The Maha Shivaratri festivities at the Mahadev Mandir stretched into the early hours, the courtyard alive with revelry under the starlit sky. Following the thrilling kabaddi match, Bahubali kept the momentum soaring, organizing three more games for the Kaurava princes. In the first, a relay race saw teams led by Yuyutsu and Chitrasena dashing through an obstacle course of ropes and barrels, the crowd roaring as Yuyutsu tripped but scrambled to victory, earning cheers of "Jai Yuyutsu!"
The second was a mock chariot race, with Durmukha and Vikata steering wooden carts pulled by their brothers, dodging hay bales to the crowd's laughter.
The third, a blindfolded treasure hunt, had the Kauravas groping for hidden brass tokens, Dushasana's loud boasts turning to chuckles as he stumbled into a flower mound.
Bahubali then called for performances, inviting Kauravas skilled in the arts. Vivinsati, known for his grace, led a group in a warrior-inspired dance, their synchronized steps mimicking Shiva's tandava, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Another brother, proficient with the sitar, played a soulful raga, its notes weaving through the night air, while two others sang a bhajan to Parvati, their voices harmonizing to cheers of "Har Har Mahadev!"
The crowd joined, clapping and swaying, as Dushala whispered to Bhanumati, "Bahu's games make my brothers shine like never before!"
As dawn approached, pandits took the stage, their voices resonant with tales of Maha Shivaratri's significance—Shiva's marriage to Parvati, His cosmic dance—and stories from the Puranas, like the churning of the ocean and Shiva's swallowing of the halahala poison.
The prajas listened, rapt, their devotion deepening. The festivities wound down with the first light, the crowd dispersing with prasad, their hearts full of Mahadev's grace.
The next morning, the royals returned to the palace, weary but joyful, to prepare for daily duties. Visiting kings—except Karna of Anga and the Kalinga Naresh—departed for their kingdoms, their chariots laden with gifts of Magadha's silks and sweets, thanking Bahubali for the celebration.
After morning prayers in the palace shrine, where the family offered milk and bilva leaves to a small Shiv Ling, they gathered for a breakfast of puris, spiced chickpeas, and mango lassi, the mood light with shared laughter over the previous night's antics.
Post-breakfast, Bahubali invited the Kauravas for a tour of Rajgir. "Suyodhana, brothers, Karna, come—let's visit Magadha's heart, its markets, gurukuls, and forges. A kingdom lives in its people's work."
Duryodhana, eager, clapped his shoulder. "Bahu, lead on! Let's see what makes Magadha thrive under your rule."
The group—Bahubali, Duryodhana, Dushasana, Vikarna, other Kauravas, and Karna—set out in open chariots, waving to cheering citizens.
In the bustling market, vendors offered them fresh jaggery and woven baskets, praising Dushala's kindness.
At the gurukul, children of all castes recited shlokas, their teacher bowing to Bahubali. The Ayurveda Shala showcased healers crafting herbal remedies. At the armory, blacksmiths hammered swords and shields, Bahubali explaining, "These forges craft weapons for defense, not conquest, ensuring our people's safety."
After a palace lunch of saffron rice and spiced lamb, the group rested briefly, then headed to the training grounds. Bahubali and Duryodhana paired for *mal yudh* (wrestling), their muscles straining in the sand arena.
Bahubali, guiding, advised, "Suyodhana, lower your stance—use your weight to anchor, not overpower."
Duryodhana, sweating, grins and nods. Meanwhile, Karna and Vikarna practiced archery, their arrows splitting targets. Karna coached, "Vikarna, relax your shoulder—let the bow sing." Vikarna nodded.
Bahubali then sparred with the Kauravas, wielding spear, sword, and axe, offering pointers. To Dushasana with a spear, he said, "Thrust from the core, not the arm—feel the balance." To Yuyutsu with a sword, "Keep your guard high—anticipate, don't react." Each brother soaked in his advice, their skills sharpening under his guidance.
As evening fell, they returned to the palace, dusty but exhilarated. At the entrance, Bhanumati awaited, radiant in a green sari, holding a silver thali piled with laddus. She approached Bahubali, her smile wide, and fed him a laddu with her hands. "Bhaiya, a sweet for a special moment!" Bahubali, surprised, raised an eyebrow. "Behna, what's the occasion for this sweet sharing? Your smile hints at mischief!"
Bhanumati's eyes sparkled, her voice warm. "Bhaiya, congratulations—you're going to be a father soon! I wanted to be the first to share the news, so I waited here for you!"
Bahubali's face lit with joy, his heart soaring. "Behna, this is the sweetest gift! Thank you for delivering such news!" He took a laddu and fed it to her. "You have my word, Bhanumati—whatever you desire in the future, this brother will fulfill it." She smiled, bowing. "Thank you, Bhaiya—your love is enough."
Bahubali turned to Duryodhana, offering him a laddu. "Suyodhana, congratulations—you'll be a mama soon!"
Duryodhana laughed heartily, eating the sweet. "Bahu, I've been waiting for this moment! My sister's joy is Hastinapur's pride!" Bahubali fed laddus to Karna and the Kauravas, their laughter echoing as they made their way to Dushala's chambers.
Inside, Gandhari, Dhritarashtra, and Shakuni sat with Dushala, who lay on a cushioned divan, her face glowing despite her slight fatigue. Physicians had just checked her, confirming her pregnancy.
As Bahubali, Karna, and the Kauravas entered, Dushala blushed, her eyes meeting Bahubali's with shy joy. He knelt beside her, his voice tender. "Dushala, how are you feeling? This news fills my heart."
Dushala smiled, her voice soft. "Bahu, I'm well, just resting as Mata advised. Our child will carry your strength and dharma—I feel Mahadev's blessings."
Gandhari, her veiled face warm, said, "Bahu, congratulations—your child will unite our houses further."
Dhritarashtra boomed, "A Magadha heir! This calls for celebration!"
Shakuni, slyly, added, "A child blessed by Mahadev's temple—destined for greatness."
Bahubali, beaming, called a nearby servant. "Spread the word in Rajgir—Magadha's queen is with child! Distribute sweets to every household and prepare a lavish feast tonight for all in the palace!" The servant bowed, rushing to begin preparations.
The chambers filled with joy, the Kauravas teasing Dushala, "Our little sister, a mother!" while Karna clapped Bahubali's shoulder, "Mitra, your legacy grows!" The evening promised a feast of celebration, Magadha's heart swelling with pride for its king, queen, and their unborn heir.
A/n Suggest the name for the child in comments