(A/N):
Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.
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At the gates of Hastinapur—The army stood ready.
Banners fluttered. Horses stamped.
And at the center—Bhishma's chariot.
He stepped forward—Preparing to depart.
When—
"WAIT!"
A blur of small feet.
Devara came running.
Without slowing—He leapt. And landed inside the chariot.
"…I'm coming."
Bhishma blinked caught off guard by the sudden breech.
"…You are not."
Devara crossed his arms.
"…I am."
A pause and Bhishma tried to reason with him.
"Stay here. Play with Pandu and Dhritarashtra."
Devara shook his head. Hard.
"…No."
Then—The ultimate weapon which never failed him when ever he had a argument with his two mothers.
A full—tantrum.
"…I WANNA COME!"
Silence.
"...."
"...."
"...."
The soldiers looked away.
Very carefully.
Not to react to the all mighty Bhishma's helplessness facing his own brother who is just five years old.
Bhishma closed his eyes briefly as his mothers warning rang in his mind about not to upset his little brother.
'…This is harder than war.'
A sigh escaped him.
-Sigh!
"…Fine."
Devara instantly brightened jumped excitedly.
"…Yay!"
Half a Day Later...
The journey flowed smoothly.
Fields gave way to forests.
Forests to hills.
Until—They reached the borders of the Vrishni Kingdom.
The army halted.
Protocol demanded it.
No army can enter the border without permission if one did it was a serious breech which might result in war.
Bhishma stepped down—Taking Devara with him.
A royal carriage awaited.
Prepared by the hosts.
They entered. And moved inward as the carriage heading to the royal palace.
Devara looked outside—Eyes wide.
"…It's green."
Everywhere. Lush. Alive.
Unlike Hastinapur's structured grandeur—This land breathed freely.
"…This place feels like they were blessed with Mother Bhūdevi…"
Bhishma glanced at him—Saying nothing.
"...."
But noting everything.
At the palace gates—They were received.
King Devaka stood tall—Beside his queen.
Devaka he stepped forward with a smile on his face.
"Bhishma."
Respect in his tone.
Bhishma returned the greeting.
"King Devaka."
Formal. Balanced.
Showcasing the political importance of this meeting.
Then—A small presence stepped forward.
"…Hi."
Devara. Looking up at them with a smile on his face.
Devaka blinked looking at the kid before him then got his composure back. Then smiled.
-Blink!
"And this must be…?"
Bhishma answered—
"Devaratha. My younger brother."
A pause.
"Son of Ganga."
Devaka's expression shifted—Subtle.
"...."
Respect deepened in his tone.
"Welcome, prince."
Devara nodded happily while looking around.
"…Thanks."
Meeting Chamber...
Soon—
They moved escorted into the meeting chamber.
To where decisions were made.
The chamber held:
King Devaka and His prime minister,
His sons: Devavan, Upadeva, Sudeva, Devavardhana
Devara sat quietly. Listening.
"...."
Because—
"…This is grown-up talking."
Bhishma spoke clearly.
"This alliance shall bind our kingdoms with blood."
Devaka nodded happily.
-Nod
"And strengthen both."
Terms were laid:
🤝 Marriage between Vidura and Devaka's daughter
🛡️ Mutual support in times of war
📅 Auspicious date to be decided by Hastinapur
No tension. No resistance.
Just agreement.
Smooth. Like a river without stones.
Since both sides were eager for this marriage and happy about it since both were searching for the same thing.
Devara watched boredly. Quiet. But thinking.
"...."
'…So this is how kingdoms talk…'
No shouting. No fighting.
Just words.
The meeting ended after more than half an hour.
Formal farewells exchanged.
Devaka bowed slightly.
"We await your word."
Bhishma nodded happily as he secured the marriage alliance.
"You shall have it."
Devara waved excitedly at them feeling meeting is finally over.
"…Bye!"
The princes blinked. Then waved back.
-Blink!
"...."
Slightly confused when did they become close with this little prince who was waving his had excitedly.
The chariot moved again.
Leaving Vrishni kingdom behind.
Ahead—The Surasena Kingdom.
Where another alliance waited.
And beyond that—A storm named Gandhara.
Another Half Day Travel...
Dusk stretched across the sky—Painting it in deep oranges and fading gold.
As Bhishma's army approached—The Surasena Kingdom revealed itself.
At first glance—It felt familiar.
Like the lands of the Vrishnis.
Green. Alive.
But then—The river.
The Ganga here—Did not flow. It roared.
Waves clashed. Currents twisted.
Wild. Unforgiving.
"…The water in the river looks ferocious. Do mother have any anger on this kingdom?"
Devara whispered in low voice to Bhishma.
Bhishma glanced at the waters.
"Not angry."
A pause.
"It was our mother's might and power."
The path forward was clear—Or rather—Not.
No one crossed here.
Instead—A longer road curved around the river.
Safer. Slower.
Necessary.
Waiting there—A royal carriage.
And beside it—Kuntibhoja
The king stepped forward as Bhishma approached.
"Bhishma of Hastinapur."
Respectful. Measured.
Bhishma inclined his head.
"King Kuntibhoja."
Their greetings were brief. But understanding passed quickly.
As they boarded the carriage—Kuntibhoja spoke.
"The proposal reached me…"
A pause.
"From Surasena."
Bhishma nodded his head he was the one who contact him since he was Kunti's birth father.
-Nod
"And you accepted."
Kuntibhoja exhaled slowly.
-Sigh!
"I did."
His gaze drifted slightly.
"My daughter…"
A pause.
"…has been distant."
Devara tilted his head. Listening.
"Quiet. Burdened. For reasons she does not share."
Another pause.
"Perhaps this alliance… will bring her peace."
Bhishma said nothing. But he understood.
The carriage moved.
Not forward—But around. Through winding paths.
Through forests.
For nearly an hour—Before the kingdom revealed itself fully.
The palace stood—Elegant.
Less rigid than Hastinapur. Less wild than Vrishni.
Balanced and unique on its own.
Devara looked around.
"…This place feels…"
A pause.
"…quiet."
Night settled. The halls lit with lamps.
Royal Dinning Hall...
Food was served.
And soon—Bhishma and Kuntibhoja sat in discussion.
Voices calm.
"The alliance stands through this marriage...."
"The date will be decided in future...."
"The future secured for both kingdoms...."
Simple words. Carrying heavy meaning.
Meanwhile—Devara had been sitting.
Listening. Trying.
"...."
But—
"…This is boring."
He stood. Turned to Bhishma.
"I'm going to meet Mother."
Before Bhishma could respond—He ran.
Gone.
"...."
Just like that.
Bhishma blinked. Then sighed.
-Sigh!
"…Of course you are."
A faint chuckle followed.
-Chuckle!
"…Try not to bring the river inside the palace."
Too late.
Devara was already gone.
Palace Garden...
The palace garden of Surasena stretched wide—Lush. Fragrant.
But beyond its beauty—The Ganga.
Not gentle here. Not calm.
It surged.
Wild currents crashing against stone edges—As if carrying secrets too heavy to hold.
And toward it—Ran Devara excitedly.
"…Mother!"
His voice carried excitement. Not fear.
Because to him—the river was his mother.
At the same moment—Walking along the garden path—Was Kunti.
Her steps were slow. Measured.
"...."
A maid followed behind her—Softly urging—
"Princess… we must not delay."
But Kunti's mind was elsewhere.
"...."
Not in the present.Not in the palace.
But—Five years ago.
A river. A basket.
A child. Her child.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
'…I had no choice… I had to…'
But the heart—Does not accept reasons. Only remembers.
Then—Movement. A blur.
Kunti looked up to see who it was.
A boy—Running. Straight toward—The raging Ganga.
Her breath caught.
"...."
"…Wait!"
No response. He didn't even slow down.
Without thinking—She ran after him.
"Stop!"
The maid panicked behind her—
"Princess! Please—slow down!"
But Kunti didn't stop.
Because all she could see—Was a child—Running toward water.
And memory—Twisted her heart.
'…Not again…'
Devara reached the bank.
The water roared. Spray kissed the air.
Any normal person—Would hesitate. Would step back.
But—Devara stepped forward.
Without fear. Without doubt.
Kunti reached just in time—Her hand stretching out—
"NO—!"
Her fingers almost touched him—But before she could stop him—Devara stepped into the river.
The water—Did not swallow him.
Did not drag him. Did not resist him. It parted.
Gently.
Like a mother opening her arms.
The currents softened around him—Turning from fury—To embrace.
Devara stood there—Smiling.
"…Mother I am back."
Kunti froze. Her hand still outstretched.
"...."
Her breath caught somewhere between past and present.
Because what she saw—Was not possible.
Not natural. Not real.
The river—The same river—That had taken her child away after she put him there—Now…
Welcomed another.
Kunti's eyes widened. Not in fear. But in something deeper.
Confusion. Pain. Hope.
All at once.
Her voice trembled—
"…Who… are you?"
Devara turned to look who it was.
Standing at the edge—Kunti
Eyes wide. Breath uneven.
As if she had seen something she was not meant to.
A faint pulse echoed in Devara's mind.
[–DUM!–DUM!–]
🎯 [Task Generated...
Guide Kunti and lighten her burden
🎁 Reward: +16 Karma Points]
Devara blinked. Then looked at her again.
-Blink!
'…So it's her…'
The one who had let go. The one who still held on.
A smile bloomed on his face.
Bright. Unbothered.
"I'm Devaratha."
A pause.
"But everyone calls me Devara."
He tilted his head slightly.
"You can too."
Kunti didn't respond. Not yet.
Because her eyes—Were searching.
"...."
Not his words. Him.
Devara pointed lightly at the river.
"I came to say hi to mother."
A pause.
"Then I'll go back. My brother is busy talking inside."
The maid behind Kunti froze.
"...."
Kunti's breath hitched.
'…Mother…?'
Before thought could settle—Kunti moved. Fast.
Hands reaching—Grabbing his shoulders.
"...."
Turning him. Checking. Searching.
His chest. His ears.
Looking for—Kavacha. Kundala.
"…Where—?"
"…Where are they—?"
Her voice broke. Desperate.
Devara squirmed in her hands.
"Hey—! This is manhandling! It's a crime!"
He tried to pull back.
But Kunti didn't stop.
Because logic—Had already lost to hope.
Then—The water surged.
Not violently. But decisively.
A stream rose—Separating them.
Gently—Yet firmly.
Kunti stumbled back slightly.
"...."
The air grew still.
And from the river—A form emerged.
Radiant. Unquestionable. Goddess Ganga appeared.
Her gaze fell upon Kunti.
Cold. Clear.
"He is not your son."
No anger. No softness. Just truth.
"He is mine. Born from me."
A pause.
"Ganga Putra[1]."
Kunti froze hearing the announcement of Goddess Ganga.
"...."
The illusion—The hope—Shattered.
Her hands lowered slowly. Her head bowed.
"Forgive me…"
Her voice soft. Heavy.
She did not ask questions.
Because she already knew—She had no right to.
Ganga turned.
Without waiting. Without explaining.
The river embraced Devara again.
-Ripples!
And in a ripple—They vanished.
The world softened.
Goddess Ganga's Domain...
Calm waters. Gentle glow.
Home.
Ganga's expression changed.
The cold edge—Gone. Replaced by warmth.
She knelt slightly. A gentle smile forming.
"How was your day?"
Simple.
But filled with something deeper.
Because even if it was just one day—It was still—Time away from her.
Devara grinned hearing her question.
-Grin!
"It was fun!"
He began immediately—Talking. About everything.
The palace. The food. The people.
"…And there was this river—"
A pause.
"…but not as good as you."
Ganga chuckled softly.
-Chuckle!
Her hand brushing his hair.
Listening. To every word. As if nothing else mattered.
The waters glowed gently.
Soft currents. Floating light.
At its center—Devara sat.
And in front of him—Ganga
Holding a small bowl. Feeding him.
"Open your mouth."
"…I am not a baby anymore."
"Open."
"…Okay."
He complied instantly looking at her stern look.
Because some battles—Are not meant to be won.
From the distance—A familiar shape approached.
The crocodile. Slow. Relaxed.
'…Finally… peace…'
It floated lazily—Enjoying the rare moment of not being used.
Then—It saw him.
Devara. Eating. Looking content.
The crocodile froze.
"...."
'…No. …Not again.'
Slowly—It began to turn.
Trying to leave. Quietly. Gracefully.
A small hand shot out.
-GRAB!
"…Got you."
The crocodile's soul left its body for a second.
'…This is injustice.'
Devara climbed on top of it. Settling comfortably.
"…Stay."
The crocodile did not move. Not because it couldn't.
"...."
But because it had accepted its fate.
'…This is my life now.'
Ganga watched the entire scene.
Silently.
"...."
Then—She sighed. But her eyes—Were smiling.
-Sigh!
"At least sit properly while eating."
Devara adjusted slightly—Still seated on the crocodile.
"It's comfortable. He's warm."
The crocodile stared into the void.
'…I am not furniture. And for god's sake I am cold blooded creature.'
Ganga continued feeding him.
Listening as he spoke—About:
Bhishma
The palaces he went
The peoples he met
The foods he eat
"…And there was this lady—"
A pause.
"…She was sad."
Ganga's hand slowed for a second. But she didn't interrupt.
"And?"
"…I think she needed a hug."
Simple. Honest.
Ganga smiled faintly.
"Not everyone knows how to accept one."
Devara tilted his head.
"…That's strange.
For a moment—Nothing moved.
Except the gentle current.
After some time...
Devara stepped out of the Ganga.
The moment his feet touched the ground—The river behind him surged again.
Wild. Untamed.
As if it had briefly softened—Only for him.
He turned—Then paused.
Because they were still there.
Kunti And her maid. Waiting.
"...."
"...."
Not leaving. Not forgetting.
Kunti stepped forward. Her voice quieter now.
"I… am sorry."
A pause.
"For earlier."
Devara blinked. Then smiled.
-Blink!
"It's okay."
Simple.
No weight. No judgment.
And just like that—She was forgiven.
They began walking toward the palace.
Side by side.
The maid trailing slightly behind.
The night had deepened.
And with it—Silence.
"...."
"...."
"...."
Not uncomfortable. But heavy.
Devara glanced at her. Not once. But twice.
"...."
Then—
"Why are you sad?"
Direct. Unfiltered.
Kunti paused. Just slightly.
"...."
Her fingers tightened. Her gaze lowered.
"I…"
She stopped. Because the truth—Would not come out easily.
The maid stepped in quickly—
"Princess, the palace awaits—"
Trying to shift the moment.
But Kunti didn't follow.
"...."
Instead—She spoke. Soft.
"I did something…"
A pause.
"…wrong."
Her voice trembled.
"Something that may affect… my future."
Another pause.
"…my marriage."
But she said no more.
Because some truths—Are too heavy to name.
Devara stopped walking.
"…Hmm."
He looked at her.
Then at the path ahead. Then back at her. Thinking.
Not deeply. But honestly.
Then—
"Why not tell him?"
Kunti froze hearing his question.
"…What?"
Devara continued—
"Your future husband. Tell him the truth."
A pause.
"Before marriage."
Silence.
"...."
"...."
"...."
Because that—Was not something said lightly.
Devara raised a finger.
"But make him promise. If he says no… he won't tell anyone."
A pause.
"Then you'll know. If he's good."
The chamber was calm.
Measured voices. Careful words.
As they made their way to the chamber.
Bhishma and Kuntibhoja sat across from one another—Discussing the future like it was a map already drawn.
At the side—Devara had quietly taken his place—Sitting beside Bhishma.
Swinging his legs. Listening. Trying.
"…Still boring."
The doors opened softly.
Kunti stepped in. Composed. But not calm.
Kuntibhoja turned.
"Ah… my daughter."
He gestured toward Bhishma.
"Princess Kunti."
She stepped forward. Bowed respectfully.
"Mahamahim Bhishma."
Bhishma inclined his head.
"Princess."
Behind her—The maid leaned closer.
Barely a whisper.
"Think carefully…"
A pause.
"Do not rush this."
Because she had seen it—That shift. That decision forming.
Kunti stood still.
"...."
For a breath. Then another.
Her fingers tightened slightly—Then released.
She lifted her gaze.
Not at her father. Not at the floor.
But—At Bhishma.
"I have a request."
The room stilled for a moment.
"Before the marriage…"
A pause.
"…I wish to meet Prince Pandu."
Silence.
"...."
"...."
"...."
Not confusion. But surprise.
"Alone."
Another pause.
"To speak with him. What I say…"
Her voice steadied.
"…will decide whether this marriage should proceed."
The words landed. Heavy. Unexpected.
Kuntibhoja froze hearing her daughter's words.
"...."
The maid looked down—Heart racing.
Even the air seemed to pause. Because this—Was not tradition.
This was… agency.
Bhishma did not answer immediately. His eyes rested on her—Studying.
Not her words. Her resolve.
'…This is not hesitation …This is decision.'
A moment passed. Then—He nodded. Since the request was reasonable.
-Nod
"Very well."
The room exhaled—But not fully.
"Your request is reasonable."
A pause.
"I will send word to Hastinapur. Prince Pandu will arrive. At the earliest."
Kunti lowered her head.
"Thank you."
But inside—Something had changed.
Because for the first time—She was not being carried by fate.
She had stepped forward.
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(Author note:)
I hope you guys give me your opinion and idea's.
Thanks for reading the chapter!
Please give a review!!! And power stone too!!!
Guys it will motivate me more?
[1] Son Of Ganga