Reaching Kurukshetra, Chitrangad went straight to the banks of river Hiranyavati, where the king of Gandharvas, of the same name had called him.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the two powerful kings came face to face on the riverbank. Time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes, their unwavering stares mirroring their unyielding spirits.
"Mujhe pata tha tum mera awahan swikar karoge." Said Gandharvraj Chitrangad.
"Hastinapur ke Maharaj, Bharatvanshi, kurukul ke kul-deepak ko awahan dene ka dusahas kaise kiya tumne ? Kya Gandharvo ko ek baar parajit hone se man nahi bhara, jo dusri baar aagaye ?" Kururaj Chitrangad asked.
The king of Gandharvas chuckled before saying, "'त्वं वै सदृशनामासि युद्धं देहि नृपात्मज। नाम वाऽन्यत्प्रगृह्णीष्व यदि युद्धं न दास्यसि।।"
('O son of King, you have the same name as me, so either fight with me or change your name. I can't let him go who is undeserving of my name.')
Proud of his ancestry of mighty warriors, the Kuru King Chitrangad was not the one to bow out, nor did he have the discriminatory intelligence to think through the wisdom of accepting the challenge, or even ponder about its consequences once.
"SAAVDHAAN !" He blazed in anger, raising his bow and aiming at the king of Gandharvas, who too picked up his bow, ready to fight.
The first arrow took flight like an eagle soaring through the skies, propelled by the skilled fingers of Kuru king Chitrangad. As it cut through the air, it met its match, skillfully deflected by the swift reflexes of the Gandharva king Chitrangad.
The echoing sound of metallic clash rang through the surroundings, igniting a fierce battle between these two powerful archers
The battle continued on and on, each sunrise brought a new wave of arrows, skillfully aimed and fiercely launched. Their bows sang sorrowful melodies as arrow after arrow found its mark or was thwarted by masterful defense.
Days bled into nights, weeks into months, and months into years, but still, the duel raged on. The Kings pushed their bodies to their limits, undeterred by fatigue, their entire beings consumed by the pursuit of victory.
For three long years, the archery battle continued unabated, as though time itself had suspended its existence to bear witness to their duel.
The king of Hastinapur, fought valiantly, pressing forward with unyielding resolve. But the king of Gandharvas, though elusive and enigmatic, proved to be a formidable adversary.
In the final moments, as the sun began to set on the third year of their confrontation, fate dealt a crushing blow.
The king of Gandharvas, used the power of delusion. He unleashed an arrow that pierced through Kuru king Chitrangad's defenses, striking him with deadly accuracy.
A gasp escaped the lips of the son of Satyavati, which then turned into an agonizing cry that echoed throughout the place. The battlefield then fell into silence as Kuru king Chitrangad, his vitality fading, crumbled to the ground. And Gandharv King Chitrangad became triumphant.
-----
In the heart of the palace, the sounds of wailing and lamentation echoed through the chambers.
"Chitrangad !" Satyavati cried holding the bloodied body of her son, that lay lifeless. Her anguished cries pierced through the air, punctuating the profound sadness that had descended upon the realm.
Bhishm sobbed silently, holding the little Vichitraveerya who had buried his face in Gangeya's abdomen, unable to witness the sight of her elder brother's dead body. His tiny hands covered his ears, that were being pierced by the sorrowful cries of his mother, which he wasn't able to bear.
Wiping away his tears, Kripacharya approached Satyavati, his presence imbued with compassion and understanding.
"Rajmata ?" He kept his hand over her shoulder, causing her to look at him with teared eyes.
"Raja ke bina rajya anaath ho jata hai, asurakshit ho jata hai. Isse pehle shatru Rajao tak Chitrangad ke mrityu ki baat pahuche, hume Vichitraveerya ko Raja ghoshit kar dena hoga." Kripacharya said.
"Kulguru ka kathan uchit hai." Bhishm said, "Chitrangad avivahit tha, uski koi santati bhi nahi thi. Aise mei keval Vichitraveerya hi uska uttaradhikari ban sakta hai. Humare paas shok manane ka samaye nahi hai, Mata."
Satyavati looked at Bhishm, and then at Kripacharya. Gradually, the tumultuous waves of sorrow began to recede, as the weight of their duties settled upon them.
Swallowing hard and wiping away the remnants of her tears, Satyavati spoke with a trembling voice, "Chitrangad ka antim-sanskar karwane ki taiyaariya karo. Uske baad Vichitraveerya ka Rajyabhishek hoga, par chuki abhi yeh balak hai, Bhishm, tum iske oor se shaashan karoge, iska maarg-darshan karoge."
"Jaisi aapki aagya." Bhishm said.
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A/N
Durbhagya ana toh abhi shuru huya hai, if ya know ya know-
Btw imagine if Chitrangad hadn't died, Hastinapur ka history kaafi alag hota~
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HARIHARESHWARI 14 : CHANDRA CHAYAYAM SINGHASANAM
Historical FictionThe stage is set for another leela of Bhagwaan Vishnu, where all the gods and goddesses play a significant role. Now starts the saga where heartbreaking curses, graceful boons and divine mercy combine to write a history to be remembered through the...
