Chapter 57:
Drupad's Teasing
The grand hall of Kampalyam was filled with the gentle murmur of voices as the Pandavas sat in relaxed conversation with King Drupad, Draupadi’s father. Draupadi, meanwhile, sat nearby, engrossed in one of her favorite books, a soft smile playing on her lips as she listened to the discussions.
The air of calm was soon disrupted by Drupad’s mischievous grin as he turned to his sons-in-law with a twinkle in his eye. “So, my dear Pandavas,” he began, his voice laced with playful intent, “when do you plan on giving me another grandchild? Or perhaps two? It’s only fair that Draupadi, my wonderful daughter, blesses us with more children. After all, she is more than capable.”
The Pandavas exchanged amused glances, knowing full well that Drupad’s teasing was aimed at them. Bhima, never one to shy away from a good-natured jest, was the first to respond. “Well, father-in-law, I’d say it’s not up to us entirely. But when the time comes, we’ll be more than happy to give her as many children as she wants.”
Arjuna chuckled, adding, “In fact, why stop at two? Perhaps a whole battalion of warriors, each stronger than the last.”
Nakula, always quick-witted, smirked. “Draupadi deserves the best. And we’ll make sure she has everything she wishes for—children included.”
Yudhishthira, with a gentle smile, chimed in, “But of course, we must first ask Draupadi what she desires. After all, she’s the one who’ll have to raise these little warriors.”
Sahadeva, unable to resist the fun, added in a mock-serious tone, “We can give her as many children as she wants. Just say the word, and we’ll be ready.”
Draupadi, who had been quietly listening to their banter, couldn’t help but blush deeply at the direction the conversation had taken. She lowered her book slightly, her eyes still focused on the pages, though her face was tinged with a rosy hue. The Pandavas noticed her reaction, and it only fueled their teasing further.
“Oh, look at her,” Bhima said with a grin. “She’s turning as red as the lotus flower!”
Arjuna laughed, leaning back. “It seems our dear wife is a bit shy about the subject.”
Nakula, leaning closer to Draupadi, whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “Tell us, Draupadi, how many children would you like? We’re at your command.”
Draupadi bit her lip, trying to hide her smile as she pretended to focus on her book. “You’re all impossible,” she muttered under her breath, though the corners of her lips betrayed her amusement.
Drupad, clearly enjoying the lighthearted teasing, chuckled and added, “It seems you’ve all mastered the art of teasing your wife. I’m proud to see my daughter so well taken care of.”
The room erupted in laughter, and Draupadi, unable to contain her smile any longer, glanced up from her book. “You all should stop,” she said, her voice playful yet firm. “This is hardly the time to be discussing such matters.”
The Pandavas, however, weren’t quite ready to let her off the hook. “We’ll stop when you tell us how many children you want, Draupadi,” Yudhishthira teased, his eyes twinkling with humor.
Draupadi shook her head, her blush deepening, and returned her focus to the book, though her smile remained. The teasing, though relentless, was a testament to the love and joy they all shared. And as they laughed together, the bond between them grew even stronger, filled with affection, humor, and a future filled with possibilities.
