The aroma of spices wafted through the air in the kitchen. Bathed in warm, golden hues, it boasted high ceilings adorned with exquisite hand-painted murals. Ornate chandeliers delicately illuminated the space, casting a soft glow on the gleaming copper pots and pans that hung from the walls.
Vibrant spices, carefully arranged in intricately carved containers, sat like jewels on the gleaming countertops. The rich fragrance of saffron, cardamom, and cumin filled the air, enticing the senses.
Dhisana made her way through the kitchen, selecting the freshest ingredients from the bountiful baskets and bowls, as she internally made a list of dishes to be prepared. A little confusion clouded her mind, for she was unfamiliar with the likes and dislikes of the Pandavas.
'Hey Shambhu, what should I make ?' She wondered while gathering the basic things.
"Rajkumari Dhisana ?" A soft voice called, Dhisana turned around and saw Draupadi entering the kitchen, a smile adorn her face, as she walked towards her.
"Allow me to offer some help." Draupadi said.
"Oh no Rajkumari Draupadi. You are my guest." Dhisana said.
"I consider us not a guest and host, but rather sister-in-laws. If you too think the same, then you must allow me to aid you." Draupadi said.
A smile appeared on the face of Dhisana, a feeling of warmth pervaded in her heart hearing the sweet words of Draupadi.
"Well I suppose your aid with be helpful." She said with a smile.
"Excellent. What should I do ?" Draupadi smiled, "Peel the vegetables ? Cut them ?Crush the spices ? Prepare the stew ?" She asked excitedly.
"That will come later. Because I haven't really decided, what to make. I am unfamiliar with the likes of your husbands and Kaki Kunti." Dhisana said.
"Don't worry about that. I shall take care of it." Draupadi said with a smile.
"Great. Then I suppose it shall be me who will be offering help." Dhisana said with a chuckle.
"I'll accept it, gladly." Draupadi too chuckled lightly.
Both the princesses then started preparing the lunch. The sound of crackling mustard seeds, sizzling onions, and aromatic curry left reverberations through the kitchen, resonating with the melodious rhythm of their culinary prowess.
The sizzle of the curries, the hiss of spices meeting hot ghee, and the crisp crackle of fried lentils filled the air with an orchestra of sounds, creating an ambiance of anticipation.
As Dhisana stirred a simmering pot with a graceful twirl of her wrist, Draupadi's radiant smile mirrored the vibrant hues of that dish. When the princess of Panchal meticulously arranged the platters of mouth-watering meals, filled with a delectable mixture of vegetables and aromatic spices, showcasing her talent for culinary artistry, the princess of Mleccha observed with awe.
Both of them bonded over their cooking skills, teaching a trick or two to each other, and together figuring out a new knowledge in the process as they talked.
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The grand dining hall was filled with the melodious chatter of anticipation, as the Manvendra and Pandavas sat on their places around the finely crafted wooden table, as the servants poured wine onto their glasses. They were engaged in delightful conversation, their voices carrying a sense of camaraderie and genuine interest in one another's stories.
"So you burnt down his kingdom ?" Sehdev asked, curiosity evident in every fiber of his.
"What else was I supposed to do when he attacked my camp at night ? The soldiers were filled with rightful vengeance." Manvendra said.
His expressive gestures and animated tone mesmerized the Pandavas who listened intently, their smiles reflecting their happiness for getting back the old self of their cousin back.
"And then the Mleccha king gave you the hand of Bhabhishree ?" Arjun, who was sitting beside him, asked
"Yes." Manvendra said with a smile showing his pearly whites.
"I am happy for you, son." Yudhishthir smiled patting his cousins shoulder.
"And I am happy for you all too. You are fortunate to obtain the resplendent Panchali as your wife." Manvendra said.
"Well I heard even Duryodhan and Dushashan have also become fortunate." Bheem said.
"Ah yes. Few months back they both also got married." Manvendra said.
"What were their names again ?" Nakul asked.
"Bhanumati and Chandramukhi." Manvendra said.
"I hope the wives knock some sense unto them." Bheem said taking a sip of his wine.
And so the princes eagerly exchanged tales of their recent endeavors, painting a vivid picture of their experiences. Their accounts were accompanied by hearty laughter, enlivening the atmosphere.
"Takshak should've given up the moment he came to know you were Manyuputra !" Bheem laughed.
"Please Bheem, I don't think my feat is greater than what Arjun did. How did you even shoot at the revolving fish without looking ? And that too with five arrows at once !" Manvendra said, his hand resting over Arjun's shoulder.
As they talked Kunti came in, all of them stood up in respect as she came and took her seat. Seeing the cousins together like so, and enjoying themselves, like they did in childhood, Kunti's heart swelled with joy. Especially seeing Manvendra smile, it was bringing her great pleasure.
Soon Dhisana and Draupadi came in, with them came the aromatic pleasure of all the food they cooked, which was carried by maids and servants. Both the ladies served their delightful food to everyone. All were in bliss eating it.
"The tarkari is wonderful." Yudhishthir praised.
"Dhisana made it." Draupadi said with a smile.
"The payasam is lovely too." Manvendra said.
"It was made by Draupadi." Dhisana said.
"Both of your dishes are delightful." Kunti smiled.
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A/N
Did you notice how Dhisana and Draupadi addressed each other as 'Rajkumari' and moments later are addressing each other by just their names 😂😍✨
Btw, the names of the wives of Duryodhan, Dushashan or Kauravas aren't mentioned in Mahabharat. Bhanumati or Chandramukhi come from contemporary or recent versions.
And their wives were not as good as you may think.... They were just as petty as their husbands.... Like they laughed when seeing the condition of Draupadi when she was going to exile with her husbands. And during Rajsuya they are also mentioned to be envious of her wealth.
So they will be shown like that 🌝✨
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𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀
Historical FictionFirst among 11 Rudras is Manyu, the war god, wielder of thunder and Slayer of foes. He is the one who brings wealth and health. Through him Vidur and his wife Sulabha beget a son, named Manvendra, who was fierce, queller of foes, follower of Dharma...
