Bahubali and Dushala returned from the Mahadev temple. The palace courtyard, still vibrant with the wedding's grandeur, buzzed with anticipation as the couple approached the royal family to seek blessings.
First, they approached Bahubali's parents, who stood beaming with pride. His mother, her eyes misty, placed a tilak on their foreheads, her voice warm. "May Mahadev bless you with a healthy child."
Bahubali's father, his voice hearty, added, "Live a long and prosperous life, both of you." The couple touched their feet, Dushala smiling shyly, "Your blessings are my strength, Mata, Pitashri."
Next, they turned to Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Gandhari, veiled, cupped Dushala's face, her voice tender. "My child, you've chosen a great warrior. Bahubali, protect my daughter's heart as you do Magadha."
Dhritarashtra, his blind eyes bright with emotion, boomed, "Bahubali, you're a son of Hastinapur now. May your alliance with Dushala make our kingdoms invincible!" They bowed,
Bahubali replying, "Maharaj, Maharani, your trust is my honor. I vow to cherish Dushala and uphold our bond."
The couple then approached Maharishi Veda Vyasa, whose serene presence calmed the festive chaos. He placed a hand on their heads, his voice resonant. "Bahubali, Dushala, your union is a cornerstone of Aryavrat's dharma. May wisdom guide your path." They touched his feet, Dushala whispering, "Your blessings light our way, Maharishi."
Bhishma, stern yet approving, offered a rare smile. "Magadha Naresh, you've earned Hastinapur's daughter through valor and virtue. Dushala, be the strength behind his throne. May your lives uphold Kuru honor." They bowed, Bahubali saying, "Pitamaha, your words guide us."
After seeking blessings from Dronacharya, Kripacharya, and other elders, they approached Lord Krishna, whose voice was melodic. "Bahu, Dushala, your devotion to Mahadev mirrors your love. May Vishnu's grace join Shiva's in your journey."
Dushala smiled, "Your blessings, Sakha, are our treasure." They touched his feet, Sri Krishna, as he blessed them.
The celebrations erupted across Hastinapur, the city alive with music, dance, and feasts. The palace courtyard hosted a grand banquet, tables laden with saffron rice, honeyed sweets, and spiced curries. Citizens danced in the streets, children waving colorful flags, while bards sang of Bahubali's triumphs and Dushala's grace.
At the banquet, Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Vikarna, slightly tipsy from soma, decided to tease Bahubali.
Duryodhana, grinning, approached the couple's table, where they sat with Bhanumati and Karna. "Mitra Bahu, now that you're wed to our sister, tell us—can you wield a ladle as well as Ajaydhansu? Dushala, beware, he might burn the palace kitchen!"
Dushala laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Bhaiya, if Bahu burns the kitchen, I'll teach him Magadha's recipes myself!"
Bahubali, playing along, raised a mock-serious eyebrow. "Suyodhana, is that a challenge?"
The table erupted in laughter, Karna adding, "Bahu, if you cook as fiercely as you fight, we'll all feast like gods!"
Dushasana, spilling his goblet, shouted, "To Bahu, the warrior-chef!" The crowd cheered, clinking cups, as Dushala blushed, squeezing Bahubali's hand.
Later, as revelers gathered for an impromptu archery display, Karna, egged on by Ashwatthama, decided to lighten the mood. He set up a mock target—a wooden peacock with a tiny apple as its eye—and challenged Bahubali. "Magadha Naresh, let's see if marriage has dulled your aim! Hit the apple, or Dushala might outshoot you!" The crowd chuckled, Dushala clapping, "Go, Bahu, show him!"
Bahubali, grinning, took Ajaydhansu, but deliberately aimed slightly off, nicking the peacock's feather. The crowd gasped, then laughed as Karna, feigning shock, exclaimed, "Bahu, has Dushala's beauty distracted you already?"
Dushala, laughing, grabbed a toy bow from a child and fired a blunt arrow, hitting the apple dead-on. "There, Karna!" she teased. "Magadha's queen doesn't miss!" Bahubali swept her up, laughing, "My warrior-queen outshines us all!" The crowd cheered, Ashwatthama shouting, "To Dushala, the true archer!"
As night fell, Hastinapur's children, inspired by the festivities, staged an impromptu parade, led by a boy dressed as Bahubali, wielding a stick as Ajaydhansu, and a girl as Dushala, waving a silk scarf. They marched through the courtyard, chanting, "Bahubali! Jai Dushala!" The boy tripped, dropping his "bow," and the girl helped him up, declaring, "A queen lifts her king!"
The adults roared with laughter, Duryodhana tossing sweets to the children, saying, "Hastinapur's future is bright with such spirit!" Bahubali and Dushala, watching, exchanged a warm glance, their hearts full.