When the Heavens Descended on Earth: Misters Kuru | EXCERPT

The women had the adventure of a lifetime in Ms. Draupadi Kuru: After the Pandavas, and Trisha Das returns with the sequel to the acclaimed novel to ensure that the men from the Mahabharata, Yudhistra, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, give them a run for their money. Read an excerpt!

‘I think we should be reborn!’

Arjuna frowned. ‘What?’

She sat on the edge of her bed and continued in an excited voice, ‘We should be reborn as mortals! Think about it, my love. We could be farmers who live off the land, or travelling merchants who see the world, or maybe even gypsies!’

‘Er… that’s not how rebirth works anymore, Subhadra. Remember the announcement before the start of the Kalyug? You can’t choose who you are or where you’re born, and you certainly cannot choose your mortal companions. We talked about this,’ said Arjuna, valiantly trying not to talk to her as if she were a child even while knowing he was failing miserably. The rules had been different for a while now.

Only the truly enlightened could walk past heaven’s silvery gates and become immortal now. The rest of mortal-kind was doomed to an endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth until the gods decided to destroy the earth and everyone on it. Although it was pretty clear, despite constantly threatening to do so, that they weren’t in any hurry.

Subhadra waved her hands dismissively. ‘Yes, I know we discussed it, but it turns out the rules are flexible. After all, your other wife and your mother have both done it.’

Arjuna blinked. ‘What?’

She nodded. ‘Draupadi, Kunti and that lady who stood in your chariot during the Great War, Amba or Sikandi or whatever they called her back then, are all ensconced in the mortal world right now. I heard it on the grapevine. Apparently, my brother, Krishna, allowed them to visit the mortal world for thirty days and they decided to stay! Isn’t that marvellous?’

Not in the least. ‘That’s not possible,’ he replied, shaking his head.

Subhadra’s lips twitched and her eyes twinkled. ‘Have you seen Draupadi in court lately, my love?’

Arjuna stilled. He hadn’t, not for at least a year. It was unusual, but he’d put it down to one of her antics—Draupadi periodically stayed away from court, trying to organize female tribunals or protests or some such thing. And his mother had become a bit of a recluse lately. Could it be true? No, they wouldn’t have taken such a huge step without consulting him. Without consulting Yudhishtra.

‘That’s not possible,’ he repeated, with more bravado than confidence.

‘It’s true. They really went down there. And we can do it too!’ Subhadra squeaked. ‘Imagine looking up at the night sky again. The warmth of a gypsy fire.’

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