The sun rose lazily over Hastinapur, casting warm hues across the village nestled near the palace walls. In a modest but warm hut, the aroma of spices drifted out from the small kitchen where Aryan stood on a stool, stirring a pot with intense focus. His cheeks were flushed with effort, his hands skillful despite his young age.
> SYSTEM ALERT – Cooking Skill Activated Multiplier: 1000x (Divine Enhancement Active) Result: Demi-God Level Cooking
Aryan had no idea that the daal makhani he was preparing would transcend the realm of ordinary meals. It was something he had been quietly experimenting with for weeks. Using the freshest black lentils, slow-cooked overnight with cream, butter, and his own blend of herbs and spices, he crafted the dish with love and purpose. He remembered Radha Ma's tired eyes, the way she smiled when she ate something warm and comforting. And Pitashree Adhirath, always working hard in the royal stables—this dish was for them.
"Bhaiya! What are you making?" Karna peeked in through the open doorway, sniffing the air eagerly.
"Daal Makani! A special recipe I made for Ma Radha and Pitashree. Today, everyone will taste it!" Aryan said proudly, puffing his chest out shamelessly.
The creamy aroma drifted through the lanes of the village and into the palace, stirring curiosity in everyone who caught a whiff. Duhsala and her friends were the first to arrive, dragging their brothers—Duryodhan, the Pandavas, and Karna—along with them.
Gandhari came shortly after, having heard the laughter of children and the whispers of nobles who were intrigued by the boy who cooked with divine skill. Kunti followed, quiet as ever, her eyes drifting constantly toward Karna.
Mats were laid out under the trees in the courtyard. As everyone settled down, Aryan served each person with care.
Gandhari smiled as she accepted a bowl. "You truly remind me of my dearest friend Vasumati. She could charm the stars down from the heavens with her warmth. And just like you, she fed others before herself."
Kunti nodded softly, speaking for the first time. "There is more power in a meal made with love than in the sharpest of blades. You have a rare gift, child."
Aryan grinned. "Today, we eat as a family. Not just royals, not just villagers. One family."
Just then, an old sage approached the gathering. He wore simple robes, his aura calm but commanding. Beside him were two graceful women, one with long golden hair and another with kind eyes. Their appearance made heads turn.
Gandhari and Kunti stood up respectfully. "Pranam, Maharishi," they said together.
The sage smiled gently. "May I join this feast, prepared with such love?"
Aryan stepped forward quickly. "Please! I made this to share with everyone who brings warmth into this world."
The sage sat, and Aryan served him first. He tasted it and paused, eyes closing as he savored the flavor.
**"This," he said slowly, "is not just food. This is devotion given form."
Everyone fell silent.
Karna, moved by something he couldn't explain, knelt down. "Please, let me wash your feet, Maharishi."
He fetched water in a copper vessel and gently poured it over the sage's feet. Then, taking off his own shawl, he dried them with care. The two women beside the sage looked on, their eyes glistening with quiet emotion.
The sage then placed a hand on Karna's head.
"You are humble, yet noble. Brave, yet kind. For your service and character, I bless you with a divine chariot drawn by five horses. This chariot will take you to any corner of this world in the blink of an eye. May it serve you in times of need."
Gasps echoed among the children and nobles alike.
Before the awe could settle, the sage turned to Aryan.
"And you, child, for the heart with which you cook and serve, for asking nothing yet giving so much, I grant you one boon. Ask, and it shall be done."
Aryan bowed, placing his hands together. "Please protect Ma Radha and Pitashree Adhirath. Keep them safe from harm. That is my only wish."
The silence that followed was heavy with emotion.
Radha broke into tears. "Why would you ask that for us, child? You could have asked for gold, for strength, for anything."
Aryan smiled. "Because you are my world. If you are safe, I am strong."
Adhirath placed a hand on his shoulder. "We are proud of you, son. More than words can say."
Gandhari, deeply moved, stepped forward. "A heart like yours is rarer than any jewel in Hastinapur. May the gods always walk with you."
Kunti whispered, barely audible, "He chooses love even when offered greatness... truly, his path is divine."
Even the Pandavas and Kauravas were struck speechless. Duryodhan looked at Aryan with something close to reverence.
From afar, the sage and the two women shared a knowing glance. Without another word, they blessed the children and departed as quietly as they had arrived.
Up in Kailash, Mahadev and Parvati watched in silence.
Mahadev smiled. "This child walks the path of Dharma without knowing it."
Parvati touched her fingers to her lips. "He brings joy to others without seeking any in return. That is the purest form of Seva."
As twilight settled, the courtyard shimmered with lantern light. Aryan sat beside Karna, both of them watching the stars wink into view.
**"Bhaiya," Aryan said, softly, "do you think food can make people happy forever?"
Karna grinned. "If you keep cooking like this, then yes. Especially your daal makhani."
They laughed together under the moonlight, unaware that destiny itself had paused for a moment—smiling at the boys who chose love over power.
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> SYSTEM ALERT – ARYAN New Boon Gained: Divine Protection (Radha & Adhirath - Permanent Buff) Honor Increased: +800 Status: Recognized by Divine Beings
The wheel of fate turned again, and this time, it spun with a song of warmth, love, and lentils cooked in divine fire.