The First Deviation (2)

Prakriti's P.O.V,

Ashwatthama had gone out to play after bathing in the Sangam and eating a single fruit. Usually he will come back before and after but it's only Purvanha Pahar. When...

"Maa! PitaShri! I'm back!"

Ashwatthama's voice rang as he came running back to the couple, His voice was filled with excitement and joy, making the couple wonder about his sudden change!

Just yesterday, Ashwatthama had a smile on his face and now, his entire being was filled with positive energy.

His crazy sprint stopped before the couple and he touched their feet. After which, he took a clay glass filled with milk and presented it before the couple.

Seeing the half filled glass of milk, the couple understood the reason for his sudden change. Though they were glad for his merry state, it didn't dismiss the doubts arisen in their hearts about the origin of Milk.

Since, in this Ashram, every brahmin family is aware of Acharya Drona's personality. They wouldn't dare to offer milk to Ashwatthama because it would be insulting to Acharya Drona.

Driven by curiosity, Acharya Drona inquired Ashwatthama, "Putra, who gave you this?"

After all, No parents would like their child to be pitied by others or if he steals from others. In Ashwatthama's case, he will never steal from anyone.

Ashwatthama, Although filled with vigor and yet he remained respectful to Acharya Drona as he replied, "PitaShri, My Mitra (Friend) Karna, gave it to me when I finally defeated him in the game of catch. A-and..."

It was tough for the little child to remain still as he hungrily stared at the glass of milk but, he controlled his urge and added, "I came here to present my first prize to you. He said that the feet of my parents are greater than the world itself. Therefore, after presenting some milk to the supreme lord, I want to let you have a taste of it as Both of you are equal or even greater to Gods for me. Although, Gods are great lords, who send me to your care, both of you are the one who has taken care of me till now!"

Ashwatthama kept explaining under the gaze of his parents who's vision had turned misty. His every word dispelled the previous doubts of Acharya Drona and Devi Kripi. When the words, 'Both of you are equal and even greater than the gods...' it kept ringing in their ears.

[Note: Its rare for a child of eight years old to say these things. Furthermore, A child of this age couldn't lie. It means, they were the true feelings of Ashwatthama which came out by the influence of Karna.]

Devi Kripi is almost on her knees, wanting to hug her lovely child and caress his hairs, tenderly. 

Unaware of the spectacle, Ashwatthama said, "Lastly, PitaShri and Maa, He told me, It doesn't matter if we live in poverty or not, we should always follow our dharma. We should never take anyone's favor, we have to earn it ourselves! But, PitaShri? I didn't understand the meaning of this sentence. Will you explain it to me?"

Hearing the innocent child's question, Acharya Drona came out from his reverie. He can ascertain that this sentence has been uttered for him. He didn't know why? But, he felt like it was the world's reminder for him to not stain his path.

For this he thanked my sister and Lord Shiva before he addressed Ashwatthama, "Putra, I will teach you but along with other children but later. Before that, drink this glass of milk. Your mother and I are going to eat fruits."

"But, PitaShri and Maa... would please have a sip of milk?"

"Please><"< p>

Due to the persistence of Ashwatthama, the couple took a sip from the hands of Ashwatthama. When the couple had tasted the milk, Ashwatthama emptied the glass in one go!

With every sip, his closed eyes turned into crescents!

"PitaShri! Maa! Milk is realllly delicious!"

When he finished the glass, he let out an exclamation filled with relish and euphoria!

The couples smiled while looking at the euphoric expression of their only child, completely mesmerized by his appearance!

Ashwatthama's joy dissolved their former worries and other negative thoughts into nothingness as the Brahmin Couple lost themselves in Putra-Moh, The love for their child!

...

At that moment, 

The first great change in Niyati was made!

The linked Niyati of Draupada and Drona, were separated into two separate threads, re-writing the fate of both.

As for the source of this deviation?

He kept moving towards the junction of the place where the complex web of interlinked destinies are waiting for his arrival!

....

To be Continued...