The Kala-pradarshan of the Kuru-princes had taken place. The citizens were in awe with their brave princes and assured about the future of the kingdom and their safety.

They were especially in awe with three, Yudhishthir, Arjun and Manvendra.

The eldest son of Pandu and the eldest son of Kuruvansh, with his valour impressed the citizens. He gave them a glimpse of what their future king shall be like.

Arjun had displayed a small amount of his unparalleled valour and skills. Indeed there was no great warrior than him in Kuru-rashtra, or maybe in the whole world.

He was just like his father Indra - strong, benevolent and glorious. And just like Indra is chief among gods, he seemed to be the chief among Kshatriyas. Wielding his bow he looked like Vishnu wielding Sharang.

And when Manvendra came, the citizens at first were fear-stricken at the sight of the Raudra. For a moment, the ever youthful prince seemed to be the most powerful, malevolent and terrifying.

Holding his bow he looked like Mahadev holding Pinak, wielding the spears and swords he looked like Manyu wielding thunder. Endowed with strong arms and sturdy limbs, he seemed as though he could single-handedly end kingdoms.

The only thing that eased the terror in the minds of the citizens was the fact that he was the son of Vidur and wouldn't be against Kuru-rashtra.

And once they were assured by this fact, they cheered whole-heartedly for him, because now the enemies of Kuru-rashtra would think ten times before attacking.

And despite the incredible valour displayed by all the princes, one thing to take away from the Kala-pradarshan was Karn, who returned after obtaining education from Parshuram himself, and became the king of Anga by the grace of Duryodhan.

And by this Karn had once again become the trunk of the unrighteous tree which is Duryodhan. Both the friends were delighted to meet after years.

"Mitra Karn, with you by my side there is no one who can stop me from having the throne of Hastinapur." Duryodhan said.

"I will do everything in my power to assure your accession." Karn said.

"With Manvendra here, you cannot do a thing." Shakuni said.

"Why ? I can crush him like an ant. Don't forget I am the student of Parshuram." Karn said.

"It's not always about strength Angraj. The people of Hastinapur are in awe with Manvendra now. After Yudhishthir he is rightfully the second choice for the throne. And in this case, you, an outsider king can do nothing. After all he is the son of Vidur, the entire Mantri Mandal and Mantri Parishad shall be behind him." Shakuni said.

"Then what do you suggest Mamashree ?" Duryodhan asked.

"We have to find a way to keep him outside the kingdom." Shakuni said.

"Then the threat of Manvendra must be shown to Pitashree." Duryodhan said.

"Aah dear nephew." Shakuni smiled slyly, "Finally you have learnt a thing or two from me." He said.

------

The hall was filled with laughter and delight, everyone was praising the valor of the princes, especially Yudhishthir, Arjun and Manvendra.

The aroma of sumptuous food and the sounds of clinking glasses added to the atmosphere. However, despite being one of the centers of attention, Manvendra's mind was somewhere else.

As his gaze wandered around the room, he saw the joy on everyone's faces, but it only served to deepen his own sense of emptiness. He wasn't able to feel anything that they all felt.

And so he stood up from his seat, wanting to leave.

"I'll get going." Manvendra said.

"But the feast is attaining it's glory, taat." Bheem said.

"Yes. Please stay, taat." Yuyutsu said.

"I'm not feeling it." The Vidurputra said.

"Please taat ?" Arjun asked.

"No." Manvendra said simply and left.

The lips of Arjun parted slightly, as he stared at Manvendra leaving. And this was the moment, for which Arjun felt the sweet relation he shared with his cousin, was slipping away.

"Arjun ?" Yudhishthir kept his hand over his younger brother's shoulder, making him come out of his stance.

"Taat never said 'No' to me." Arjun breathed out.

"Give him some time, son." Yudhishthir said and Arjun nodded.

On the other hand, Manvendra entered his room, locking it. He slowly walked to the balcony, where one part of Hastinapur was visible, the city was glimmering like the stars in the night sky.

His gaze were unfocused, silence surrounded him. But his mind was in chaos, he was feeling as if he was living in a world that was completely foreign to him. He would watch others openly express their emotions, but had no idea how to join in. It was getting rather suffocating.

He was getting desparate now, desparate to feel something, desparate to share the same enthusiasm or the grief as everyone else. He wanted to feel something, anything.

He went back to the room, lying down on his bed, shutting his eyes, hoping that sleep shall give a temporary relief to his misery.

Sleep was soon to take over him, as he was tired and a little intoxicated, but it wasn't going to give him any relief, but only more misery.

He stirred in his sleep, as the face of that woman, the traumatized eyes of hers, the shrilled voice that had blamed him for her husband's murder, that entire moment was relived by him.

"No ! You have killed my husband ! You have killed my heart ! Your condition shall become like mine ! This very moment, your heart shall also die but you shall live !"

The eyes of Manvendra shot open, as he jolted straight up, beads of sweat rolled down his face. Breathing heavily, he looked around and realised that it was just a nightmare.

"Narayan..." He groaned lying back down, holding his forehead, thinking that he should get used to it by now since it was the same nightmare that had been haunting him since that very incident.

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A/N

Poor Manvendra~