"Since you have been sent here by Arjuna to pick me up, that means he sees some potential in you. You can pick me up."
The sudden voice of Gandiva echoed inside Dev's head. Presented with an unexpected offer, he got taken aback. He never expected the bow to surrender. If he were here just for the bow, he would have said yes, but he was here to win on his own and show his worth to Arjuna.
The knowledge of Arjuna was his primary motivation behind winning the competition, not Gandiva. The desire to get Gandiva was great, but it paled in comparison to the excitement for knowledge.
As expected, he shook his head and answered, "I am grateful that you chose me, but I am here to win my place by proving my might. I want to show my worth to the elder," with a determined look on his face.