As the evening descended, the PANDAVAS were deeply unsettled by the sight of DRAUPADI crying inconsolably for five long hours. They stood around her, overwhelmed with remorse for causing her such profound anguish.
Finally, exhaustion overtook DRAUPADI, and she began to drift into sleep, finding solace on Sahadeva's chest. Nakula, noting her rest finally coming after hours of tears, softly remarked, "She's asleep now."
Sahadeva carefully lifted DRAUPADI and placed her gently on the bed. Even in her sleep, she held onto his hand tightly, seeking comfort and security. Sahadeva, touched by her vulnerability, lay down beside her, staying close as she embraced him tightly.
In the stillness of the night, both DRAUPADI and Sahadeva found solace in each other's embrace, their hearts seeking reassurance and warmth. As they slept, intertwined in a comforting hug, the echoes of DRAUPADI's tears lingered in the air, a poignant reminder of the depth of emotion within their family.
Yudhishthira, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva gathered around DRAUPADI, their faces etched with concern and sorrow as they witnessed her anguish. Each of them felt the weight of her words, understanding the depth of her pain.
Yudhishthira, ever the voice of reason and compassion, knelt beside DRAUPADI and gently took her hand. "DRAUPADI," he began, his voice steady yet filled with empathy, "you are not foolish, nor are you an idiot. We are the ones who should apologize to you."
Bheema, his usually robust demeanor softened by remorse, spoke next. "You've always been our strength, DRAUPADI," he said sincerely. "We were thoughtless, and we hurt you deeply. I am sorry."
Arjuna, known for his wisdom and poise, knelt beside Yudhishthira and added, "Your forgiveness means everything to us, DRAUPADI. Please believe that we are here to support you, always."
Nakula, still holding her in a comforting embrace, spoke softly, "I'm sorry, DRAUPADI. We never wanted to cause you pain. Please forgive us."
Sahadeva, his voice filled with emotion, gently wiped her tears and said, "You have every right to live, DRAUPADI. We love you deeply, and we will do everything to make things right."
DRAUPADI's voice trembled as she spoke, her words laced with anguish and self-blame. "Kill me for punishing you, Bheema, Arjuna, Sahadeva, because of Nakula hitting the wall. I always love all five of you equally. But today, I broke that trust. I only cared for Nakula and Yudhishthira, not for the other three. I am selfish. I broke the trust I made with God Mahadeva."
The PANDAVAS stood in stunned silence for a moment, processing her words. Then, in unison, they spoke with urgency and reassurance. "If we were to lose you, who are we to live in this world? Even now, you love all five of us equally. You did not break our trust. You imposed punishment on Bheema, Arjuna, and Sahadeva, but you intervened and stopped it. You cried for five hours, not just for one or two, but for all of us."
God Mahadeva's voice echoed truthfully, a presence that enveloped the room. "You did not break the trust you have with me," he affirmed. "Even now, you love all five equally. Your tears were shed for all five."
DRAUPADI listened to their words, feeling a weight lift from her heart. She realized that her love for the PANDAVAS was unwavering, despite her temporary lapse in judgment. With their forgiveness and understanding, she found solace and strength to continue, knowing that their bond was deeper than any moment of conflict or misunderstanding.
DRAUPADI, her voice trembling with emotion, was about to speak when Yudhishthira gently placed a hand on her shoulder. His eyes conveyed understanding and compassion as he said softly, "DRAUPADI, there's no need to apologize. We understand why you did what you did."
