บท 71: Visiting Hastinapur again

Subsequently Aryan planned to leave for Hastinapur the next morning. And as luck would have it, the same evening they received information that Takshak has regained consciousness.

Delighted, the three of them promptly visited the cell.

Takshak, weakened and visibly disoriented, glared at Aryan, his eyes burning with a mix of rage and desperation. Dushala and Bhanumati stood by Aryan's side, their expressions reflecting a mix of anticipation and caution as they observed the imprisoned Takshak.

Aryan, his demeanor composed and resolute, addressed Takshak in a measured tone. "Takshak, you have caused a great deal of trouble and harm. You have tried to attack me, and your actions have led to unnecessary suffering and conflict. It is time for you to face the consequences of your actions."

Takshak, still reeling from the effects of the Nightmare Teller arrow, struggled to gather his thoughts, his body wracked with pain and exhaustion.

"I will never surrender to the likes of you, Aryan Bahubali. My mission remains unchanged, and I will continue to oppose you at every turn, because Takshak never goes back on his words. And I have given my word to prince Duryodhan."

Takshak hissed, his voice laced with defiance and bitterness.

"Indeed, I don't doubt your determination Takshak. But as far as I know, you promised to help Duryodhan only once and that you have already accomplished. So technically you don't owe Duryodhan anything anymore. "

Aryan said cunningly.

"Huh? "

Takshak was a little stunned after hearing his words and started to contemplate his words.

Taking advantage of the situation, Aryan struck while the iron was hot.

"So right now, what's more important is that you can save your life and escape alive from my clutches. After all, you're now my enemy and I don't have the habit of sparing my enemies. "

Aryan said with a fierce aura emanating from his body which immediately brought Takshak back to his senses and he looked at him with fear.

"I..... I.... "

Takshak faltered in his speech, having no clue as to how to deal with the present situation.

Aryan was waiting for this exact moment.

"However Takshak, considering that you did all this under Duryodhan's instructions, I can spare your life on one condition. "

"What condition? "

Just like Aryan expected, Takshak immediately asked anxiously.

"That is, you promise to never attack my family ever again and grant Nagastra to Bhanumati. "

Aryan said calmly as he remembered that in original Mahabharat, Takshaka once offered this condition to Karna to ride on his arrow as Nagastra.

(* Though in some texts it's said to be Ashwasena, Takshak's son, who proposed this condition.)

This was a very powerful astra and was also used by Indrajit against Lord Ram in Ramayan. Not to mention, unlike normal Nagastra, the king of snakes Takshak himself is going to be executor so it's power can be assumed.

Meanwhile Takshak fell into a deep thought after hearing his demands. And after weighing the pros and cons, Takshak finally agreed with a heavy heart.

Aryan, satisfied with Takshak's compliance, motioned for the guards to unshackle him and bring forth the Nagastra. As the guards approached, a sense of tension filled the air, each step laden with caution and vigilance.

Takshak, his pride wounded and his spirit subdued, begrudgingly relinquished the Nagastra to Bhanumati, acknowledging the terms of the agreement with a resentful gaze. Bhanumati accepted the weapon, her eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and wariness, fully aware of the responsibility and power now entrusted to her.

"You have made a wise decision, Takshak. I trust that you will honor your promise and refrain from any further hostile actions towards my family."

Aryan remarked, his voice firm and resolute.

Takshak, still grappling with the implications of the agreement, nodded in acknowledgment, his expression a blend of resignation and helplessness.

With the exchange concluded, Aryan motioned for Takshak to be released who immediately fled the scene and soon disappeared from sight.

Dushala and Bhanumati stood by Aryan's side, their expressions a mix of relief and caution, their attention now turning towards the impending journey to Hastinapur.

The following morning, they departed for Hastinapur as planned with their sights set on the mourning meeting.

Upon their arrival in Hastinapur, they were greeted with a somber atmosphere, the city still reeling from the tragic news of the Pandav princes' supposed demise. The mourning meeting was scheduled to take place within the next day, and the three of them wasted no time in preparing for the event, understanding the gravity of the situation and the potential challenges that lay ahead.

In the palace, they were met with a mix of sympathetic glances and curious stares as they made their way to their accommodations. Dushala's presence in particular garnered attention, her return to Hastinapur marking a significant moment for the royal family.

Almost the moment they entered the Royal Palace, Duryodhan and Shakuni received the information, making them extremely anxious.

"Uncle Shakuni, what should we do now? Since he is present here, it means that Takshak has failed phenomenally. And now Aryan most likely knows that I was the one behind all this. "

Duryodhan said anxiously as he paced back and forth in his room.

"Brother Duryodhan, shall we seek Pitamah Bhishma's help? "

Sushasan suggested hesitantly.

"And then what? He will punish us before Aryan has the chance to if he finds out what we have done. "

Duryodhan scolded Dushasan angrily.

Meanwhile Shakuni was also little flustered at this moment. After all, they have poked a hornet's nest. And now the hornet is hot on their trail.

But Shakuni being as cunning as he is, soon calmed down.

"Duryodhan my nephew, although the situation is not very good for us but it's not too bad either. As far as I think, Aryan won't attack you openly considering the heavy and rieving atmosphere of the morning meeting. So to be on the safe side, you just have to shed a few more tears to gain everyone's sympathy. "

After Duryodhan received Shakuni's advice, he nodded thoughtfully, understanding the necessity of maintaining appearances during the mourning meeting. He knew that his public display of grief and sympathy would serve as a shield against any immediate confrontations with Aryan.

"Uncle Shakuni, you're right. I must ensure that my sorrow appears genuine to all. This way, Aryan won't find any immediate pretext to accuse me openly. "

Duryodhan acknowledged, a calculating glint in his eyes as he considered the next steps.

"Remember, Duryodhan, patience and subtlety are our allies in this delicate time. Let the mourning meeting pass without incident, and then no one can stop you from becoming the next king of Hastinapur."

Shakuni advised, his voice tinged with a sense of caution and suppressed excitement.

As the hours passed, the atmosphere within the palace grew increasingly tense, each member of the court preparing for the impending mourning meeting with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. Duryodhan, now fully immersed in his role as the grieving brother, meticulously crafted his public persona, ensuring that his every action and expression conveyed an air of genuine sorrow and remorse.

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