Draupadi

CHAPTER XX

He stood there, a figure of helplessness, his hand clutching the back of his head as if trying to anchor himself amidst the storm of his own making. With a deep, weary sigh, his voice wavered, "Her brothers want her to stay here, and I... um... I've married her just as I married you, haven't I?"The words hung in the air, heavy and piercing. It was not merely the act of marrying another that wounded me; it was the profound disregard for the sanctity of the vows we had exchanged, the promises made before the divine. The disappointment in my heart was palpable, and though I tried to keep my voice steady, it carried an icy edge. "Have you forgotten your vows, Husband?" The term 'Husband' was laced with a poignant bitterness. Without meeting his gaze, I took the Aarthi plate and walked away, my head held high, determined to preserve a semblance of dignity.Entering my dressing room, I dismissed the maids with a terse gesture, seeking refuge in solitude. I sank into the chair before the mirror, staring at my own reflection. The image that met my eyes was composed, yet beneath the surface lay a tumult of emotions. The thought of accepting his marriage was one thing, but the prospect of Subhadra remaining here-so close, yet so distant-felt like an insurmountable burden. I sighed, pondering the fragile nature of promises, those sweet illusions we construct to soothe our souls.At that moment, Subhadra entered. Clad in the simple garb of a milkmaid, her presence was a stark contrast to the grandeur surrounding her. Her smile was gentle, and her eyes, though clouded with sorrow, bore an unwavering sincerity. She approached me with a deep bow, her voice tender and heartfelt, "I seek your blessings. Am I not your sakha's sister? I entrust all my belongings to you. If it comes to that, I will stay here as your maid. I promise, I will never come between you and Dhanajaya. I did not wish to cause you pain. I was simply swept away by love."Her words, sweet as honey and imbued with genuine remorse, touched a chord deep within me. I saw not just Subhadra but a mirror reflecting my own struggles-a woman ensnared by the intricate dance of love and duty. Her sincerity, laid bare before me, illuminated the shared anguish of our predicaments."I am not angry with you, dear," I said, my voice softer now, imbued with a profound sadness. "It is my husband with whom I am deeply disappointed. The pain is not merely of betrayal but of unfulfilled vows and broken trust."Subhadra's eyes filled with tears, and she bent low, her posture one of heartfelt humility. "Please accept me."Her plea, delivered with such earnestness and vulnerability, resonated with the core of my being. In her, I saw not a rival but a kindred spirit navigating the same turbulent waters of love and fidelity. How could I not embrace her sincerity? With a deep breath, I offered my acceptance, my voice carrying the weight of both compassion and unresolved grief. "Fine, Subhadra," I said, my tone laden with the depth of my emotions. Her relief was palpable, and in that moment, amidst the complexity of our shared situation, I glimpsed a profound connection.

In the end I had to forgive Arjun too. Well, him on his knees while I was sitting on the bed apologising to me had helped me forgive. But there was someone I was angry at. Krishna.

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I handed Krishna a small, exquisitely crafted milk sweet, its sugary aroma hinting at the labor of love that had gone into making it. His eyes followed the delicacy with a touch of curiosity before he took a hesitant bite. As the sweetness began to melt in his mouth, I let the venom in my voice seep through. "Was it truly so delightful for you to send your sister to be with my husband?" My words, laced with bitterness, seemed to curdle the sweetness of the treat, causing Krishna to choke slightly. I slid a glass of water towards him, my gaze sharp and unyielding.Krishna took the glass with trembling hands, and I watched with a sense of grim satisfaction as he gulped down the water, his face etched with discomfort. I sat across from him, my knees drawn up and my posture rigid, a silent testament to the storm of emotions roiling within me. "Sakhi," Krishna began, his voice tentative as if he were treading on fragile ground."Don't you dare 'sakhi' me now," I cut him off sharply, my eyes blazing. "It's your fault I'm caught in this whirlwind of emotions."Krishna's face clouded with a mix of regret and defensiveness. "Listen here. I merely advised Arjun to follow his heart. Besides, through their union, a great warrior is to be born. In the grand scheme of history, isn't that more significant than your temporary heartache?"I shook my head, the frustration in my voice palpable. "But you won't be on my side anymore. You'll always be by Subhadra's side now?"Krishna's gaze softened, though there was a flicker of regret in his eyes. "She is my younger sister, and most of the time, she's by your side too.""But where does that leave me?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of hurt and defiance."Draupadi, sakhi, you are truly a special friend to me," Krishna said earnestly. "As long as dharma prevails, the world will not forget the bond we share."A small smile began to curl at the corners of my lips, softened by the sincerity of his words. "You still haven't quite mastered the art of making milk sweets, have you?" Krishna said with a playful glint in his eye.I gasped in mock outrage, "How dare you criticize my delicious sweets!" I smiled we were back to normal.

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