Tournament begins !

"I think it's almost time for the tournament to start. Let's head to the tournament venue and we can have the rest of the conversation there. "

Vidur suggested from the side. 

"Indeed, let's head to the tournament venue. After all, that's what everyone is here for. Not to mention you guys should be very excited to meet your children after such a long time too. "

Aryan agreed with a nod and everyone headed to the tournament venue. 

As they arrived at the tournament venue, it became evident that this was a grand affair with hundreds of people gathered to watch the Kuru princes. 

The venue was actually a large circular stadium with podiums for sitting on the edges and a fighting arena in the center. 

But the podiums were for the common people. 

Meanwhile the Royal Family and their guests had a special seating arrangement. A stage had been constructed at the edge of the arena, adorned with luxurious chairs and accessories.

Aryan and Bhanumati took their seats among the special guests, ready to witness the martial arts tournament. And while Bhanumati sat on his left, on his right was King of Gandhar Shakuni. 

Aryan had a feeling that Shakuni had an ulterior motive behind approaching him and he could also guess what it was. But he didn't break it to him and silently waited for Shakuni:s performance. 

Just like he expected, after just four or five minutes, Shakuni initiated the conversation. 

"Udra Naresh, who do you think is going to win in this tournament? "

{* Naresh means King. At some places I have choosen to use this address as it seemed more pleasent to the ears.) 

"Does it really matter what I think? Whoever is stronger will win. And besides, since it's only a friendly tournament, victory and defeat should not be important. 

Aryan said innocently. 

" Oho Udra Naresh, you are too simple minded. The name of friendly tournament is only a facade used to deceive the populace, the real purpose of this tournament is to decide who is going to be the crown prince of Hastinapur. "

Shakuni said cunningly as his left eye flickered. 

"Oh? Now this information makes this tournament way more interesting. Then what are the rules Gandhar Naresh? "

While Aryan didn't react very much, Bhanumati immediately got interested after hearing this information. 

"Hahaha, you have asked the right person Princess Bhanumati. I was also present there when the rules of the tournament were being discussed. And since it's not a big secret, I'll gladly tell you in advance. "

Shakuni said with a secretive look. 

But Aryan just gave him a white eyed look. If he knew Shakuni correctly, then he must be the person who instigated this tournament in the first place.

And he could also guess the reason why he is trying to cozy up with him. If he remembered correctly, then in the original Mahabharata, Paundraka was an ally of Gandhar And indirectly an ally of Duryodhan. So now that Paundraka is dead, he is just trying to pull him to his side to fill his place. 

But Aryan didn't expose his plan and even played along with him. 

"Go on Gandhar naresh, I'm also very interested. "

"Now that's the spirit Udra naresh. So to begin with, this is going to be a one on one tournament and the opponents will be chosen by picking lots. 

Then as long as the opponent is pushed out of the arena or voluntarily admits defeat, then he is considered defeated. And the winner moves on to the next round. 

But since this is a friendly tournament, if you make your opponent bleed, then you'll be disqualified from the tournament. At last, the tournament will end at the time of sunset, no matter the result."

"These are some interesting rules. Oh, look, Guru Dronacharya has already come up on stage. It seems that the tournament is about to start. "

Aryan pointed toward the stage. 

Guru Dronacharya, a revered figure in the martial world, ascended the stage at the center of the tournament venue. His presence commanded immediate respect and attention from the gathered crowd. With his long white beard and wise eyes, he embodied the essence of a true guru.

Clearing his throat, Guru Dronacharya addressed the people of Hastinapur in a deep, resonant voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and the noble citizens of Hastinapur, I am honored to stand before you today on this auspicious occasion. We have gathered here to witness a display of skill, honor, and camaraderie as the Kuru princes return to their homeland after years of rigorous training under my guidance."

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, acknowledging the significance of the moment.

Guru Dronacharya continued, "This tournament is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these young warriors. It is not just a test of their martial prowess but also a celebration of their homecoming. Today, we gather not as adversaries but as a united community, bound by the spirit of sportsmanship and brotherhood."

As the applause died down, Guru Dronacharya began explaining the rules of the tournament. "In the spirit of friendship and goodwill, this tournament shall be a one-on-one competition. The pairings of opponents will be decided by drawing lots. Each battle will take place in the arena you see before you, and the objective is simple: to push your opponent out of the arena or have them voluntarily admit defeat."

He emphasized, "However, let it be known that this is a friendly tournament, and the use of excessive force resulting in an opponent's bleeding will lead to disqualification."

The crowd nodded in agreement, understanding the need for fair play in this event.

Guru Dronacharya continued, "We shall uphold the values of honor, courage, and respect throughout the tournament. Let us remember that today, we are not divided by rivalries but united in the spirit of brotherhood and competition."

The guru's words resonated with the audience, and a sense of unity filled the air.

"Now, without further ado, let us proceed with the drawing of lots to determine the first battle," Guru Dronacharya announced.

Two large urns containing the names of the Kuru princes and their respective opponents were brought onto the stage. Guru Dronacharya, with his steady hands, drew two lots from the urns.

"The first battle shall be between Prince Duryodhan and Prince Nakul ."

Guru Dronacharya declared the results loudly. 

The crowd erupted in excitement as the names of the contenders were announced. Duryodhan, known for his strength and determination, and Nakul, a skilled warrior in his own right, were about to face off in the opening match.

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