Rashmi Rathi

3. Pandu's curse

A five year old boy was standing in front of a mango tree, holding a small bow and an arrow in his hands, his ears were adorned with shining kundals, he was wearing normal everyday clothing but his aura was similar to that of a prince. He set the arrow and pulled the bow string aiming at the target i.e a bunch of green sour mangoes hanging on the tree, confident about his strike, he released it and cut the branch holding the mangoes.

He quickly dropped the bow and ran foreward to catch the mangoes before they fall, he leaped foreward, stretched his hands and caught them just before they could fall, rolling down and hurting his elbow in process but he didn't care about it. He immediately hid his bow and arrows, then ran back towards his home.

At home, sat 4 months pregnant Radha preparing kheer for her eldest child, Vasusen. He was blessing for the couple whose wish for their own child was also fulfilled after his arrival.

Karn :- Radha maa, Radha maa...

She immediately turned around hearing her son's words. Karn entered carrying three mangoes in his small hands.

Karn :- Radha maa, now you don't need to be angry on pitashree, I bought you sour mangoes.

Radha chuckled at her son's antics and embraced him in a hug. She noticed his wounded elbow and got tensed.

Radha :- Putra, what happened to you, see how badly you've hurt yourself, come with me immediately.

She then washed his wound, applied herbs and tied it with a piece of cloth.

Karn :- Maa, you don't need to worry this much, I am perfectly fine.

Radha :- Putra, a mother's heart will always protect her son from all kinds of wounds, no matter how small it is.

Adhirath :- Will this lonely person get some attention admist the mother son duo.

Karn :- Pitashree !

He ran and hugged his father.

Radha :- Arya, you are again late for the breakfast.

Adhirath :- Oh please not again, you know how punctual Mahamahim Bhisma is, he dosen't tolerate any misbehaving.

Radha :- Ok both of you wash your hands and feet, I will serve you.

Karn :- Mata I will also help you.

Radha :- ( smiles ) Putra, first wash your hands then help.

He goes out with his father excitedly.

At the palace, the couple was happily welcomed by the royal family. Pandu and Kunti touched Bhisma's feet.

Bhisma :- Kalyan ho Putra, saubhagyavati bhava putri.

One by one all blessed the couple, later Pandu was crowned the king. Public was very happy to get a wise ruler.

But happiness dosen't stays for long. Soon they got the news that Madra was attacked and it seeks the help of Hastinapur.

Bhisma wanted to go but after Dhritarashtra's reassurance, Pandu agrees to go and participate in the war. Kunti was a little sad that it was only the second day of their marriage and her husband was going on a war, she reluctantly did his tilak and he left.

The war went on for a couple weeks and eventually Madra won.

Everyone was happy at the victory of the king and were at gates to welcome him, but what Kunti saw broke her heart. Pandu was coming with a beautiful princess, both had garlands around their necks.

She immediately went inside. Pandu explains whole senerio to everyone.

Kunti finally agrees and mends her relation with Madri. Bhisma still feels some tension between the two and sends them on a trip to forest.

All three set towards the destination to roam around and chat.

A few hours pass without any trouble, the three were chatting and enjoying the environment when Madri saw a deer which was different than others.

Madri :- Arya, have a look at that deer.

Kunti :- Never I have seen such beauty, it is different.

Madri :- Arya, I want the skin of that deer, please arya.

Pandu :- Ok ok I am going but you both be here and safe.

Pandu ran behind the deer till it stopped behind a bush. He smirked and shot an arrow in the direction, but instead heard a loud scream of a couple.

He ran in the direction and found maharishi Kindram with his wife, the arrow priced the chest of maharishi's wife.

Pandu :- Maharishi I am really sorry, I was aiming on the deer but the arrow struck your wife by mistake.

Kindram :- Mistake, you call it a mistake Maharaj, you killed my wife.

Pandu :- I am really sorry maharishi.

Kindram :- Sorry, I ain't going to accept it, I maharishi Kindram curse you that if you will try to make love with your wife or any other woman in your lifetime, you will die the very instant.

After that he too ends his life and Pandu returns heartbroken.

Kunti and Madri try to ask him questions but he stays quiet and the trio set off to Hastinapur.