NOVEL NEXT Chapter 77 77. Drona
"Krip, Ashwatthama, I am back."
It's been a while but Ashwatthama reluctant to finish the milk, and Kripi knows that her brother should be waiting for her outside still seating beside Ashwatthama as she didn't wanted to miss even an second of joy on his face as She has no idea when she again gets to see it.
At this moment a voice comes from outside their hut taking away the attention of both of them towards the door, Ashwatthama quickly stands up putting down an unfinished cup that still has a few sips of milk and runs towards the door in excitement.
"Mata, Phitashri (Father) is back."
He said as he dashed to the door, Where was standing a man in the Bhagva (Saffron) coloured sage dress, His height was around 9.2 ft tall, He had a long black hair on his head tied in bun, His beard is also quite long but well maintained, From his look his is Bharman (Priesthood caste) but his eyes say different story as they were as sharp as an edge of the sword.
His body was not lean but muscular with immense might in it, His biceps has a Rudraksha beads band and so his neck also has a Rudraksha beads chain, His foot had wooden sandals and in one hand of his he held the Bhiksha Patra (Bowl for walking Alms) and while on other hand was a longbow.
It looks quite odd for a Bhrman to carry both things with him but when it's come to him, It looks as if this should be the case, Both Knowledge and might at the one place.
And what is even more surprising thing is that, This man did hold the bow but there was not a single arrow found on his body, which raised the question of what is worth having a bow if there are no arrows?
That is a good question but someone like him did not need to carry arrows with him, He himself is the all arsenal needed for any war, After all he has the mastery of all the Astras.
The Astra, The weapon type that is bestowed by Gods or from the one who has it, Astra does not need anything to launch other than one simple chant, And once launched there will be destruction all around unless someone knows how to counter it.
This is a man who possesses the 2nd most amount of Astra on this earth, A character that can't be described as good or bad, The infamous teacher, Drona.
"Pitashri Pitashri, You know I just drank milk. It was very tasty. Mata gave it to me, Do you want to drink it? There are still some in the glass."
Ashwatthama jumped into the arms of his father, Who swiftly caught him and hugged him back. He was sad today that he did not get anything in alms today but being hugged by his son washed away that worry.
"Milk? Who and when?"
But then he heard his words. For a second he was confused but then he thought of something which made his heart skip a beat. He dreamed something like this yesterday.
In his dream yesterday, His son asked for the milk from his wife but they didn't have it, So she gave him flour mixed in water saying this is a milk to which Ashwatthama accepted and happily drank.
He woke up from that nightmare, He felt the pain sharp pain in his heart even if it was a dream he felt so real, He knew it was some kinda sign, After all he is no simple man but a man you unlocked his Yogic power.
The same Yogic power which can help him fight even against the Devas without any fear, So this is a sign that something bad is going to happen.
That's why today he left early, Hoping someone can give him milk so he can give it to his son and fulfil his wish. He didn't show it on his face but he too is quite guilt-ridden to keep his son in these living conditions.
He loves his son too much. For him, he can do anything. He can even fight the world but still, he doesn't have anything to give to his son other than his love. That's all he can give him.
Though his son never complains, He always has a smile on his face when he greets him like this always at the door, he can even see all his devotion and love towards them is real and not a facade but his heart like any child at his age wanted thing, Yearn or desire the things he knows they can't provide him.
That's why, When Drona was coming here today he thought of someone, His dear friend who surely will help him and that would be essential for him to give his son a better future.
"Yes, Pitashri, Mata gave me milk which tastes like nectar, Do you wanna try it?"
Ashwatthama looked up from his father's arms with his dark brown innocent eyes and said with a smile, He was so happy to taste that milk that he wanted to say to everyone in the world that he drank the milk to share his joy.
He didn't notice the change on his father's face, He was just too lost in the fact of well he was finally drinking the milk.
"That's very good, Drauni go play outside, I wants to talk with your Mata."
Drona fight to hold his tears back, A mighty warrior like him who can even face the gods today was struggling to face his own son. He thought that dream would become reality, He was so ashamed of himself to even face the son he can't even provide one glass of milk.
"Okay, Pitashri, There is still that glass of milk, If you want it to drink it, If you don't, I will drink it when I come back, MATA!! I will be playing outside for a while, So don't worry."
Ashwatthama didn't care much about anything now, He was super happy as he didn't see the pain of guilt on his father's face, He just accepted the order of his father and ran out with a smile but not before he told his mother.
"Bharadvaja Putra (Son Of Bharadvaja), Drona, We need to talk."
When Drona saw his son was gone, he washed his hands and feet before entering the house. He wanted to look for his work and console her as he knew she would be crying her heart out because of what he thought she did.
But to his surprise, a neutral voice halted his moments in track, He turned around just to see his Brother-in-law standing there with a blank face staring at him.
(A/N : Like always thank you for reading and have a good day ??)