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

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝟹𝟷

Kaampilya, Paanchaal

"Oh my daughter. . ." Kunti cupped Draupadi's soft cheeks in her palms, her eyes watering with motherly warmth as she firmly kissed her forehead, caressing her face, "May God keep you always blessed!" 

Arjun chuckled under his breath as Draupadi's cheeks turned pink upon getting so much attention all at once; the little, shy yet innocent smile on her lips as she peered at everyone through her long lashes now and then. 

It was obvious she was a bit overwhelmed whenever she was the center of attention, owing to her tender age, like a little rosebud hidden beneath the garbs of older leaves, waiting to bloom.

"Hayee, I always wanted a beautiful daughter like you!" Kunti hugged her tight, pressing another kiss to her temple.

That's when Arjun choked on his throat, audibly.

Yes, he was the one who had fulfilled the duty of Kunti's 'beautiful daughter' fantasy in childhood, and he was unaware for a long time how his mother used to trade off his dhoti and angavastra into draping and flowing garments and laugh and giggle with Bheem and Yudhishthir everyday. 

He used to gape in disbelief at Bheem when he found that out- but the damage was done. 

More when he found out that the older boys around used to make him as their 'wife' during their games and take him on play-dates-

Peak embarassment. 

And when he angrily confronted about it to Kunti with puffed cheeks, she just laughed and tousled his hairs, as if it was nothing. 

As expected, Kunti discreetly passed him a playful blink purposely, making Arjun tilt his head, and curve his brows questionably at her. 

Women and their weird fantasies,  he was always the victim of it. 

And something told him, he will be in future as well.

.

.

.

Arjun's quarters appeared no less than the dazzling heavens under the settling Sun; a magnanimous part of the palace that shone with the exuberance of the wedding magnificence.

No pillar, no wall was left undone. Thick garlands of fresh  jasmines and marigold hung through the corridors lit by extravagant fire-lamps. Huge golden chandeliers hung up from the ceilings, each carved intricately with pieces of glass and gems; resembling mirrors that reflected the coruscating flicker of the fire-lamps across the chambers. 

Lavish and royal, well-embroidered curtains adorned the windows and doors. Meticulous sculptures of finesse decked the gardens. Servants ran helter-skelter, busy and in waiting for every guest. The sweet fragrance of honey, incense and flowers was heavy in the air of laughter, joy and celebration.

And of-course, that of blue lotus that dominated over every aroma around.

"Arrey! Arrey, how much more?!" Arjun gasped for breath, seeing the servants swiftly entering with another array of sweets. He had already been served over and over with fragrant rice, delicious curries, puffed breads, all kinds of sweet and savory condiments. He had just finished his share of breads when two servants were waiting under his nose to serve three different preparations of rice. 

His politeness not to deny finally exploded, as he was fed like a man who had been starving for days. 

But, but- the cuisine of Paanchaal was lip-smacking worthy. Generally, it was always Bheem who appreciated good food, but this time the Pandavas couldn't get off their seats at the dining hall when they first arrived in Paanchaal.