The sun rose gently over Vrindavan, its golden light kissing the tops of the banyan trees and bathing the village in a divine calm. Birds sang melodies that felt older than time, and the cool wind whispered secrets only saints could understand.
In the courtyard of Vasumati's modest home, laughter echoed once more.
Aryan sat cross-legged with his sister beside him, a warm blanket wrapped around their shoulders. Karna leaned against the low wall, sharpening his blade out of habit, though his eyes were calm—rested for once.
"You know," Aryan said, glancing at his sister, "in Kalyug, I didn't even know what a sister's hug felt like. I had no family left…"
She tightened her arms around him.
"Then I'll hug you for every day you lost," she whispered. "For every second you were alone."
Vasumati, standing nearby with a tray of warm rotis and butter, paused as her eyes welled up. She placed the tray down and knelt beside them.
"Beta… I used to stare at the stars and wonder where you were, if you were cold, if you were crying." Her voice trembled. "But I didn't know… you were dying and being born again."
Aryan reached out, pulling both of them into his arms.
"Now I'm here. And I won't let this bond ever break again. This is my real treasure—not the kingdom, not the power… just this."
---
Later that morning, under the huge banyan tree that stood like a guardian in the village center, Aryan began preparing breakfast for everyone. Today, he was not just a warrior or chosen rebirth—he was a brother, a son, and a cook with divine hands.
As the fire crackled and the spices sizzled in the ghee, villagers gathered around, following the aroma. Aryan stirred the thick paneer khadai slowly, adding a finishing swirl of cream.
From behind him, a tiny giggle erupted.
"Makkhan-cheeni?"
It was Krishna, bare-chested and butter-smeared, holding his doll-like tricycle proudly.
"Not today," Aryan smiled. "Today we eat paneer khadai and daal makhani. Tell me if it's good, okay?"
Krishna nodded solemnly, as if being appointed royal food taster.
Radha ran in behind him, excited. "I brought mango leaves for serving!"
Karna chuckled as he helped Aryan arrange the leaves like plates. "You've created a kitchen in paradise, little brother. But last night's daal makhani…" He raised his finger dramatically, "…was divine. But this—this paneer—" he sniffed again, "It smells like it's been blessed by Annapurna Devi herself!"
"Don't exaggerate," Aryan laughed, handing him a steaming bowl.
"I don't exaggerate when I'm hungry," Karna replied, immediately diving in.
---
As the children of Vrindavan gathered and sat in neat rows, Aryan served each of them with care, his mother and sister helping alongside him. His foster parents, Radha Maa and Adhirat Pitashree, had arrived from Hastinapur after hearing word of his divine feast. Their eyes lit up with pride.
Radha Maa hugged Aryan tightly.
"You were always special, but this… feeding the whole village with your heart in every bite… I can't even describe the joy I feel."
"He was born to nourish," Adhirat added. "First souls, now bellies."
Aryan blushed.
"I just want to make people smile when they eat. That's what I used to do at home. I'd cook daal makhani for Radha Maa and Pitashree every full moon. And now… I do it here too."
---
Krishna took his first bite of the paneer and his eyes widened.
"Mmmm!" he cried, bouncing in place.
Radha giggled. "Krishna likes it more than butter today!"
Aryan bent low beside him. "That's the biggest compliment I've ever received."
The whole courtyard was filled with warmth, not just from the food but from something greater—a divine unity. Even the leaves rustled above, as if the trees themselves wished to join the feast.
---
From a nearby rooftop, Bhishma Pitamah, who had silently arrived earlier with guards from Hastinapur, observed the scene.
He whispered to himself, "He is not just a warrior. He is a king in spirit already. To serve is greater than to rule…"
Meanwhile, hidden behind a tree, Guru Drona and Ashwatthama watched too. Ashwatthama's jaw tightened.
"Why does he shine like this, father?"
Drona responded quietly, almost unwilling to admit it. "Because he does not shine for himself. That… is true greatness."
---
As the meal ended, the children broke into games. Krishna played with the tricycle again, while Karna sat with Adhirat, telling him of the upcoming trip to Guru Parshuram.
Radha Maa leaned into Vasumati.
"You raised a golden-hearted prince, Vasumati."
Vasumati smiled through her tears. "No… the gods did. I only prayed he'd live to fulfill it."
---
That night, as fireflies blinked under the neem tree and the moonlit pond shimmered, Aryan sat alone with Karna.
"Are you ready for what lies ahead?" Aryan asked.
"Yes," Karna nodded. "But I'll miss this peace… this family. You've given me more than my blood ever did."
Aryan smiled. "Then let's carry this peace in our hearts wherever we go."
The two brothers clinked their clay cups of warm milk and stared into the stars.
Far above, Shiv Ji and Parvati Ji watched from Kailash.
Parvati whispered, "He doesn't even ask for anything for himself."
Shiv smiled, "Which is why we gave him everything—heart, power, and love."
---
> SYSTEM NOTIFICATION – FEAST OF UNITY COMPLETE Bond Strength: All Allies Increased Cooking Skill Increased (Paneer Khadai now registered as Divine Dish) Moral Resonance: +2000
Aryan looked toward the east.
"Tomorrow," he whispered, "we head to Parshuram. But tonight… I am home."