The journey to Hastinapur was long, and as they traveled, the sun began to dip below the horizon.
The party stopped by a serene river to allow their horses to drink and rest. The air was filled with the gentle sounds of nature, offering a brief respite from the day's emotional events.
Arjun, feeling the need to check on his mother and Draupadi, approached the palanquin.
He quietly slid the curtain aside and was greeted by a touching sight. His mother , was tenderly caressing Draupadi's hair as she lay asleep in her lap.
"She must be exhausted from all the rituals and the emotional farewells," Kunti said softly, a gentle smile on her face. "She fell asleep quite quickly."
Arjun smiled at the sight, his heart warming at the scene of such tender care.
Draupadi, with her delicate features softened in sleep, looked serene and peaceful.
Arjun couldn't help but be struck by her beauty and the innocence in her sleeping form.
Reaching out, he gently touched a strand of her hair, but hesitated and pulled back, not wanting to disturb her rest.
"She is truly something special," he whispered, his voice filled with affection.
Kunti nodded, "She is. You are very fortunate, my son."
Arjun smiled, his gaze lingering on Draupadi's sleeping face for a moment longer before stepping back.
He let the curtain fall back into place, shielding them from the outside world.
As he walked back to his horse, his heart was lightened by the sight of his wife and mother finding comfort in each other's presence.
With everyone and everything rested, they resumed their journey. The rhythmic clopping of horse hooves and the gentle sway of the palanquin created a soothing lull as they continued towards Hastinapur.
As they neared their destination, the sense of anticipation grew. Draupadi stirred awake, feeling the movement and sensing the nearing end of their journey.
She looked up at Kunti, who gave her a reassuring smile. "We will be there soon," Kunti said gently.
Arjun, riding beside the palanquin, glanced back to see Draupadi awake.
Their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them.
They were stepping into a new chapter of their lives, and though it was filled with uncertainties, they had each other's support.
The journey, though long and arduous, was marked by moments of tenderness and love, strengthening the bonds between the newlyweds and their family.
As Hastinapur's grand gates came into view, the anticipation of new beginnings filled their hearts, ready to face whatever lay ahead together.
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Love's Battlefield: Draupadi And The Archer
Historical FictionIn this fresh retelling of the Mahabharata, Draupadi is bound by destiny to Arjun alone, their love a powerful force amidst a world unraveling in chaos and adharma. As the whispers of war grow louder and betrayal strikes from within, their bond is...