𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 || ArDi ||

27. Return.

~ I WANNA BE YOURS ~

Draupadi's numb eyes glanced at the vast expanse of lamps lit in the city on the arrival of their beloved King. She heard trumpets blowing and drums beating but did not move an inch. The cold wind brushed past her making her squirm as it left behind goosebumps on her milky skin. The balcony, which was a safe home for her while he was away now felt like hell. However, she stood like a rock in the large marble balcony. Her face showed no emotions, but the tear stains on her cheeks and bloodshot teary eyes said it all. Though the balcony was far away from the main palace doors, one could still easily see the movements going on at the doors. But it was built in such a way that the people at the doors could not see the balcony. She gulped down the lump formed in her throat along with the leftover feelings she was feeling at that moment. Her heart still pinched at the mention of him. 

Draupadi heard the trumpets being blown thrice in a row indicating a message— He was here. The King of Indraprastha had returned from the two-year-long expedition. 

And to add- With his newly wedded wife. 

She climbed down the balcony and towards the main entery of the Palace. Despite the feeling of hatred, she felt for him, she could not help but glance over at the Palace doors. It was after two years that her eyes caught a glance of him, the only thing she yearned for. His body seemed more muscular than the last time she had seen and his skin had tanned. Probably because of the days he spent in the scorching sun on the battlefield. His body was adorned with numerous battle scars. Even though she was mad at him, he did not fail to mesmerize her. His signature golden bracelet shimmered in the sun as he joined his hands to bow down to Yudhishthir and Devika. His silky, dark locks were pushed back at their place by him, but it seemed as if they were as stubborn as him and kept on falling on his forehead. She noticed the beautiful hazels she fell for, gazing across the area as if searching for someone with great urgency. 

Draupadi's heart started racing as she felt his eyes rising towards her. Consider it a reflex but the minute she noticed his hazels gaze up at her, her warrior instinct perked up and she averted her eyes. She lowered her wet lashes, refusing to meet his stare. Keeping him aware of how miffed she was with him. He kept looking at her, hoping she would rise those beautiful orbs and he could escape the reality. But, she didn't. Defeated, Arjun's eyes turned back at his brothers who were all praises for him, but a hint of anger and sadness in their voice and eyes did not go unnoticed by him. 

Feeling his piercing stare turn away from her, Draupadi peeked from beneath of her wet lashes. Her eyes followed Arjun's tracks. He turned away from his brothers towards a chariot she had not noticed earlier. Arjun extended his hand to the door of the chariot. A noticeably slender, petite, and feminine hand laid on Arjun's warrior one. Rubies embedded in her rings reflected light of the diyas lit. 

An instant glint of recognition passed in Draupadi's eyes. 

This lady was supposed to be her co-wife. 

Draupadi felt bitterness crawl up her heart. Her throat constricted. The sharp pinch of fate punctured her soul. She was supposed to share her husband. 

Ignoring all her thoughts she returned her attention back the scene. The lady placed her foot out of the chariot. Her feet adorned with simple mehendi designs and an silver anklet adding glow to her soft feet. 

Draupadi frowned a bit. Being a married woman now, wasn't the Manipur Princess supposed to wear toe rings? 

The Princess finally stepped out of the chariot. And much to everybody's surprise, The Princess did not wear chudamani, mangalsutra, nor the wedding rings.