Chapter 12: The Pandavas Step Forward
Three years had passed since Nakul and Sahdev were born. Life in the forest had become full of energy and learning for the five Pandava brothers. Each of them was growing fast, showing signs of their special talents and strong personalities.
Arjun and His Bow
Arjun, the third brother, had already found the love of his life: the bow and arrow. From the time he could hold a stick, he would pretend it was a bow. He watched the hunters, practiced shooting at trees, and daydreamed about becoming the greatest archer in the world.
Even as a small child, he was serious and focused. He would skip playing games if it meant more time to practice his aim. Everyone could see that he had a gift—sharp eyes, steady hands, and the patience of someone much older. Arjun was born to be an archer.
Bheem, the Strong One
Bheem, the second brother, was a giant even as a little boy. He loved food, wrestling, and lifting heavy things just for fun. Once, he picked up a whole cart filled with firewood to show off—and he was only five!
But Bheem wasn't just strong. He was also full of love. He protected his younger brothers, never let anyone bully them, and always stood up for what was right. If someone tried to cheat during a game, Bheem would pick them up like a toy and spin them until they promised never to cheat again.
Yudhishthir the Honest
Yudhishthir, the eldest, was wise beyond his years. He always spoke the truth, even if it got him into trouble. He listened more than he talked and made fair decisions when his brothers argued. Everyone trusted him.
Sages in the forest used to say, "If Yudhishthir becomes king one day, the kingdom will know peace." He followed dharma—the path of righteousness—like it was the only road he ever wanted to walk.
Nakul and the Horses
Nakul, one of the twins, had a magical way with animals, especially horses. He could calm a wild stallion just by talking to it. Horses followed him around like puppies, and he took care of them like they were family.
He also loved looking good. He was always the cleanest and best-dressed among his brothers. People often said he was the most handsome boy they had ever seen, but Nakul didn't care. All he wanted was to be around his four-legged friends.
Sahdev the Quiet Genius
Sahdev, the youngest, didn't talk much, but he watched everything. He remembered details no one else noticed. He could tell what someone was thinking just by watching their face. His brain was like a sponge, soaking up knowledge.
He loved listening to stories from the sages and could understand deep meanings even in simple tales. His brothers often turned to him when they were confused. Sahdev never bragged, but his mind was as sharp as Arjun's arrows.
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The Curse and the End
Life was simple and peaceful, but nothing stays the same forever.
Years ago, before coming to the forest, Pandu had been cursed. While hunting, he had accidentally killed a sage who was in the form of a deer with his wife. As he died, the sage cursed Pandu: the moment he would try to be with his wife as a husband again, he would die instantly.
Because of this curse, Pandu gave up his throne and came to the forest with his wives, Kunti and Madri. He became a sage-like figure, living a life of discipline and devotion.
But even sages have human hearts.
One day, Pandu and Madri were walking alone under the forest trees. The day was calm, birds were singing, and the breeze was gentle. Something stirred in Pandu's heart. He forgot the curse for a moment. Love and longing took over.
He embraced Madri.
And in that very moment, the curse came true.
Pandu collapsed.
Madri screamed.
But it was too late.
Pandu was gone.
The great king, the brave warrior, the father of five sons, had left the world just like that.
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The News Reaches Hastinapur
When the news of Pandu's death reached Hastinapur, the entire palace fell into silence. A heavy sorrow hung in the air. Bhishma, the mighty grandsire, felt an invisible weight pressing down on his chest. Queen Grand Mother Satyavati wept quietly along with Queen Mother Amba and ambalika, her heart breaking for the son she had once raised like her own.
The royal court gathered in mourning.
Without wasting time, Bhishma and Satyavati left the palace and journeyed to the forest to attend Pandu's last rites—and to bring Kunti and the five young princes back to Hastinapur.
They soon arrived at the ashram where Pandu had lived with his family. The place, once full of life and laughter, now echoed with grief.
Bhishma and Satyavati offered their comfort to Kunti and Madri, both women shaken by the tragedy. Yudhishthir, being the eldest of the Pandavas, took on the solemn duty of lighting the funeral pyre. With steady hands and tearful eyes, he performed the rituals and gave his father a respectful farewell.
Madri, broken with sorrow and guilt, knew her heart would never heal. She turned to Kunti and held her hands tightly.
"Please," she said, "raise my sons as your own. Let me go with Pandu."
Kunti tried to stop her, tears streaming down her face. But Madri was calm, her decision made.
She walked into the fire and performed sati, choosing to leave this world and follow her husband into the next.
The fire roared. The air turned heavy with smoke and sadness.
All the Pandavas cried softly—except for Yudhishthir. Bhishma noticed and walked over to him.
"Why are you not crying, child?" he asked gently.
Yudhishthir looked up with a firm expression, his voice steady despite the grief in his eyes.
"After Pitashree's death, I am now the eldest. I stand in his place for my brothers. If I break down now, they will fall apart. I must stay strong for them."
Bhishma stared at him, deeply moved by the maturity in the boy's words. In that moment, he saw the future king Yudhishthir was destined to be.
After the final rites of both Pandu and Madri were completed, Bhishma and Satyavati turned to Kunti.
"Come back to Hastinapur with us," they said.
At first, Kunti refused. Her heart was still in the forest, with Pandu. But then she looked at her five sons—brave, innocent, and full of promise—and knew she had to take them where their destiny awaited.
With a heavy heart, she nodded.
And so, the forest echoed with the sound of conch shells and drumbeats as the royal chariots arrived to carry them home.
The Pandavas, heartbroken but brave, left the forest that had been their home.
They were stepping into a new world—a world full of politics, power, and dangerous games.
But they would step into it together.
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The Pandavas Enter Hastinapur
As they reached the gates of Hastinapur, people crowded the streets. Everyone had heard the stories—of the wise Yudhishthir, the strong Bheem, the archer Arjun, the horse-lover Nakul, and the quiet genius Sahdev.
"Look, the sons of Pandu!"
"Such young boys... yet so brave!"
"They will make Hastinapur proud!"
The city welcomed them with flowers, music, and open arms. Kunti stepped down from the chariot with grace, her sons following like shining stars.
But not everyone smiled.
From the palace balcony, Duryodhan, the eldest Kaurava, watched with narrowed eyes.
"So they've come," he muttered.
"They may have won the hearts of the people," said his brother Dushasan, "but they won't win the throne."
"Let them enjoy this moment," Duryodhan said coldly. "It won't last."
And so, as flowers fell from the skies and cheers filled the air, a quiet storm began to brew within the palace walls.
The Pandavas had arrived.
And destiny had taken its next step.
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