The Queen - Story Of Draupadi

Chapter 1

After a mild aura of heat, the sun slowly started exhibiting his shining red face, disseminating his power proudly. The sky had turned reddish pink, explaining that it was not remaining untouched by the influence of the sun as well. I smiled.

I loved watching sunrises, from while I was young. The sun, somehow, always inspired me. I wanted to be like him. I believed he was the only one in this world, who had his impact on everyone. Therefore, since I was born, I don't think I've missed the delight of a single sunrise. Being the insomniac that I am, I hardly sleep. Earlier, I used to love sunrises because the struggle of getting myself to sleep would end. Later on slowly, when I started observing the morning sun everyday, I started creating my own philosophy on him.

The birds started chirping when the sun had changed his colour from red to orange. It's ironic how I love the sun when he rises but dislike him when he changes his colour. He can be dangerous. Changing his colour from red to orange to yellow when he rose high in the sky, only went to show how people changed their attitude when they raise to power and then, while setting down, the sun goes backwards from yellow to orange to red. Again reflecting a powerful man's attitude when he and his' start setting down. So now,  a feeling of guilty suddenly hits me when I realise I actually wanted to be like him earlier.

Knowing that this is going to be, perhaps, the last time I'll be watching him rise through the window of my bedroom, of my palace, from my Panchal; a bitter tear escapes from my eye.

Wiping it away like a brave girl that I am, I climb down from the window from where I observe nature everyday and walk towards my dressing table.

Frowning at how messy my long hair look, I comb them slightly to set them right.

"I'm really not surprised that you are awake already, Princess." Kuhu comes in.

"Wow, really?!" I ask sarcastically.

"Yeah." She chuckles.

"Is the bathing room ready?" I ask her after letting out a laugh.

"Yes. It is." She answers. Because of me, she has now acquired the habit of waking up early in the morning.

"Okay." I smile at her, as if I'm proud of her and head towards the bathroom.

The familiar scent of rose welcomes me and I let myself into the huge tub after cleaning my teeth. The ingredients for my bath today are slightly more in number than usual and today there are more number of maids to make sure I cleanse properly. They all massage my body with oil first, then rub flour throughout after pouring water and milk on me. I float in the warm water, as the feeling of peace breaks through my veins, making me smile involuntarily.

Draped in a silk white robe, I enter my bedroom after a very purifying bath. A cold breeze from the open windows makes me shiver so I instruct the maids to shut them.

Today is a very important day of my life. My Swayamwar is going to be held today but it surprises me that I don't feel any nervousness or anxiety taking over me, considering I'm the bride. Excitement yes, but not as much intense as it should be. Perhaps because I'm already aware of who can win me and I know he will.

The thought of him brings a wide grin on my face and I suddenly feel the urge to dress myself the best today.

"Princess, The Queen has sent this silk robe in which she had gotten married. She wishes you to wear the same." A maid repeats my mother's plea.

"Sure." I smile.

The smokes from the burning charcoal dry my tresses and they are tied in a fashionable braid.