Sojourn : mahabharata's era

Chapter 26 : Lover

Upon my return to the ashram for the second time, I experienced a familiar mix of nerves and anxiety deep within my heart. A wave of sensations stirred in my gut, yet amidst it all, there was a profound sense of belonging. As I laid eyes on the ashram once more, a sense of peace washed over me.

The lush green canopies, the vast fields adorned with mustard and paddy, and the crisp cold weather all captivated me. The following morning, everyone gathered to bask in the warmth of the winter sun. Devpriya didi, who had blossomed beautifully, exuded a captivating feminine energy that drew the attention of all the kuru princes. Her laughter resonated through the quiet ashram, accompanied by the gentle jingle of her anklets.

Tushti resembled her in every way, yet she possessed a serene and delicate demeanor. Her presence exuded a gentle aura, and she primarily dedicated herself to the tasks within the ashram, unlike devpriya who often wandered aimlessly. Upon my return from Dwarka, I had the opportunity to meet with everyone, and I was delighted to find that they remained as welcoming and warm as ever.

However, I couldn't help but notice the subtle change in the behavior of Arjuna, Yudhistira, and Bheem. They seemed to overlook my presence more frequently than before. It became apparent that I was no longer seen as a child. While Nakul and Sehdev continued to engage with me, there was now a noticeable distance between me and the others. This change in dynamics was likely due to my growing friendship with Duryodhan.

As the days went by at the ashram, everyone was occupied with preparations for the final test, which was scheduled to take place in Hastinapur as kalapradarshan. In just five days, we would be accompanying the Kuru princes to their kingdom for the test, and I couldn't help but feel that this marked the end of our friendship.

There was no trace of him. When I questioned Duryodhan, he chose not to respond. I found myself with no other option but to wait. My mind wandered away from my studies, reminiscing about the moments we shared in the ashram. Where could he have gone? I worried about his well-being at times, but then again, he was Ashwattama. I reassured myself that nothing harmful could happen to him.

"Your major weapon, your in  knowledge every subject and your archery skills would be tested in front of the great states and their kings from all over the aryavarth in Hastinapur." Guru Drona, who had been ignoring me since my arrival, spoke up. On the day I reached here, I respectfully touched his feet, and in response, he simply uttered, "May God bless you with wisdom." What could that possibly signify?

"You've three days for your preparation, i do not want anyone to fail this test. As it will only bring you either of the two Honour or Shame." Said Gurudev addressing to the crowd of students under the banyan tree.

"Why on earth they have choosen archery to be one of the compulsory subjects---?" Said Nakul with a stressful face.

"You very well know this Nakul. Or do you need an explanation---?" As I made my way towards the tent, a sense of disgust enveloped me, completely ruining my day. Each person retreated into their own tents, knowing that time was limited for preparation. Although I lacked proficiency in archery, I was determined to prove myself to Gurudev. I couldn't help but imagine how different things would be if Ashwattama was present, as I would have sought his guidance in honing my skills. However, the harsh reality was far from my imagination.

I longed for his presence in the ashram, unable to sense it when he was out of sight. In Dwarka, I had managed to keep my emotions in check, but upon arriving here, I had completely lost control. Now, I was once again consumed by my longing, yearning for his touch, his warm gaze, and his captivating smile. I yearned to have him by my side, yet I had no knowledge of his whereabouts. My heart constantly ached for him, but that was the harsh reality I had to endure. I had to live like this, all for him.