54 Advent of the Protagonist-(2)
Prakriti's P.O.V,
"Greeting your highness! All the preparations for the feast have been made. Aside from the young princes, Everything is in place."
Ignoring her strangeness, Devi Radha reported her actions as a dutiful servant, to maintain a sense of professionalism and uphold Devi Gandhari's honor as the empress of Hastinapur.
To which, Devi Gandhari replied in a gentle but an amused tone, "Hmm~ What about the food?~"
"Your Majesty, the culinary delights for the feast are prepared with utmost care and attention to detail. The chefs have curated a sumptuous menu featuring an array of exquisite dishes, each crafted to tantalize the taste buds of our esteemed elders and princes. From savory delicacies to delectable desserts, the feast promises to be a culinary extravaganza fit for royalty."
Despite the immense curiosity welling inside herself, Devi Radha continued reporting the situation to Devi Gandhari.
"The Chhappan Bhog (56 dishes) have already been sent to the royal priest to offer them to respected Trimurties and deities."
"Alright, Anything else you want to report?"
"Your Majesty, in addition to the preparations for the feast, I would also like to inform you that the decorations for the banquet hall have been arranged according to your preferences. Rich tapestries, elegant floral arrangements, and ambient lighting have been meticulously placed to create an atmosphere of opulence and grandeur befitting of your esteemed presence. Furthermore, the seating arrangements have been carefully organized to ensure that each guest receives the highest level of comfort and attention. Everything is in readiness to ensure the success of this auspicious occasion."
....
Such monotonous QNA continued for a while until Devi Gandhari said, "Very Good Radha. You didn't betray my trust."
Following which, She was about to turn back and return to her private chamber when...
"Your Majesty, Can I return?"
She heard the pleading voice of Devi Radha asking for permission to return.
To which, the empress replied in a cold tone, "No. You may not."
"I am grate-! Huh?!"
Devi Radha stood in stunned silence, her mind racing to comprehend the reason for the empress's refusal. Confusion clouded her thoughts as she struggled to make sense of the situation.
Had she unknowingly transgressed some boundary? Had she failed in her duties in some way? Questions swirled in her mind, but the empress's cold tone offered no explanation, leaving her with a sense of profound bewilderment and disappointment.
Until...
Pfft!
"Hahaha!"
"Your majesty, I Apologize for this rudeness, but it's too much! Hahaha!"
"Haha!"
Devi Sughada's hearty laughter broke the tension in the dining room, dispelling the awkwardness that had lingered after the empress's cold refusal. Her genuine mirth was infectious, and soon the empress herself joined in, leaving Devi Radha with a single doubt lingering in her mind.
'What is happening here?!'
Devi Radha was incapable of deciphering the weirdness of the situation.
Honestly speaking, She just wanted to return home before her kids arrived...
Thankfully, Devi Gandhari and Devi Sughada regained their calm demeanor, in a mere moment.
Spotting the confusion on her friend's face, The empress addressed Devi Radha and said, "Sorry Radha, It was just a joke. Actually-"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
"Attention! Attention! The esteemed guests have arrived! Make way for Mahamahim Bhishma, Raj-Guru Kripacharya, Devi Kunti, and the young Kumars!"
Before the Empress could finish her sentence, the resonant sound of the Shankh echoed through the palace, its deep tones reverberating off the walls and signaling the arrival of the awaited guests. Following closely behind, the commanding voice of the royal soldier boomed through the halls, reminding everyone of the importance of the moment.
"Attention! Attention! The esteemed guests have arrived! Make way for Mahamahim Bhishma, Raj-Guru Kripacharya, Devi Kunti, and the young Kumars!"
The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the gathered crowd, as all hurried to greet and pay their respects to the revered arrivals.
Even Devi Satyavati and her daughter-in-laws, finally awakened from their grief, wiped their dried tears with towels and water.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Devi Satyavati and her daughter-in-laws hurried to meet the heir of late Pandu, their steps quickened by the hope of finally alleviating their immense sadness.
...
Meanwhile, Inside the dining room,
The Empress swiftly grabbed Devi Radha's palm, her urgency evident as she dragged her to the entrance.
Before exiting the dining room,
"Sughada, do bring our esteemed guests. We can't let them starve!" commanded the Empress, her voice tinged with a hint of urgency and concern for the well-being of their little visitors.
Devi Sughada nodded in acknowledgment, her demeanor poised and efficient as she swiftly moved to carry out the Empress's directive.
With graceful steps, she made her way to escort the esteemed guests to the dining hall. After all, the little kids shouldn't be neglected. Right?
...
After which, Devi Gandhari waltzes through confusing pathways of the palace like a walk in a park while dragging Devi Radha with her.(Deja vu!)
Recognizing the importance of her presence there, Devi Radha followed without hesitation, her steps quickening to match the Empress's pace.
Though, She wants to return soon, She couldn't disrespect her friend and the empress at the same time. Now, could she?
...
When Devi Gandhari finally arrived at the entrance. She witnessed... Nothing!
Instead, Devi Radha described the scene in her words, "His Highness is standing beside you along with Arya."
"Mahamahim Bhishma, with his dignified bearing and wisdom beyond measure, is leading the way, his presence commanding respect and solemnity. Behind him walked the young Pandavas along with Devi Kunti, their expressions a mixture of sorrow and curiosity and determination."
Saying so, She stood behind her and took one of the baskets filled with flowers.
As the company made their way through the palace halls, the courtiers bowed in reverence, acknowledging the weight of their presence and the gravity of the moment.
As Mahamahim Bhishma and the young Pandavas walked along the path, flanked by the maids standing on either side, they were greeted with a profusion of flowers. The maids, with gentle smiles adorning their faces, extended their arms, offering fragrant blooms as symbols of welcome and reverence.
Marigolds, jasmine, and roses cascaded through the air, filling the atmosphere with their sweet fragrance and vibrant colors. Each flower carried with it a silent message of respect and admiration for the esteemed guests who walked among them.
Devi Satyavati and other elders finally came out of their abode and blessed the young heirs to the kingdom.
Totally unaware of the vicious future...
Maharathi Bhishma, who was carrying Arjun on his shoulder didn't know that this very child would let him sleep on the bed of arrows...
Unbeknownst to Devi Ambika who was blessing Yudhishthira and Bheema, Both of them will become the very people, destroying her son's lineage...
The little Duryodhana and Dushasana who were curiously glancing at their cousins were unaware of their own dooms...
Amid such madness, The true protagonist of Dvapara yuga finally arrived!
***
To be continued...
