Chapter 86: The Awakening
The grand Raj Sabha of Mahishmati was once again bathed in silence. Pillars of gold and obsidian stood tall, holding the divine canopy of the great hall, as glowing torches flickered with the windless stillness of anticipation. Rudra sat upon his seat — his golden throne that was no longer a symbol of dominion, but of responsibility and discernment. His eyes were closed, his breath steady. The weight of Dharma sat silently on his shoulders.
For a few moments, none dared to speak. The aura around Rudra shimmered with still Prana — calm yet intense. After a long breath, Rudra opened his eyes. His calm gaze swept over everyone present — the Kuru princes, the Panchal royals, his own family, and his disciples. Then, with a gentle tilt of the head and a faint, unexpected smile, he broke the silence.
"Duryodhan," he said, his voice composed but not cold. "Why have you come to Mahishmati?"
The sudden mention of his name startled Duryodhan. He stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Pranaam, Maharaj Rudra," he said respectfully, then added with a hesitant glance, "Bhaiya... if I may still call you that."
Rudra did not correct him.
"We have come," Duryodhan continued, "on the advice of Rishi Ved Vyas. He said... that our true destinies await us here. That Mahishmati is not just a kingdom, but a forge — where souls are shaped, dharma is clarified, and purpose is reborn."
He paused briefly, gathering his courage. "And I... I have come not only for guidance, but to ask for the honor of becoming the disciple of Suresh Pratap, my uncle, the Berserk War God. I wish to become a Maharathi in Gada Vidya. I want to learn what was denied to me by circumstances and politics — all the Shastras, Vidyas, and wisdom. I do not wish to rule by inheritance, but by merit."
There was weight in his words. This was not the arrogant prince who had once dismissed counsel. This was a seeker.
Before Rudra could respond, the rest of the Kauravas took a step forward — Dusshasan, Vikarna, and others. One by one, they bowed and placed their hands on their chests.
"We seek knowledge. We seek a chance," said Vikarna. "To walk a path beyond rivalry. To understand Vidya beyond books."
Rudra remained still, thoughtful. Then, his eyes shifted toward a quiet figure standing somewhat apart from the group. His expression changed subtly — not stern, but curious and doting.
"And you, Dushala?" Rudra asked, his tone soft and soothing . "What is it that brings you here?"
Dushala, caught unprepared by being addressed directly, froze for a moment. Her hands clutched the end of her dupatta, and she looked down for a moment before responding in a small voice, barely above a whisper.
"I... I wish to become stronger. As strong as... Ishita."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Speak louder."
Startled, Dushala looked up. Her cheeks flushed, and her voice trembled as she repeated, slightly louder, "I... I want to become stronger... like Ishita."
The hall was quiet. Some eyes turned toward her — some with surprise, some with pride.
Rudra leaned slightly forward, his gaze intense. "Dushala, never lower your voice for that which you truly desire. Ask for your path. Demand it with determination. Don't let social norms or imagined chains silence your spirit. If you want strength, then own your will to earn it."
He paused. "No one shall deny a warrior's path to any soul willing to walk it. Not even tradition."
There was silence again, but this time, it was softer — respectful. Dushala bowed her head.
What Rudra didn't realize was that Dushala's shyness wasn't rooted in fear of society. It was not the weapons or the warrior path that made her flustered — it was the man she was speaking to. She had admired Rudra since her youth. The way he stood, the way he protected the weak, the way even in silence, he commanded respect — it made her heart flutter. Her wish to become stronger was real, but it was intertwined with her wish to one day stand beside him — not just in admiration, but in worth.
Somewhere in the background, a familiar giggle echoed. Ishita, standing just behind Dushala, whispered teasingly, "Princess aiming for the moon? Or perhaps the sun himself?"
Dushala's ears turned red as she elbowed Ishita gently, trying not to smile.
Meanwhile, Rudra's eyes softened just slightly. He did not comment further. Instead, he looked over the gathered youth — Pandavas, Kauravas, Dushala — and nodded slowly.
"Mahishmati does not shut its gates to seekers," he said. "But neither does it entertain curiosity without commitment. Each of you will be tested. Not just in Shastra, but in intent. Your learning shall be under the guidance of our Gurus. You will be treated as students, not princes."
The Kauravas all bowed with newfound resolve.
Yudhishthir stepped forward now, once more, and bowed. "Maharaj Rudra," he said respectfully this time, not calling him 'brother', "We, too, came here guided by destiny — and for the sake of Arjun."
Rudra's eyes briefly flicked toward Arjun, whose sightless gaze was calm but firm.
He nodded once. "I know. But that question, and its answer, shall come in time. First — let each of you prove yourselves. Not with words. But with deeds."
As the Raj Sabha settled into a hum of purpose, a new chapter silently began — one where bonds would be tested, destinies rewritten, and Dharma redefined.
And in one quiet corner of that Sabha, Dushala dared to glance once more at Rudra — her heartbeat louder than the royal drums.
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---To be Continued----