Draupadi

CHAPTER VIII

As we strolled through the enchanting woods, I eagerly anticipated the moment when this mysterious guy would finally unveil his true identity as Arjun. With a mischievous smirk, I broke the silence, "Don't you think it's about time I knew my name and lineage?" Taking a deep breath, he skillfully evaded my question and instead pointed towards a figure in the distance, saying, "Look, that's my second eldest brother." His brother approached us and warmly greeted both of us, yet his gaze never met mine. Instead, his eyes remained fixated on the ground. I couldn't help but think, "This must be Bheem." As we encountered each brother, one by one, I couldn't help but notice that none of them dared to meet my gaze. Their eyes were stubbornly fixed on the rugged jungle floor, and Arjun continued to keep his true identity hidden. Frustrated with this charade, I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. I plopped myself down on the nearest rock and put on a dramatic display, pretending to sob my heart out (thanks to Krishna's wives for the inspiration). I protested, "I absolutely refuse to take another step until I know who you truly are, for heaven's sake! What will my family think of me, being married to a stranger who won't even share his name?" Arjun and his brothers exchanged skeptical glances, but then he knelt down and uttered, "I'm sorry, princess." However, I continued to shed tears, and Bheem nudged Arjun in the ribs. Attempting once more, Arjun pleaded, "Oh, princess, please forgive me. I'm truly sorry. I am Prince Arjun, and these are my brothers. We are the Pandavas, and due to certain circumstances, we had to stay away from our palace. Please forgive me." With a hint of mischief in my eyes, I wiped away my tears and tried to appear as innocent as possible. "Well, Prince Arjun, my family will be delighted. Oh, by the way, I already knew you were Arjun," I nonchalantly remarked, causing his jaw to drop momentarily. He quickly composed himself and continued to lead the way. Ah, the male ego, always an interesting thing to witness.

Upon our arrival at the hut where their devout mother, Kunti, was immersed in prayer, a mischievous smile adorned Arjun's face as he playfully exclaimed, "Behold, Mother, the magnificent alms bestowed upon me by the illustrious King Draupad!" Little did I know that Kunti's response would alter the course of my existence. My father and siblings would rue that moment. However, destiny, with its unwavering authority, had already set it's plan in motion. With utmost grace, she uttered, "Whatever it may be, my dear son, divide it equally amongst yourselves." In that moment, my knees weakened as the true significance of her words began to unravel before me. The brothers exchanged concerned and doubtful glances, while Arjun, with a mix of astonishment and concern, questioned, "Mother, do you comprehend the implications of your words? I have triumphed in winning the hand of the princess of Paanchal. How can the five of us possibly share one woman?" Overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, I yearned to escape from that place. The atmosphere seemed burdened, even the air itself felt heavy upon my shoulders, as Kunti's words lingered in my mind. Seeking solace, I retreated from the hut and sought refuge beneath the shelter of a tree. My mind, unable to grasp the enormity of the circumstances, momentarily lost its ability to reason.

Throughout my brief existence, I have always regarded Goddess Sita as my ultimate inspiration. I took immense pride in being recognized by my father's name and the place of my birth, just like the revered Maithili and Janaki. When my sister Shikhandhi once recounted the story of my birth, emphasizing that I would alter the course of history and become a catalyst for great destruction, I wholeheartedly believed that, like the exquisite Sita, I would eradicate evil and unite with a man who had captured my heart. However, fate proved to be merciless, for unlike the divine deities, humans bear the burden of their past transgressions, carrying the weight of both curses and blessings from previous lives. Life, therefore, becomes an arduous journey for sinners and saints alike, as we navigate through the trials and tribulations that destiny has bestowed upon us. Even the illustrious goddess Sita herself was subjected to countless tests of her purity by Lord Ram. Many would argue that Sita was plagued by misfortune, causing hesitation in bestowing her name upon their children. Why did I, in my naivety, believe that time, which ensnares all, and fate, which has swallowed countless souls in it's unpredictable currents, would treat me any differently?

The siblings, positioned in close proximity to my presence, had forever adhered to their mother's commands, and presently, they were unable to deviate from this pattern. The sole alternative that presented itself was for one of them to unite with me in matrimony, while the remaining brothers would be condemned to a life of atonement until their final breath. However, deep within, I comprehended that none of them would find true contentment in my company without the presence of their kin. Their bond as brothers was the only solace they possessed, especially when their own blood relations repeatedly betrayed them. They were a family, unbreakable and unwavering. If I were to be sent back to my father, my existence would transform into an infernal torment. Alas, I found myself devoid of any alternatives.

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