Draupadi

CHAPTER IV

The hall still echoed with my father's stern voice, his authoritative tone filling every corner. "A proper Kshatriya woman is not to ask for more than two boons from anyone," he declared. His words carried the weight of tradition and duty, and I nodded obediently. "Of course, Father," I replied, though I couldn't help but feel the weariness creeping in. The endless rules, the do's and don'ts, were beginning to feel suffocating.

I understood his intentions—he was preparing me for the life I would lead beyond Paanchal. But knowing the "why" didn't make the burden any lighter. Just as his words threatened to overwhelm me, my sister Shikhandhi entered the room, her presence like a sudden gust of fresh air. The commander-in-chief of Paanchal, a warrior who commanded respect with every step, had a way of making the weight of expectations seem less daunting.

"Let's have lunch first," she said simply, and I followed her to the dining area.

Our meal was quiet, punctuated by only the occasional exchange. There was comfort in her silence, in the way she allowed space for me to simply be. After we ate, she gave me her counsel, her voice steady and sure. "Drau, whatever comes your way, remember your strength. Show the world your dignity, but never let anyone mistake it for submission. You are more than beauty—you are a force."

Her words stayed with me as the sun dipped lower in the sky. I changed into lighter clothing, letting go of the heavy layers of the day, and joined Shikhandhi and Dhri for dinner. They were waiting for me in our private quarters, and the moment I entered, Dhri's eyes fell on me.

"How am I supposed to protect you," he teased, "when you look so stunning even in the simplest attire, with barely any jewelry, Drau?"

"Perhaps that's why you're so eager to hand me off to Prince Arjun," I shot back, unable to resist the quip.

Shikhandhi raised a hand to silence us. "Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi, that's enough."

We both fell quiet, obedient under her firm gaze, and settled down for our meal.

As we ate, Shikhandhi began to tell us about the Pandavas, painting vivid portraits of each brother. "The eldest, Yudhishthira, is Dharmaraj, a man of unwavering righteousness. He's a skilled spear fighter, but his true strength lies in his adherence to truth and justice. Bhima, the second brother, is unmatched in strength—he wields his mace like an extension of his arm. Then there's Arjuna, the third. He's Guru Drona's favorite, an unparalleled archer whose skill will be remembered for generations."

Her voice softened slightly as she continued. "The twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, are each unique in their own way. Nakula is said to be the most handsome man in Aryavarta, with a gift for understanding animals, while Sahadeva is a man of profound intelligence, capable of perceiving the past, present, and future. They wield the sword and the axe, respectively. Together, the five brothers are as inseparable as Lord Rama and his brothers—a bond forged in trust and shared purpose."

Dhri listened with rapt attention, his fascination evident. The Pandavas were no longer just names; they were figures brought to life through Shikhandhi's words, heroes of a tale he seemed eager to become a part of.

But as I sat there, I couldn't help but wonder. Would his admiration remain, even when the inevitable had happened? Would the bond he anticipated with such hope survive the trials that were to come?

Later, I would think back to this moment, to the innocence in Dhri's eyes as he imagined meeting the Pandavas, and I would ache for the boy he was before fate forced him to choose between love and vengeance.

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