Empire of Righteousness ( The Beginning)

Chapter 159 : The Dark Night

*** This chapter contains an assault scene. If it's uncomfortable for anyone, please skip***

Draupadi, Shrutasena, Arjuna and Bheema camp because the horses are getting too tired.

Bheema and Shrutasena goes to get water for themselves. Arjuna and Draupadi sits around the fire.

"Arjuna," Draupadi touches his arm.

Arjuna is tensed and too emotional. Draupadi rarely sees him this way.

"Arjuna, calm down. We all are worried but we can't act so irrationally. The accusation isn't an ordinary one," Draupadi says.

"Panchali, Kirti will never do something like that. How can they accuse and imprison him? He went as a guest. They have disrespected us all," Arjuna says clearly agitated.

"Arjuna..."

"He is right, Panchali. Kakeya is taking advantage now. We always had a long enmity with them. They are using this against us," Bheema supports Arjuna.

"Maa, I only hope Karma doesn't lose his temper. I guess he still didn't as he requested your presence. I am surprised he didn't slaughter them all the moment they accused him of such crime. He is too sensitive with that sort of thing," Shrutasena says.

"I met Shivaya before. You remember, Sena? You brought her to me when 100 days celebration for Lava and Kusha were going on," Draupadi says.

"She must be forced or misunderstood," Bheema says.

"I hope it's the latter, Arya. Because we all stand alone with our own deeds. I am the Samragni of Aryavarta, the mother of my nation. I will punish her severely if she cries about being forced," Draupadi states firmly.

"They have spread about this all over Aryavarta, Maa. They are trying to spoil not only his character but also all of us. Because..." Shrutakarma stutters looking at Arjuna now.

"Because what?" Bheema asks confused.

Shrutasena stays silent but knows it's better to know than being oblivious.

"They are saying...Karma has the blood of his father... They have brought Pitashree Arjuna in the picture..."

Shrutasena and Bheema stays silent. Both avoid looking at Arjuna.

"Then Arjuna should be ready to face a lot of things. You will be questioned as well," Draupadi states firmly.

What Arjuna's past or his deed has no meaning for her. Though she couldn't help but feel hostile. As a father his shadow will fall on his son. He never brothered to care about that.

"What are planning to do, priye?" Bheema asks.

"Liars are always coward, Arya. Trust me. You three going there has already shook them to their core. They will panic and lie. The more they lie, the more we will win," Draupadi says.

Bheema pats his thigh then. Draupadi smiles and scoots close to him. Bheema covers her with his Angavastram as she lays her head on his thigh.

Arjuna sighs looking at the fire in front. His mind in complete chaos. Maybe the only reason Draupadi is calm because she knows as always she will emerge  victorious. Shrutakarma was also clever enough to request Samragni's presence. Draupadi knew her son isn't capable of doing something like that and her son knew whom to turn for help.

But the father in him is worried immensely. He and Nakula came to win this part of Aryavarta. They faught and won easily against Maharaj Rajan. He hasn't forgotten that day.