ENTANGLED RELATION

Part 26

Flashback Scene: Draupadi and Prativindhya's Turmoil

The joyous festivities of Charumeedh's engagement echoed through the palace, but Draupadi and Prativindhya were far from the celebrations. They sat in Draupadi's dimly lit chambers, the sounds of merriment a painful reminder of their own inner turmoil. Prativindhya paced back and forth, his face twisted with resentment and frustration.

"Mother," he began, his voice taut with anger, "why does it always have to be him? Why does Abhimanyu get everything? The recognition, the praise, and now the throne? What about me? Am I not my father's son?"

Draupadi's heart ached as she looked at her eldest son, her own bitterness mirroring his. She reached out, trying to soothe him with her presence, but she knew that words alone could not heal the wounds inflicted by years of feeling overlooked and undervalued. "Prativindhya," she said softly, "you are more than worthy. But Abhimanyu is favored because of Subhadra. Arjun's love for her has always been a thorn in my heart. Ever since she came into our lives, I felt him slipping away."

Prativindhya stopped pacing and turned to his mother, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and sadness. "It's not fair, Mother. You have always been loyal and devoted to Father, yet he spends more time with Subhadra. And now her son reaps all the benefits."

Draupadi nodded, her own resentment boiling to the surface. "I know, my son. I've tried to accept it, but it has never been easy. Arjun's bond with Subhadra has always overshadowed my place in his heart. But you must not let this bitterness consume you. We must find a way to rise above it."

Prativindhya clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "How can I rise above it when every day is a reminder of what I've lost? I have trained hard, fought bravely, yet I am always in Abhimanyu's shadow. I want to be seen for who I am, not just as his cousin."

Draupadi stood and placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch both comforting and firm. "And you will be, Prativindhya. You have your own path to carve out, and you will make your mark. But you must remain patient and strong. We will find a way to ensure that your talents and bravery are recognized."

Present Day: Abhimanyu and Vatsala

As the night wore on, the younger members of the family gathered in a quieter corner of the gardens, sharing stories and laughter. Abhimanyu, now officially the Yuvraj, stood tall with Vatsala by his side, a gentle smile on his face. Abhinaya and Charumeedh, glowing with the joy of their engagement, sat close together, whispering sweet words to each other. The camaraderie among them was palpable, and it seemed as though nothing could mar this perfect moment.

But away from the celebrations, in a quieter, more somber part of the palace, Draupadi and Prativindhya were locked in their own private turmoil. The echoes of the festivities were a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air between them. Draupadi watched her son, her heart breaking as he vented his frustrations.

"Why is it always him, Mother?" Prativindhya demanded, his voice a harsh whisper. "Why does Abhimanyu always get the recognition? What about me? Am I not worthy? Am I not my father's son?"

Draupadi's face was a mask of concern and sorrow. She had always tried to be fair, to love each of her children equally, but she knew that Prativindhya felt overshadowed. "Prativindhya," she said softly, "you are more than worthy. You are brave and strong, and your time will come. But you must not let this bitterness consume you."

Prativindhya's eyes were filled with a mixture of anger and sadness. "It's not fair, Mother. I have trained just as hard, if not harder. I have fought and proven myself time and again. Why is he the one who gets to wear the crown?"