23 23."A Treacherous Feast and Fateful Encounter"

Shakespeare said: I always feel happy. You know why?Because I don't expect anything from anyone. Expectations always hurt. Life is short. So love your life. Be Happy. & Keep smiling. Just live for yourself & before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you pray,forgive. Before you hurt, feel. Before you hate, love. Before you quit, try. Before you die, live.

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As Bheem recollected the encounter in the royal garden, a vivid image formed in his mind, transporting us back to that fateful moment. Seated amidst the tranquility of the garden, Bheem savored the solitude, relishing the opportunity for quiet contemplation amidst the lush greenery.

Suddenly, the peaceful ambiance was shattered by the arrival of Suyodhana and Sushasana, their presence casting a shadow over the serenity of the garden. With a disarming smile, Suyodhana addressed Bheem in a tone of camaraderie, his words laced with a veneer of familiarity. "Brother Bheem, where are Brother Yudhishtir, Arjuna, and our other brothers?" he inquired, his expression one of feigned innocence.

Caught off guard by the unexpected visit, Bheem's surprise was evident as he struggled to mask his unease. Despite the unexpectedness of the encounter, he responded with a courteous yet cautious demeanor. "Brother Yudhishtir is practicing Yoga, Nakul and Sahadev have gone with him, and Arjuna is attending matters at the royal court," he explained, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of apprehension.

Suyodhana's smile widened at Bheem's response, his eyes betraying a glimmer of mischief as he absorbed the information. "Ah, I see," he remarked, his tone dripping with insinuation. "How fortunate for us to find you alone, Brother Bheem."

Bheem's brow furrowed slightly at Suyodhana's words, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features as he warily regarded the two princes. Sensing his apprehension, Suyodhana hastened to dispel any misgivings, his tone taking on a more conciliatory note. "Fear not, Brother Bheem. We have not come here to engage in a duel," he reassured, his words accompanied by a disarming smile.

With a sense of relief washing over him, Bheem relaxed slightly, though a trace of skepticism lingered in his mind. "Then, what brings you here?" he ventured, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected visit.

Suyodhana's smile took on a mischievous edge as he gestured towards the basket of fruits that Sushasana held in his hands. "We have brought some fruits for you," he announced, his tone light and jovial. "There is a beautiful place just a few yards from here, called Praman Koti. The fruits that grow there in the forest are extremely sweet. We have brought some for you to enjoy."

Taking fruit from Sushasana hand Suyodhana eat it as Suyodhana bit into the fruit, its sweetness burst upon his palate, eliciting a satisfied hum. His eyes, gleaming with a mixture of mischief and intent, shifted towards Bheem, who observed him with a quizzical expression.

"Delicious," Suyodhana declared, his tone laced with subtle amusement. Bheem, intrigued by his demeanor, reached for a fruit himself, mirroring Suyodhana's action. The succulent flavor exploded in his mouth, momentarily distracting him from the exchange of glances between Suyodhana and Sushasana.

The suspicion brewing within Suyodhana's smile did not go unnoticed by Bheem, who couldn't shake off the feeling of being subtly maneuvered. Yet, he brushed it aside, drawn by the camaraderie displayed by his cousins.

"Did I not tell you, Brother Bheem?" Suyodhana's voice held a hint of playfulness, accentuated by the twinkle in his eyes. "Let us go today. We have organized a feast for you in Praman Koti."

Bheem's surprise was palpable as he processed Suyodhana's invitation. His brows furrowed slightly, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism dancing in his gaze. "For me?" he echoed, his tone a blend of incredulity and cautious excitement.

Suyodhana's words carried a tone of genuine warmth as he addressed Bheem, his smile reflecting his sincerity. "We did not welcome you the right way; that was our mistake, Brother Bheem. You all are our brothers, and to give you respect and love is our duty."

Bheem, surprised by Suyodhana's unexpected display of humility, couldn't help but remark, "It took you quite some time to learn this, Suyodhana."

The atmosphere was charged with a mix of tension and anticipation as Suyodhana's response hung in the air. He maintained his composure, though a hint of nervousness crept into his expression. "One learns only with time, Brother Bheem," he said, his smile faltering slightly. "It would be better if we make up for our past mistakes today. We, 105 brothers, will jubilate in Praman Koti."

Bheem's demeanor softened, a genuine happiness spreading across his face. "Indeed," he agreed, his voice reflecting his relief and acceptance. "Let me go call Brother Yudhishtir and Arjuna."

At the mention of Yudhishtir and Arjuna, Suyodhana's expression shifted, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features. With a sense of urgency, he interjected, "Brother Bheem, Sushasana will go and call them."

Suyodhana's directive to Sushasana carried a sense of authority, his gaze unwavering as he laid out the plan for bringing the rest of their party to Praman Koti. "Sushasana, when Arjuna returns from the royal court and when Brother Yudhishtir, Nakul, and Sahadev are done with their duties, bring them to Praman Koti with you."

Sushasana, ever obedient to his elder brother, responded with a deferential nod. "Yes, of course, Brother Suyodhana," he affirmed, his tone respectful.

As Suyodhana turned his attention back to Bheem, a slight tension hung in the air, palpable in the wary glances exchanged between the two. Suyodhana's attempt to ease the atmosphere was met with skepticism from Bheem, who regarded him with suspicion.

Sensing Bheem's hesitation, Suyodhana addressed his concerns directly, his words measured yet earnest. "If you are fearful of going alone with me, even then, no matter. We shall leave after some time."

Bheem's response was resolute, his voice betraying none of the uncertainty that had flickered in his eyes moments before. "Fear of what? Let us go," he declared, his demeanor firm as he signaled his readiness to proceed.

A subtle, relieved smile played across Suyodhana and Sushasana's faces at Bheem's affirmation. With a nod of agreement, Suyodhana gestured towards the path ahead. "Let us go this way," he suggested, setting the course for their departure.

As they neared the hut at Praman Koti, Suyodhana took a moment to orient Bheem to their surroundings. "This is Praman Koti, Brother Bheem, near the river Ganga. Many snacks and serpents reside in this place. They are extremely venomous, but they bear no enmity with the people of Kuru. Are you listening, Brother Bheem?"

Bheem nodded, his attention focused on Suyodhana's words. "Indeed," he replied, his curiosity piqued. "Did you not say something about a feast?"

Suyodhana's smile took on a peculiar quality, a hint of something inscrutable beneath the surface. "I did. Let us proceed. Please, come this way," he urged, leading Bheem towards the hut.

Entering the hut, Bheem's eyes widened at the sight of the array of food laid out before him. The tantalizing aroma filled the air, stirring his appetite. "Look at this, such varied dishes our chefs have prepared. All this especially for you. When the rest of the brothers are here, we shall begin eating," Suyodhana explained, gesturing towards the spread with a sense of pride.

Outside the hut, Shakuni observed the scene with a knowing smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He understood the dynamics at play, recognizing the significance of the gathering unfolding before him.

Bheem's eagerness to begin was tempered by his concern for the absence of the other members of their party. "That is all right, but Brother Yudhishtir, Arjuna, Nakul, Sahadev, and the rest are not here yet," he pointed out, his sense of fairness guiding his actions.

Suyodhana nodded in agreement, his gaze flickering in the direction of Shakuni. In response, Shakuni offered a subtle gesture, indicating a course of action without uttering a word. Suyodhana's understanding was immediate, and he turned back to Bheem with a reassuring smile. "Sushasana must be on his way here with them, and it would be inappropriate to begin without them," he reassured, his tone measured yet decisive.

Bheem nodded in acceptance, his respect for the traditions of hospitality evident in his demeanor. "No, no, we shall wait," he affirmed, settling into a sense of patience as he awaited the arrival of the rest of their party.

With an unspoken understanding passing between them, Suyodhana and Shakuni exchanged a knowing glance, their plans aligning seamlessly.

Observing the spread of dishes before them, Suyodhana proposed a plan to Bheem, his tone congenial yet subtly persuasive. "Brother Bheem, how about we taste a little of everything? That way, we will know if we need to alter the taste or not."

Bheem, ever practical and mindful of excess, responded with a nod of agreement. "Indeed, that is a good suggestion, but we must not eat a lot," he cautioned, his voice carrying a note of restraint.

Suyodhana reassured him with a smile. "No, no, we shall only taste these," he affirmed, gesturing towards the dishes laden with food. "And you have a special interest in food," he added, a hint of amusement tinging his words.

Bheem chuckled in acknowledgment. "Indeed, I am a great cook myself," he admitted proudly, his passion for culinary arts evident in his demeanor.

Suyodhana seized upon this revelation, suggesting, "Then, Brother, only you should taste the dishes."

Bheem's expression shifted, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features at the sudden exclusion. Sensing Bheem's apprehension, Suyodhana quickly amended his proposal. "I too shall taste, but I shall not be able to comprehend much," he assured, reaching for a laddu and taking a bite.

Bheem, however, gently corrected his approach, emphasizing the importance of reverence for food. "No, no, pay respect to food, Suyodhana. First, you must get a whiff, then you must take in the aroma," he instructed, demonstrating by inhaling deeply before tasting a laddu himself.

With a smile of satisfaction, Bheem savored the flavors, his appreciation for the culinary craftsmanship evident in his expression. "Wow," he exclaimed softly, turning to Suyodhana. "This is food, not a battle. One must not attack it. Take a look," he advised, gesturing towards the array of dishes before them.

As Bheem began to eat the laddu with relish, Suyodhana's smile As the servant approached with the bowl of kheer, there was an air of anticipation in the room, unnoticed by Bheem and Suyodhana engrossed in their conversation. With practiced precision, the servant placed the bowl on the table and discreetly slipped away, leaving behind the unsuspecting pair.

Suyodhana's invitation to taste the kheer seemed innocuous enough, his demeanor betraying none of the trepidation building within him. "Do taste this kheer, Brother Bheem. Our chefs make the tastiest of kheer," he urged, his voice smooth with practiced charm.

Bheem, ever eager to indulge in culinary delights, accepted the bowl without hesitation, unaware of the danger lurking within. As he lifted the spoon to his lips and began to drink, a creeping sense of dizziness washed over him, clouding his senses.

With a sudden lurch, Bheem collapsed to the ground, unconscious and vulnerable. Shock and panic surged through Suyodhana as he watched Bheem succumb to the poisoned kheer. "Mama! Mama!" he cried out, his voice filled with fear.

Responding to Suyodhana's frantic calls, Shakuni swiftly entered the hut, his expression one of calculated satisfaction. With a knowing smile, he surveyed the scene, taking in the sight of Bheem's unconscious form with a sense of triumph.

"Beloved Suyodhana," Shakuni began, his voice dripping with sinister satisfaction, "in order to secure your place as the king, you have taken the first step today."

As Shakuni proceeded to remove Bheem's clothing, the atmosphere in the hut turned solemn, the weight of their actions settling heavily upon them. Each garment peeled away served as a stark reminder of the betrayal that had transpired within those walls.

"Dump his body in the river Ganga," Shakuni commanded with a chilling indifference, his words cutting through the air like a blade. "The Ganga is believed to grant salvation to those whose bodies are submerged in its waters."

Suyodhana's fear deepened at the realization of Bheem's fate, his voice quivering as he sought confirmation. "Is he d-dead, mama?" he faltered, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

Shakuni's response was unwavering, his gaze cold and calculating. "Death comes to all," he stated matter-of-factly, his tone devoid of remorse. "A kingdom thrives upon a heap of dead bodies."

The gravity of Shakuni's words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the brutal realities of power and ambition. With a heavy heart, Suyodhana reluctantly accepted the harsh truth, steeling himself for the repercussions of their actions.

With Sushasana's arrival, the trio wasted no time in carrying out Shakuni's orders. They solemnly lifted Bheem's lifeless body and made their way to the banks of the sacred river Ganga, its waters both a symbol of purity and a repository for the sins of mankind.

In a final act of betrayal, they cast Bheem's body into the flowing current, watching as it disappeared beneath the surface, swallowed by the depths of the river. And as they turned to depart, the weight of their treachery hung heavy upon them, the echoes of their footsteps fading into the night.

As the weight of the past conversation settled upon us, the atmosphere grew heavy with contemplation. Sensing the need to break the silence, I spoke up, my voice calm yet decisive. "We should return to Hastinapur elegantly," I suggested, prompting a nod of agreement from Bheem beside me.

Before we could finalize our departure, King Vasuki intervened with a gracious invitation. "Prince Avalok, please be our guest. We receive such opportunities only once in a while. As for your people in Hastinapur, I can send someone to inform them about you."

His offer was tempting, and I couldn't help but smile at his hospitality. "If you insist, how can I say no?" I replied, grateful for the chance to prolong our stay in such illustrious company.

As our conversation continued, our attention was drawn to the sound of approaching voices. A man's voice, filled with paternal concern, resonated through the tranquil surroundings. "Don't run, daughter, please slow down," he urged gently.

In response, a young girl's voice bubbled with excitement as she spoke. "How can I, Father? I heard that today Uncle Vasuki received some important guests from Bholok. I want to see them."

As the young girl and her father drew nearer, our eyes met in an unexpected moment of connection. I found myself captivated by her beauty, a feeling foreign yet strangely exhilarating. In that fleeting instant, time seemed to stand still, and we were suspended in a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

Our reverie was interrupted by the voice of King Vasuki, drawing our attention back to the present moment. "Prince Avalok, meet my friend King Kauravya," he announced, breaking the spell that had momentarily enveloped us.

Quickly regaining my composure, I offered a respectful greeting, folding my hands in a gesture of reverence. "Pranam, King Kauravya. I am Avalok," I introduced myself with a polite bow.

In return, King Kauravya reciprocated the greeting with a nod of acknowledgement. "Pranam, Prince Avalok," he replied, his voice warm and welcoming.

Turning my attention back to the young girl who had captured my gaze, I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest. Despite my young age, I couldn't deny the stirring of emotions within me, unfamiliar yet undeniably real.

As I awaited King Vasuki's introduction of the girl, my heart raced with anticipation. Surely, fate had woven our paths together for a reason, and I couldn't help but wonder what adventures awaited us in the days to come.

With bated breath, I listened as King Vasuki's voice filled the air once more,he said "And she is our lovely princess".

(A/N: can someone guess who she is?)

(Word's count:2671)