27) Dilemma between brothers

Bhanumati was also very surprised by this strange turn of events but she herself was a princess too. So naturally she understood the political undertone behind this tournament. 

And seeing that Aryan also didn't say anything about it, she also decided to just enjoy the tournament. Anyway, the fight between Kauravs and Pandavs had nothing to do with her. 

Meanwhile, the other battle of the semifinal round now wasn't a surprise to everyone as Dronacharya declared the names of the only remaining warriors. 

"Prince Yudhishthir Vs Prince Arjun!"

As the announcement of the next battle echoed through the arena, the attention of the crowd shifted to the anticipated clash between Prince Yudhishthir and Prince Arjun. It was a battle between two of the most prominent Pandava princes, and expectations were high.

Bhanumati, still seated in her royal enclosure, watched the proceedings with keen interest. She knew that this battle would not only be a display of martial skill but also a test of the bond between the Pandava brothers. Yudhishthir, known for his wisdom and sense of duty, would face his younger brother Arjun, renowned as one of the greatest archers in the world.

Aryan, too, was intrigued by this matchup. He understood the significance of this duel, not just in terms of combat prowess but also in terms of the internal dynamics within the Pandava family. 

For a second there, Aryan even wondered if Shakuni had somehow moved his hands and feet with the selection process, and rigged it. But it was destined to be a mystery as Aryan exchanged glance with a delighted Shakuni. 

As the two princes entered the arena, the air was charged with anticipation. Yudhishthir, with his calm and composed demeanor, stood in clear contrast to Arjun's confused and hesitant state. 

Prince Yudhishthir, known for his wisdom and calm demeanor, observed his younger brother Arjun's hesitant and conflicted state as they stood facing each other in the arena.

He could sense the turmoil within Arjun, the weight of the bonds of brotherhood that threatened to cloud his judgment.

Yudhishthir knew that this battle was not merely about physical combat but a test of their familial bonds and principles.

With a deep breath, Yudhishthir approached Arjun, his voice carrying the weight of experience and responsibility.

"Arjun, my brother," he began, his words measured and filled with a sense of purpose, "I understand the conflict within your heart. The dilemma of facing me, your elder brother, in combat troubles you. But we stand here not as adversaries but as warriors in a tournament, bound by duty to test our skills."

Arjun's eyes, filled with uncertainty, met Yudhishthir's gaze. He respected and revered his elder brother immensely, and the thought of raising arms against him weighed heavily on his conscience.

Yudhishthir continued, "Our bond as brothers is unbreakable, and our love for each other is unwavering. But we must also remember that we are part of a greater story, a tale of honor and duty. In this arena, we are warriors first and our duty is to showcase our skills, our commitment to excellence. And besides, Duryodhan and the others are also our brothers, right? Just as we have fought against your Kaurava brothers till now, we must stand here now as warriors prepared to give our best."

Arjun's hesitation began to wane as Yudhishthir's words resonated with him. He nodded slowly, his inner turmoil giving way to a growing determination.

"But, brother Yudhishthir, it is still difficult for me to raise my bow against you. You are not only my brother but my role model, my guide."

Arjun said hesitantly. 

Yudhishthir placed a reassuring hand on Arjun's shoulder, his eyes reflecting understanding.

"Arjun, I am deeply touched by your words, and I am proud of the respect and love you hold for me. But remember, our path as warriors demands that we set aside personal emotions when we step into the battlefield. The mark of a true warrior is the ability to face all challenges with courage and honor, even when the opponent is a beloved sibling."

Arjun absorbed his brother's wisdom, his uncertainty giving way to a newfound resolve.

He understood that Yudhishthir was not asking him to abandon their brotherly love but to channel it into their combat, just as they had done countless times in training and practice.

"You are right brother Yudhishthir," Arjun said, his voice steady and determined. "I will not surrender to my doubts and emotions. I will fight you as I would fight our enemies, with all my skill and strength."

Yudhishthir smiled warmly, his faith in his brother reaffirmed.

"That's the spirit, Arjun. Remember that in the grand tapestry of our lives, this is but a small thread. Our duty as warriors is to weave it with valor and honor. Let our battle be a testament to our commitment to our principles and our family."

"Hmmm."

With renewed determination, Arjun stepped back and readied his bow. Yudhishthir did the same, and as they faced each other, there was a sense of harmony between them. They knew that this battle was not a fracture in their brotherly bond but a testament to its strength.

The crowd watched in awe as the two Pandava princes, bound by blood and duty, raised their weapons to engage in a battle and cheered for both of them. 

Meanwhile back on stage, Bhanumati also heaved a sigh of relief and couldn't help but share her thoughts with Aryan. 

"Thank god Aryan, I almost thought that the strongest contestant Arjun would be defeated without even fighting. But it seems that Prince Yudhishthir is more intelligent than rumoured. "

"You're right about that. If Arjun had been disqualified from the tournament without even fighting, it would have been a big loss, right Gandhar naresh Shakuni? "

Aryan agreed with Bhanumati and it's unknown if it was intentional or unintentional but he also asked Shakuni, who was sitting beside him for his opinion. 

"Huh? Oh yes, yes. You're right Udra naresh, it would have been a big loss indeed. "

Shakuni immediately changed his crestfallen face when Aryan asked him but Aryan could still see his clenched fists hidden under his clothes. 

If he still had a doubt previously then now Aryan is hundred percent sure that Shakuni has somehow managed to rig the selection process and he even managed to fool Guru Dronacharya himself from finding it out. 

After all, Arjun was the only contestant that Duryodhan had no chance to defeat. So if Arjun had been removed from the tournament with this trick, it would have increased his chances of winning the tournament and thereby the race for throne.