Marriage proposal
At time of Evening
Vasu was playing with himself while Randha was cooking dinner in kitchen.
Soon , Adhirath has came from the Raj Mahal after completing his duty.
He came to Vasu and started to Play with him.
Then Radha has came to him also started to play with him , Vasu was also enjoying playing with them .
After some time, Adhirath suddenly said to Radha"Darling, I have to leave for Gandhar for few weeks in next morning."
Radha was shocked and said in confused " Arya, Why are you leaving to Gandhar suddenly? Is everything all right in place? Are we going to war with Gandhar?"
Adhirath said with Smile " you fool , we are not going to the war with Gandhar but Lord Bheeshma has decided to marry the prince Dhritrastra to the princess of gandhar, princess Gandhari, so, Lord Bheeshma has decided to personally visit Gandhar and propose the marriage to the king Subala, king of Gandhar."
Vasu was carefully listen to the conversation between his Mother and Father and thought to himself "So , the Marriage of Dhritrastra has been decided, Birth of Kauravas will start in 4-6 years, calculating everything. I am 6-7 years older than Arjuna."
While thinking a question has arisen in his mind that " According to Mahabharata, Lord Bheeshma has taken a large army to propose the Marriage, which was simply unheard of,
Does he plan force Gandhar king for marriage? Who knows, he certainly made a one of deadliest enemy out of nowhere? Which was Shakuni, the crow prince of Gandhar, and one of most Clever, Sharpeast and deadliest character of all time. It was said that he was an incarnation of Dvapara Yuga .
Not even a person like him who was from modern time and considered evil ... I mean clever, in this time was like to get his bad side. It was said that he held malice against lord Bhishma and swore of end his Kuru clan because Bhishma had arranged Gandhari's marriage with Dhritarashtra, a blind man."
Soon Vasu was fallen asleep, with caring to much about it.
A week later,
The Kingdom of Gandhar nestled in the northwest of Indian subcontinent, its image as an impenetrable fortress bolstered by the surrounding mountainous terrain.
Yet, such rugged beauty came with its own trials; life here was harsh, and resources limited.
But the legacy crafted by the Kings of Gandhar endured the tests of nature and time. Consider the resilience of the warriors dwelling in this treacherous expanse.
Though their numbers were few, anyone would think twice before challenging the Gandhar king, Subala and his army.
Within the palace hall, that Gandhar King Subala, flanked by ministers and sons, awaited an esteemed guest. As they anticipated the visitor, the weight of yesterday's discourse in the royal court lingered in the king's thoughts.
"What could be his intent? Is he preparing for battle?"
"He brings an army, so it seems he's here to fight!"
"Remember, he's a force alone. The army might merely accompany him."
"Why not strike first? We're not cowards! Surprise could grant us victory."
An elder minister intervened sharply, "Hush! The youth forgets his triumphs. They made the same error in Kashi. Look where it led them."
Another added, "Indeed. He even vanquished his Teacher. Need I say more about his prowess?"
Silence settled in the hall until Crown prince Śhakuni sought permission to speak.
"If I may have the permission, can I give my opinion, father?" He asked politely.
King Subala just nodded without uttering a word.
"It is said that one moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life. Attacking when the other party hasn't shown any clear intention of war would be a foolish act.
"He is a righteous man who follows the dharma. He isn't the kind of man to start a war on a whim."
"Also , neither our kigdom is closed enough to have war with him neither do we have any kind of animosity "
"So I suggest let's just welcome him and see what is his intention for this visit."
After saying so, Śhakuni bowed to the king once again and sat down on his chair.
"Well said," King Subala gave a satisfactory smile and said, "Prime minister, make preparations to welcome our guest and show him our great hospitality."
***
The ministers were murmuring to each other with gentle tension, curiosity, and anticipation.
Suddenly, the air grew tense as the guard's announcement pierced the room,
"THE PROTECTOR OF KURU CLAN, THE SON OF SHANTANU, UNDEFEATED WARRIOR, GANGA'S SON, BHISHMA IS ARRIVING"
All present straightened, the atmosphere shifting as Bheeshma strode in with dominant steps. Towering, his demeanor exuded strength matching the responsibility of a vast kingdom. His long white beard belied his robust physique, and only his age betrayed bygone years.
His strides resonated with dominance as Bhishma entered. Towering above, his presence commanded the space, embodying the responsibility of a vast kingdom. A white beard adorned his robust physique, a stark contrast to his ageless vigor.
The King Subala hastened toward him, extending a gracious greeting, "Greetings, Lord Bheeshma. Welcome to this humble palace of mine. What a blessing to have you as my guest. Please, come. Have a seat."
Bheeshma reciprocated with a nod of respect, "Greetings, Gandhār Naresh. It is my honor to come here to this great land and visit you. I hope my sudden visit was no problem."
A hearty laugh erupted from the Gandhar king, "Hahaha! Would one complain if Brahma were to bestow a boon out of nowhere? Your visit is a great blessing to my small kingdom. Why would that be a problem?"
Bhishma responded with a knowing smile.
"Please, have a seat, Lord Bheeshma," the Gandhar king said, gesturing to the main 'chair.' A momentary astonishment flickered across the king's face before diplomacy prevailed, mirrored by the other ministers.
A maid approached with a vessel of water and flower petals, placing it at Bhishma's feet. Other maids brought fruits and water, yet Bhishma only sipped water, untouched by the fruits. Meanwhile, his discerning gaze observed the king and his ministers.
Amidst this, Bhishma raised his foot, signaling the maid to remove his footwear. His feet submerged in the flower-scented water, tenderly washed and dried with a soft cloth.
Whispering instructions to the maid, Bheeshma dismissed her. The remaining maids stood poised against the wall, awaiting further directives.
Gandhar King , under the gaze of Bhishma's striking yet silent eyes, felt compelled to initiate conversation, "I hope you had a smooth journey to my kingdom."
Bheeshma replied with a stoic smile, "Yes, there was no problem."
A minister seized the opportunity to extol Bheeshma, "Is there anything in this world that can trouble Lord Bhishma? Even Himalayas will step aside and grant him passage."
"Actually, there is a matter troubling me at present," Bhishma admitted. "I hope Gandhar Naresh can aid in resolving this issue."
"Trouble you?" Gandhar Naresh inquired, concern etched on his face, "Is Mother Satyavati's health well? Please, tell me how I can assist. The Gandhār kingdom won't let you leave disappointed."
"Mother's health is good," Bhishma paused, "but her concern for her grandson troubles her. A mother's worry for her son's future is doubled for her grandsons. I hope you can alleviate this worry."
The Gandhar Naresh understood where the conversation was heading and began pondering the situation.
"My nephew has completed his studies and will soon become the king of Hastinapur,We wish for the lotus of Gandhar to be his life partner." Bhishma's request hung in the air.
The room buzzed with anticipation as Gāndhār King mulled over Bhishma's proposal, seeking a way to forge a powerful alliance.
"As I said, I won't let you depart disheartened," a wide smile graced Gandhar king's face. "It would be an honor for my daughter to wed into such an esteemed house."
If Vasu was here ,he would have hearty laugh and would say " It is unknown who will ,honour whom,"
The joyous energy in the room surged as Bheeshma and Gandhar King stood, exchanging a tight hug, celebrating the union of two families.
"In that honor," Bheeshma announced, clapping his hands twice.
The door swung open, revealing Bheeshma's attendants carrying plates laden with gems, gold coins, clothes, and treasures.
"A small gift from my mother to the future queen of Hastinäpur," Bheeshma offered with a gental smile.
Gandhar king nodded, directing the servants, "Take this great news and the gifts to Princess Gandhari."
"My son, Śhakuni," Gandhar king introduced to Bheeshma, "Gandhari is his dearest sister."
Śakuni stepped forward, acknowledging Bheeshma and his father before expressing, "I would like to deliver this news to my sister firsthand if you would allow."
"You may go," Gandhar king consented, watching Śhakuni leave. However, a whispered exchange between father and son lingered, catching Bheeshma's attention.
With a gaze fixed on Bhishma, Gandhār king's refocused on the conversation. He knew he had to prolong Bheeshma's stay and fortify ties between their kingdoms.