Dushala's Marriage!

"Now, let's return to the plan at hand. Dushala's political marriage, which intentionally disregards Hastinapur's interests, will serve as the perfect opportunity to insult Bheeshma when he opposes it. We'll use the dark history of Hastinapur's guardian against him."

Duryodhan and Dushasan nodded, realizing the intricate and multi-layered nature of Shakuni's scheme.

"Although I don't want to involve Dushala in all this, but I know that Dushala will understand. "

Duryodhan sighed slightly. 

Shakuni reassured Duryodhan, understanding the weight of the decision involving Dushala and it's effect on her life.

"Your sister's understanding and sacrifice will play a crucial role in our plan's success, Duryodhan. And she should be proud to be able to help her beloved brother. Now, go and announce her marriage to Jayadratha, the king of the Sindhu kingdom. I've already discussed it with Jayadratha in secret. This move will not only help us achieve our immediate goal but also secure a powerful ally for us. "

With the pieces of their elaborate scheme falling into place, Duryodhan set off to make the announcement, fully aware of the consequences because according to Hastinapur's political strategy, they are not supposed to have any relation with Magadh and Sindhu kingdom because of their past enmity and conflicts. 

. 

. 

. 

Next day, as the news of Duryodhan's announcement spread like wildfire, it indeed ignited an emergency court meeting in Hastinapur. Shakuni, well-prepared to capitalize on the situation, entered the court with a sly smile, fully aware of the reactions he was about to witness.

As the assembly of ministers and nobles expressed their concerns and objections to Duryodhan's decision, Shakuni seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire.

He skillfully weaved words that stoked the flames of discontent, making it seem like a reckless and arrogant move by Duryodhan, disregarding the kingdom's interests and its history of enmity with Magadh and Sindhu.

"Mahaamahim Bhisma, I don't think my nephew Duryodhan has done anything wrong. Its very clear that neice Dushala loves Sindhu naresh Jaydrath and wants to marry him. So if a brother wants to fulfill her sister's wishes then no one else should have the right to stop him. "

Shakuni paused intentionally before continuing in a sarcastic tone. 

"But who am I trying to explain, the one who has never married and doesn't know what love is. Not to mention that you have personally destroyed the lives of multiple women on account of political marriage. I doubt Dushala would be any different."

Shakuni's words in the courtroom were like a nuclear bomb which immediately caused an explosion. 

While Bhisma himself didn't say anything, only clutching the armrest of his seat in anger, Vidhur couldn't sit back anymore and warned Shakuni angrily. 

"Gandhar naresh! Stay within your limits. If you say one more word to insult Mahaamahim Bhishma then.... "

The courtroom in Hastinapur had become a battleground of emotions, alliances, and power plays. Shakuni's calculated words had ignited a firestorm of controversy, and the tension in the room was palpable.

As Prime Minister Vidhur warned Shakuni to stay within his limits and the assembly awaited Bhishma's response, it was Duryodhan who stepped in to defend Shakuni. 

"Prime minister Vidhur, I don't think my uncle Shakuni has said anything wrong. Everyone knows the story of Kashi's princess Amba and Pitamah Bhishma. But I don't want my beloved sister Dushala to suffer the same fate as her and end up as a political victim because of someone who doesn't understand feelings like love. "

Duryodhan's words not only defended Shakuni but further provoked the court.

After hearing his own grandson insult him like this, Bhishma felt more pain than anger. For Shakuni, he could only say that he had anger and some guilt because he knows that Shakuni wasn't talking about Amba but his own sister Gandhari. That's why he remained silent just now. But now seeing his own grandson question him, it really broke his heart. 

And Yudhishthir who was also equally enraged but was trying to maintain his calm, finally couldn't bear it and stood up to confront Duryodhan. 

"Duryodhan, you cannot insult Pitamah Bhishma like that. Don't forget who he is to you. And more importantly, Hastinapur is what is today all thanks to him. So you have no right to say such insulting remarks about him. "

Yudhishthir's intervention aimed to defuse the mounting tension in the court and to protect Bhishma's honor. But it had the completely opposite effect instead. 

"Forgive me Crown prince Yudhishthir but you don't have the right to tell me what to do as the king's son. And secondly, you all may have the compulsion to respect his decisions but I don't. Because I am not a member of this court.

Because I am not the crown prince of Hastinapur. I have no compulsion to do so. On the other hand, as Hastinapur's citizen and Dushala's elder brother, I have every right to defend for my sister's rights. "

Upon hearing this Yudhishthir couldn't find any words to refute him and felt a little guilty for being unable to defend his Pitamah's honor. 

Amid this turmoil, Bhishma, who had been silently enduring the accusations and provocations, finally spoke.

"She may be your sister Duryodhan, but before that she is Your Majesty Dhritarashtr's daughter and above all, Hastinapur's princess. And according to rules, she cannot marry someone from the enemy kingdom. That's why kings of enemy kingdoms are not even invited in Swayamvar. "

Subsequently Bhishma looked fiercely towards Shakuni, causing him to flinch back momentarily, 

"As for your previous allegations Gandhar Naresh Shakuni, whatever I did was for Hastinapur. And although I may not have married and had my own family, but I have always considered my brother Vichitraveery's family as my own family and loved them from the bottom of my heart. "

Bhishma's words carried weight, as he was both respected and loved by the people of Hastinapur.

His principled and selfless service to the kingdom had earned him a revered place in its history.

Everyone started to support Bhishma's words. 

But naturally Shakuni was prepared for this and with just a few words, turned the table. 

"Forgive me Mahamahim Bhishma for saying this, but you were also considered enemy by Kashi and weren't invited to their Swyanmwar. But if I recall correctly, you still went there nonetheless and kidnapped the princesses against their wishes."

The courtroom stood at a precipice, with the fate of Dushala's marriage, and perhaps the delicate balance of power within Hastinapur, hanging in the balance.

The court had become a battlefield not of swords, but of words and emotions, as the power struggle within Hastinapur continued to escalate.

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