Raghukul: Mahabharat

Chapter 8: Swayamvar

The next day arrived, and Karn was in his chamber, getting ready for the Swayamvar. On the other hand, the court of King Draupad was decorated so beautifully that it would make Swarg Lok zealous. King Draupad was sitting on his throne, surrounded by kings and princes who had come to participate. Krishna, as a royal guest, took his seat beside Draupad.

Then came Draupadi, her beauty captivating every king, prince, and even the Brahmins present. An announcement echoed through the court: "AyodhyaRaj Karn Padharrahe he." Due to Karn being the King of Ayodhya and Ayodhya being the only kingdom never conquered, every king except Draupad and Krishna stood up in respect. The Hastinapur princes, in their arrogance, remained seated.

Karn entered, his presence commanding respect. He took his special throne, and the Swayamvar began. Dristdyum explained the challenge: the suitors had to pick up the Divya Dhanush, tie its string, and aim at the fish in the sky while looking at its reflection in the water below.

Many kings tried and failed to even lift the bow. Then came Duryodhan, who picked it up with pure strength but failed to tie the string. Finally, it was Karn's turn. He picked up the bow with ease, tied the string, and shot the arrow, hitting the eye of the fish.

Draupadi shyly came down with a garland in her hand, but just as she was about to put it on Karn, a shout was heard: "STOP!" Everyone turned to see a young Brahmin standing there. Karn asked, "What do you want?"

The Brahmin replied, "I, Pandu Putra Arjun, challenge you for PanchalKumari's hand."

Karn responded, "I already won the Swayamvar. I don't have time for you. Go away." Everyone laughed at Arjun.

Arjun, undeterred, said, "Why, are you scared?" Karn, without a word, drew out a dagger, chanted some hymns, and threw it towards Arjun. The dagger transformed into Nagpash and bound Arjun.

Draupadi then placed the garland on Karn, and Karn reciprocated by garlanding Draupadi.

After their marriage, Karn and Draupadi stayed in Panchal for a week. During this time, their relationship blossomed beautifully. As the week ended, they began their journey towards Ayodhya. Karn was driving the chariot, while Draupadi sat comfortably in the royal chariot. Karn had chosen to travel alone with Draupadi to give them time to bond.

Karn said, "Priye, I want our married life to bloom beautifully, so why not start by getting to know each other?" Draupadi nodded, and they began to talk, losing themselves in each other's voices. As night fell, they stopped, set up a tent, and lay under the stars, sharing dreams and aspirations.

Draupadi rested her head on Karn's shoulder, and he gently held her hand. "I never imagined I would find such peace and joy with someone," Draupadi said softly.

Karn replied, "And I never thought I would meet someone who understands me so well." He kissed her forehead tenderly. They continued their journey like this, immersed in each other's company, sharing stories, dreams, and silent moments filled with unspoken love.

Upon reaching Ayodhya, they were greeted at the palace entrance by Avantika, Avanti, Kulguru Vashishta, Brihadbala, and Hanuman. When Karn and Draupadi alighted from their chariot, Avantika performed their aarti and said, "Jyeshth, that's not fair! You should have called Avanti and me to your wedding."

Karn just smiled and, ignoring their playful whining, moved towards the elders to take their blessings. That night, Karn and Draupadi stood on the balcony, looking out over Ayodhya. The moonlight bathed the city in a serene glow.

Draupadi leaned against Karn and said, "I never thought I would have a husband as loving, caring, and understanding as you."

Karn smiled and gently caressed her hair. "Why wouldn't I love you, care for you, and be understanding? I know that you've been in this world for only a few months. I will help you live the childhood you never had," he said, pulling her into a warm embrace.

As they held each other, both had the same thought: "I have found the missing part of my soul."

The day after their arrival in Ayodhya, Draupadi decided to cook for everyone. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of her delicious dishes, and everyone eagerly awaited the meal. When they finally tasted her food, Hanuman remarked with a smile, "Your cooking reminds me of Mata Sita's, truly divine."

That evening, Karn and Draupadi found themselves in Karn's private garden, a serene and beautiful place filled with blooming flowers and the soft hum of nature. They sat under a huge tree, the leaves rustling gently in the evening breeze.

Karn looked at Draupadi, his eyes filled with admiration. "Priye, I must say, your cooking today was exceptional. Even Bhrata Hanuman was reminded of Mata Sita."

Draupadi blushed, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed it. It means a lot to me to be able to contribute to our family."

Karn reached out and gently took her hand in his. "You've done more than contribute, Draupadi. You've brought joy and warmth into our home."

They sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying each other's presence. The garden seemed to glow in the soft twilight, casting a magical aura around them. Karn's gaze was tender as he brushed a stray lock of hair from Draupadi's face. "Every moment with you feels like a blessing. I never imagined I would find someone who completes me as you do."

Draupadi's eyes sparkled as she met his gaze. "And I never thought I would find a husband as loving, caring, and understanding as you. You've made me feel at home in a way I never thought possible."

Karn smiled and pulled her closer. "I want to give you the life you deserve, filled with love and happiness. I promise to always be by your side, supporting you and cherishing you."

Draupadi leaned into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his love surround her. "And I will always stand by you, Karn. Together, we can face anything."

Karn gently lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips, sending shivers down Draupadi's spine. "You know, Draupadi, there's something magical about this garden, but it pales in comparison to the magic you bring into my life."

Draupadi's heart swelled with emotion. "Karn, I feel the same. Every moment with you feels like a dream, a beautiful dream I never want to wake up from."

They sat close together, the night air cool but their hearts warm. Karn's voice was soft as he continued, "I remember my years in Swarg. I saw beauty and magnificence beyond imagination, but nothing ever captivated me the way you do. Your beauty, your grace, your strength... they're unmatched."

Draupadi smiled, a tear of happiness escaping her eye. "And I see in you the epitome of valor and nobility. You are a true king, not just of Ayodhya, but of my heart."

Karn cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away the tear. "I want to show you all the wonders of this world, Draupadi. We will build our dreams together, live our adventures, and face every challenge side by side."

Draupadi nodded, feeling the deep bond they shared strengthening with every word. "Yes, Karn. Our journey together has just begun, and I am eager to see where it leads us."

As the evening turned to night, they remained under the tree, talking and sharing their dreams for the future. The stars above seemed to shine just for them, a testament to the love they had found in each other. In that moment, they knew that their hearts had found a home, and they were truly complete.

This is how Draupadi looks.