Love Beyond The stars : A Passionate Tale

Chapter 9: His Fiery Gaze

AN: The part of the chapter written in italics is a future sequence.

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D: Dusht! Kaha hai mere Aaryaputra? Bata! BATA! anyatha yahi tere praan le lungi! MAINE KAHA BATA!
The Pandavas looked worried & confused as Draupadi pressed the tip of the sword harder against Raka's throat, drawing some blood, however the evil man only threa his head back, laughing in a manner that sent chills down each of their spines, pushing the sword away.

Ar: Rajkumari...?
Arjun began uncertainly, taking a step towards her to stop her & try & take the sword from her so that they could calm her down.

D: NAHI!
The younger four Pandavas nearly jumped at Draupadi's tone which was a mixture of extreme pain & anger.
D: Prayas bhi na kijiyega, Rajkumaro. Mujhe mere Aarya ko dhoondhne se koi nahi rok sakta...aap bhi nahi.....yadi aap mera saath de sakte hai toh theek hai...anyatha door hatiye!
She warned, tightening her grip on the sword, blinking furiously to clear her vision which was being repeatedly blinded by tears. Her heart went up in flames seeing the cruel look on Raka's face. If that monster had done something to her Aaryaputra how in the world would she be able to survive without him?

Just then....
K: Putri?
A worried motherly voice interrupted her thoughts.
D: Maata....
She began tearfully & Kunti looked at her son's with a look asking them to stay put while she took a dainty step forward.

K: Putri Draupadi....shaant hojao.... Yudhishthir ko kuch nahi hoga.....
She tried to soothe the agitated princess, who was obviously deeply in love with her son since just the thought of him being hurt made her this hysterical. Subduing her own fear for her son, Kunti   comforted the agitated Yagyaseni.

Kr: Priya Krishnaa, itni vyathit kyu ho, sakhi?
Came the soft, sweet voice of non other than Shri Krishna himself. Draupadi was immensely relieved to see him, knowing that nothing could go wrong when her sakha, her Govind, her lord was with her.

Kr: Tum rote hue tanik bhi achchi lagta, sakhi.
Krishna wiped her tears with a calm, reassuring smile.
Dr: G..Govind...Aarya....mere Aarya....isne....isne...unke.. saath...unko hani....
She was babbling incoherently unable to calm down making Krishna envelope her in a secure, brotherly embrace.

Kr: Shhhh.....Aye Krishna! Iss prakar ashroo mat bahao! Anyatha main Jyesht ko tumhaara vo wala kissa suna dunga! Socho VO wala!
He warned playfully as Draupadi sobbed in his arms before realising that she had to reach her husband before it was too late & began to struggle.

Dr: Govind! Jaane dijiye mujhe! Mere Aaryaputra ko meri avashyakta hai!
She said, swiftly moving out of his arms while Krishna tried one last time half heartedly. As Draupadi ran past them all, a lone tear trickled down the corner of the eye of the eternal lord, knowing what fate awaited his dear sakhi. Unfortunately for her, Drupad had in his blind rage asked for the most miserable, painful & obstacle filled life for her.

Draupadi kept running blindly, calling out to Yudhishthir at the top of her voice as the agitated Pandavas, Kunti & several ashram inmates ran behind her, calling out to her repeatedly.

K: Arjun, Bheem tumdo shigra jaakar dekh......... Draupadi! Thehro putri! Issprakar kaha jaa rahi ho!!!!
Kunti exclaimed, in shock, rushing along with her daughter-in-law, her heart clogged with worry for the pious young girl she had begun to view as the daughter she never had.

B: Rajkumari! Rajkumari! Thehriye!!!
Bheem exclaimed as he rushed behind her.
Ar: Ek baar bataiyye toh ki hua kya hai! Jyeshth sankat mein hai? RAJKUMARI!!!!!
Arjun pleaded helplessly but Draupadi was too far gone in pain & fear & was deaf to their calls.