Chapter 87: The Trials of Desire and Destiny
The sun rose gently over Mahishmati, its golden light spreading across the glistening marble of the palace and the sacred courtyards. Birds chirped melodies that seemed to echo the excitement and tension hanging in the air. The previous day's intense Sabha session still echoed in everyone's mind — Rudra's silence, Duryodhan's plea, Dushala's flustered resolve.
The royal guest chambers were buzzing. Servants moved gracefully, preparing herbal waters, sacred oils, and traditional attires for the noble guests. In a room facing the eastern gardens, Yudhishthir stood in meditation while Arjun sat quietly, polishing his bow by touch. Sahadev was reading scrolls of war theory, and Duryodhan sat cross-legged, eyes closed, practicing breathing techniques taught to him by his brother.
In another chamber, Dushala braided her hair tightly, a look of seriousness across her face. Subhadra stood behind her, arms crossed.
"You really meant it?" Subhadra asked.
Dushala nodded. "Yes. I will become strong. Like didi Ishita."
Subhadra's eyes lit up with a competitive glint. "Then so will I. Bhaiya always says I'm stubborn. Let's see if didi can handle me."
---
By the time the sun stood overhead, the training arena of Mahishmati—also called the Agni Shikshan Bhoomi—was filled with onlookers. Not just the Kauravas and Pandavas, but Subhadra, Krishna, Veer, Vijay Raj, Ishita, Sumitra, Arun, Varun, Dhoomketu, and even Bhoomi Sena warriors had gathered.
Rudra entered quietly, dressed in plain white with a thin saffron cloth over his shoulder. He stood tall, calm, and unreadable. Krishna, standing nearby with Subhadra, gave a knowing smile.
"This is it, Bhaiya," he whispered. "Let's see what fate unfolds today."
Rudra nodded once and then raised his voice. "Today, each seeker will face their trial. Not of muscle, not of blood, but of soul. Dharma is not upheld by strength alone. True warriors are forged in the furnace of their own fears, doubts, and desires."
A hush fell.
Rudra came infront of Kuru Princes— raised his hands, Prana energy gathered, then with Rudra's mantra it shattered and the scattered fragments sank into the bodies of Kuru Princes
---
Duryodhan's Trial:
He stepped forward, chest firm but eyes uncertain.
Rudra raised his hand, and the world around Duryodhan twisted. Through divine Maya, he was transported to a dreamscape.
There, he stood alone in a battlefield, surrounded by shadows of countless warriors. His mace was gone. His arms weak. The warriors laughed.
"You are not worthy. A king's son, yet no king. You've always been second. Always insecure."
Duryodhan fell to his knees.
He don't know why but their words affected him more than he thought, he tried to fight with them but due to his weak constitution he can't...
They started mocking him even more & started beating him too.
At some point Duryodhan even accepted the beating, accepted his destiny, He don't know this was the trial, Ridra has temporarily erased his memory of it....
Duryodhan was thinking of giving up then suddenly...
"After we kill you your family and brothers will also be helpless, we will enjoy torturing them hehehehhehehe" One of the man said this.
"Yes what will Dusha do, what will my brothers do after i die, I promised to protect them how can i die here, even if I die.... I WILL TAKE YOU ALL WITH ME"
AAAHHHHH!!!!
With a loud Roar Duryodhan stood up again
Then, in the far distance, he saw a single torch burning. He ran towards it.
The flame whispered, "You do not need the approval of shadows. Pick up your power and Rise."
He stood. The mace appeared from earth. His body roared with Prana. He fought—not the warriors, but the voice in his own heart that told him he was never enough.
He emerged from the trial, gasping, drenched in sweat.
Rudra smiled faintly. "Accepted. From this day, my father Suresh Pratap shall guide you."
Duryodhan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Maharaj."
---
Kauravas' Trials:
The remaining 99 brothers were divided into three groups. Each group underwent a collective maya trial crafted uniquely.
First Group: Faced a storm where their unity was tested. One by one, they were tempted with offers of personal power. Only by holding each other's hands through lightning and wind did they pass.
After passing Rudra assigned them to Varun for further training
Second Group: Were faced with illusions of their deepest fears—being forgotten, being lesser, being shadows. They broke the illusion by writing their own names in fire using Prana Urja.
They were assigned to Arun.
Third Group: Were trapped in a maze of mirrors, each showing a distorted self. They learned to break the illusions only when they began to help others escape first.
the final group was assigned to Dhoomketu.
All kauravas passed, their bodies trembling but spirits stronger.
---
Dushala's Trial:
Dushala stood before Rudra, her lips trembling.
Rudra asked, "What do you seek, princess of Hastinapur?"
She took a breath. "Strength. Like didi Ishita."
Rudra frowned. "Louder."
"I want to become stronger!"
He nodded, and her trial began.
She found herself in a lavish courtroom. All around her were nobles mocking her. "A woman in weapons? A disgrace!"
She ran. The corridors shifted. Her royal dress transformed into battle attire. She saw Ishita fighting shadows ahead and tried to follow but was stopped by a wall.
Only when she screamed, "I decide what I become!" did the wall shatter.
She emerged with silent tears in her eyes.
Ishita nodded proudly. "I will train her."
---
Subhadra's Turn:
She pouted. "You'll test everyone but me? Not fair. I want my trial too!"
Krishna chuckled. "Bhaiya, this one won't leave until she breaks something."
Rudra sighed with amused fondness. "So be it."
Subhadra entered a palace where she was locked in a tower. Every luxury surrounded her. Dresses, music, sweets. The catch? No door to leave. She would have to accept this comfortable life of stillness.
At first, she enjoyed it.
Then she screamed. Days passed. Or hours. Finally, she tied bedsheets, used utensils to make a rope, and broke a window. She leaped out, injuring herself.
She limped through the exit.
Rudra raised a brow. "Accepted. Ishita, you have two disciples now."
Ishita groaned. "Bhaiya... give me strength."
Everyone laughed.
---
Yudhishthir's Trial:
The Dharma-putra was calm but his heart heavy. He was brought into a golden hall filled with judges.
A voice declared: "What is Dharma? Speak, Prince of Dharma."
Yudhishthir gave perfect answers. Yet with each answer, he was rejected.
He began to question himself.
Then a blind man approached. "I have stolen bread. Punish me."
Yudhishthir said, "Why did you steal?"
"My child was hungry."
He was torn. Justice or compassion?
He finally said, "Sometimes Dharma lies not in law, but in mercy."
The trial vanished.
Rudra spoke softly. "You shall learn the spear and Dharma under me"
Yudhishthir bowed, tears in his eyes.
Others were also surprised that Rudra has accepted a disciple again...
---
Sahadev's Trial:
He was brought to a field of corpses....of his brothers. Voices echoed.
"You knew this would happen. Why didn't you speak? Why do you always stay silent?"
He saw himself sitting still while kingdoms burned.
Then a child asked, "Will you teach me how to stop the fire?"
Sahadev finally opened his mouth. "Yes."
The child smiled. The field bloomed.
He returned from the maya.
Rudra said, "Grandpa will train you in strategy and the axe."
---
And now…
Arjun's Trial:
Rudra's voice deepened. "You shall face a trial not of power, but of surrender."
Arjun was brought to a dark forest.
He heard voices: Krishna dying, A woman weeping, Kunti cursing him. All illusions. He saw Karna defeating him again and again.
His bow broke. His arrows vanished.
He screamed, "I have nothing left!"
Then a soft voice: "Do you still fight, Dhananjaya?"
He stood with bare hands. "Even if I fall… I will rise. Again. And again."
He walked forward with broken limbs. The illusion cracked.
He emerged, collapsing to his knees.
Krishna placed a hand on his shoulder. "This one… is ready."
Rudra gave him a nod
Thanks for the support dear Readers Your Finger_God is here again with his chapter...
Please Show me your response, comment more and more with votes and there will be BONUS CHAPTER today
---
To be Continued.....