Krishna stood at the entrance.

"Vasudev, welcome to Hastinapur. We were not aware you're coming." Gandharraj Shakuni said smiling at him.

"If you were aware, how could have I seen Hastinapur's hospitality?" Krishna asked with a serious face.

"It's just a misunderstanding Vasudev. Maharaj had no intention of offending you." Shakuni said still showing his teeth.

"It's good you've arrived Vasudev. Shakuni is right. It was not my intention to offend you. And we've been very patient with your sister. We greeted her with respect, provided her with all facilities, gave her full freedom to roam in our kingdom and what she did in return. She not only insulted Hastinapur's Maharani but raised her hand on Rajkumar Duryodhan in the Raj sabha. If it was anyone else, then he'd be beheaded by now." Dhritarashtra said a little composed now.

"Of course. Maharani Gandhari insulted my sister, Rajkumar Duryodhan questioned her character and you, Maharaj Dhritarashtra ordered to get her whipped, that was absolutely a lot of respect for her." Krishna stated sarcastically.

Dhritarashtra could finally see his error as his anger subsided. Shakuni wanted to slap him upside the head. Duryodhan was hell angry. The only thing stopping him from killing the girl was the Pandav's who still stood surrounding her. Gandhari who was silently hearing everything till now was no better than Duryodhan and it was her who opened her mouth this time.

"If she had stayed in her limits, then all of this wouldn't have happened Vasudev."

"What limits are you talking about Maharani Gandhari? I'm sure there are witnesses to testify who crossed the limits. Have you bothered to ask them Maharaj?" Vasudev asked Dhritarashtra.

"I admit I haven't. But what happened in this sabha that doesn't need a witness." Dhritarashtra replied.

"Are you talking about Rajkumar Duryodhan getting slapped by my behna? If you had teached him how to respect women, how to protect their honour and how to talk to them, my behna won't have to take this trouble. Remember Maharaj, Wherever women are given their due respect, even the deities like to reside, and where they are not respected, all action remains unfruitful. So before it's too late, teach your son the path of Dharma." Vasudev said firmly.

"Vasudev is saying truth, Maharaj. Rajkumar Duryodhan should apologise to Yadavkanya Drisana." Mahamantri Vidur said.

"Have you lost your mind mahamantri? I'll ask forgiveness from this girl?" Duryodhan roared.

"Yes, you will." Gandharraj Shakuni said and added holding his arm, "Try to understand mere bache. Making an enemy out of Vasudev, will be idiocy. First your mother made a blunder and then you father son started walking in her path without thinking. Now don't do anymore stupidity. Ask forgiveness. I promise she won't be visible in Hastinapur after today."

Duryodhan glared at Drisana and said gritting his teeth, "I'm sorry."

"You don't seem sorry at all Rajkumar." Drisana said. Krishna hid his smile at that. Duryodhan gritted his teeth so hard, they would probably break. Shakuni looked alarmed. He knew Duryodhan would create another blunder if this continued.

"Maharaj, this is a shame on Hastinapur. Guests are considered gods. And here a guest has been insulted by none other than my priye behen. You've bent down my head today Gandhari." He took the focus from Duryodhan knowing Gandhari would bend easily than her son. "If you want to remove this stain from your head, apologise my behen. Or give me permission to leave Hastinapur with bowed head."

"No, bhrata. Your head won't be bowed down in shame because of me. Drisana, I apologise for my behaviour. Vasudev is right. I crossed my limits in anger. I forgot for a woman her honour is the most precious thing and to be respected at any cost. I'm ashamed of my words. Please forgive me." Gandhari said folding her hands. She realised her mistake. In anger, she attacked the most delicate spot of a woman without thinking.

"Don't fold your hands Maharani. Your hands should only be raised for giving blessings. You realised your mistake, that's enough for me." Drisana said smiling slightly. She couldn't hold grudge against Gandhari, the woman Hastinapur acquired by force to get her married to a blind person, who sacrificed the ability to see for her husband, who was betrayed by that same husband, who considered Pandav's her son too. We all make mistakes, but those are few who admits and regrets them.

"I also apologise for my unjust order of punishment, putri Drisana." Maharaj Dhritarashtra said.

"I'm glad you realised your path was unjust Maharaj. I hope you'll remember to be just in future." Krishna said to him.

Before anyone could say anything else Shakuni started.

"Vasudev since you've come, I assume it's for taking your sister with you to Dwarka?"

"No, Gandharraj. I've come to take her to her home." Krishna said smiling a little.

"Isn't it the same thing Vasudev? Dwarka is her home." Dhritarashtra asked confusingly.

"No, Maharaj. Not Dwarka, Dravida is her home." Krishna said his smile back in place. Everyone was confused hearing him. Shakuni had a very bad feeling.

"What do you mean Vasudev?" Mahamantri Vidur asked.

"Drisana is Maharaj Drishadvat's daughter, the Rajkumari of Dravida." Krishna declared. Utter silence followed his statement. Shock would be an understatement for their expressions. Shakuni closed his eyes realising just how big a mess this was.

"But how is this possible? Maharaj Drishadvat doesn't have a daughter." Dhritarashtra said surprised and mortified by this. Though he asked forgiveness, Dravida wouldn't be so forgiving after Duryodhan's behaviour.

"He does. Drisana was kidnapped and sent outside Aryavart by a Yaksini after her birth. She has returned finally after 23 years. Entire Dravida with it's royal family is waiting for her with eager interest." Krishna said looking at Drisana. Drisana was feeling anxious thinking about meeting new people. She looked at the Pandav's who smiled reassuringly at her.

"In fact her Jyesth bhrata Yuvraj Dwijendra himself has come to take her." Krishna said and looked at the entrance from where a man entered.

Dwijendra was standing outside hearing everything that was said. If it wasn't for Vasudev, he would have stormed inside much before. But he controlled his anger remembering starting a war at the first opportunity was not a smart thing. The common people and soldiers of the countries suffered the most at wars. They looked up to the King for their protection and livelihoods and followed his orders unquestioningly. At their King's command they jumped at the Warfield without caring for their lives. So, it was a King's responsibility to remember that wars had to be the last option he resorted to.

Royal politics was delicately balanced. A small thing misplaced could lead to big losses. So, instead of reacting immediately, wait and strike at the right opportunity.

And that's why he remained silent instead of confronting Maharaj Dhritarashtra and beheading Duryodhan. He would take his sister and leave. But wouldn't forget.

On the other hand, he was already proud of his sister. Standing at the Raj sabha, most royal woman couldn't gather the courage to talk, much less slapping a Rajkumar in the presence of everyone and the King himself.

He also noticed the way the four Pandav's stood in a protective stance surrounding her.

"Welcome to Hastinapur, Yuvraj." Yudhisthir was the first one to greet him. After greeting everyone, Dwijendra came to Drisana and smiled looking at her.

"Dravida is waiting for it's Lakshmi, Drisana." He said keeping his hand on her head as she folded her hands and looked at him with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear and nervousness. A lot of things were going through her head. On front of them was the realisation that she had to leave now, Hastinapur, the people she cared for, her family, her Nakul. She looked at Krishna with glistening eyes. He only gave a sad smile.

"Thank you very much, Maharaj Dhritarashtra. Dravida will never forget their Rajkumari's this hospitality." Yuvraj Dwijendra said with a sarcastic smile. He only glanced once at Duryodhan. No one uttered a word.

"Yuvraj Dwijendra, you've just arrived. I request you to stay here for sometimes." Yudhisthir said.

"I'd like to depart for Dravida with my sister as soon as possible." Dwijendra said seeing no reason to stay a moment longer than necessary.

The Pandav's were worried as they could clearly see the disdain for Hastinapur in Yuvraj Dwijendra even through his blank expression. And why not? No brother would want his sister to stay in a place where her character had been questioned. But the problem was Pandav's were a part of Hastinapur too.

Yudhisthir thought about the situation. It would be hard to handle Nakul when he returned. So that his brother didn't end up murdering Duryodhan. Pitamah would be furious on her behalf. He had come to care for her a lot too. No doubt Maharani Gandhari would get an earful too along with Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Duryodhan.

But most importantly they had already said goodbye to the peace agreement with Dravida. After this, no way they would be welcomed there. And Yudhisthir didn't see Maharaj Drishadvat sending Drisana back here, much less giving her hand to his brother. This was a big mess.

As Drisana was packing her things to go, a dasi came to inform her of Krishna's presence.

"This can't happen. I don't want to leave." Drisana said desperately as soon as he came inside. She had dread spreading all over her.

"Why? Your family is waiting for you." Krishna said softly sensing her inner turmoil.

"My family is here. Mata, Jyesth, bhrata Bheem, bhrata Arjun, Sahdev, Devika jiji, Draupadi jiji and Nakul, they are my family." She said emotionally. She felt as if she was going to lose them.

"Mata. There's a mother who has been waiting for her daughter for years, praying for a miracle every single day. Shedding tears secretly. Pita. There's a father who has been blaming himself for not protecting his daughter even though he left no stones unturned. Even though he couldn't reach his daughter, he has been praying for her safety, prosperity and satisfaction every day. Jyesth. That man waiting outside for you didn't waste a single moment to bring you back. He could have waited for me to bring you. But he didn't hesitate to step into the Kingdom that doesn't have a good relation with his. Bhrata. There are six who are eagerly waiting for you, to know you, to tease you, to scold you, but to love you too.

I'm not saying the family you have here is any less. They love you as you do too. But those who are there, they are your family too. Don't they deserve to know you, to become a part of your life? " Krishna asked her. Tears were flowing uncontrollably from her eyes now.

"But what about Nakul?" She whispered her biggest fear.

"Someone said once 'Jis prem mei tapasya na ho yoh prem kaisa.' (If you don't have penance in love, what love it is?)" Krishna replied with a smile.

"Would my penance bear fruit?" She asked.

"If your love is true. Trust in your love." Krishna said and wiped away her tears.

Drisana then nodded and after completing her packing, left to meet all. She took blessings from the elders. Kunti couldn't hold her tears hugging her. She told her she would be missed every single moment. Devika and Draupadi was controlling themselves hardly. Draupadi said not to get too comfortable there as she'd be returning soon. Devika told her to take care of herself.

Yudhisthir blessed her and smiled reassuringly. Bheem said to take this as an opportunity to learn some kitchen skills. That made everyone chuckle even in this situation. Arjun said jokingly that they'd finally get some reprive from her. He also assured her they would take care of everything and Nakul too. Sahdev said not at forget them finding her new family and to feel free to miss them. She handed him a letter for Nakul.

After looking a last time at them all, she got into the chariot with Krishna, starting a new journey.

If anyone is wondering Drisana's age :

I Googled and it shows Yudhisthir was 91 at the time of Kurukshetra war. Karna 107, Bheem 90, Arjun 89, Nakul and Sahdev 88. Bheeshma 256 😨

And the time when Draupadi got married she was 23 or 30. Rukmini got married??? Answered varied from 8, 16 to 26.

There are many speculations.

In this story, Drisana is 24. When she was kidnapped, she was a little less than one year old. Pandavs are respectively 34, 33, 32, 31, 31. Draupadi 30. Devika 31.