The next day, everyone woke up early and dressed in simple clothes for the journey.
Yudhisthira wore a plain gold colour dhoti and an upper garment of the same color, looking regal yet understated.
Bhima chose a simple brown dhoti, emphasizing his muscular frame.
Nakul and Sahadev both donned light blue and green dhotis, reflecting their youthful and vibrant spirits.
Arjun, ever the warrior, opted for a white dhoti with a light scarf draped around his shoulders.
Krishna wore his signature yellow dhoti, an embellished crown radiant with peacock feathers.
Devika and Valandhara, ever elegant, wore simple sarees: Devika in a soft pink and Valandhara in a gentle lavender.
Draupadi, always the epitome of grace, chose a simple yet striking red saree, while Satyabhama wore a cheerful yellow saree that matched her lively personality.
As they reached the main gate, they found Bhishma and Kunti already waiting for them.
Kunti approached her sons, her eyes filled with concern. "Be safe, my sons. Take care of your wives and each other."
The Pandavas nodded, promising their mother they would heed her words.
With final farewells, they mounted their horses.
Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakul, and Sahadev led the way, their horses trotting gracefully.
Devika and Valandhara shared one chariot, while Draupadi and Satyabhama sat in another, both chariots following closely behind the leading horses.
A third chariot carried their essentials already left before them.
Arjun and Krishna rode side by side on their own horses, bringing up the rear at the end.
As they traveled towards the banks of the Ganga, the morning air was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Satyabhama nudged Draupadi and pointed out the young maidens who had come out, even at this early hour, to catch a glimpse of their husbands.
Draupadi noticed their admiring gazes and couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Krishna, noticed Draupadi's expression and teased, "Dear sister, don't be jealous. Remember, you never took any vow from my Parth to stay away from admirers."
Draupadi glared at her brother, her lips forming a pout as she sulked in her seat.
Arjun, seeing the exchange, laughed and playfully asked, "Madhav, why are you creating troubles in my married life?"
Krishna continued his teasing. "You know, kalyani, Parth here has quite the fan club. Those maidens must have heard tales of his valor and charm."
Draupadi's sulk deepened, her eyes narrowing at her brother. "Bhrata, you seem to be enjoying this too much."
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Love's Battlefield: Draupadi And The Archer
Historical FictionIn this fresh retelling of the Mahabharata, Draupadi is bound by destiny to Arjun alone, their love a powerful force amidst a world unraveling in chaos and adharma. As the whispers of war grow louder and betrayal strikes from within, their bond is...