Chapter 1: The Secret of Panchala

The room was filled with the soft strains of music as Mirza prepared his special presentation. "Times of Puran," he announced, his voice echoing through the chamber. "This is why the great fear of the Guru lineage will appear," he added mysteriously.

A figure stood boldly in front of him, unafraid. "I am not afraid of you," the figure declared. With a determined expression, he reached out and touched the sacred waters of the Ganges. "I will return to the Panchal kingdom and wait for the world's last day. If I ever have the chance, I will forever give up the desire to see the Swayamvara. Even if they receive a boon from the hands of Yama, they will accept it. You will never be a man again, never."

The music swelled and faded, leaving behind the timeless echoes of the Mahabharata, an eternal epic crafted by the great sage Vedavyasa. Over the years, many scholars like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu had translated this epic into Bengali. Based on these translations and traditional interpretations, a simple version of the Mahabharata had been created, just for you.

In the rich tapestry of this epic, the Pandavas had once set fire to the house of lac and escaped into the forest. There, in the dense wilderness, Bhima had slain a demon named Hidimba. From his union with Hidimba's sister, Bhima's son, Ghatotkacha, was born. Following the sage Vyasa's advice, the Pandavas disguised themselves as Brahmins and hid in a city called Ekachakra. During this time, Bhima defeated another demon, Bakasura, restoring peace to the city. Life returned to normal, and guests and holy men roamed freely once more.

One day, while the Pandavas stayed at a Brahmin's house, another Brahmin guest arrived. The host greeted him with respect, and Kunti and her sons served him diligently. This Brahmin was a traveler, a bearer of secret news about kings, sages, and mystical beings. Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, found great value in his presence. He whispered to his brothers, "This Brahmin is like a blessing from God to us. From him, we will learn about all the regions and cities of our time. We will discover what the kings are thinking and what their characters are like. Based on this, we can plan our next steps. If satisfied with our service, the Brahmin might guide us with the necessary directions. So, while serving him, don't forget to humbly ask questions."

"Yes, elder brother, I will follow your orders," Yudhishthira replied, nodding thoughtfully.

The Pandavas began to serve the Brahmin with great care and devotion. Pleased by their hospitality, the Brahmin revealed the story of Panchala. From him, the Pandavas learned of a grand event soon to take place—Princess Draupadi of Panchala would choose her husband. Warriors, Brahmins, and even sages from across the land were eager to witness this event. Panchala was ruled by King Drupada, and the Pandavas realized the Brahmin was speaking of him. However, they were unaware of the amazing events unfolding in King Drupada's kingdom.

Long ago, Bhima and Arjuna had captured King Drupada as a gift for their teacher, Drona. But they had never heard of a mysterious princess born in Drupada's palace. Curiosity piqued, Arjuna turned to the Brahmin. "Respected sage, what a fascinating story you tell! The princess of Panchala, born without parents, is a mystery. Is she a goddess, a celestial being, or something else? Who is she?"

The Brahmin smiled, his eyes twinkling with the knowledge of ancient tales. "This princess is called Panchali because she is from Panchala. She is also known as Draupadi, the daughter of King Drupada. Her skin is as dark as a storm cloud, so she is also called Krishna. She was born from fire and is full of great energy. There is no one like her in the world."

"Please, tell us how she was born from fire, dear sage," Arjuna implored, his voice filled with wonder.

The Brahmin leaned forward, ready to share the extraordinary tale of Draupadi's fiery birth.

Chapter 2: The Tale of Revenge

The Brahmin's voice was filled with the weight of history as he began the story. "It's a tale of revenge," he said, his eyes scanning the eager faces before him. "You are young and traveling as Brahmins, so warrior battles might be unfamiliar to you. But I have roamed far and wide, and tales of kings and their deeds are my constant companions."

He paused for a moment, letting the young listeners settle into the story. "There was once a King named Drupada, who was captured by the brave princes Bhima and Arjuna of Hastinapura. They presented him as a gift to their teacher, Drona. You see, Drupada had broken a promise to Drona, and this betrayal ignited Drona's wrath. As retribution, Drona took half of Drupada's kingdom. Defeated and humiliated, Drupada's heart burned with the sting of this insult, a spear lodged deep within him."

The Brahmin's words wove a vivid picture of Drupada's turmoil. "King Drupada had no son to avenge this disgrace. To punish Dronacharya, he needed a son of extraordinary strength and courage. So, driven by desperation, Drupada began visiting the homes of Brahmins, hoping that through their powerful meditation, a son might be born."

One of the young listeners, puzzled, interrupted, "Excuse me, wise sage, what kind of meditation is needed to create a son?"

The Brahmin smiled gently. "You are young, indeed. Defeating Dronacharya is no simple feat. An ordinary warrior would not suffice. Only a Brahmin, skilled in sacred rituals, could bring forth a son capable of such a task. Thus, Drupada traveled along the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna, visiting ashrams in search of such a Brahmin. His journey led him to an ashram by the Ganges, where he found two remarkable sages, Yaja and Upayaja. They were brothers, and their serene composure spoke volumes of their spiritual power."

Drupada's heart swelled with hope as the Brahmin continued, "King Drupada approached them with reverence, believing they could fulfill his deepest desire. He decided to first speak with the younger sage, Upayaja, who appeared physically stronger. 'Greetings, great sage,' Drupada said, bowing low. 'Please allow Panchala King Drupada to serve you. I wish to be at your service.'"

The sage paused, letting the words hang in the air before continuing. "Drupada revealed his true purpose after serving Upayaja for a year. But Upayaja, though pleased by Drupada's devotion, declined his request. Yet, he did not leave Drupada without hope. 'King,' he said, 'your hope is in vain with me. However, my elder brother Yaja might help you. He is less concerned with purity and more inclined toward riches. Seek his assistance.'"

Hope rekindled in Drupada's heart as he recalled Upayaja's advice. The Brahmin narrated how Drupada approached Sage Yaja, promising him many cows in exchange for his help. Yaja agreed to conduct the sacred ritual, involving his younger brother, Upayaja, despite his initial reluctance.

The Brahmin's voice rose with the anticipation of the tale. "As the time for the ceremony drew near, Upayaja gathered all the necessary items for the ritual. The sage chanted sacred invocations, 'Omring Kling, grant us a son. Om Shring Hring Kling, Lord of the Universe, grant us a son.'"

At this, Drupada called loudly, "Queen, come quickly to the ceremony."

But the queen's voice came from afar, tinged with hesitation, "Please forgive me, wise sage. I haven't washed my face or bathed yet. I can't come to the ceremony in this unclean state. Please wait until I am ready."

The Brahmin paused, letting the tension of the moment settle over the young listeners, leaving them eager for what would come next.

Chapter 3: The Births from the Sacred Fire

The sage's voice was calm and assured as he spoke to the hesitant queen. "I am offering to the sacred fire and chanting with my brother Upajaja. A son and a daughter will emerge from the fire. Whether you come or not, the auspicious moment won't wait, dear queen."

With a deep breath, the sages began their chant, "Om Shring Kling Gling," their voices resonating with ancient power.

As the sacred flames danced higher, a miraculous sight unfolded before the gathered crowd. From the heart of the fire, a young man emerged. He wore a royal crown upon his head and held a sword and a bow with confidence. The sage announced to the king, "This young prince is your son, great king. He will defeat Dronacharya and ease your sorrow. His name is Dhrishtadyumna."

The young prince, with a regal bearing, stepped forward and greeted his father and the sages with respect. "Greetings, father. Greetings, wise sages."

"May you live long," the sages blessed him, their voices filled with warmth and hope. "Om Shring Hring Kling Gling, Lord of the Universe, grant us."

Then, as if the fire held endless wonders, a beautiful young woman appeared. Her skin was the color of the night, her curly hair reminiscent of the vast ocean waves, and her eyes were as enchanting as lotus flowers. The sage introduced her, "This is your daughter, King. Her name is Krishnaa. She is the best among all women and will bring great events to the family."

With grace and poise, she greeted her father and the sage, "Greetings, father. Greetings, wise sage."

"May you have a long life and good fortune," they blessed her, their words carrying the weight of destiny.

Meanwhile, Dronacharya, the great teacher, was aware of Dhrishtadyumna's future. He understood that fate was beyond his control. Even so, Dronacharya accepted the challenge with a noble heart. Despite knowing that Dhrishtadyumna was destined to oppose him, he taught the young prince the art of weapons with dedication and sincerity.

As the story unfolded, another tale emerged about Draupadi's eldest child, Shikhandi. King Drupada had once received a blessing from Lord Shiva that he would have a child who was both male and female. Born as Shikhandini, she was raised as a boy by her father. Shikhandini was even married to the daughter of King Hiranyavarma of Dasharna. However, when the truth of her birth was revealed, King Hiranyavarma was so enraged that he prepared to attack Drupada’s kingdom. To prevent disaster, Shikhandini left the kingdom and ventured into the forest.

In the forest, she encountered a Yaksha named Sthunakarn, a follower of the god Kubera. Moved by Shikhandini’s plight, Sthunakarn offered her his manhood, taking her femininity in return. Transformed, Shikhandini became known as Shikhandi. However, Sthunakarn had a condition: once Shikhandi proved his manhood to Hiranyavarma’s daughter, he had to return Sthunakarn's manhood. "I will surely come back, my friend, wait for me here," Shikhandi promised.

Before Shikhandi could return, Kubera himself appeared in the forest. Furious at Sthunakarn's actions, Kubera declared, "You will remain as you are, a woman. You will never be a man again." Despite Shikhandi’s return to fulfill the promise, Sthunakarn could not become a man again. Hearing the news, Shikhandi felt a pang of sorrow for his friend but managed a smile.

"Why are you smiling at my sorrow, my friend?" Sthunakarn asked, puzzled.

"No, my friend, I am not smiling at your sorrow. I am happy because I can fulfill my vow in this life," Shikhandi replied.

"I don’t understand. What vow?" Sthunakarn inquired, curiosity overcoming his sadness.

"The vow to destroy Bhishma," Shikhandi revealed, his voice firm with resolve. "In my previous life, I was Amba, the princess of Kashi. King Salwa and I were in love and wanted to marry, but Bhishma ruined our relationship. Since that day, I have sought a way to destroy Bhishma."

"My friend, I performed severe penance in the deep forest for Lord Shiva. Pleased with my devotion, he promised that in my next life, I would be the cause of Bhishma’s downfall. But for that, I needed to be a man. See, Sthunakarn, by the twist of fate, I am now a man. I am Shikhandi, the reincarnation of Amba. I can achieve my purpose in this life. That’s why I am smiling, my friend. Now, I will return to Panchala and wait for Bhishma’s end."

And with that, Shikhandi’s journey continued, filled with purpose and destiny, as he prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Chapter 4: The Journey Begins

In the city of Ekachakra, Arjuna sat alone, his heart heavy with sorrow. The words of the Brahmin had left him silent and sad. As he returned home after begging for alms, his brothers noticed his unusual demeanor. They exchanged worried glances, sensing something was wrong.

"Arjuna, what troubles you?" Yudhishthira asked gently, breaking the silence that hung in the air like a thick fog.

Arjuna took a deep breath and shared the tale he had heard about their beloved teacher Drona. As the story unfolded, the Pandavas listened in stunned silence, their hearts weighed down by the fate of their revered teacher.

After a long pause, Yudhishthira spoke. "Arjuna, do not be sad. Destiny is beyond our control. See how fate has guided us from one place to another. From the moment of your birth, your duty and life were set. Every creature in this world follows its destined path. Even the mightiest cannot alter what is written by the ultimate power. We must focus on what we can do now, not on what we cannot change. Besides, if we linger here too long, Duryodhana will discover our whereabouts. We must not let that happen."

Kunti, their mother, nodded in agreement. "Yes, my son. We have stayed here long enough. We've seen the forest and everything around it countless times. There's nothing new left for us here. The alms we receive are scarcely enough to sustain us. We should move on. I've heard that the people of Panchala are kind and welcoming to guests. They care for their guests as long as they live. Panchala is also said to be a land of great beauty. Yudhishthira, if you agree, we should journey to Panchala."

Yudhishthira turned to his brothers. "Brothers, I will share my thoughts. Mother, if our brothers agree, we shall all travel to Panchala together. Your wish is our command, wherever you wish to go, we will follow."

"Then it is settled," Kunti said with a smile. "Once we receive Sage Vyasa's blessing, we will set off."

Just then, Sage Vyasa arrived, his presence filling the room with a serene calm. Yudhishthira stepped forward, greeting him respectfully. "Sage Vyasa, we have been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Sage Vyasa nodded, his gaze warm and wise. "Your time here is over, my children. Have you lived according to the scriptures and served the guests and Brahmins well?"

"We have tried our best, Sage," Yudhishthira replied earnestly. "We have not displeased anyone during our stay."

"Excellent," Sage Vyasa said, his eyes twinkling with approval. "You have passed the test of serving the guests and Brahmins. Now, you are ready to hear the story I have for you."

The Pandavas listened intently as Sage Vyasa began his tale. "Long ago, there was a beautiful sage's daughter with unmatched qualities and character. Yet, fate was unkind, and she never married. Her life felt incomplete without a family. Even her father, a sage, could not alter her destiny. Saddened, she turned to meditation, becoming a devotee of Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her wish for a husband of good qualities. However, she asked five times, and so, in her next life, she was destined to have five virtuous husbands. This sage's daughter was reborn in the land of Panchala as King Drupada's daughter, Draupadi. She will be your wife. Now, go to Panchala with my blessings."

The Pandavas bowed, gratitude in their hearts. "We accept your command, great sage. We will set out for Panchala with Mother Kunti on an auspicious day."

With Sage Vyasa's blessings, the Pandavas bid farewell to the Brahmins of Ekachakra and began their journey to Panchala. The road was long, and they traveled on foot, passing through holy places, cities, and towns. As they walked, the sun dipped below the horizon, and darkness enveloped them.

Reaching a sacred place by the Ganges called Somashrayan, they stopped for the night. The path was difficult to see, and the land unfamiliar. Arjuna led the way, holding a burning stick to light their path through the night. As the flames flickered, casting shadows on the ground, the Pandavas walked on, their hearts full of hope for the journey ahead.

Chapter 5: The Encounter with Angaraparna

As the night deepened and the shadows grew longer, Arjuna glanced back at his mother, Kunti, who was carefully picking her way over the uneven ground. "Be careful, Mother," he called out, his voice gentle yet firm. "The path is full of stones. I don't want you to hurt your feet."

Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "Brother Arjuna, wait a moment," he suggested. "Let me carry Mother on my shoulders. That way, she won't be troubled by the stones. You can carry my weapons."

With a grateful nod, Kunti accepted the help, and the brothers continued their journey, their voices a soft murmur against the rustle of leaves and the distant call of night creatures. They soon reached the banks of the sacred Ganges, where the moonlight shimmered on the gentle waves.

But their peaceful arrival was interrupted by a sudden shout. Angaraparna, the king of the Gandharvas, stood waist-deep in the river, his eyes blazing with anger. "Stop right there!" he commanded, his voice echoing across the water. "From night until sunrise, this riverbank belongs to the Yakshas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas, and demons. No powerful king can come near the water at this time. The remaining time of the day belongs to humans. Don't you know this? Who are you?"

Arjuna stepped forward, undaunted by the Gandharva king's fury. "Why should I listen to you just because you said so?" he challenged. "I am Angaraparna, the friend of Kubera and the king of the Gandharvas. See that forest ahead? It belongs to me. You should leave now. Only we will stay here. No one owns the sea, the Himalayas, or the Ganges alone. All the wise people know this. You have forgotten this because of your pride."

The Pandavas stood firm, their resolve unshaken. "But listen, King of the Gandharvas, I am not afraid of you," Arjuna declared. "Right in front of you, I will touch the holy water of the Ganges."

Angaraparna's eyes narrowed, his pride stung by the young warrior's defiance. "But such arrogance from a mere human!" he spat. "Fight me before you touch the water."

Without warning, Angaraparna launched a volley of arrows at Arjuna. Yet, Arjuna was undeterred. He skillfully deflected the arrows with a burning stick and a shield, his movements swift and precise. Then, recalling a fiery weapon he had learned from his teacher Drona, Arjuna set the chariot of the Gandharva king ablaze.

The heat was overwhelming, and Angaraparna soon fainted, his strength sapped by the flames. The Pandavas moved to capture him, but before they could, Kumbhinashi, Angaraparna's wife, approached Yudhishthira, pleading for mercy. "Please, spare my husband's life," she begged, her voice filled with desperation.

Yudhishthira, ever wise and compassionate, nodded in agreement. "Arjuna, release him," he instructed.

When Angaraparna regained consciousness and recognized the Pandavas, he was humbled. "Great warrior Arjuna, you spared my life," he admitted. "In return, I want to give you something. I have no interest in taking something given out of fear."

Arjuna, curious yet cautious, replied, "Alright, what do you want, King of the Gandharvas?"

"I want to be friends with you," Angaraparna explained. "So, I am giving you the power of Gandharva vision. With this power, you can see anything in the three worlds whenever you wish. I am also giving you and your four brothers 100 divine horses from the Gandharva realm. These horses are incredibly powerful and much faster than any earthly animal or machine. They will come at your command. But in return, I ask for something from you."

Arjuna listened carefully. "Alright, we accept your gift of Gandharva vision. Here is my fiery weapon. Our enmity ends here. Now we are friends. But I still have a doubt. You have the power of vision, so you know we follow the path of righteousness and never leave an enemy. You also know our true identity. Why did you pretend to be our enemy?"

Angaraparna sighed, a hint of wisdom in his eyes. "Arjuna, you are wise. You have studied the scriptures and practice righteousness. But you are not following the true teachings of the scriptures. Even with Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, among you, how could you commit such a great wrong?"

"What wrong have we done?" Arjuna asked, genuinely puzzled.

"You are travelers, wandering from place to place. But you don't know the rules of being a true wanderer," Angaraparna explained. "You walk with pride in yourselves. You don't even think about letting a wise person lead the way. Listen, to achieve true success, one must appoint a guide. Without a guide, you might conquer a kingdom with bravery, but you won't be able to rule it happily. You must always keep wisdom at the forefront."

Arjuna listened intently, realizing the depth of the Gandharva king's words. "I am Arjuna, son of Kunti. You don't even know your own family history properly. Your bow and arrow can give you strength, but nothing more. Shouldn't you know your roots well? Let me tell you about your lineage, listen carefully."

Chapter 6: The Lineage of the Pandavas

Arjuna listened with rapt attention as the Gandharva king unfolded the tapestry of his lineage. "You were born into the Kuru dynasty," he began, his voice smooth and knowing. "Do you know who the ancestor of the Kuru king was? It was Queen Tapati. Tapati, the daughter of the Sun, met King Samvaran, and they fell in love. With the blessing of Sage Vashishtha, they wed, and their child became an ancestor of the Kuru dynasty. That is why I address you so. There is another connection between your family and Sage Vashishtha."

Arjuna's eyes widened with curiosity, for he had never heard of such a bond. The Gandharva king continued, "Vashishtha's son was Shakti, whose son was Parashara. Remarkably, Parashara learned the Vedas while still in his mother's womb. His son was Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa. You are aware of the connection between the Kuru dynasty and Vyasa, aren't you, Arjuna?"

"Yes, I know that, King of the Gandharvas," Arjuna replied, nodding with respect. "You know everything. Can you tell us whom we can accept as our guide?"

The Gandharva king smiled, pleased with Arjuna's eagerness to learn. "The younger brother of Sage Devala, Dhaumya, is currently meditating at Uttkoch Tirtha. He is a great scholar of the Vedas. You can accept him as your guide."

With a sense of purpose, the Pandavas journeyed to Uttkoch Tirtha, eager to meet Sage Dhaumya. Upon reaching his serene ashram, they, along with their mother Kunti, bowed deeply before the wise sage. "O great sage," Yudhishthira spoke with humility, "please accept the greetings of Yudhishthira from the Kuru dynasty. We wish to live under your guidance as our priest. Please grant us this fortune."

Sage Dhaumya, impressed by Yudhishthira's sincerity, agreed to their request. He accepted the role of their priest, filling the Pandavas with renewed hope for winning Draupadi's hand and securing a kingdom. Observing their knowledge, skills, humility, and truthfulness, Sage Dhaumya foresaw fortune favoring the Pandavas. He blessed their journey to Panchala.

Dressed as students, the Pandavas left the ashram of Sage Dhaumya and set out towards the land of Panchal. Along the way, they encountered a group of Brahmins. Curious about their destination, Yudhishthira respectfully approached the eldest among them. "Greetings, wise one. May I know where you all are going together?"

The eldest Brahmin smiled warmly. "We are going to the land of Panchal. There, Princess Draupadi will choose her husband in a grand ceremony. King Drupada has arranged a marvelous event for his daughter."

His eyes twinkled as he continued, "This event is unlike anything anyone has ever seen. And what can I say about Princess Draupadi? She is not an ordinary woman; she is like a goddess. Her beauty is so enchanting that she carries the fragrance of a lotus, which can be smelled from a mile away. Kings, warriors, and many others from far and wide are eager to catch a glimpse of her. We are going to see her too. Such a chance to see the Princess of Panchal doesn't come often."

Yudhishthira and his brothers exchanged glances, their interest piqued. "And who are you all?" the Brahmin asked, noting their humble attire. "You look like students. We don't know your names."

"We are five brothers traveling with our mother from the city of Ekachakra," Yudhishthira replied. "We are on a journey, planning to live by begging for food and staying as guests in the homes of Brahmins or merchants."

The Brahmin nodded approvingly. "That's wonderful! Why don't you join us on our way to Panchal? Witnessing the grand ceremony will make your journey worthwhile. You will see many brave warriors and countless skilled people gathered there. Besides, I have heard that King Drupada has made excellent arrangements for guest Brahmins, including fine food, gifts, and other comforts. You will surely benefit from these as well."

"We are not seeking wealth or treasures," Yudhishthira said modestly. "We are just travelers."

"Well, why not travel with us then?" the Brahmin suggested with a twinkle in his eye. "With your divine appearance, like that of gods, if the princess happens to notice you, she might choose one of you as her husband. If that happens, it will be a great honor for all of us Brahmins."

The Pandavas smiled, their hearts lightened by the invitation. They decided to join the Brahmins, eager to witness the grand ceremony and the enchanting Princess Draupadi.

Chapter 7: The Journey to Panchal

The Pandavas accepted the Brahmin's invitation with gratitude. "Yes, as you wish. Since you are inviting us, we will go with you to Panchal," Yudhishthira said with a nod. "Great! Let's go then," the Brahmin replied cheerfully, and with that, the Pandavas, along with their mother Kunti, began their journey to the city of Panchal.

As they traveled, they were greeted by the beauty of the land. They passed through lush forests, vibrant cities, and gardens bursting with colorful flowers and ripe fruits. The air was fresh and filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, and the sight of serene ponds, lakes, and rivers brought joy to Kunti's heart. She marveled at the beauty around her and turned to her sons with a smile.

"Yudhishthira," she said, "resting in places like these forests brings great joy. We are on a journey to see the country, so there's no need to rush with the Brahmins. Let them go ahead. We can rest a bit. Panchal isn't too far from here. I hope we can reach there on time."

Yudhishthira, ever attentive to his mother's wishes, replied, "Yes, Mother. I understand what you mean. We will rest in the forest you like. I'll go get some fruits and cool water from the river. Today, we'll all enjoy a meal together."

Bhima, always eager to help, added, "That's a good idea, Bhima. Let's spend the afternoon in this forest."

As they settled in the forest, a familiar voice reached their ears, bringing a wave of surprise and respect. "Dear Yudhishthira, is everyone doing well?" It was Sage Vyasa, his presence a blessing to the Pandavas.

"What a blessing, Sage Vyasa!" Yudhishthira exclaimed, bowing deeply. "You have come to see us. Sage, we are so lucky! Please accept our respectful greetings."

The sage smiled warmly at them. "Be happy, brothers. You are on your way to Panchal, right?"

"Yes, Sage," Yudhishthira replied. "As per your guidance, we are heading to King Drupada's court."

Sage Vyasa's expression grew serious. "Your relatives will be there too. Be very careful not to reveal your identity. Keep yourselves as covered as possible. When you see those who have wronged you, do not show anger or disappointment. Control your emotions, my children. Remember, calm and self-controlled people achieve the greatest happiness in the end."

"Yes, Sage. We will try to follow your advice with all our heart and mind," Yudhishthira promised. "We bow to you, Sage Vyasa."

As the sage departed, Bhima's face darkened with anger. "What did Sage Vyasa say? That wicked Duryodhana will be there. That means his close friend Karna will also be at the event. If I could just get my hands on those two, I'd teach them a lesson they'd never forget."

Yudhishthira placed a calming hand on Bhima's shoulder. "Bhima, don't disobey the Sage's words. Didn't you hear the lesson he gave us? He told us to be self-controlled, didn't he?"

Bhima sighed, his frustration evident. "Please forgive me, noble Yudhishthira. You are as great as a god, a true king of righteousness. You are truthful and self-controlled. But until that wicked Duryodhana and the proud Karna are taught a lesson, I cannot remain calm. Queen Kunti suffers, and the mighty Arjuna, who is as strong as the god Indra, is living like a beggar. And you, who should be the ruler of the world, are wandering from place to place. Look at those two gentle brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva. They are as beautiful as a picture, yet they wear these ragged clothes. It breaks my heart. How can I stay calm in such a situation?"

"What you say is not unknown to me, dear brother," Yudhishthira replied softly. "But for any action, the right time is very important. Until that time comes, we cannot force it. We must be patient. Bhima, our test of patience is not over yet. Sage Vyasa reminded us of this. Also, if we reveal ourselves in the Panchal court and a fight starts with our cousins, the marriage ceremony will be ruined. We would be responsible for that loss, and that is not what we want. Our goal will not be achieved that way. So, we should follow the path our elder brother suggests. Time will tell, dear brother. Please, calm down for now."

With Yudhishthira's wise words soothing his fiery spirit, Bhima nodded reluctantly. Together, Kunti and her sons continued on their way to the city of Panchal, their hearts filled with hope and determination.

Meanwhile, the city of Panchal was bustling with excitement. Princes from far and wide were arriving to witness the grand ceremony, each hoping to win the hand of the beautiful Princess Draupadi. Among the crowd of splendid chariots, one chariot stood out, carrying the most handsome man in the world, eager to see Draupadi.

Krishna and Balarama, like shadows, watched the spectacle unfold as they arrived at Panchal city. The five Pandavas, disguised and determined, reached Draupadi’s marriage ceremony. In the test of strength, all the kings failed, and Draupadi herself stopped Karna. But it was Arjuna, hidden in his humble disguise, who struck the target with unmatched skill.

The Pandavas' journey was far from over, but at that moment, their spirits soared with the promise of new beginnings.

Chapter 8: The Rising Tension

The air was thick with tension as Duryodhana and the other kings watched in disbelief. Their faces turned red with anger, their pride wounded by the unexpected victory of a humble stranger. The murmurs of discontent grew louder among the assembled kings, their eyes narrowing at the young man who had just achieved what none of them could.

Duryodhana, his voice dripping with disdain, stepped forward. "Who is this mere commoner who dares to succeed where we have failed?" he demanded, his eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for an answer that would restore his lost honor.

The other kings nodded in agreement, their voices rising in a chorus of outrage. "This is not right!" one of them shouted. "We have been deceived!"

In the midst of the chaos, Krishna stood calmly, his presence a beacon of peace amidst the storm of anger. His eyes twinkled with a knowing light as he watched the scene unfold, understanding the deeper currents at play.

"Patience, my friends," Krishna finally spoke, his voice gentle yet commanding. "All will be revealed in due time."

The kings, though still simmering with anger, fell silent at Krishna's words. There was something about his calm assurance that demanded respect, even from those who were not his allies.

As the tension lingered in the air, the Pandavas remained in their humble disguises, watching the scene with quiet determination. They knew their journey was just beginning, and this victory was but a step toward a future filled with challenges and triumphs.

The promise of new beginnings was bright, but the shadows of the past and the uncertainty of the future loomed large. What would come next for the Pandavas and Draupadi in this tale of destiny and courage?

The answers lay in the unfolding story, where gods and mortals danced on the strings of fate.

To be continued...