Arjun's pov
As I waited with Sahadev and Nakul in the main hall, Bhrata Yudhishthir entered, his eyes betraying a hint of concern - Panchali was still unconvinced. I knew it was my responsibility to persuade her, so I excused myself and made my way to her chamber. The door was closed, and despite my knock, there was no response. I spoke through the door, "Panchali, please let me talk to you, give me a chance." The door creaked open slightly, and I entered to find her sitting on her bed, her gaze fixed on me. As I approached, she halted me with a subtle gesture.
Draupadi : “ O son of Kunti? Go where the daughter of the Satwata race is!!when you tie a second knot, the first one, becomes weak and is corroded,” she lamented in grief.
But I pacified her repeatedly and asked for her forgiveness.
I left Panchali's chamber, lost in thought, and made my way to my own quarters. As I entered, I found Subhadra sitting on the bed, her eyes shining with hope. She had been waiting for me, eager to know if I had succeeded in convincing Panchali. I could sense her unspoken question, and I hesitated, unsure of how to reveal the truth. Subhadra's face fell as she read the uncertainty in my expression, and she looked down, her hands clasped together in her lap. I sat beside her, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders, trying to offer comfort, but my mind was still with Panchali, wondering what more I could do to convince her.
Subhadra: "Arya, what happened? Did you talk to maharani Panchali?"
Arjun: "I did, but I'm not sure I made any progress. She's still hesitant, and I can sense her doubts."
Subhadra: "What did she say?"
Arjun: "She's not ready to accept us .
Subhadra: "Sometimes, it takes a woman's touch, Arya. Let me go and talk to her."
Arjun: "No!! I won't allow you. She is mad at you.
Subhadra: "I'm positive. I'll go and talk to her, don't worry .
I don't know what to say. What if draupadi shouts at her.
Subhadra placed her palm on my shoulder.
Subhadra: "I will, Arjun. Don't worry."
Subhadra left the room, only to return moments later transformed, dressed in a simple outfit with minimal jewelry, looking like an ordinary girl. Yet, in that unadorned state, she seemed even more beautiful, her natural radiance shining through. I was perplexed by her sudden change, but she just smiled knowingly and headed towards Panchali's chamber. I couldn't help but wonder what she was up to, but before I could ask, she was gone. I was left alone, my mind racing with possibilities, and all I could do was pray to God, hoping that Subhadra's unconventional approach would somehow work wonders and help ease Panchali's concerns, bringing peace to our family.
Author's pov,
Subhadra stood before Panchali's chamber, took a deep breath, and stepped inside with hope and determination. As she entered, Panchali's fiery gaze met her innocent, lotus-like eyes, and a silent understanding passed between them. The air in the chamber was charged with tension, like the moment when fire and water meet, each element acknowledging the other's power. The silence was palpable, a living entity that wrapped itself around the two women, as they faced each other, their eyes locked in a silent dialogue, as Subhadra's gentle spirit confronted Panchali's fierce determination, each waiting for the other to make the first move.
Draupadi: "Who are you?"
Subhadra: "I am a maid, sent from Dwarka to serve you, my highness ."
Draupadi: "A maid? You don't look like a maid. You look like a princess."
