Jyeshtha had left to Martanda much before even Rukmini didi had come. The wedding of Bhrata and didi was fixed a week later . I closed the book as I rose to meet Dau. 

~

 " Dau I have finished all the books in politics and other sciences. What must I do now ? " asked Mythili as Balarama was amused.

 " Is there a limit to books Mythili ? Knowledge is such a thirst that the more you drink the more it increases . Books apart now the life is waiting for you to give lessons Mythili ", said Balarama to which Mythili nodded as the words slowly sunk in her soul.

" But before that I will test how far our training has reached its completeness " , said Krishna entering the chambers , exchanging a knowing smile with Balarama.

 " When Gurudeva ? " , asked Mythili , eyes lifting to her teacher more than a brother now. " The next prahar Mythili", said Krishna as Mythili nodded.

~

Mythili wanted to scream, " it is not fair , this is not how you fight ".

Balarama gave a smile as he spoke ," My dear sister ,  war is never pretty and they are no exact rules in a battle. You will have to learn that not all will fight fairly.You will have to find your own way out . And you don't have much time.

For a minute , Mythili's ears went to the depth of the words . It felt it was not for the fight alone but entire life.

Mythili was in bind by Krishna,a tight bind as Krishna held her in death grip . There had been no warning,no hint of what was to come and midst the fight , he had captured her in a unexpected move, one that no being could anticipate solely reflecting the plays of the lord of the universe unknown to man. He had grasped her by her free wrist, the moment that startled Mythili for a single instant but it had been enough. Her momentary lapse of concentration had been enough for Krishna to spin her around and trap her,with her arm twisted behind and his sword held against her throat. Mythili paused as she recalled the teachings. 

Mythili grimaced and went slack making Krishna smile , this was what he had expected as he knew Mythili won't give up. Her limp body sank into him, he had to adjust his grip on her left wrist to handle her weight , which Krishna easily did. Mythili exactly waited for it as she pulled her left hand free and grasped his sword hand across his wrist. Krishna exchanged a look with Balarama before slightly loosening his grip. Mythili breathed deep as she lifted the sword from the sand and she jumped to only kneel down in  front of Krishna with the sword held in both of her hands in surrender.

"My shiksha does not allow me to raise against my Gurudeva especially when I know he intentionally gave in. My sword is always yours Gurudeva", said Mythili making the two brothers smile.

"Your shiksha is complete Mythili . Humility is the shield to valor and you have it. But remember sometimes the opponent may seem like giving in but there might be always something more to it ", said Krishna making Mythili nod. She shall never forget it.

"Mythili", a voice echoed making Mythili turn . The princess of the Kingdom Shivi , Devika . She had been a friend more of a sister with whom Mythili had spent hours talking about life and a loved member of the Dwarka family . The curves of worry in her usually calm face , worried Mythili as she walked to her. 

" Didi ? " , Mythili asked as Devika handed over a scroll. " Read it ", said Devika placing a hand over the latter's shoulder providing the comfort she needed. Mythili unrolled the scroll instantly as her eyes fixed on the words.

Putri Mythili ,

Hope things are going well in Dwarka and your shiksha is completed. I wish you could stay their until Dwarkadeesh's wedding but Martanda needs you now putri.

Maharaja Ashwarth has fallen ill. The ministers are taking the situation as an opportunity for their own benefits . The cries of the citizens are increasing and with Rajkumar Ashok in gurukul it is futher adding on to many illegal crimes. The floods in our neighborhood Kingdom have further made the basic items for survival difficult . 

A royal power is needed to control them and make decisions now Putri . I warn you that you might be put in trouble too . Watch out your surroundings always. 

Convey my wishes to son of Devaki !

With blessings,

Vinay Aditya 

Mythili stood stunned for a moment before turning back to Balarama and Krishna. Her mind weary to tell them that she would have to leave especially when her Bhrata's wedding was coming. 

" Haven't we told you Mythili that never hesitate to tell us your heart out ?  You want to make us look like irresponsible brothers ? ", asked Krishna making Balarama nod while Devika stood with a small smile.

" Dau...Bhrata..." , Mythili started off slowly and went on to tell them the entire thing. Balarama and Krishna looked at each other seriously.

"You must go Mythili" , said the eldest.

" My happiness will be doubled when my behen will do her duty and the citizens of Martanda will do good " , said Krishna as he nodded slightly making Mythili smile . Time to leave for Martanda !

~

Mythili mounted on the horse that Vasudeva had gifted her, Veera . Her eyes turned to the Dwarka family one last time as she gently touched the horse as it nodded before galloping in full speed. As she reached a distance past the palace gates , her heartbeat increased as she turned back instantly.

A vague vision of a white chariot with a flag swaying in breeze which bore a image of a golden moon with planets around it . Her eyes widened when she saw the chariot was few fingers above the ground. 

The man in the chariot turned as his large brown eyes covered everything that existed, the vision of a king. The crown of Yuvraja in his head shining brightly . The sight of a girl on the horse was blurred as the sands flew past from the ground.

Who was it ?  sang two hearts in sync.

To be continued...

I told it won't be so soon though it will come up in other few chapters. A close miss ? :P But the start of the journey of together begins...I have decided to show Mythili's side since the other side will be more of wedding celebrations. Would you all like to see Laksha graha with the Pandavas or maybe just as a news reaching Martanda? Do let me know. Hope you enjoy reading it . Do read,vote and comment !