Dhi

Stilted and Souring Relations

With the rise of the sun, Abhijishya prepared her mind to face the hurdles that they will face in Hastinapur. She would no longer have the luxury to remain unperturbed. But just for now, she focused on the people in front of her.

"You have become as dear as our Subhadra, putri. With you here among us, some of the sadness I felt whenever I missed Subhadra became less. Now that you are leaving, I don't know how will I be able to stay without another daughter," Mata Devaki said with tears in her eyes.

Abhijishya hugged her. "Oh Mata, you say as if I won't ever come here to visit you. Don't cry or else I'll end up crying too."

Mata Devaki gave a shaky smile. Abhijishya smiled back then turned to Mata Rohini. She also hugged her. "Amidst taking care of your family don't forget to take care of yourself," Mata Rohini said. Abhijishya nodded.

She was pulled into an embrace by her four Bhabishrees.

"I'll try to come before the births of my dear little persons," Abhijishya said.

"Babies," Rukmini chuckled tearfully.

"Bhabishree Rukmini, Bhabishree Revati please take care of yourselves," she said with concern.

Revati said," We will. Don't worry about us."

"Once you get settled in, you could ask Panduputra Arjun to teach you archery. It is a very useful skill," Satyabhama advised.

"Yes Bhabishree. Then perhaps next time the contest between us would be of our skills in archery," Abhijishya said. Satyabhama looked very pleased.

"You shall be dearly missed, Abhijishya. Remember to light the fire before you start cook in Hastinapur," Jambavati teased.

"Bhabishree," she pouted. "I'll remember. But I still don't know what I'll do about the spices. Next time I visit, you must teach me properly," Abhijishya said.

Jambavati nodded," Of course. Have a safe journey."

Nakul and Abhijishya sought blessings from Matamaah, Pitashree Vasudev and Mamashree Satyaka.

Satyaki came towards them. "When you come here next, I want to spar again with you both. Send my respect and regards to Gurudev (Arjun)," he said.

"We will. Take care, mitra," Nakul said and pulled him into an embrace.

"Small and large intestine, Bhrata Satyaki," Abhijishya grinned.

"I only accepted because I wanted to stop the argument. But fine, you win. Small and large intestine," Satyaki said.

"Will you be able to put organs back into place without me, Bhrata?"she teased.

"Only once, behena (sister) only once," he said. Then added softly," Have a safe journey. You both will be missed."

Abhijishya and Nakul both smiled back. They walked to the chariot where Bhratashree Balram and Bhrata Gopal were standing.

They touched their feet.

"I feel like keeping you here with me, Abhijishya. I will miss you a lot," Balram said. Then looked at Nakul,"Look after each other."

"Yes Bhratashree," Nakul said. Abhijishya gave into her urge to hug him. "I will miss you all so much," she mumbled.

Balram caressed her head affectionately. "I know."

She turned to Gopal and said with a watery smile," Who will you convince to get you makhan now that I am leaving?"

Gopal pulled her into a gentle hug and said," I'll have to wait for you to get me makhan then."

"I'll miss Dwarka very much," Abhijishya said then added hesitantly," Perhaps, the next time I visit Subhadra can meet me."