A Royal Welcome in Hastinapur

The news of Duryodhana's marriage to Princess Bhanumati of Kalinga raced ahead of the couple, reaching Hastinapur like wildfire.

The city buzzed with excitement, the tidings a balm to the lingering sorrow over the presumed loss of the Pandavas and Kunti in the Varanavat fire. In the royal sabha, the announcement stirred varied emotions.

Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, the Kauravas, and Dushala rejoiced, the news a cool breeze in the heat of their grief. "My son, married to Kalinga's jewel!" Dhritarashtra exclaimed, his blind eyes bright with pride. "This union strengthens Hastinapur, a light in our dark days."

Gandhari, clasping her hands, murmured, "Dhanyavad, Mahadev, for blessing my Suyodhana. Guide him and Bhanumati, keep them on dharma's path."

Dushala clapped, her voice joyful, "Jyeshta's found his match! Bhanumati must be as radiant as he says!"

The Kauravas—Dushasana, Vikarna, Yuyutsu, and others—grinned, Dushasana saying, "Bhaiya's victory in Kalinga shows his strength! We'll welcome our bhabhi with pride!"

Yet, not all shared their joy. Elders like Bhishma, Vidura, and Kripacharya wore strained smiles, their minds elsewhere.

Though aware the Pandavas lived, hidden in exile, they kept silent, convinced the Kauravas had plotted the Varanavat fire—a suspicion unfounded but heavy.

Vidura's eyes narrowed, his voice low to Bhishma, "Suyodhana's reforms—schools for all castes, homes for the poor—anger the nobles. If he continues, the upper class may turn against him, and Hastinapur could falter."

Bhishma nodded, his tone grim. "His heart follows Magadha Naresh's path, but his haste risks division. This marriage may strengthen alliances, but the nobles' discontent grows."

Dhritarashtra, breaking their murmurs, called the spy forward. "Speak, messenger. Tell the sabha of the swayamvara."

The spy bowed, his voice clear. "Pranipat, Maharaj. Princess Bhanumati chose Yuvraj Suyodhana for his vow to give her his heart and never marry another. When rival kings tried to seize her, Magadha Naresh Bahubali and Angaraj Karna fought as his champions, defeating a hundred warriors, including Maharathis like Bhurisravas, Rukmi, Shishupal, Shalya, and Keechak. Their bows rained arrows like lightning, humbling all."

The sabha gasped, Dhritarashtra beaming. "Bahubali and Karna, such allies! Hastinapur is blessed to have their support."

Gandhari whispered thanks to Mahadev, while Dushala and the Kauravas cheered, "Jai Suyodhana! Jai Magadha! Jai Anga!"

But some elders, like Kripacharya, frowned, muttering, "Such power in Bahubali and Karna unsettles the balance. Suyodhana's reliance on them may weaken his own standing."

Hastinapur prepared a grand welcome, decorating the city with marigold garlands and silk banners from its borders to the palace.

After two days' journey, Duryodhana and Bhanumati arrived in a golden chariot, citizens showering them with flowers. Though the nobles grumbled, the common folk, touched by Duryodhana's reforms, cheered, "Jai Yuvraj! Jai Bhanumati!" The couple smiled, waving, their hearts warmed by the love.

At the palace gates, the royal family gathered for traditional rites. Gandhari, veiled, held a silver aarti thali, circling a lit lamp before the couple, chanting, "May Lakshmi bless your union with prosperity."

Dushala sprinkled rice and turmeric over their heads, saying, "May your bond be unbreakable, blessed by Gauri."

Kunti's absence weighed on some, but the rituals continued. Bhishma and Vidura stepped forward, applying tilak on their foreheads.

Bhishma's voice was formal, "Welcome, Bhanumati, to Hastinapur. May dharma guide you." Vidura added, "May your union strengthen our house," though his eyes held restraint.

A priestess performed the grihapravesh, placing a copper kalash filled with rice at the threshold. "Step forward, daughter," she said.

Bhanumati, guided by Gandhari, gently kicked the kalash with her right foot, spilling rice as a sign of abundance.

Duryodhana followed, his Right foot first, as the priestess chanted, "Enter as couple, bound by dharma." Rosewater was sprinkled over them, purifying their entry, while conch shells sounded, heralding their union.

Dhritarashtra blessed them, his voice warm. "Kalyan ho putri, Bhanumati. You bring joy to our house."

Bhishma and Vidura offered blessings, though their eyes held restraint, their doubts unspoken.

Bhanumati, overwhelmed, smiled shyly as the Kaurava brothers—ninety-nine in all—lined up to touch her feet. "Bhabhi, your blessings will guide us!" Dushasana said, grinning.

She blessed them, her voice soft, "Kalyan ho." Struggling to recall their names, she whispered to Dushala, "So many brothers! I'll learn them all, I promise."

Dushala laughed, linking arms. "Don't worry, Bhabhi, I'll help you. You're our sister now."

Gandhari guided her inside, saying, "Rest, my child. More ceremonies await, but you're home."

Duryodhana, stopped by his brothers, chuckled as they teased, "Jyeshta, your bride's beauty outshines the sun!" He replied, "Wait till you know her heart—it's her true strength."

Ignoring the elders' cool gazes, he focused on his family's joy, ready to meet Bhanumati again after the rites, their bond sealed by love and dharma.