The Other Princess

Rajasuya

Ten years had passed, and much had changed in the lands of Panchala, Indraprastha, and the other surrounding kingdoms.

Dhrishtadyumna's and Samyukta's oldest son, Kshashtradharma, was the pride of his parents. His name, meaning the protection of the seekers and the destruction of the evildoers, was a fitting title for a boy born into a family of warriors, statesmen, and protectors. Kshashtradharma was a bright, strong boy, already demonstrating qualities that would one day make him a wise and capable ruler. His birth was celebrated with joy, and over the years, he trained under his father's watchful eye, learning the arts of warfare and governance.

Samyukta's life had flourished in these years. As a future queen, she gave her son the love, discipline, and wisdom that a future queen could offer. But it wasn't only in the palace that she shone. Her work for the welfare of the citizens was renowned far and wide. She had established schools, healthcare centers, and initiatives to support local artisans, particularly women in the handicraft industry. The people of Panchala adored her for her compassion and tireless efforts.

Vidura, hearing of his daughter's accomplishments, often expressed his pride in the letters he sent from Hastinapur. Though distance separated them, his pride was palpable. Samyukta had always been the light of his heart, and now, as a future queen and mother, she was fulfilling her destiny.

No matter the time or place, Samyukta and Dhrishtadyumna always found moments to be together, even if it was just a fleeting kiss in the quiet corridors of their palace or beneath the blooming trees in the garden. Their love flourished even more in the passage of time, a love that was not just built on passion but on mutual respect and admiration. Samyukta is currently expecting her second child with the Crown Prince of Panchala.

Sukanya, Dhrishtadyumna's second wife, had borne him a son last year named Dhritiman. However, Sukanya had suffered much during her childbirth, and the pain of that experience led her to make the decision not to bear any more children. It was a painful choice for her, but one that she made with clarity, understanding that her health and well-being were just as important as her role as a mother. Dhrishtadyumna respected her decision, understanding the emotional and physical toll that motherhood could take.

Far to the west, Draupadi had returned to Indraprastha with Prativindiya. Draupadi continued to mourn the years she had to spend with Arjuna - waiting for him to return. Her heart, while full of love for her sons, still longed for the time when her bond with Arjuna would truly come. Three more years she told herself.

Over the years, Draupadi had thrown herself into the service of her kingdom, ensuring its prosperity and working diligently to uphold justice.

Arjuna, meanwhile, had forged new paths in his journey. His marriage to Ulupi, the Naga princess, had brought him a son, Iravan. Ulupi, a fierce and capable warrior, had provided him with not only love but a boon that made him invincible in the waters. Their bond was unique, a blending of two worlds—human and serpent—and Iravan was a reminder of their shared strength.

Arjuna’s heart had also been captured by another woman, Chitrāngadā, the beautiful daughter of King Chitravahana of Manipura. After a few years of blissful marriage, Chitrāngadā bore Arjuna a son, Babruvahana. Arjuna soon had to leave, continuing his wanderings and journeys, leaving his beloved wife and child behind and continue his exile.

While the family of the Pandavas was growing, so were their alliances. The other Pandavas had taken additional wives, a series of political marriages meant to strengthen ties with neighboring kingdoms. This, however, did not sit well with Draupadi, and the royal family of Panchala watched with mixed emotions as Yudhishtira and the other Pandavas married women from other kingdoms, solidifying their influence across the land. It was a necessary part of politics, but it brought a deep sense of sadness to Draupadi, who had once been the beloved wife of all five brothers.