Krishnapriya Devashree

81. Through Time and Fate

Maharaj Draupad's thoughts were a storm of worry and anger as his chariot sped towards Dwarka.

The night air was cool, but his heart was heavy with concern. The rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves did little to soothe his troubled mind.

My Draupadi... he thought, his heart aching. From the moment she emerged from the sacred fire, she was my precious daughter, my pride, and joy. Her birth was a miracle, a blessing from the gods.

He remembered the day of her birth vividly. The flames had parted, and there she stood, a young woman, not a child. 

She was so pure, so untouched by the cruelties of this world. 

She had looked at the world with such curiosity, such wonder having no knowledge of the atrocities that lay beyond the palace walls. Her heart was pure, untouched by the darkness of the world and he wanted to keep her the same, protect her always.

But fate had a different plan. 

In what felt like the blink of an eye, she was married. And not just to one man, but to five. 

Five husbands, he thought bitterly. No one in the palace supported it. My own daughter, married to five men. The scandal, the whispers, the judgment. They nodded before me, but behind my back, they questioned and judged. He knew Draupadi had heard those whispers too, saw how she would mask her discomfort with a brave smile. My poor child, thrust into a world of complexities and politics. 

He sighed deeply.

He remembered the look in Draupadi's eyes when she heard those whispers. She was so brave, so strong. But why should she have to be? Why should she bear this burden?

Draupad's eyes burned with unshed tears. 

He remembered the nights Draupadi had come to him, "Pitashree, why do people whisper behind my back?" she had asked once, her voice trembling. He had held her close, whispering reassurances, promising her that she was loved and valued. But now, the fear that those reassurances might have been in vain gnawed at his heart.

The chariot hit a bump, jolting him back to the present.

And now, she had found happiness with her five husbands. She had blossomed in their love, and he thought, finally, she could know peace. But this.......Could it be true? 

He couldn't shake the image of Bhanumati's calm, confident face as she spoke those troubling words. Why would she come there, unannounced, to say such things if there wasn't some truth to them?

 "I give my word that I will always respect your daughter, Maharaj, and protect her honor."  He could still hear Arjun's voice from the wedding ceremony, clear and sincere.

But words were just that—words. Actions spoke louder, and now he needed to see those actions for himself.

******

Balram's chariot thundered down the path, closing the distance between him and the fleeing couple, followed by Kriahna and Devashree on their heels.

"Stop and face me if you have any courage, Pratap!" His voice boomed with authority, echoing through the air.

Pratap glanced back, a wry smile playing on his lips. "True courage has been shown by your sister today, Dau. I am merely supporting her, as I will throughout our marital life."

"You dare mock me? You think you can just take my sister and escape?" Balram's face contorted with anger, his grip tightening on the reins.

"Threatening your to-be brother-in-law is not very nice, Dau. Where are your manners?" Pratap laughed, a carefree sound that only fueled Balram's fury.