"Maharani, batabaran kuch advut sa pratit nehi ho raha hai? (Maharani, isn't the environment a little strange?)" Maharaj Drishadvat asked Maharani Mangalya in confusion.

"Apki nadan aur masum putravadhu Priyala ki den hai. (It's due to your naive and innocent daughter-in-law Priyala.)" Maharani Mangalya replied with an amused smile.

"Mujhe samajh mein nehi aa raha hai. Lag to mera bhai thik thak e raha hai. Phir yeh sab uspe has kyu rahe hai? (I'm not understanding this. My brother is looking fine. Then why are people laughing at him?)" Arjun wondered loudly with a frown.

"Mujhe toh laga tha, Nakul ke vivha ka sabse adhik prasannata humain hi hai. Parantu yeaha toh log prasannata se bikshipt hoye ja rahe hai. (I thought, we're the most pleased one's for Nakul's wedding. But here people are going mad in their happiness.)" Bheem said looking around.

"Maybe they are just pleased and getting their happiness out?" Yudhisthir said hoping against hope. Three pairs of eyes looked at him with raised eyebrows.

'Ok. There was no way to deny something was wrong.' Yudhisthir thought.

Karna had come inside the palace to hide from Subhadra who had started to come towards him after her laughter feat commenced. Watching everyone's reaction, he was sure Subhadra would do or say something, she shouldn't.

Here, Subhadra came inside too in search of Karna.

"Vrisha!!!!! Where are you?" She kept calling him and Karna kept hiding thinking she would leave in a while not finding him. But Subhadra did something unexpected. She sat down right in the middle of the hallway and started laughing loudly, but tears were coming out of her eyes.

"Vrisha, you left me. How lucky I am! My husband left me!" Subhadra said to herself. Karna understood she was actually upset and crying for him. He felt a pang in heart seeing her in this condition. But what could he really do? It was best for her this way only.

He noticed Subhadra had started hiccuping badly. He rushed to her then and helping her in getting up from the floor, he took her inside a room. He brought water for her and rubbed her back to calm her down.

"Rajkumari, are you okay?" He asked in concern.

"How can I not be when you're with me?" Subhadra replied giving a cute giggle. Then she hugged Karna tightly. Karna tried to remove her unsuccessfully.

"Rajkumari, this is inappropriate for you." Karna said being uncomfortable.

"Archery is also inappropriate for you, Sootputra." Subhadra said laughing and making him stiffen.

"So, you think so too." Karna said with a sarcastic smile. It hurt him to know Subhadra thought so too.

"Don't you? If not then why this word troubles you so much? Why you take it as an insult?" Subhadra asked still hugging him. She was afraid he would leave once she released him.

"I do not. But society use it to insult only." Karna replied stiffly.

"Society use the word Rajkumari respectfully. But from your mouth it sounds as an insult Vrisha. Rajkumari Draupadi insulted you saying she wouldn't marry a Sootputra and now you're insulting me saying you won't accept a Rajkumari. Aren't you doing the same thing to me that society did to you? Rejecting me based on my birth status?" Subhadra asked as another tear rolled down her smiling face. Karna couldn't reply as he felt the wetness of her tears on his chest.

"As for my family, I do not believe that they will reject you. They accept you are a Sootputra, not as an insult but as the truth it is. They don't consider the word as an abuse, but you do. And even if they don't accept you, doesn't the Vijayadhari has the capability to fight for his wife?" Subhadra asked again. Karna gulped hard as he had no answer to that. Subhadra released her hold on him and staring at his eyes said finally,

"Aur rahi baat daridrata se sangharsh aur vayvhab rikt jeevhan ki, toh jaha mere pati khare ho jayenge, yohi mera samrajjya hoga.

(As for hardships of poverty and leaving the luxurious life, wherever my husband stands, that place will be my Kingdom.)"

At the end of the Mangal Phera, Nakul and Drisana exchanged their seats with Drisana sitting on the left side of Nakul. As the preparations for the most important ritual of the marriage, were going on, Vasudev Krishna came towards Dwijendra.

"Yuvraj, everyone is enjoying the wedding a little too much it seems." Krishna said with mischief. Dwijendra only smiled. Not for the life could anyone guess even an ounce of the anxiousness he was going through.

"Yes. I'm glad to see the auspicious occasion is celebrated so well." Dwijendra said with his calm and serene smile. Krishna looked around smiling to himself.

Mahabali Balaram had decided to see the capacity of his students and gathered Bheem, Duryodhan and Dheemant for a mace fight. Bheem and Duryodhan were almost on the verge of granting his wish where Dheemant was trying to calm them.

Mahamahim Bheesmh and Gandharraj Shakuni were discussing how to make the elephants of Hastinapur eat grass and exercise regularly, so they could fly in the sky.

Rajkumar Dhritimat and Rajkumar Dridhaksh were trying to control the situation upstairs where rival Kings were trying to fight while giggling.

Rajkumar Devyajot had found his way to Rajkumar Sahdev now. It seemed he was compensating for all those times he talked less or not at all. Sahdev's face was a cross between confusion and horror.

Yudhisthir and Arjun was now sure Dravida Princes had done some mischief. They stood close to the Mandap not wanting to get dragged in this mess in an attempt to free Sahdev from Rajkumar Devyajot's clutches.

Rajkumar Daiwik was stuck with Maharaj Subahu who suddenly felt overly affectionate of his nephew.

Rajkumari Surpanakha - Souparnika had gotten hold of Rajkumar Dhikshit again and Yuvraj Dhristadhymn had come to Draupadi as he was feeling very emotional remembering the time of her wedding.

Valandhara was sitting at the feet of Rajmata Kunti and complaining about bhaaloo, no not bhaaloo, it's 'bhoora bhaaloo' (grizzly bear).

The women who didn't know what's going on, were hell confused and who knew were in distress.

And Here, this man stood calmly, smiled warmly and was telling Krishna this was the illustration of a good celebration. One would start to doubt themselves seeing his confidence.

And why not? He was Drishadvat Putra, Vasistha Sishya (disciple of Vasistha), the next rising King of Suryavansh, the aspiration of Sasenvanshi, Arunika sodara (brother of Arunika), Yuvraj Dwijendra after all. Krishna hoped to see him as a reigning King in the new turn of events.

"Of course. I'm glad too. But Dau is feeling a little weird. I'm sure it will pass with one glass of ginger, peppermint and lemon concoction. I was just going to get that." Krishna said smiling mischievously and left.

A gesture is more than enough for a wise man and Dwijendra was no fool. He immediately told Anandini to serve the concoction to all. And Anandini wasted no moment in complying.

Nakul, Drisana and the priests were the only ones royally ignoring the circus going around. Instead they concentrated on the marriage only. As the preparations were done and the auspicious time started for , the priest told Nakul and Drisana to stand facing north and to take the first step in north-eastern direction.

Drisana looked at Nakul who returned her gaze. Finally they were going to take the seven steps towards their united journey, promising each other nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, affection and lifelong companionship.

Uncooked grains of rice were placed in a line at equal distance at seven places. They were instructed to take seven steps together, stepping upon the mound of rice with the big toe of the right foot as the priest recites mantras. Doing so, they were to complete one round of the holy fire before repeating the process with the other mounds of rice one by one.

Nakul started to lead the way after stepping on the first rice mound and everyone around was throwing rice and flowers on the couple to bless them with a fulfilling and happy married life.

[The first vows are given by Nakul, second one by Drisana and the last was their prayer to Agnidev.]

First step, First vow :

'I promise to provide you and our family with all your basic needs. I take this first step with you for food and nourishment.'

'I promise to safeguard whatever you earn with hard work. I promise to respect your wishes and to nourish you and our family as well.'

'Let us provide for our household, carry out our duties and responsibilities to each other, our families and our tradition.'

Second step, Second vow :

'I promise to help maintaining a well-managed home. Along with purity of behaviour and thought, we will be blessed to be strong, energetic and happy. I take this second step with you for the strength of body, character and being.'

'I promise to manage our home according to my ability and reason. Together, I promise, to keep a home that is healthy; strength and energy giving.'

'Let us stay in good health and develop our mental and spiritual powers.'

Third step, Third vow :

'I promise to devote myself to earning a livelihood by fair means, to discuss, and let you manage and preserve our wealth. I cover this third step with you to thus prosper in our wealth.'

'I promise to join you in managing our income and expenses. I promise to seek your consent, as I manage our wealth, fairly earned, so it grows and sustains our family.'

'Let us increase our wealth and comfort by righteous and proper means'

Fourth step, Fourth vow :

'I promise to trust your decisions about the household and your choices. I promise to dedicate myself to help our community prosper, the matters outside the house. This shall bring us respect. I take this fourth step with you to participate in our world.'

'I promise to strive to make the best home for us, anticipate and provide necessary things for your worldly life, and for the happiness of our family.'

'Let us acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love, respect and trust'

After the fourth round, Drisana went ahead leading the way with Nakul following behind.

[The first vows are Drisana's now and the second one's are of Nakul's.]

Fifth step, fifth vow :

'I promise your parents will be mine too. I promise to fulfil my duties as your wife and to further our lineage by giving you healthy, nobel and virtuous children.'

'I promise to respect your parents as my own. I promise to love and respect you in every possible way. I promise to fulfil my responsibilities as a father to our future children.'

'Let us be blessed with contended family of strong, virtuous and heroic children.'

Sixth step, Sixth vow :

'Feeling one with you, with your consent, I will be the means of your enjoyment of all the senses. Through life's seasons, I will cherish you in my heart. I will worship you and seek to complete you.'

'I seek you and only you, to love, to have children, to raise a family, to experience all the seasons of life. I take this sixth step with you to experience every season of life.'

'Let us remain true companions, committed only to each other.'

Seventh step, Seventh vow :

'Today, I gained you, I secured the highest kind of friendship with you. I will remember the vows we just took and adore you forever sincerely with all my heart.'

'All those are present, by the grace of the all life-sustainer, God, allow us to cover the seventh step together, this promise, our Saptapad-friendship. Please be my constant wife.'

'Let this friendship bind us together, the intentions be of one accord, let the radiance be one and mind get united.'

As the seven sacred steps were completed, the now married couple again took their seats. The concoction seemed to work as all the ruckus had died down slowly during the Saptapadi. Karna and Subhadra had also returned. Subhadra lost consciousness from stress after her emotional episode. But was alright sometime later. Karna on the other hand had buried his inner turmoil deep inside.

In the mandap, Rajguru did the new couple's by sprinkling water on their foreheads. Now it was time for the Chudamani dharan (wearing of the crown). It was a custom followed in royal families which signified the newly wedded bride accepting the responsibilities of being a wife of a Kshatriya Rajkumar and a Kulvadhu of the dynasty.

Rajmata Kunti brought the Chudamani which would adorn Drisana's head forever now. Draupadi was the first one among PandavaPatnis (wives of Pandavs) to be accepted as a Kuru Kulvadhu by wearing Chudamani. As Devika and Yudhisthir's marriage happened while being in incognito exile, this custom wasn't followed in her marriage. She wore one later when Yudhisthir's Yuvraj Abhishek was held.

"Putri, from now on, you're a Kuru Kulvadhu. This Chudamani will give you the prerogative, but also proffer responsibilities. I bless you to always fulfill those responsibilities with dedication and insight." Mata Kunti said to Drisana and signed Nakul to take the Chudamani.

Taking the Chudamani in hand Nakul looked at Drisana whose gaze held his captive remembering.

Yudhisthir just placed Chudamani on Devika's head. It was a small family affair.

"Rajkumar Nakul, why royal women only wears Chudamani after marriage symbolising their marital status and responsibilities? Men should also wear." Drisana said in mischief.

"Chudamani?!!!" Arjun gasped and looked towards Nakul's head. Nakul seemed also at a loss for words.

"Not necessarily. They can wear headband also." Drisana said smirking.

"But that won't show under the crown properly." Draupadi said smiling looking at Arjun's astonished face. "And besides Chudamani is not the symbol of marriage. It's the symbol of responsibilities and vows. A crown is for a queen. And it is a way of honouring the girl who left her dynasty and entered a new one." Draupadi added from beside with a smile.

"And your Chudamani will also symbolise my vows and responsibilities to you with nine gemstones." Nakul muttered to Drisana making her blush.

Nakul hadn't forgotten his words. The Chudamani held nine precious gemstones. Eight emeralds surrounding one ruby. Signifying the nine vows made during the most important rituals of marriage, Kanyādana, Pani Grahan and Saptapadi.

After the placing of Chudamani on Drisana's head, Surya Darshan and Dhruva Darshan, Draupadi brought sweets for . They had shared sweets many times before. But this was the first time they will do it as husband and wife. A feeling of happiness and excitement ran through the both of them.

Drisana looked at the various types of sweets in front of them and took a badam pak. She fed it to Nakul and he did the same taking a coconut laddoo.

"Now the newly married couple, take blessings from your elders." Rajguru said.

Drisana and Nakul moved to take blessings from everyone as holy scriptures were recited by the priests. They took everyone's blessings one by one starting from Rajmata Kunti and Drisana's parents.

"Soubhagyabati bhava, putri. I'm glad that you're now a part of Kuru dynasty and I have faith you'll only contribute to increase its magnificence." Mahamahim Bheesmh said when they came to take his blessings.

"And I have full faith Pitamah, that you will not let any injustice fall upon anyone under this magnificent dynasty and treat everyone according to their competence." Drisana said with folded hands with a smile. Nakul and Mahamahim Bheesmh both looked to think about her words.

They moved to Nakul's brothers and sisters-in-law to take blessings. Yudhisthir and Devika blessed them wholeheartedly. Bheem slapped on Nakul's shoulder so hard, he flinched.

"Bhrata Bheem, aapka toh aashirwad bhi bohot vari hai. (Bhrata Bheem, your blessings are heavy too.)" Nakul said smiling with mischief.

"Drisana ke hat ka vojan ka aanadh jab jab uthayoge, tumhe iski aabasakta parega Anuj. (Whenever you eat Drisana's handmade food, you'll need it brother.)" Bheem muttered to Nakul matching his smile. Nakul gave a nervous smile at Drisana's questioning look.

"Patio ke pankti mein swagat hai tumhara Nakul. Aab tum bhi per se latakna seekh hi lo. (Welcome to the husbands row brother. Now you should also learn to dangle from trees.)" Arjun said smiling and giving a side glance to Draupadi who gave a quick glare to him.

Sahdev hugged Nakul and congratulated them.

Then they moved to Drisana's brothers. Dwijendra blessed them caressing Drisana's head and Anandini embraced Drisana. Dheemant had a sad smile on face while blessing them. Himani & Poornima had unshed tears while hugging her. Dhritimat and Subhaprada blessed them with smiles, so did Devyajot and Priyala.

Dhikshit, Dridhaksh and Daiwik mirrored emotions varying from sadness, happiness to pride.

"Soubhagyabati bhava. Are you ready for the new journey, behna?" Krishna asked smiling at Drisana.

"I just got married bhrata Krishna. Let me enjoy marital bliss for sometimes before you get me to work?" Drisana said in English confusing both Nakul and Balaram.