Samsrishti | ✔

09 | A Golden Lotus

CUT TO:

INT. ANOTHER ROOM - AFTERNOON

Drupada stills with the shock. He finds his voice not a moment later, half outraged and other half unbelieving.

DRUPADA

This is not dharma, Yudhishthira! A king may have many queens, but one woman having many husbands? Has lust turned your head from the path of dharma?

Yudhishthira's expression tightens, even as it falls with guilt.

YUDHISHTHIRA

I assure you, Maharaja, I have not turned from the path of dharma. Dharma is subtle; we do not know its direction. But I believe this to be right, and so does my mother.

(after a beat)

There are enough double standards in society with men and women, Maharaja. Why should a woman not wed multiple if a man can have many wives?

This rebuttal seems to have stunned Drupada into silence. He purses his lips, unsure of what to say.

YUDHISHTHIRA

Society has rigid conventions, Maharaja. But not all situations require the same response. Your daughter was born for us, so said Maharshi Vyasa, and she chose us; those were her own words. Would you deny your daughter her choice?

Drupada does not answer for a few moments.

DRUPADA

...I would prefer we discuss this with a lesser crowd. Let your mother and Dhrishtadyumna accompany us, and we shall figure this out.

Yudhishthira looks at his brothers. They nod, faces tight with discomfort.

CUT TO:

INT. A PALACE ROOM - AFTERNOON

Yudhishthira and Kunti are in the room, Yudhishthira looking out over the window and Kunti sitting on a seat.

YUDHISHTHIRA

I wish Maharshi Vyasa were here, Mata.

Kunti glances at Yudhishthira.

KUNTI

(guiltily)

This is all because of me.

Yudhishthira turns to her and shakes his head.

YUDHISHTHIRA

It was Vidhata's plan, Mata. We are but mere instruments in his hand. Do not fault yourself for something you could not control.