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Chapter 102 - Chapter 100: The Silent Bonds

Happy Janmashtami my friends, I have no excuse for my negligence but i present you my sincere apology.

Kanha blessed me with such readers who supported me till now even though i haven't posted in many days, I AM TRULY GRATEFUL...🙏🙏😊

Maybe because of my irregularities these days but i think webnovel is not notifying my readers so please be in check🙏

Chapter 100: The Silent Bonds

The days turned into weeks weeks into months yet the rigorous training of the Kuru princes continued without pause. Each morning the clang of weapons the chants of mantras and the flow of prana filled the air around Mahishmati. The palace courtyards once a place of calm now breathed discipline and determination. Under the watchful eyes of their respective gurus the princes grew—not just in strength but also in wisdom.

But Mahishmati was not just a land of warriors. Within its walls many hearts were silently weaving bonds—some of friendship some of devotion and some of love.

---

Eklavya the humble but unyielding archer trained Princess Divya with relentless dedication. At first she was only his student eager to match the discipline of Ishita. But as time passed their sessions became something more. Between the draw of bows and sparring strikes a bond bloomed—more than friendship yet not fully love. It was something delicate fragile and unspoken.

"Hold your wrist firm Divya" Eklavya corrected stepping behind her as she aimed an arrow. His hands gently adjusted hers. "You let your emotions control your breath. The arrow listens only to calmness."

Divya lowered her bow cheeks slightly warm. "You speak as if emotions are an enemy."

"They are when left untamed" Eklavya replied in his usual stoic tone. Yet when his eyes met hers something softened.

She didn't answer but her silence carried volumes. Their conversations were often like this—short quiet yet heavy with meaning.

---

Elsewhere Rudra's life had gained a new light with the presence of Anupriya. Once a girl uncertain of her path she had now settled in Mahishmati. Though she wasn't yet like Ishita her heart longed for the discipline of a warrior. Rudra seeing this spark personally guided her whenever time allowed.

"Prana must flow with rhythm" Rudra explained during one session standing before her near the palace gardens. "Like the river. Strong but not reckless. Feel it don't force it."

Anupriya tried again sitting cross-legged focusing. Sweat dripped down her brow but when she opened her eyes the prana around her pulsed steadily.

Rudra smiled faintly. "Good. You're learning faster than I expected."

Her lips curved softly. "That's only because you're teaching me."

Their bond grew with every passing day. Sometimes when the world grew quiet they found solace in each other's presence. One such night under the silver gaze of the moon they sat by the riverside. Anupriya rested her head on Rudra's shoulder saying nothing. He too stayed silent letting the river's song speak for them. In that silence their hearts conversed—pure unburdened by words.

---

Days later in the grand Sabha hall Rudra presided over matters of the state. Ministers nobles and visiting kings filled the chamber. Among them was King Drupad of Panchal who had long harbored a request in his heart.

When his turn came Drupad rose and bowed deeply. "Maharaj Rudra once again I seek your grace. I yearn for a son—a prince who will strengthen my lineage and kingdom. I implore you grant me this boon."

The hall fell silent. All eyes turned to Rudra.

The king of Mahishmati leaned back in his seat his sharp gaze thoughtful. After a pause he spoke firmly yet kindly. "Very well Drupad. We leave for Panchal at dawn. The ritual shall be conducted as per Dharma."

A murmur ran through the Sabha. Drupad's face lit with gratitude as he bowed again. "You have given me new hope Maharaj. I am eternally indebted."

---

That night as the palace quieted Divya found herself unable to sleep. She tossed on her bed staring at the ceiling her heart oddly restless. She didn't understand why. Was it the thought of her departure? Or something else?

Finally she slipped out silently the moonlight guiding her steps. Her feet carried her toward the one person who had unknowingly become her anchor—Eklavya.

---

At the same time Eklavya stood alone in his courtyard gazing at the moon. His bow rested by his side yet his heart was heavier than any weapon he had carried. For all his achievements something gnawed at him—emotions he had buried deep within.

"Some separations last until reunion Eklavya" a calm voice echoed behind him.

He turned sharply. Rudra stood there his presence commanding yet compassionate.

"I… I don't understand Gurudev" Eklavya replied lowering his eyes.

"You know very well what I mean." Rudra stepped closer. "You've become too silent. Too restrained. The Eklavya I met once was curious eager filled with wonder. Do you remember sneaking to watch me practice that day? That fire that joy—it's buried under the weight of your own chains."

Eklavya's fists tightened. "Gurudev I am your debtor. Everything I am today is because of you. To dream beyond being your shadow feels… selfish. I am ashamed."

Rudra sighed sitting on a nearby stone slab. "Eklavya do you think I accepted you and Karna only to forge weapons? Do you believe your guru so selfish?"

"No Gurudev! That was not my intent—"

"Then listen" Rudra interrupted firmly. "I taught you because I saw your worth. Even if one day you stood against me you would still be my pride. Suppressing your heart does not honor me nor your family nor yourself. You are not a shadow Eklavya. You are a flame."

Eklavya's eyes stung with tears. He bowed deeply. "Gurudev…"

Rudra's hand rested on his shoulder. "You have people who love you. Parents who raised you. And someone who will love you even more. Don't disappoint them by burying your feelings."

As the words sank in Rudra's form shimmered and faded leaving only silence and moonlight.

Eklavya wiped his eyes unaware that another figure had been quietly listening nearby—a man in golden dhoti. Karna his brother-in-arms had come sensing his friend's turmoil. Tears glistened in Karna's eyes as he whispered "This journey was worth it… to see you like this again my brother."

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The Meeting

Moments later a rustle broke the night's stillness. Eklavya turned finding Divya rushing toward him panting.

"There you are!" she exclaimed pouting. "I've been searching everywhere. Why are you just sitting here? Don't you know tomorrow—tomorrow I'll… I'll…"

Her words faltered her eyes wavering.

Eklavya stared at her silently then stood and walked closer. She tried to speak again but he gently placed his finger on her lips silencing her. Her heart raced as his face drew near. In those fleeting seconds she felt nervous angry joyful—all at once.

She closed her eyes.

But instead of the kiss she imagined warmth enveloped her. Eklavya's arms wrapped around her in a firm embrace.

"You are leaving tomorrow…" he whispered against his chest.

She nodded faintly. The weight in her heart suddenly lifted. In his embrace the restlessness that haunted her disappeared.

After a long silence he whispered his voice trembling yet steady "You are marked by me. I promise—when we meet again I will take your hand."

A soft kiss pressed against her forehead.

Divya's eyes widened then softened. As he stepped away her lips curved into a smile. A smile that carried hope not sorrow.

---

And thus under the moonlit sky of Mahishmati unseen threads of destiny wove tighter. Some bonds were forged in silence some in promises and some in love unspoken.

The storm of tomorrow waited but tonight was theirs.

—Chapter End—

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