𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀

CHAPTER 65

Draupadi and Dhisana walked behind Bhanumati and Chandramukhi as the latter guided them through the palace corridors to the Antahpur, the living quarters of women.

Awkward silence was pervading in the atmosphere around them, none of them were starting a conversation. The only sound that could be heard were the jingling of their anklets. Draupadi and Dhisana looked at each other, they both were feeling a little odd at the silence.

"The palace is quite beautiful." Dhisana commented to break the silence.

"Yes, it is rather magnificent, isn't it? Quite a change from your humble Mleccha home, I imagine." Chandramukhi said, a smirk playing on her lips.

Draupadi's lips parted a little at the remark, while Dhisana could feel the sting of her comment.

"Well every home is a home." She said.

Chandramukhi slightly turned to look at Dhisana, she gave the wife of Manvendra a smile, a mocking show of pity.

"I'm sure it is." She said patting Dhisana's shoulders.

Although by relation, Dhisana was elder to Chandramukhi, the latter didn't seem to acknowledge this sanctity, neither by words nor by actions.

"Well a home is not made by grand walls, is it ? It is made by family. Their love and support makes a home." Draupadi said.

"Ah Draupadi, you indeed are eloquent. I'm sure your poetic ideals will make for some riveting conversation at our future family gatherings." Bhanumati said, a tinge of mockery evident in her tone and subtle expressions.

Both Draupadi and Dhisana didn't utter a word after, they didn't expect such a treatment by their own sister inlaws. They both walked in silence, until they reached their room in Antahpur.

The Antahpur of the palace was filled with maids of different status, young and old. The only males that could be seen were the kanjukis, the aged warriors guarding the different entrances. The living quarters were filled with women, among them were some eunuchs as well.

"This will be the room of Draupadi." Bhanumati said.

"And that is the room for Dhisana." Told Chandramukhi.

"Do men ever come here, or is it strictly for women ?" Dhisana asked curiously.

"Only Maharaj can enter Antahpur of his palace." Draupadi said.

"Dhisana, aren't you a princess ? Then why such a question ?" Chandramukhi chuckled.

"Now now Chandramukhi, Dhisana over here isn't a princess like us. She is from the Mleccha tribe. It is unlikely that she knows our ways." Bhanumati said, supressing her own laugh.

Dhisana's face flushed with embarrassment, realizing what she was considering her unintentional blunder. She attempted to hide her discomfort behind a forced smile.

"But worry not, you'll learn soon." Chandramukhi said, patting the shoulder of Dhisana again.

"Rest well ladies. A feast is coming up tomorrow, in your honour." Bhanumati said.

And so she and Chandramukhi left, leaving Draupadi and Dhisana behind. Both of them looked at each other and sighed, feeling upset how their own sister-in-laws were belittling them at every chance.

-------

In his dimly lit room, Manvendra's footsteps echoed mirroring the rapid pace of his troubled thoughts. Anxiety clawed at his heart as he wrestled with a weighty secret that threatened to unravel his facade.

As he paced back and forth, Manvendra knew that time was of the essence. The burden of carrying this secret was only growing heavier with each passing moment.

They were in the Nagasaharya now, everyone knew about the curse he had gotten. His mind spun with scenarios of disclosure, imagining the ramifications if his curse were to be exposed by an outsider to his wife.

He feared that someone, either unknowingly or motivated by envy and malicious intent, would attempt to unravel the mystery that clouded his existence in front of Dhisana.

"I need to tell her the truth myself." Manvendra muttered.

He rushed towards the door, determined to rise above his fears and reveal the truth to the woman who held his heart. But just as he stepped out, Yuyutsu came in front of him.

"Taat ! I have to tell you something !" He said, he too seemed to be in a hurry.

"Not now Yuyutsu." Manvendra said.

"It's about Duryodhan." Yuyutsu said, this stopped Manvendra, a sigh escaped his lips as he turned towards his cousin.

"What is it now ?" He asked.

"Duryodhan is not happy with the return of Pandavas. This time he plans a political conspiracy to get rid of them." Yuyutsu informed.

"This fool !" Manvendra groaned holding his temples in frustration.

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□
A/N

I smell an angst 🌝