64 Bhagadatta
The dark scheming between Duryodhan and Shakuni was fraught with implications for the future.
Meanwhile, in the Udra kingdom, the aftermath of the victorious battle against Vanga saw Aryan and Karna discussing their next steps. The integration of the Vanga kingdom into their territory required careful planning and management. Aryan emphasized the need for stability and unity, ensuring that the newly acquired territory would thrive under the rule of Udra.
Karna, ever the loyal and capable Senapati, outlined the steps needed to consolidate their control over Vanga and integrate it smoothly into the Udra kingdom. He stressed the importance of establishing trust and rapport with the local leaders and citizens, fostering a sense of belonging and security within the newly acquired territory.
Aryan, pleased with Karna's insights, entrusted him with the responsibility of overseeing the transition and ensuring that the people of Vanga would benefit from their integration into the larger Udra kingdom.
As the two leaders continued their discussion, they were interrupted by the arrival of a messenger bearing urgent news. The message detailed a potential threat from the neighboring kingdom of Cumbha, hinting at their efforts to form an alliance against the expanding influence of the Udra kingdom.
"So you are saying that King Kartikey has sought alliance from Pragjyotish kingdom? Now this is an interesting turn of events. "
Aryan's expression hardened as he absorbed the information.
Bhagadatta, the king of Pragajyotish kingdom is not an easy character.
Aryan remembered reading in his previous life that in the future Mahabharat War, Bhagadatta fought on the side of the Kauravas. He had a long history of enmity with the Pandava side, especially Krishna, since his father was Narakasura, who had been slain by Krishna.
Remembering the tales from the future Mahabharata war, he comprehended the sheer might of Bhagadatta.
During the war, he contributed one akshauhini of the troops to Kauravs and he himself is a very powerful warrior who was particularly skilled in the use of elephants in warfare. Riding on his elephant Supratika, he fought for the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War.
During the first day of the battle, Bhagadatta had a duel with the king of Virata , thereby defeating him. On the fourth day of the Kurukshetra War, Bheem was raided by Bhagadatta's division and Bhagadatta caused Bhima to faint in the field.
On the seventh day, he even had a stalemate with the Rakshasa Ghatothkatch and forced him back. Later he also defeated Bheem once again in a duel and almost killed him before he escaped. Nakul and Sahadeva were also defeated by Bhagadatta.
Of course, all this was in the future and might not even happen in this timeline thanks to Aryan's interference with the plot. However it's enough to show Bhagadatta's strength.
But all this was not worth mentioning in front of Aryan. The thing that worried him the most is the fact that Bhagadatta possesses one of the four forbidden weapons, Vaishnavastra.
It would destroy it's target completely, irrespective of target's nature. This astra has to be obtained from Lord Vishnu directly and is infallible in nature. The only way to stop this is that Lord Vishnu himself appears to stop this Astra or another Vaishnavastra is released from the other side.
Now, although Aryan didn't have a Vaishnavastra but he had Full Counter. With it, Aryan had full confidence that he can counter Vaishnavastra but the problem is, doing so would likely attract the attention of the deites and the Trimurti.
While Lord Vishnu blessed him so that none of his incarnations/ avatars, that is Lord Parshuram and Vasudev Krishna could see through his identity, it didn't include Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma themselves. And Aryan didn't want to attract their attention towards himself at this point.
But of course, Aryan was unaware of the situation in Devaloka otherwise he wouldn't have been so worried.
And while Aryan was thinking about all this, Bhanumati and Dushala arrived in the room and Karna tacitly took his leave after informing the two of them about the news of Cumbha kingdom's probable alliance with Pragjyotish kingdom, explain why Aryan seemed a little worried.
Exchanging glances with each other, Dushala took lead and hugged the unaware Aryan from behind.
"Boooh!"
"Aha! "
Aryan finally came back to his senses and looked at Dushala hanging on his back with a helpless face.
"We're you scared? "
Dushala asked mischievously.
"Oh yes, I was very scared. "
Aryan pretended to be afraid, causing both Dushala and Bhanumati to laugh out loud.
After playing around for some time, Aryan's tensed nerves finally relaxed and a smile appeared on his face.
"Heh, looks like having future knowledge is not always a good thing. It makes you always worry about the future and you forget to live in the present, ignoring the things it has to offer. Huff, from now on, stop worrying about the future and just do your best! "
After giving himself a silent pep talk, Aryan's mood improved and he felt a lot lighter, as if, some kind of shackles had been broken by him.
Aryan's realization about the potential drawbacks of possessing future knowledge resonated deeply, prompting him to reorient his focus towards embracing the present and making the most of the opportunities it presented.
With the tension momentarily eased and their spirits lifted, Aryan, Bhanumati, and Dushala basked in the moment of love, allowing themselves to enjoy the precious bond they shared as their shared laughter reverberated through the room.
That night, the usually shy Bhanumati and Dushala decided to be a little bold. And Aryan enjoyed the feeling of stepping on two boats in a stormy sea for the first time.
But instead of any tension, he only felt unlimited pleasure. He allowed himself to be immeresed in the waves while resting on the mountain peaks.
Aryan allowed himself to be fully present in this moment of bliss, savoring the sensation of being suspended between two distinct worlds. In this unique convergence of opposing forces, he found a rare and exquisite sense of peace, as if he had discovered a fleeting glimpse of heaven itself.
The next day when he woke up, looking at the rosy faces of Bhanumati and Dushala sleeping beside him, Aryan couldn't help but remember the crazy night. This was probably the best night of his ever. And he was already wondering about when he would be able to enjoy this the next time.
