|| Never Without You || [ The Tale Of Arjun-Draupadi ] (I)

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝟷𝟸

Kaampilya, Paanchal

The crowd gasped loudly. 

Some slapped their foreheads, some cupped their mouths and some mouthed in frustration as the fifth and the last arrow hit the fish, missing the target by a hair's breath. Karn stood stunned and dumbfounded, staring right into his reflection in the pond. His face flushed in embarassment. Rage pulsed in his veins as he gritted his teeth, hearing how everyone had already started commenting on his archery skills.

A hair's breath.

Just by a hair's breath?

He felt like ripping his hairs of his head, marching towards the center and thumping the bow back, his fingers already swelling. Exhaling in anger, he took furious steps back towards his seat and sat down, pressing his temples. 

"I told you," Saatyaki smirked, whispering in Krishna's ear. 

Krishna's lips just tilted up as he shook his head.

Drupad sighed further, signaling to let the participants continue. 

.

.

.

The King of Magadh, frustrated, returned back to his seat, trying to hide his face in shame.

He was the last participant.

Drupad stood up from his seat, with a firm expression on his face, "Alas, no one could string the bow from amidst the royals present here!" 

The Kings and the Princes all sat with lowered heads, now expecting Drupad's further call. 

It was in the norms of the Swayamvar that if the royals fail, then the invitation would be open for the common folk, to try their luck if they're interested. The invited royals were holding themselves up, just for the sake of it. 

Which commoner would succeed in stringing the bow if they could not?

Some laughed internally, some already exchanging devious glances at each other, as if waiting for the chance to lash out at the King in the name of humiliation. But the only thing that was stopping them was the rule that even the commoners could've a chance—

And they were very sure none could. 

"But, I feel that Aaryavart ain't devoid of young blood!" Drupad's lips shifted into a little smile, I, I believe in every youth out there who has the potential to prove themselves!"

And with that Arjun's eyes travelled up towards the King's podium. 

"This Swayamvar—this Swayamvar was organized not search for a royal Prince for my daughter, but for the one who is truly worth for her!"

"Therefore, I, King Drupad of Southern Paanchaal, call upon every youth, who believes in himself and is ready to show us his prowess! Irrespective of their caste, creed and duty, they are cordially invited to participate in this Swayamvar!" 

There was a huge blow of trumpets and beat of drums, as all eyes were shifted towards the public.

The royals were already cupping their mouth, snickering, looking at the bewildered faces of the youths out there. 

Drupad announced, and sat back on his throne, inhaling a deep breath. He gaze switched towards Draupadi, who had a little smile on her face. 

And then, with that, her gaze slowly trailed towards where the Brahmins were sitting. 

.

.

.

Arjun inhaled deeply, his eyes locked at the proud bow that boasted of being claimed by none.