Changing Of Course [✔]

37. Confessions

"Draupadi?" Karna murmured, confused and astonished.

"Yes Angraj," Draupadi replied, "I need to tell you something very important."

"Regardless of the matter, you shouldn't have come to meet at such an hour of the night." He spoke, voice laced with concern.

"I could have waited, but..." She hesitated, "I cannot hold it back anymore, Bhaiya. I need to tell you this immediately."

Silence fell and the two stared at the ground, waiting for the other to start talking.

Draupadi started, "I'm here to apologise for the day of my swayamvar."

Suddenly, he became attentively to her words, but he didn't want to talk about it.

"There is nothing to talk about that day. Kindly go back." He replied firmly, turning around to leave. Everything has just begun to go well, and he didn't want to call another verbal fight.

"Angraj, please let me tell you," She requested, "The words I used that day weren't used with the intention to insult you."

Karna stopped in his tracks, "What do you mean?"

Draupadi sighed in relief on finding him ready to listen to her apology.

"Angraj, on the day of my swayamvar, Govind told me that I was destined to marry Arjun. He even disclosed the fact that the Pandavas were alive. He even spoke highly of Arjun— his charm and valour. "

Karna found himself intently listening to her words. Draupadi also thought so, which given her, the confidence to continue.

"On hearing such virtues of Arjun, my heart, and mind were totally set on him."

"On the day of my swayamvar, all the suitors failed in accomplishing the task set before them. I was relieved and asked Govind if only Arjun could pass the test. He said that beside Arjuna, you were the only warrior who could fulfill the task."

"Thus, when I saw you lifting the bow, I was in a conflict. My heart had already surrendered itself to Pandav Putra Arjun."

"On noticing my tensed face, Govind whispered— the woman, whose swayamvar is being held, can stop certain suitors as per her will."

"I couldn't think of an excuse and that's when—"

"You abruptly stood up and said that you wouldn't marry a sutputra, to stop me from taking part. " He interrupted.

"Yeah," She whispered, "I don't want us to have any grudges between us that might cause a problem in the family. Now that we're close relatives since you are the elder brother of my husbands."

"I never meant to hurt your pride. It's just that I wanted to marry Arjun." She added.

"I understand Draupadi. You're not wrong at your place." He said with a small smile, "But maybe you could've used a better excuse."

"I know. I am really sorry about that." She apologized and he chuckled.

"So may I assure myself that my apology has been granted?" She inquired and he nodded.

"Yes, you may. We all should forget about the past and start working on our future."

"You are very kind. Thank you Bhrata." She smiled in relief and called him brother, since he was the eldest brother of her husbands and everything was fine between them.

"I shall take your leave now." She said, to which he nodded, and which she walked away.

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