The Calamitous End

Chapter 2 - Reminiscences

Man is made by his belief, as he believes so he is

                                        -Geeta Shlok

Lying on the holy land, surrounded by blood, one would expect the sounds ringing in his ears would be that of the wailing of people who lost their loved ones. However, the jingling of anklets and laughter are the only sounds Dhrishtadyumna could hear as his mind shows him the sight of his smiling sister and nephews when they received him in Indraprasth days before the wretched game of dice.

Bright rays of the sun landed on a handsome face amplifying its glow leaving the onlookers in awe of his perfectly sculpted figure. A bright smile split his face as his feet land on the ground. His eager eyes search for the excited shrieks and giggles that erupted the moment he entered the palace gates. A half-hearted shush from his twin quieten the shrieks but the occasional giggles still escape.

"Welcome to Indraprasth Rajkumar Dhristadyumna! I hope you had a pleasant journey." initiates the king of Indraprasth, Yudhishtir.

"Yes Maharaj. Thank you for having me here." replies the handsome prince waiting to finish the formalities and meet his nephews. It felt like it has been eons since he last saw them.

As the pleasantries followed, the youngest of the Upapandavs pulled on his mothers dress unable to contain his excitement. Chuckling at his antics, the queen raises a questioning brow at him. Rocking on his heels in excitement, little Shrutakarma questions

"Can I go to uncle Dhri now or are there any other formalities left?" wide innocent eyes of the little prince look up at his mother awaiting her response and hoping that she denies the second question.

Laughter erupts from every elder present as many pairs of amused eyes land on the blushing kid who hurries to hide behind his mother. Fighting off a smile, Draupadi nods at her children giving her acceptance to meet their uncle.

Dhristadyumna opens his arms wide for the kids and stumbles back when they rush to him hugging with all their might. Picking up the younger ones in his arms, he enters the palace listening to the tales that the kids have in store for him.

"What did you bring for us? Last time, you said you will get a surprise for us when you visit again." asks little Shrutasena once they settle down, earning a warning from his mother.

Ignoring the glare from his sister, the crown prince reaches over to a chest and pulls out a bundle of gifts thereby disrupting the relatively peaceful atmosphere of the room. The gleeful giggles and babbling of the scions of Panadavas fill the morning.

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Strolling through the corridors, Dhrishtadyumna halts at the study of the eldest of the five brothers. The crown prince's eyes zero on the king who has his eyes on the open book in his hands but thoughts else where. Knocking the door, the fire born prince announces his presence.

"I hope I am not disturbing you Maharaj." inquires Dhrishtadyumna. Upon receiving the king's denial, he continues, "If you wish to fool someone, you should try opening some random page in the book. One can only stare at the title for so long before deciding on continuing."

The son of Lord Yama chuckles at his little slip, snapping the book close. Settling in the chair across the king, the eldest fire born says, "There seems to be something bothering you. If you do not mind, I am all ears. A fresh perspective, perhaps, might help."

Pondering over the offer for about a minute, Dharmaraj starts, "I am worried about the trip to Hastinapur. Something does not seem right to me. Sahadev felt it too. Uncle Vidur warned us not to go. However, I am bound by my promise and righteousness."