Scene: Antaḥpura – The Emperor's Private Chamber
Skand (startled and panicking):"No, no, Samrat! How can I ever say 'no' to someone as great as you?I only ask for some time…My family is still unstable, and I must take care of them first.Plus, I gave Suvana my word—I am to marry his daughter.Please grant me a little time. I'm sure Your Majesty, the embodiment of wisdom, will understand."
Samrat Ashoka (smiling gently):"Ah... so you do know how to keep your emperor pleased.Go. You may have a little time.But remember—when I call you...You must come."
Skand (relieved and overjoyed):"Thank you, Samrat!Victory to the Great Ashoka!Victory to the Great Ashoka!"
Scene: Skand's Home
Skand (collapsing on a bed, exhausted):"Hah! That was a narrow escape!"
Utkarsh:"When I heard you were summoned by Emperor Ashoka... I was terrified!"
Skand (laughing nervously):"What's there to be scared of?"
Utkarsh (serious tone):"Terrified? How can we not be?Ashoka's mood changes like the sky—You never know when the sun will turn into a storm."
Skand (smiling):"But I'm still alive. That's a good sign, isn't it?Don't worry, I'll handle it."
Scene: Next Day – Outside Skands Haveli
A small farewell crowd had gathered.
Gaurav and his father were leaving for Indraprastha to expand their business.
Skand (hugging Gaurav):"Take care of yourself... and Divya, too."
Gaurav:"You worry too much. I'll be fine."
Divya (smiling):"Of course he'll be fine—I'm with him."
Skand:"I'll miss you both.Be sure to prepare everything before I arrive."
Gaurav:"Why don't you come with us now?"
Skand:"Forgive me, my friend. I still have unfinished business here.Once it's done, I'll personally come to Indraprastha."
Gaurav, Divya, and their father depart on their journey.
Scene: Suvana's Home
Suvana (sighing in relief):"Hah! After so many days of effort…Looks like I can finally get some rest."
Just then, his daughter entered.
Draupadi (teasingly):"Tired already, Father?Then imagine how exhausted Skand must be!"
Suvana:"Oh-ho! Already defending your husband before marriage?You've become someone else's already!"
Draupadi (pretending to be angry):"Father! What are you saying? If you talk like this, I'll be mad at you!"
Suvana (laughing):"Alright, alright! My dear daughter, I was only joking.Forgive your poor old father!"
Draupadi (playfully):"You don't need to ask forgiveness.But I was wondering…How did Skand manage to convince the Empress to help him?"
Suvana:"Only Skand can answer that.Why don't you ask him tomorrow when you meet him?"
Draupadi (thinking excitedly):"Yes… tomorrow, I'll see for myself what makes Skand so special.How did he manage to influence the Empress?How did he defeat your greatest rival—the one even you couldn't beat?I'm really excited for tomorrow!"
To Be Continued…