The Girl On Fire

Chapter 4

It took us much time to get to the palace. On the way I tripped over the hem of my sari almost three times! That made me wonder how Draupadi was running like a pro! By the time we reached the palace, our faces were grim covered with dirt and sweat. We probably looked like witches with our hair falling out and dresses torn and coming undone.

We expected palace guards to stop us at the gate but there were none! This was very unlikely of our father who worries about his safety( and his son's) all the time! Nevertheless we entered through the gates and lo!! What happened here!!

The royal army was on the ground laying in a senseless heap(or perhaps they were even dead)! Dhri was standing beside our father with a terrified look on his face and why! That was Dronacharya beside them! The same person for whom my brother was born. To kill him. Sikandhini was there too, ready to burst with anger. I looked at the person in front of them with amusement,who had the capability to frightened my brother. And of course it was none other than Krishna. It seemed that he was not lying about defeating a large army singlehandedly.

But this time his face was twisted with anger. It was really hard to believe that it was the same face that had teased us some hours ago. He looked at Draupad like he wanted to kill him. Yep, Draupadi was right! He's going to kill father now!

"You didn't follow the rules of Dharma King Draupad. Guru Drona came as a ally and you were set on killing him? This is against Dharma. So now you give me no choice but to kill you", his voice cut through the air like sharp pieces of glass being shattered. His words send a shiver down my spine because I knew that if Krishna tried to kill Draupad, Dhri would fight to protect our father and by the looks he was not capable of fighting with him. He would only get himself killed. Then I noticed something hovering in the air towards Draupad. Why! It was the legendary Kaumodaki Gada of Lord Vishnu!! How did Krishna hold possession of it?! This again made me suspicious towards him. No, I mentally told myself, he CANNOT be a God. The fool I was..

Then with horror I realised Krishna was going to kill Draupad with it! I felt a sudden movement beside me and saw that Draupadi was running to father. I realised what she was going to do! She was willing to sacrifice her life standing before Draupad! "DRAUPADI NO!" I screamed after her, but it was too late. She stood before father with a sheer determined look. I was beyond terrified now! There was only one thing left to do. I ran towards Krishna and fell at his feet. "Please My Lord please don't kill them! I beg you! If you want to kill someone kill me! But please leave my father and sister alone. Please don't hurt them!! PLEASE!" I sobbed hysterically!

Then I heard Draupadi's clear voice cut through the air, "If you want to kill him, you have to go through me".