Shakuni's Resentment

Nestled on the far side of the resplendent palace, there lay a chamber adorned with the grace of royalty. Within its opulent walls, an assembly of queens and princesses gathered, their presence lending an air of regal elegance to the space. As sunlight filtered through intricately carved windows, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow, the women engaged in lively discourse.

Servants, dutifully relayed updates and news,

This gathering was not merely a social occasion; it was a sanctuary where the women of the palace found solace in companionship,

An abrupt entrance of men quite different from the ones of the maid- disrupted their ambiance.

In the midst of their animated exchange, the tranquil atmosphere was shattered by the sudden intrusion of unfamiliar footsteps. A man, unlike any maid had encountered before, barged into their sanctuary, disrupting the delicate balance of the chamber.

With a commanding presence, Šhakuni strode into the room, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the gathered women. A collective gasp escaped their lips as they recognized him, their chatter falling silent in a wave of apprehension and surprise. The air crackled with tension as Šhakuni's penetrating gaze swept over the assembly, his mere presence injecting an unexpected element of intrigue into the serene setting.

Śhakuni, his discontent palpable, entered without a word. Servants followed, carrying trays adorned with rare treasures.

"Lord Bhishma paid us a surprise visit today," Śakuni declared, commanding the room's attention. "He brought these gifts from Hastinapur, though not without expecting something in return. Nothing in this world comes without strings attached, after all.

Anxious glances exchanged among the women betrayed their suspicions, eager for official confirmation from Śakuni's lips, despite his implied message.

With a heavy sigh in his heart, Śakuni reluctantly divulged, "Lord Bhishma brought a marriage proposal, which my father accepted. Princess Gandhari is to be wed to Dhritarashtra, the eldest prince of Hastinapur."

Cheers erupted upon hearing this news. They enveloped Gandhari in embraces, showering her with congratulations.

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, her heart couldn't help but ache as she caught sight of her brother's somber gaze, his eyes betraying a depth of emotion beyond the revelry.

*CLAP*

With a sound of clap , Śakuni brought everyone's attention to himself again.

"Forgive the interruption, my esteemed ladies," Śakuni's words dripped with false charm as a sinister grin crept across his face, "I require a private word with my sister for a brief moment."

The ladies didn't say anything in reply and gone outside while keeping their head down.

Śakuni's sinister grin widened as he watched the women depart, ensuring they were out of earshot. With a carefree flick of his wrist, he completed a full rotation of his neck, his actions betraying a disturbing nonchalance toward the norms of human anatomy.

With the room now empty, Śakuni turned his attention to his sister. The pretense of formality vanished, replaced by a scowl etched upon his features. Yet, in her presence, he found solace; she accepted him unconditionally, allowing him to drop his guard and reveal his true self.

"You don't look happy brother," Gandhari, unperturbed, showed concern in her gentle voice.

"Hmph! How could I not be?" Śakuni's voice dripped with anger. "First, that Bhishma waltzes in here, acting like he owns the place. And now, father has agreed to marry you off to the FIRST prince he lays eyes on!"

"First prince?" Gandhari was confused.

"Have no fear, dear sister," Śakuni reassured, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders and meeting her gaze with determination. "I'll speak to Father and do everything in my power to convince him to reverse his decision. It's not too late yet. Trust me, your brother."

"En."

Gandhari didn't have the full grasp of situation yet nor why his brother was concerned. But she just gave a confident nod to show her trust.

With this, Śakuni departed even more vigorously than he had entered.

Gandhari just shook her head.

'My brother's love for me can be so overwhelming sometimes.

'If father has agreed to a marriage proposal, he must have thought something about it.

'I wonder, what my future husband is like...'

Gandhari contemplated about her future, harboring a glimmer of hope since she would be marrying the oldest prince.

...

As dusk settled, Gandhar king was talking with the mother of Gandhari in their chambers.

Both were discussing what to do and how to do things related to the hospitality of Lord Bhishma and the impending nuptials of Gandhari.

Gandhar king sighed as he looked at the sky through the window, mused.

"Are you discontent with this marriage, my husband?" The Queen inquired, a touch of mild curiosity in her voice.

"Not precisely," he responded, his gaze fixed upon the stars. "But pondering the marvels of fate. Who could have envisioned that the lotus of Gandhar would be marrying the first prince of Hastinapur?"

"Indeed," she nodded in agreement. "But one certainty is that your son is discontent with this arrangement."

"Of course, I am not," Śakuni interjected, affirming his discontent.

Both of them moved their head in the direction the unexpected presence.

Śakuni had was standing around the door. Not sure if he was listening their conversation from how long.

"Oh, you!" Gandhār king muttered.

"Yes, me," Śakuni didn't miss the underlying emotions, "Father..."

"Hmph! You spoke so wisely in the royal meeting, advising against confrontation with Lord Bhishma. And now you expect me to annul the marriage and bear his wrath?" Gandhar king questioned.

"Firstly, I'm not a fool like your other children, eager to display valor and risk their lives," he scoffed mockingly.

"Secondly, my dear sister wasn't part of this. That Bhishma-"

"Lord Bhishma," his father interjected firmly, "You'll address him with respect."

"That Bhishma," Śakuni's expression twisted into an angry smirk, his rebellious spirit burning bright. His father sighed, recognizing the defiance in his son's eyes, yet also understanding the belief that his own strength entitled him to demand unwavering obedience from them all.

"My dear sister deserves the finest. The first prince doesn't fit that description. Decline the proposal or send another bride. I doubt those celibate old eyes can discern who truly embodies the princess of Gandhar."

"You know that's not who Lord Bhishma requested for. There is only one girl known throughout the Bharat as Gandhari. Even you can not deny the fact that no one else can be her stand-in."

"Tch," Śakuni clicked his tongue as he didn't have any counter to this. His father had hit his weak point.

"I understand your concern," Gandhar King, a seasoned warrior knew that he shouldn't let this opportunity go and keep up the momentum. "The first prince may not be 'flawless', but he holds the first position. Marriage isn't solely about the individual, but also about the family. The Kuru clan is revered across Bharat. They uphold their Righteous. Your sister will lead a prosperous life as the queen of Hastinapur."

If Vasu was hearing this then he would have d said mockingly that "May you can say this a year after."

The prospect of Gandhari becoming the queen of Hastinapur quelled the Resentment brewing in Śakuni's mind. With its strength, Hastināpur could emerge as the nexus of power and politics.

"Very well," Śakuni eventually conceded after contemplation.

A sigh of relief swept both the king and queen, and a glint of triumph sparkled in Gandhar king's smile.

"But I will accompany her to Hastināpur."

"WHAT?!" Gandhar King exclaimed, was caught off guard by this declaration.

"You'd be foolish to expect blind trust in Bhishma and his family from me. Who knows what might unfold when she goes there? I'll ensure she secures the title of queen," Śakuni affirmed, sensing Gandhar King's unease.

A concern rose in Gandhar King's mind.

"Don't resort to your devious schemes, son."

"Hmph! There's no distinction between honorable or dirty in a scheme. The end goal matters, not the path," Śakuni retorted, striding away.

"You and your scheming mind," Gandhar King muttered under his breath.

Śakuni halted, stating, "This scheming mind is why you respect me, father. Otherwise, I wouldn't be the heir today," before exiting the room.

Few days later.

Bhishma, having confirmed the marriage, journeyed back to Hastinapur in his chariot.

Observing his charioteer's hastened pace, he intervened, "Calm down, Adhirath. There's no need for haste. Or is there?"

"Forgive me, my lord. I let my heart influence my brain." Adhirath slowed the horses.

"No need for apologies. But why do I sense concern over your face?"

"I was just eager to see my son , So, that's why I made a little rush to reach Hastinapur " Adhirath confessed.

Bhishma arched an eyebrow. " I was under the impression you had no son. Is he not yours?"

Adhirath hesitated briefly before responding, "Well, my Lord, we are not his biological parents. We discovered him in a box drifting in the river. Nonetheless, we've raised him as our own."

"Even after many years, my wife couldn't conceive. The instant we laid eyes on him, it felt like destiny for him to become our first child. He's a blessing, truly."

Observing his charioteer, seemingly lost in reminiscence of the day he found his son, Bhishma couldn't suppress a smile.

"In that case, let us hasten to Hastinapur. Take a few days off after our arrival. Return with peace of mind"

"Yes, my Lord," Adhirath acknowledged.

With a flick of the reins, Adhirath urged the horses onward, the chariot racing toward Hastinapur.