The sun had barely risen when Orhan, Fatima Hatun, and Alauddin rushed to their fathers, their eyes gleaming with excitement. The air was crisp and cool, perfect for an adventure.
"Father, can we go to the apple orchard today?" Orhan asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Bhima, always eager for physical activity, grinned. "An excellent idea! What do you think, brothers?"
Yudhishthira nodded, setting aside the scrolls he had been reading. "A day in the orchard sounds wonderful. It will be a good break from our duties."
Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva agreed, and soon the group set off towards the orchard, their spirits high. The children led the way, skipping and laughing, while their fathers followed closely behind, enjoying the rare moment of leisure.
The apple orchard was a sprawling expanse of trees, their branches heavy with ripe, red apples. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fruit, and the gentle rustling of leaves added to the serene atmosphere.
"Let's see who can pick the most apples," Fatima suggested, her competitive spirit shining through.
"You're on!" Alauddin replied, already eyeing the tallest tree.
The Pandavas watched with amusement as their children scampered off, each determined to fill their baskets. Bhima, ever the playful one, decided to join in the competition, lifting Orhan onto his shoulders to help him reach the higher branches.
Arjuna and Nakula worked together, effortlessly climbing the trees and passing down the apples to Fatima and Alauddin, who giggled and tried to keep up. Yudhishthira and Sahadeva took a more measured approach, carefully selecting the ripest apples and teaching the children how to judge their readiness.
"Look, Father, this one is perfect!" Orhan called out, holding up a particularly large apple.
Bhima laughed. "That's a beauty, Orhan. Well done!"
As the baskets filled up, the orchard echoed with laughter and the occasional friendly banter. The Pandavas took turns helping their children, sharing stories of their own childhoods and the lessons they had learned.
"Draupadi will be delighted with this harvest," Yudhishthira remarked, watching as the children ran from tree to tree.
After a few hours, their baskets were brimming with apples, and the children were flushed with exertion but beaming with pride. They gathered in a circle, comparing their hauls and teasing each other about who had picked the best apples.
"Let's take these back to the palace and surprise Mother," Alauddin suggested, wiping sweat from his brow.
With their baskets in tow, the group made their way back, the children chattering excitedly about the pies and treats they would make. As they approached the palace, Sultan Draupadi stepped out to meet them, her face lighting up at the sight of her family.
"Look at all these apples!" she exclaimed. "You all did a wonderful job."
Orhan, Fatima, and Alauddin ran to their mother, showing off their baskets. "We picked the best ones, Mother," Fatima said proudly.
Draupadi smiled and kissed each of them on the forehead. "I'm so proud of you all. We'll make the finest apple pies tonight."
The Pandavas exchanged satisfied glances, grateful for the day spent in the orchard. It had been a perfect blend of fun, family, and a reminder of the simple joys in life.
As the sun set, the palace was filled with the warm aroma of baking apples, and the sounds of laughter and love echoed through the halls. Sultan Draupadi and the Pandavas, surrounded by their children, found solace in these precious moments, cherishing the bonds that held them together.
And so, the kingdom thrived not just on power and justice, but on the love and unity that began in a simple apple orchard, where memories were made and hearts were filled.
* To be continued…*
