𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 || ArDi ||

31. His Queen.

~ NAINOWALE NE~

Draupadi walked hand in hand with Arjun in the streets of Indraprastha. Her gaze moved to Arjun. Both of them were disguised as commoners but she was sure looking at him no one would believe them. She had a veil draped over her face, because as per Arjun's words quote unquote- Her beauty could definitely not be possessed by a normal person, it was divine. And then she decided to cover her body from head to toe. Arjun's silky curls were pulled back in a half-ponytail, yet some stubborn curls kept falling on his forehead. Draupadi pulled her hand out of his and pushed his curls back, making him stop in his tracks. He raised one of his fine eyebrow and an unasked question lingered between them- Why did you do that?

Draupadi raised her eyebrow in remark- It's my right. She then scoffed animatedly and turned her eyes towards the exhibition of jewels around them.

Arjun's features relaxed, his lips curved as he bit back his laugh. He was truly blessed to have such a cute wife. He again intertwined their hands and pulled her closer before they continued their walk. 

It was almost the end of summer. The heat of sun was unbearable but it gradually cooled down by the evening, and that was when most people decided it was the best time for then to set out. The farmers were waiting for the first rain anxiously. The Indraprastha Market was buzzing, people moved from place to place, shop to shop like a honeybee in search of nectar. Draupadi's eyes gulped the scene before her. It was the first time she had set out in such busy area. The markets in Panchal were smaller and less crowed. 

"Krishnaa," Arjun's voice pulled her out of the trance. She glanced at him to find out he was already looking at her. The glow of his eyes shone brighter than the golden rays of setting sun. She hummed in response. "Do you want to buy something?" 

Draupadi clicked her tongue. Nothing had caught her eyes yet. And taking the way Arjun had decked her with diamonds last night into consideration - and worshiped her naked glory whilst the large diamonds shimmered and the beads of sweat rolled down her body like crystals of pearls. The cold metal and diamonds brushed against her heated skin as waves of euphoria washed over her. Her breath came out in frosty pants and pretty, little moans of hers were drowned by the feel of Arjun's lips over her body.

Oh no, she snapped herself out of the memory, for once thankful for the veil covering her blushing face. Coming back to the world, her eyes scanned the area. There was nothing she really wanted. Her eyes lazily took in the objects hung out, the roadside shops, the sight of newly weds walking together. And then she stopped at a particular scene. 

Arjun stopped as well when he felt his wife halt beside him. His eyes followed the trail of hers and looked at where she was staring at. A man sat at a shop of toys talking to a couple. They seemed poor. Both of them were skin and bones, torn garments draped over their malnourished bodies. One baby was attached to his mother's breast while another child held his mother. He was crying and whining pointing at a clay toy. Big, fat tears rolled down his large eyes, his fair complexion had turned dark because of dust. A child like him could not be over three years of age. The father was evidently trying to convince his son, and take him away from the shop but that kid did not budge. 

"Arya?" Even before Arjun could catch a glimpse of her, he knew the unspoken question that was running through her mind. Without a word he reached out to the small pouch tied at his waist and dropped a few gold coins in her hand. She shot him a grateful smile that made him go weak in his knees before she walked towards the little family. 

Arjun's eyes never left her. The warrior in him alerted, he quickly inspected the area looking for any dangers. Draupadi greeted the child's mother and gave her the money. A look of hesitation passed over her face before she reluctantly took the money, thanking Draupadi profusely, tears of gratitude shone in her eyes. Draupadi smiled and said something to her that was not audible to Arjun. Draupadi kneeled before the little guy, matching his eyes. She stroked his tear-stained cheek and offered him the toy that he accepted gleefully, blushing a little.