?THE BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY?- A Different Point Of View

?DEFEAT OF DRUPAD?

Duryodhan took a deep breath saying,"I wish both Pandavas and Kauravas work together in capturing The Panchal King! I don't want drift between us. We'll plan Well and capture the king...because as of Arjun is known, he want to impress Gurudev which we Kauravas and Ashwattama seriously don't want. But since its Gurudakshina, please I just want to finish this somehow!!"

Yudhister looked at Duryodhan with raised eyebrows. He slowly said,"I understand your friend has explained that Lord Parashuram is a great teacher, Duryodhan but you can't just like that say our Guru like that! You should...." Duryodhan stood up saying,"Oh Please! Lord Parashuram taught Mitr Karn after knowing his caste while our Gurudev asked the thumb of a tribal boy just to make Arjun the best warrior...irony?? None of the Pandavas opposed this. That too Yudhister who is known for Justice was relieved that there will be no one there to defeat his brother! Huh?"

Duryodhan pushed the door open and said,"I came here just to inform this. If you are interested, then you can inform me...otherwise no problem..we'll take care". Yudhister stood there with stunned expression. He sat down and sighed. Everytime, Kauravas tried their best to get along, he and his own brothers spoiled the opportunity...

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The next morning the Pandavas, Kauravas and Ashwattama were ready to go to Panchal. Since Pandavas didn't say anything about the decision, it became clear for Kauravas and Ashwattama that they need their own strategy.

From the recent information, Panchal have very strong forces and they need a skillful strategy for that. Though none of the Kauravas are cowards, They didn't possess any divine weapons. Thus, Ashwattama lead Kaurav brothers.

Everyone fought vigorously but Arjun's unparalleled bravery made Panchal King to surrender. Ashwattama narrowed his eyes...That particular Astra, his father never taught him. A bitter chuckle escaped his lips... well, seems that Arjun gain more love and respect from his own father than him. He sighed and stood next to Duryodhan who wiped away Ashwattama's blood in his forehead saying,"You are a great warrior, Ashwattama!" Ashwattama smiled...Arjun may have won this but he's going to prove himself as best soon...

Dronacharya looked at the kneeling Panchal King with a smug face saying,"How are you, Draupad??" Dushasan muttered,"Is our Gurudev blind?? He is bleeding! How can he ask the king,"How are you" at this time??" All the Kauravas ducked down their heads when they couldn't control their laughter. Ashwattama kicked Dushasan's leg pressing his lips together to avoid his laughter.

But his head snapped up when he heard,"I want my son to be king of North Panchal!!" Ashwattama was baffled for sure. He cut off saying,"Pitashree, am I looking like a doll who will nod its head for everything??" Dronacharya was surprised. He thought his son will be happy. But he masked away his shock and surprise into anger and said,"I didn't ask your opinion"

Duryodhan put his arm around his friend's shoulder saying,"Go ahead with his plan. Let's see what he is doing!?" Atlast, Drupad agreed to give his North Panchal to Dronacharya.

The Pandavas were surprised. Why is Ashwattama not happy?? He's getting one of the fertile place as his Kingdom...They saw Ashwattama, Duryodhan and Kauravas mounting on horses moving away. Bheem muttered,"What a bunch of fools?? Can't even defeat Drupad??!! They need Arjun to get victory!" Shahadev sighed. This is going to be a long day...

That night Drupad was in his bed, in deep thoughts. He was intrigued by Arjun's bravery. The boy defeated him and he's emotionally attached. He observed the mannerisms of the prince and was really bowled away by the arrogance and royalty. How he wished he had son like that?? And an idea popped his mind...

He called his servant and ordered him to prepare for Puja. An yagna could fulfill his Desire of son. He could get a son, defeat Dronacharya and regain his dignity. Yep...he's going for that!! No one can stop him ....
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In forest, Ashwathama was already angry and the Kaurav brothers looked at the pacing boy in worry. Duryodhan slowly said,"Hey Ashwa! It's alright! Being a king is Okay!!"

Ashwathama gave him a dead look saying,"Mitr Duryodhan, you don't understand! This kingdom is from Arjun. It's like I begged for it!!" But Duryodhan sighed. His friend was somewhat right!! Arjun defeated the king and he looked at his brothers who too weared the same defeated look.

They heared the branch being broken. Anuvindha rolled his eyes saying,"25th branch is being broken!" Duryodhan pulled Ashwathama down next to him saying,"Ashwa, calm down! If you are agitated, we can't do anything. Are you even listening to me!?"

Ashwathama tried but sob emitted from his lips. He buried his face in his friend's shoulders saying,"Why can't he be satisfied with me!? Why is he not proud of me? What mistake I h-have done!?!" Duryodhan patted his friend. He know when it comes to parents, Ashwathama is very soft. Poor boy! Always yearn for his father's praise and approval.. he fisted his hands on seeing Ashwatthama's tears. Guru Dronacharya will surely pay for this.
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In Hastinapur, Shakuni was free now, so that he could manipulate both king and queen. His eyes fell on running Dushala. A smirk made its way. He can use Dushala as his scapegoat first. He made his way to King's chamber.

Queen Gandhari and King Dhritarashtra were talking with each other when a guard announced the presence of Shakuni outside the chamber. The king gave his permission resulting Shakuni to scramble in. Gandhari affectionately asked,"Bhrata Shakuni! How can I help you??"

Shakuni patted his sister's head saying,"Gandhari! Don't you think it's time for Dushala's marriage??" Gandhari gasped stuttering something but Dhritarashtra said,"She's a little girl, Shakuni!! There is...." Shakuni interupted him saying,"Maharaj! My sister already married you in this age. Please .. I have groom ready"

Gandhari gulped. She was not ready for her daughter's wedding but her brother is correct. It's time for her little girl to marry off. She said,"Let Putr Duryodhan come, Bhrata. He'll take care". And Shakuni interjected smoothly saying,"This is elders talk, Gandhari. Don't give unnecessary work to Putr Duryodhan and Kauravas. Let them enjoy their time. I'll take care. I'll write to Sindhuraj Jayadrath today, he'll reply you tomorrow. We'll surprise Kauravas when they come here after finishing their Gurudakshina successfully".

Shakuni smirked at the helpless face of King and Queen. He further sugarcoated his words and finally they gave their consent. A sly smile bloomed in Shakuni's lips and he bowed both king and queen coming outside.

He took a deep breath saying,"Now I see how can you brats save Dushala!? I really loved you my baccha Duryodhan. But you get on my nerves so well. So let me play with your beloved sister's life not only yours that Sutputr too right. I'll see you both standing there helplessly when Dushala was married to Sindhuraj who's already angry with Sutputr Karn for killing his best friend Veeraseeksha!!"

A cruel laugh softly emitted from his mouth and Shakuni said,"I'm manipulative from my childhood Karn! I'm a monster in disguise of human. A monster to clear off Kurus from this world. Even your brain won't stop me from doing these! Let's see your guilty, crying face when Dushala was married off.."

Not knowing that Karn is not monster in disguise but monster himself. Poor Shakuni!!

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Hey all! New update... Do you like it?? I hope I'm not boring anyone... As I didn't get enough comments and votes like before. But you guys should understand that some chapters will be dry for sure. I can't help it..😊😊

So, Ashwathama got North Panchal, Dushala is going to get marriage proposal.... Pandavas will be like this..🙂

Fireborns are going to arrive... I just now gave a new character devolopment to Draupadi. I hope you'll like it...💜💜

Hmm... What else?? That's it. Hope you guys have a nice day.☺️☺️

See you soon,
Yours author,
Shruti💜💜