Draupadi's mood worsens. A dew days ago, Duryodhana asked for Shrutasena. A letter was send to him inviting him in Hastinapur. Shrutasena's fathers and brothers were completely against it. But Draupadi has send him.
She leans on the frame of her bed. One hand on Shivaya's head. It's late at night. Her mind swirling with memories. Past isn't so easily forgotten. Also a dread in her heart. After Shrutasena returns, they will leave Devapath.
"Carefully, priye," Bheema and Sahadeva both rushes by her side.
After a month she gave birth to Shrutasena, Maharaja Dhritrastra's health took a worse turn. Yudhisthira was worried. He couldn't rush in Hastinapur giving into some circumstances. So, he send Bheema, Sahadeva and Draupadi. Draupadi also because Maharani Gandhari wanted to see her daughter in law and grandsons desperately.
"You will rest only," Bheema says worried, "Sahadeva, escort her to her chamber. I will ask Mata Gandhari to visit her there."
Draupadi tries to protest, "You can't Arya. How disrespectful would that be! Let me greet them..."
"Panchali, enough!" Bheema says sternly, "You came despite our protests to respect her words. I am not compromising with your health. If you disagree more, I will send you back."
Draupadi sighs defeated. Prativindhya, Sutasoma, Satanika are behind her with Priyamvada and Malini. Shrutasena carefully wrapped in her chest.
Sahadeva takes Draupadi in her chamber directly and Bheema goes to greet his uncle and aunt. Leaving her there, instructing the maids Sahadeva also leaves to greet them. Draupadi stays in her chamber with great discomfort.
She is half laying on the bed. When the guard announces visitors in her chamber. Shrutasena stirs in her arms playfully.
Duryodhana, Bhanumati, Dushsasana, Vikarna, Yuyutsu and her other brother in laws came to visit her.
"Pranipath Bhrata Duryodhana!" Draupadi greets him.
"Pranipath Bhabishree!" Duryodhana greets her back.
"Bhanu!"
"Pranipath Jiji!" Bhanumati grins.
Dushsasana and others touch her feet for blessings.
"Yasashvi vaba," Draupadi blesses them.
"You shouldn't have traveled in this condition," Duryodhana says seeing her condition.
"You are so pale Jiji. Also how much weight have you lost!" Bhanumati says worriedly.
Draupadi smiles only. They sit around her bed and sofa. Her sons become their main attraction. Prativindhya and Sutasoma touches their feet with their tiny fingers one by one. Satanika only buries himself more to his mother's body seeing all the unfamiliar faces. Duryodhana has picked up both Prativindhya and Sutasoma in his arms. Both squeal in happiness. He talks with them enthusiastically.
Some time later he puts them down and his brothers took them to bless them with affection.
Duryodhana tries to have a closer look on Satanika and Shrutasena. He walks beside Draupadi. Satanika peaks a little. Then again hides in his mother's achal.
"That's the peacock's child," Duryodhana says sarcastically.
Draupadi chuckles and Bhanumati scolds her husband.
Duryodhana's attention goes on Shrutasena again. He is making happy sounds throwing his arms and legs upwards. Unknowingly a smile appears on Duryodhana's lips seeing so happy Shrutasena.
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...
