บท 21: Hastinapur's invitation

As Aryan entered the throne room, all the ministers stood up from their seats in respect and only sat down after Aryan took his seat on the throne.

"Bring in the Hastinapur's messenger. "

Aryan ordered the guards after he got comfortable.

The guards promptly left the throne room to fetch the messenger from Hastinapur.

Meanwhile Aryan sat on his throne with a sense of anticipation, knowing that this must be the milestone he set for himself.

After a few minutes, the grand doors to the throne room swung open, and a man dressed in the attire of a Hastinapur's messenger entered. He bowed respectfully before Aryan and greeted him.

"Your Majesty, King Aryan Bahubali of Udra, I bring you greetings from King Dhritarashtr of Hastinapur," the messenger said with a respectful tone.

Aryan acknowledged the greeting with a nod and replied, "You may rise. What brings you here as a messenger from King Dhritarashtr?"

The messenger straightened up and began to convey his message, "Your Majesty, King Dhritarashtr has heard of your recent accomplishments and your alliance with Kalinga. He has expressed a desire to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Udra and Hastinapur."

Aryan listened carefully, his interest piqued. "I see. King Dhritrashtr's goodwill is much appreciated. What specific proposals or requests does he have in mind?"

"Having completed their studies under Guru Dronacharya, all the Kuru princes are finally returning back to Hastinpur after almost a decade.

In order to celebrate this occasion and test the fruit of the princes' hard work over the years, a martial arts tournament is going to be held, one week from now. King Dhritarashtr wishes to extend his regards and invite you to visit Hastinapur as a special guest in this event. "

The messenger said politely.

"Thank you for delivering the message. I appreciate King Dhritarashtra's kind gesture. So kindly convey my gratitude to him."

Aryan acknowledged the messenger's words with a slight nod.

"I shall do so, Your Majesty. King Dhritarashtra eagerly awaits your response."

The messenger bowed once again.

Aryan paused for a moment, considering the invitation, the promise he had made to Bhanumati and more importantly his own plan to finally enter the main stage of this era.

"Tell King Dhritarashtra that I accept his invitation. I will make arrangements to visit Hastinapur soon."

Then, Aryan didn't hesitate anymore and spoke decisively,

The messenger expressed his gratitude once more and took his leave, his mission accomplished.

With the messenger gone, Aryan returned to the garden where Bhanumati was waiting. She looked at him expectantly, awaiting the news.

Aryan smiled at her. "It's settled, Bhanumati. We will be visiting Hastinapur, and you will have the opportunity to learn archery and the use of astras from a renowned master."

Bhanumati's eyes sparkled with excitement. She couldn't contain her joy. "Thank you, Aryan! I can't wait to begin this new chapter of my life and fulfill my dream."

Aryan's smile grew wider as he watched Bhanumati's excitement. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation himself for the journey ahead.

"Thank you, Aryan," Bhanumati whispered, reaching out to hold his hand. "For everything."

Aryan gently squeezed her hand, their fingers entwined as they looked into each other's eyes. It was a moment of shared understanding and unspoken promises, a moment that solidified their bond even further.

As the days passed and preparations for their journey to Hastinapur began, Aryan and Bhanumati's excitement only grew. Although both of them were excited for different reasons, it didn't really matter.

After settling a few important matters, Aryan and Bhanumati finally left for Hastinapur one day before the tournament.

Aryan and Bhanumati, accompanied by a small retinue of trusted advisors and guards, traveled through picturesque landscapes and bustling towns on their way to the city of Hastinapur.

When it got dark, they camped in the forest. And since he is now a king, his tent was actually a walking a house, with almost all the luxuries available in the palace.

When it was time to sleep, Bhanumati also entered Aryan's tent.

Seeing this scenes, none of the soldiers reacted. It was already a common knowledge that both of them were lovers. It's even rumored that the whole reason why their King Aryan Bahubali helped Kalinga in the previous war was because of her. So it wasn't a surprise for them.

°°°°°°°

The next morning, after having breakfast the retinue once again started advancing towards Hastinapur.

It was already 2nd prahaar when they finally reached Hastinapur. But thankfully the tournament was planned to begin at the beginning of 3rd prahaar. So they weren't very late.

And to welcome them, King Dhritarashtr himself came to the city gate along with Queen Gandhari, Princess Kunti, Mahaamahim Bheesm and King of Ganadhar Shakuni. Almost all the important figures were present here to welcome him.

King Dhritarashtra took lead And extended his hand to Aryan in a gesture of friendship.

"Welcome, King Aryan Bahubali of Udra, and your esteemed companion, Princess Bhanumati. It is an honor to have you as our guests for this grand tournament. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

Aryan clasped Dhritarashtra's hand firmly. "Thank you, King Dhritarashtra. The journey was indeed pleasant, and we are delighted to be here. We look forward to witnessing the martial prowess of the Kuru princes and participating in the festivities."

What surprised Aryan was that although he was blind, he seemed to have trained his ears to the point where he can replace his vision with them.

And his firm hug with him was met with a reciprocating grip that conveyed strength and respect.

Bhanumati also greeted Queen Gandhari and Princess Kunti with warmth, expressing her gratitude for their hospitality.

King Dhritarashtra then introduced Aryan to the other important figures present, starting with Bheesm

"First of all, meet Mahaamahim Bheesm, the guardian of Hastinapur. "

Aryan also greeted him with a respectful smile and slight fighting spirit.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Gangaputra Bheesm. The legends of your strength have already resounded throughout Bharatvarsh and I am also one of your fans. I wonder if I can have the chance to practice a few moves with you? "

"Hahaha, you're not bad either King Aryan. The stories of your meteoric rise and the ability to singlehandedly change the direction of battle, I have long heard of them too. Not to mention, you're even younger than some of our Kuru princes. "

Bheesm solemnly praised Aryan as he observed his streamlined muscles rippling with strength.

Subsequently Dhritarashtra introduced him to Gandhari, Kunti and Shakuni one by one.

Aryan politely greeted the two of them but when his eyes landed on Shakuni, he could almost smell conspiracy oozing out of him. His reputation as a master manipulator and his role in various conspiracies was not in vain.