Author's Note:
Hi! Sorry to interrupt, but let me clear up a few things.
From now on, the story will be told from Arjun's POV rather than Parth's.
Also, if you'd like me to focus more on a specific bond or relationship, feel free to let me know!
Enjoy the chapter!
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Arjun's POV:
We reached the gurukul sooner than I expected.
As soon as I entered, I noticed a few dirty looks thrown my way.
They were most likely from the Kauravas—the hatred on their faces was pretty obvious.
I'll have to avoid them for now—at least until I can remember all one hundred of them...
I can't afford to get into any trouble right now.
Nakul led me into a room where three boys were sitting on the floor, looking tense.
They had to be my brothers.
The legendary bond between the Pandavas isn't unknown to me.
One of them resembled Nakul—he must be Sahadev, the youngest.
Another one was tall and well-built. Without a doubt, he was Bhrata Bheem.
He stood up and pulled me into a tight hug.
I could barely breathe. But I guess I'll have to get used to this kind of affection.
> "Where were you last night? We were really worried. If you ever do this again... at least take me with you."
> "Bheem, don't encourage him. But Arjun, you're still young—you should've told me before going anywhere. Are you okay?"
This level of care and authority—it had to be Jyesth, my eldest brother, Yudhisthir.
> "Jyesth, there won't be a second time. I'm sorry for worrying you all."
> "It's okay, Arjun," he replied with a calm smile.
> "I thought you forgot your identity, Bhrata. Maybe Bheem's hug helped jog your memory," Nakul teased with a smirk.
I shot him a glare, but couldn't help smiling a little.
> "We should head out now. Guru Drona is going to teach us more sword-fighting techniques today. We can't keep him waiting," Sahadev reminded us.
We all got up and left. But I didn't fail to notice Sahadev's suspicious glances in my direction.
I'll have to be careful around him until I adjust to all this.
Nakul, on the other hand, seemed more easygoing and playful.
I might be able to get some useful information out of him.
As soon as we reached the training ground, Guru Drona gave me a warm, proud smile.
No doubt—Arjun was his favorite student.
But that only made my anxiety worse.
I was about to face a huge problem:
I didn't know the first thing about weapons.
Archery? Swordsmanship? Completely clueless.
Nakul went first. He moved with skill and grace, practically flexing his abilities.
Guru Drona praised him. Some of my cousins rolled their eyes at his display.
Still, I felt proud.
My other brothers and even some of the Kauravas performed decently.
Then it was my turn.
I looked around, trying to act natural. Guru Dronacharya handed me a sword, though he looked slightly confused.
I accepted it awkwardly.
My opponent was one of the Kauravas.
The goal was simple: disarm the opponent. No injuries allowed.
The match began.
I dodged. That's all I could do. I had no idea how to even hold the sword properly.
> "STOP! What are you doing, Arjun? Have you forgotten how to fight with a sword?"
The Kauravas burst out laughing.
> "That's your best student, Gurudev?" one of them sneered.
> "Shut up, Duryodhana! You don't get to mock my brother!" Bheem snapped.
I felt humiliated. If I could, I would've asked the ground to swallow me whole.
> "Enough! All of you, be quiet," Guru Drona said firmly.
"Don't forget I'm still present here."
Then he turned to me:
> "Arjun, you've been distracted since the beginning of class.
Try focusing on your opponent—his sword, his movements.
Forget everything else. Let your mind clear and your body move on its own.
The skill is in you, Arjun. Let it come back."
I took a deep breath.
I cleared my mind.
I focused.
And slowly... something clicked. My body began to move instinctively.
Muscle memory.
Before long, my opponent's sword hit the ground.
My brothers cheered behind me.
But I didn't feel triumphant.
Instead, I felt ashamed that I had been so lost.
I wanted more. I wanted to be better.
I wanted to be Arjun.
> "From now on, I'll work harder than ever."
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