HARIHARESHWARI 17 - राजाधिराजेन्द्रकुमारी

CHAPTER 91

The sun filtered through the trees, casting gentle patterns on the ground, while the air was infused with the earthy scent of the forest. In Dronacharya’s ashram, thick with the scent of sandalwood paste and the earthy aroma of damp wool, buzzed with the low hum of activity. Young men, clad in simple loincloths, moved with practiced grace. Some meticulously shaved their faces, their muscles rippling beneath taut skin. Others meticulously removed stray hairs from their arms and chests.

Among them, Satyashree, stood out distinctly. Though at a tender age, he exuded an aura of burgeoning masculinity, his features sharp and striking—the perfect blend of youthful charm and untamed vigor. He leaned in front of a polished bronze mirror, his dark, unruly curls clung to his forehead, framing eyes that held a mischievous glint.

As he carefully removed the last traces of his facial hair, the soft scrape of the blade against his skin filled the air, a rhythmic reminder of his transition into manhood. Each stroke of the blade was deliberate, gliding smoothly across his jawline, revealing the smooth, sculpted contours beneath.

His princely companions, momentarily distracted, cast admiring glances at him. The fine contours of his physique were revealed, muscles subtly flexing beneath his simple antariya as he concentrated. The delicate balance of innocence and onset of manliness made him undeniably attractive, and not even the rival princes would deny that.

As he finished, Satyashree tossed the razor aside and wiped his face with a damp cloth. He ran his hands through his hair, shaking it loose, and a few strands fell across his forehead, obscuring his vision. He pushed them back with a lazy hand, revealing a mischievous glint in his eyes.

In the corner of the hut, Arjun moved with a swiftness that belied his usual calm demeanor. His hands, usually so steady, trembled slightly with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension as he quickly shaved his face. He had to reach Dronacharya promptly; and start with special lessons of the day.

Arjun finished shaving with a practiced swiftness, his movements a blur as he hurried out of the hut. He had a rendezvous with destiny, a private lesson with Dronacharya, and every second away from the Guru's tutelage felt like a missed opportunity.

Karn, observing Arjun's hasty departure, felt a pang of resentment. Dronacharya's favoritism towards Arjun was a thorn in his side. Why did the Guru bestow his most precious knowledge upon that Pandava only ? It was blatantly unfair.

"Duryodhan," Karn said, his voice laced with bitterness, "Guruvar keval Arjun ko hi vishesh gyaan dete hai."

Duryodhan, ever the astute observer, nodded in agreement. "Satyavachan. Guru ka sneh ho ya gupt-vidya, sab Arjun ko hi milta hai."

Duryodhan's words were carefully chosen, a subtle attempt to sow the seeds of discontent among his fellow students. He turned his gaze to Satyaki, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Tumhe nahi lagta Yuyudhaan ? Keval Arjun ko gupt mei gyaan dena anyaaye hai ?"

"Mujhe nahi lagta." Satyaki, however, remained unfazed. He shook his head slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Kadachit jo gyaan Acharya Rajkumar Arjun ko de rahe hai, uske liye hum sab abhi sajj na ho."

Satyaki's response, while seemingly neutral, skillfully deflected Duryodhan's attempt at instigation.

Karn, however, remained unconvinced. "Yadi shreshtha ki baat hai," he retorted, his voice sharp with indignation, "Toh uss vidya ka adhikaari toh mai bhi hu."

Satyaki, sensing the simmering resentment in Karn's tone, merely raised a skeptical brow. He knew Karn's arrogance well. The man was undeniably talented, but his pride often clouded his judgment. Satyaki chose not to engage further, turning his attention back to his own grooming routine. At that Karn felt a flicker of annoyance. Satyaki, with his usual nonchalance, had brushed aside his claim of superiority.