THE UNSPOKEN STORY

1. The Enchanting princess

              The jingling of anklets echoed in the chambers of the King of Panchal, Maharaj Drupad. He turned around to see a girl around six years of age in a beautiful lehanga choli with minimal jewellery. Her doe shaped eyes as fierce as fire yet as calm as water and her rosy lips adorned with a pout on her almond like face. She looked ethernal even at this age. How could she not look divine, after all she is the daughter of the great Arjuna and Draupadi. Her name was Pragati, meaning  one who progresses in life....... 

It has been six years since the Dyuth Sabha incident in Hastinapur. His daughter, Paanchali was abused and tortured by the Kauravas. The pandavas and their wife, Paanchali were spending twelve years of vanvaas and one year in incognito. Since then their children were in Paanchal. Pragati was very young when this incident took place. Her siblings - Prativindhya, Srutosoma, Suthanu, Shatanika, Srutasena and Sruthakarma never told her about it as she was attached to her mother very much. But two years back,  she overheard a few servants gossiping about the Dyuth Sabha and asked us about it. We had no way but to tell her everything. Since then she became more quiet which worried us but still tried to fake a smile to make us happy. 

"Please save me grandfather. I am full!! Please I can't eat more. " - said Pragati.

The pleading voice of his granddaughter broke his trance. This was a daily situation. His wife, Queen Prishati forcefully feeding Pragati who hated eating. 

"No! You just ate very little. If you want strength, have this. "-Prishati  said.

Drupad looked at both of them only to find two doe like eyes pleading and asking for help. He chuckled at his plight. Prishati glared at him and through eyes requested him to stay at her side.

 He looked at Pragati and said, "Tell me Prashati, how am I supposed to take your side when my granddaughter is opposing you? "

Pragati gave a victorious grin. "But- Drupad continued as her grin faded.                               

 "What Prashati is saying is also correct my dear. Food is very important and essential for growth and health. Let me come to a deal - leave her for today Prashati. Tomorrow I will help you feed her. No excuses! Clear?"

"All clear! It will be my honor of having both the King and Queen of Panchal here to feed me. "-replied Pragati. 

Both of them threw their heads back and laughed at their granddaughter's humour. 

..... End of the chapter -1 .....