The chariot wheels rolled through forest and farmland, leaving behind Vrindavan's serenity and entering a land ruled not by dharma, but by legacy and power.
Hastinapur—jewel of Aryavarta—rose on the horizon like a titan from stone. Its high ramparts, golden domes, and sprawling marble roads pulsed with the ambition of generations.
As Aryan stepped through the southern gates, his System chimed softly.
> Location Discovered: Hastinapur (Capital of Kuru Empire)
Karmic Flow: Dense. Power Centers Detected: Throne Hall, Royal Academy, Temple of Dharma.
Main Storyline Progressed: +12%
New Questlines Available
Beside him, Devika's hand hovered near her sword. Meenakshi's spirit lingered close, invisible to the bustling crowds. People murmured as they passed—drawn by Aryan's confident aura, unknowingly shaped by divine blessing.
But not everyone was impressed.
---
A Clash of Lineages
They were waiting.
Two youths stood near the palace entrance in fine robes and golden jewelry. Their eyes were sharp. Their stances, strategic.
> System Scan Activated.
Name: Yuyutsu
Son of Dhritarashtra by a lesser queen. Level-headed. Observant.
Bond Possibility: Neutral
Name: Duryodhan
Crown Prince of Hastinapur. Proud, volatile, politically dominant.
Threat Level: Moderate (Caution Advised)
Duryodhan stepped forward with a confident smirk. "You're Aryan. The one from Vrindavan the sages talk about."
Aryan bowed slightly. "And you must be the heir of this realm."
Yuyutsu observed quietly, eyes flicking to Devika.
Duryodhan narrowed his gaze. "They say you're blessed. But in this city, blessings don't matter. Bloodlines do."
Devika stepped forward, hand already resting on her blade.
Aryan calmly placed a hand on her shoulder.
> "I don't seek to steal thrones," Aryan replied. "Only to earn a place where my karma belongs."
Duryodhan stared, amused.
"We'll see how long you last."
---
The First Court
Inside the palace's sandstone heart, Aryan was brought before a semicircle of nobles, priests, and the blind King Dhritarashtra, seated on an elevated throne.
Rajguru Kripacharya spoke:
> "This is the youth spoken of in the sages' vision. The one bearing prem-saubhagya—a karmic pattern last seen before the Kurukshetra age."
Gasps filled the court.
A figure stepped forward—calm, composed, carrying the scent of incense and purpose.
Vidura, the Prime Minister.
"A blessed soul among mortals is a gift… or a test. The court must observe him closely."
Another voice echoed from behind a pillar, familiar and playful.
"Or both."
Aryan turned—eyes widening.
Krishna.
Clad in royal yellow silk, peacock feather ever in place, Krishna smiled as if he'd been waiting the whole time.
"Don't be too hard on him. Fate may test him soon enough."
---
The Dormitory of the Chosen
Later that evening, Aryan and Devika were shown their quarters—stone-built but elegant, overlooking the northern garden. Other youths trained in swordplay and policy in nearby halls.
Among them, Aryan noticed familiar faces: Nakul and Sahadeva, twins of the Pandavas—graceful, noble, and watchful.
> System Alert:
New Allies Detected: Pandava Twins (Low Trust)
Hidden Affinity Triggered: Shared Destiny – Your presence will influence the events of Kurukshetra.
In his private room, Aryan sat cross-legged as Meenakshi's spirit shimmered into view.
"This place hums with danger," she said. "And you're being watched by more than just men."
> System Insight (Karmic Field Detection): Active
Negative karmic interference sensed. Manipulation imminent.
Source: Unknown
A scroll was slipped under his door.
He opened it.
> "Meet me at the Temple of Dharma at moonrise. There is more to your presence here than fate admits."
— Unsigned
---
The Game Has Begun
As night cloaked Hastinapur in shadows and secrets, Aryan stood on his balcony, watching the stars above the palace towers.
Each flickering light was a thread of fate—and now, he was tied to all of them.
The princes.
The court.
The war yet to come.
And the love that would either purify… or undo him.
> One move made.
Countless to come.
---
To be continued in Chapter 10: "The Temple at Moonrise"