everyone, none of them could sleep that night.

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As promised, another update. I'll try my best to update regularly. I know it's a long chapter, I thought of cutting the court scene short, but it is one of the scenes that shows the nature of the characters. Though the Kauravas don't care about Pandavas, there is lots of love between the 100 brothers. Shakuni might be knows for his tricks, but he did all that for his sister and nephews. We can never judge any of them, as everyone played their part in Dharmasthapana!!! 🙂♥️

I'll again update tomorrow or the day after. Do vote and comment. I'd love to know your opinions and also your votes boost my confidence, I'd feel that someone is interested in reading my book and are liking what they read. 😇💯

Have a nice day!!!

Love

-- Ashwini ★