A Journey To Mahabharata

Chapter 32

Fortunately, nothing happened on the way there. No unusual calamities or encounters. We peacefully went and stood near the section of brahmanas. It was not far from the stage. I could clearly make out the people standing there.

The biggest presence was obviously of my dear brother Krishna. He didn't look like a king there. He looked divine, a beauty not achievable in this world. As if knowing that I was looking at him, he turned towards me and acknowledged me with a smile. I waved back knowing others on the stage won't notice me as the drama was going in front of them.

Then I turned towards the other presence demanding attention. She was so fucking beautiful. Draupadi. The princess of Panchal, born out of fire as a maiden. She had a very dark complexion, just like Krishna. Today she was adorned in jewels and her golden sari probably made out of gold. She looked like apsara. Her beauty had no ends. Obviously, anyone who saw her would wish her for himself. That was the only reason why the kings and princes here were taking the risk of being shamed by losing. She was worth it.

Arjun was in trance literally. But he made no move to go forward, even when this competition was made for him. The goal was to pick up the bow and shoot in the eye of the fish just by looking at its reflection. One by one all of the kings and princes lost. They couldn't even pick up the bow let alone shoot somewhere.

The only one who had almost shot was Karna. But Draupadi refused to marry him. So, he went back. He went back next to him.

Duryodhan was sitting amongst the kings. I knew he was sitting there. I didn't look up. I won't let the past surface up. He has a wife now and I have someone who loves me unconditionally. I won't let my second chance go to waste. So, I didn't look at him. Even when I wanted to see how he was doing.

As expected, none of the others came even close to winning. For some reason, Duryodhan did not participate. Maybe he had his turn before I entered. Now, the kings were angry and saying that if she doesn't get married today, she'll forever stay single. Did they even have brains? Just look at her. Why would she be single?

Seeing the current state, king Drupad, the father of princess Draupadi asked, "Is there anyone capable among you great brahmanas to win the hand of my daughter? If you are, I invite you to take part in the swayamvar." The king was suggested this idea by no one other than my brother.

A kshatriya never backs down from a challenge. It is one of their basic principles. So, when he was called forward, Arjun went ahead. No hesitation from his side makes you wonder, if he was waiting to be called all that time.

A brahman. I laughed at the thought, anyone watching him would say he was a prince. There was pin drop silence in the arena. He went up to the dice and picked up the bow with no effort, which others couldn't even move with their entire strength. Looked at the reflection and shot an arrow. He didn't even look up to check. He knew he had won the competition and the princess.

I whistled loudly. The whistle echoed in the silent arena. Shit. I knew I had caught his attention. No one is foolish enough to do that other than me. He knew that. I could feel his gaze. I turned back and took a step few steps to hide in the crowd. But a hand caught my wrist. It was Yudhisthir.

"You don't have to hide. There's no way, he hasn't figured out by now that we are alive." I knew that. But I wasn't ready to accept it. Wasn't ready to face it. But how long will I run? I looked in Yudhisthir's eyes. They said he'd stay. He wanted me to stay too. He loosened the hold on my hand, ready to let me go if I wished to.

So, I stayed. I walked up to the front. By now the cheers were erupting, celebrating the victory. My whistle long forgotten by all but him. I looked up amongst the noise and first time after almost two months I saw him.

There was not a hint of emotion on my face. At least, I think that. I couldn't make out his expression as he was away but I knew. I knew he was staring. I knew he was asking me to come up to him. Almost daring me. I didn't move an inch from my place. Seeing as I made no movements, he got up from his seat. But Shakuni mama did not let him go. Great, don't come up to me. Don't ever approach me.

In the moments of my distraction a lot had happened. A fight had erupted. The kings and princes couldn't believe that they lost the fight to a poor brahman and tried to attack Arjun. Bheem was standing right beside him and Draupadi fighting all. I turned towards the Yudhisthir, "Shouldn't you go to help them?"

He answered taking in the entire situation, "They are capable. Let's go to the location Bheem mentioned. This place is not safe at the moment."

When did Bheem mention that? I didn't notice. I followed Yudhisthir out of the palace. Without turning back to the eyes digging into my skull.

I sat on the stone impatiently waiting for them. Nakul and Sehedev were with us. It had been almost half an hour since we left the palace grounds. We didn't even get the food. I had heard the royal buffet was going to be good. Be patient Aarohi. Soon you'll again have all the delicacies of the world.

After a few minutes, I could see their figures coming towards us. To be honest they looked awkward together. Obviously, she looked awkward. How would you feel if you married a random stranger? I hope he has told her that he's Arjun.

So, that was the first thing I hissed in his ear, "Did you tell her you're Arjun?"

He hissed back, "No, I didn't."

"What! When will you tell her that, you idiot?"

"What am I supposed to say? 'Hello, I'm Arjun, the prince of Hastinapur. I was supposed to be dead but now I'm alive.'" He whispered making faces.

"That is exactly what you are supposed to say!!" I whisper shouted at him.

"Then you say it." He hissed.

"What?" By now Draupadi was getting more awkward. She just standing just next to Arjun. As he wasn't saying anything. I took the initiative to walk towards her.

I smiled at her. Up close she was even prettier, with her almond shaped eyes. God definitely took his time in making her. I introduced myself, "Pranipat, you might not know me. But I'm the princess of Dwarka, Aarohi."

She curtly replied, "Pranipat, princess of Dwarka."

Still smiling I replied, "Ohh, just call me Aarohi and he is Arjun, the Pandav prince." She didn't seem shocked at all. There was not a flicker of emotion in her face. This was not what I had expected in our first meeting.

She smiled which seemed forceful, "Yes, I know, my husband is Prince Arjun of Kuru clan."

Arjun was shocked at that revelation. Draupadi turned towards him now with a genuine smile, "Of course I know you are Arjun. That competition was made for you to win."

Arjun couldn't get out of his shock. I don't know why. So, when his eyes turned towards me. I pointed my eyes towards her and back and mouthed answer. He caught himself just in time to say, "Thank you."

As soon as the words came out of his mouth, I wanted to smack his head. Who the fuck replies with just a thank you? Oh my God. At that moment I noticed Draupdi shooting daggers through her eyes at me. It felt like she was jealous. Why would she be jealous of me? She's so pretty. I won't say I'm not. But is in the league of her own with her smooth dark skin, pretty eyes. Aarohi focus. What did the little ol' me do?

My subconscious shouted at me. How would you feel if a female friend of your newly wedded husband comes to you. You can clearly see she is a very close friend and she tells you things about him that she thinks you don't know.

Ohh shit.

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Word count: 1458