The Other Princess

Vows

That night, Samyukta found herself restless, unable to sleep in the guest room she shared with Kunti. The upcoming wedding of Draupadi and the Pandavas weighed heavily on her mind. Seeking solace, she wandered into the serene garden of the Panchala palace, her lantern casting a soft glow on the path.

She soon spotted Dhrishtadyumna seated alone on a bench, lost in thought. She approached and took a seat beside him, the lantern's warm light illuminating their faces.

"Why are you sitting here alone at this hour?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Dhrishtadyumna looked up, his eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and contemplation. "And why aren't you sleeping?" he countered, his tone gentle.

Samyukta sighed. "I'm having trouble finding rest. My mind is troubled."

Dhrishtadyumna offered a faint smile. "Perhaps it's the strangeness of the surroundings. I've been contemplating my own existence."

Intrigued, Samyukta asked, "What troubles you, Prince?"

Dhrishtadyumna's gaze grew distant as he spoke, his voice tinged with sadness. "I've always felt burdened by my father's quest for vengeance. Unlike my siblings, who were born to his queens, I came into this world through fire; a birth marked by extraordinary circumstances. I often feel out of place, different from my siblings and so does Panchali. Thankfully our siblings don't treat us differently. The weight of the prophecy and father's revenge shadows my life. Looks like people born under such auspices and selfish motives often struggle to find their true purpose."

He paused, his brow furrowed with the weight of his thoughts. "Sometimes, I long for a simpler life, free from the heavy expectations and destiny imposed upon me. I wish I were just an ordinary prince."

Samyukta's heart ached for him. "I understand your plight. But remember, the trials we face shape us into who we are meant to be. Your challenges have forged you into someone remarkable. It's not the circumstances that define us, but how we rise to meet them. Embrace your destiny, for it's made you resilient and wise."

Dhrishtadyumna's eyes softened as he listened, the faintest hint of a smile appearing on his lips. "Thank you, Samyukta. Your words bring me comfort and clarity."

He then shifted the focus to Draupadi, his concern evident. "I'm also worried about Draupadi. Her life is about to change drastically."

Samyukta nodded, her voice steady and reassuring. "Draupadi is marrying the Pandavas, five men of immense strength and wisdom. Their combined power is formidable, far surpassing that of a hundred Kauravas. They will protect her with their very lives. And with Grandsire Bhishma's presence, ensuring that no harm can come to her, she is in safe hands. Draupadi herself is a warrior of exceptional skill. You needn't fear for her."

Dhrishtadyumna's expression relaxed, a genuine smile lighting up his face. He took her hand gently in his, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Samyukta. Your reassurances mean more to me than you know."

As the night deepened and the cool breeze of Panchala's gardens gently caressed them, Samyukta let her guard down. The weight of her heart pressed heavily against her, and she felt a sudden urge to open up, to share the complexities of her life with someone who, for once, might understand.

"Do you know something? I wish my life wasn't so complicated too," she said softly, her eyes fixed on the flickering flame of the lantern. "I'm part of the royal family of Hastinapura, but I'm not royal enough to be titled a princess. From my childhood, everything has been different for me. My sister Dushala and I grew up side by side, but it was always clear... she was the princess, and I was simply Prime Minister Vidura's daughter."