"I told you," Draupadi shakes her head.
Yudhisthira is standing baffled. Did Duryodhana seriously took Narayani Sena and not Narayana Himself? It's too hard to believe. Is it possible to make this sort of mistake? Was he drunk?
Arjuna was rolling in laughter with Bheema. Both were first time in their lives grateful at Duryodhana's short of intelligence.
"Panchali," Nakula says.
"Yes?" Draupadi answers immediately.
"Your step sons will arrive directly at the camp in Upapalvya..."
"What? Why?" Draupadi immediately questions confused.
Her husbands become more confused seeing her confusion.
"What why? They will participate in this war definitely," Bheema says mirroring more confusion.
"What for?" Draupadi asks again completely confused.
Pandavas look at each other. Why is Draupadi so confused?
"Kalyani," Yudhisthira says softly, "Despite their past ignorance and act, they respect and love you deeply. You are their reverend mother."
"So what? This war..."
Draupadi realizes the problem. Her heart does an uncomfortable twist. And seeing her sakha suddenly in deep thoughts also add to her horror.
"Panchali...this war...as your sons this is their duty to participate," Arjuna supports Bheema.
"They have their mothers permission?" Draupadi asks.
"It's not needed," Bheema's voice comes out heated.
"It is, Bheema," Draupadi matches his seriousness.
Draupadi's mind begins to race. She has complete faith in her sons. Sons of Yagnaseni cannot be defeated in war field. They are fire themselves. Who can put off fire that burns within?
But there's no complete accurate direction in war. It can turn around any second. Because rather than the fight of strength, the main strength rests in mental wellbeing and willpower. Her husbands have their reasons to fight, her sons have their reasons to fight. But her step sons? What reason do they have? Only to lighten their heart of guilt, what if end up in....
"Arya,"
Draupadi's voice has a different authority and unknown emotion.
"None of you ever doubted me. Questioned me about how I maintain the family. How I maintain relationship with our relatives..."
Pandavas wait for her to finish.
"Will you five grant a little request of mine?" Draupadi looks at them.
Yudhisthira looks at her unable to comprehend her words, "...Of course...priye...just say it..."
"Only my sons will carry the legacy of your bloodline. The great Kutu dynasty blood will be carried on by my sons only. Noone else will be acknowledged as your heir other than them!"
Pandavas eyes widen in shock. For a moment they forgot to take breath. Such request from Draupadi who loves her step sons immensely is a surprise.
"Panchali, already..my heir is Kirti...our Kirti...why must Iravan, Babhrubhana suffer being abandoned?" Arjuna asks baffled.
"It's not about being the heir, Arjuna," a sudden terror fills her voice, "Nor will you abandon your sons. I just want you five to declare and oath that the sons whom I bore, will only be recognized as your blood."
YOU ARE READING
Empire of Righteousness ( The Beginning)
Historical FictionThe Divine woman Draupadi was born as the eternal consort of Panadavas. But we always fail to treasure things which we get easily. Same happened with the Panadavas. Draupadi's utter devotion towards them made them totally neglecting towards her. A t...
