In the fourth month of her pregnancy, Draupadi found herself surrounded by the comforting presence of the Pandavas in their safe house. She hugged Nakula, feeling a sense of security as Sahadeva stood by her side, their hands entwined in a display of solidarity.
Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna, always quick-witted and mischievous, couldn't resist teasing Draupadi about her affection for the younger brothers. "Draupadi loves our younger brothers," Yudhishthira remarked with a grin, nudging Bhima and Arjuna playfully. "Always the young ones get the most love, even from Mom and Dad. And now, our wife Drau."
Draupadi rolled her eyes good-naturedly, though a hint of exasperation crept into her voice. "Shut up, all of you. I love all five of you equally," she retorted, her tone firm yet tinged with affection. "And you're all younger than me, so stop teasing my husbands." She shot Nakula and Sahadeva a knowing glance, who smirked in response to her defense.
Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna exchanged amused glances before Yudhishthira spoke again, his voice tinged with mock surprise. "Yes, we are younger than you," he admitted, a playful twinkle in his eyes.
Draupadi sighed, her patience wearing thin as she tried to make her point clear. "You said the young ones get more love. Well, all five of you are younger than me, and I love all five equally," she emphasized, her gaze firm as she looked at each of them in turn. "That's why I support each of you equally. When one of you is teasing, I'll support them. And when one is in discomfort, I'll make the others shut their mouths. No favoritism, no hierarchy. All equal."
Nakula and Sahadeva nodded in agreement, understanding the depth of Draupadi's words about equality and support among siblings. They had always known her to be fair and just, but hearing her reaffirm her love for all five of them equally filled them with a sense of pride and reassurance.
The other three Pandavas were taken aback by Draupadi's unwavering stance. "You love all five equally," they echoed, their surprise evident in their voices.
Draupadi smiled softly, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words. "I love all five of you equally," she repeated, her voice steady and unwavering. "Till my death and even after. Perhaps you think I favor Nakula and Sahadeva more, but it's simply because they are twins. Twins are mischievous, sometimes jealous of their elder brothers, always needing attention from the one they love most."
Nakula and Sahadeva exchanged a glance, touched by Draupadi's understanding of their bond as twins. "You understand the needs of younger siblings," Sahadeva murmured, his voice filled with gratitude.
The five Pandavas stood together in a rare moment of unity, their individual strengths and weaknesses balanced by Draupadi's unwavering love and support. In her, they found not just a wife and a queen but a pillar of strength who bound them together in a bond that transcended the challenges of their tumultuous world.
Suddenly, Draupadi's eyes fluttered and her body went limp, collapsing into Sahadeva's arms. His heart pounded in his chest as he caught her, his voice trembling with panic. "Drau! Draupadi, wake up!"
The room erupted into chaos. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Arjuna rushed to her side, their faces pale with fear. Yudhishthira, usually the composed one, found himself grappling with a wave of terror. "Draupadi, please, stay with us," he pleaded, his voice cracking.
Bhima's hands shook as he gently lifted her from Sahadeva's arms, cradling her as if she were the most fragile thing in the world. "We need a doctor, now!" he roared, his voice filled with desperation.
Nakula, his eyes brimming with tears, knelt beside them, checking Draupadi's pulse with trembling fingers. "She's breathing," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "But it's weak. We need to get her help immediately."
