Not yesterday but now

Chapter 8 : The Night Of Unrest

The first rays of dawn touched Panchal with a golden hue. Draupadi, glowing like the very essence of Lakshmi, bathed and dressed herself in a dark yellow lehenga, with a light yellow odhni draped gracefully over her head.

She never liked heavy ornaments, yet today, duty demanded them. Diamond-studded maangtika on her forehead, large dangling earrings brushing her neck, double-layered necklace resting on her chest, waistband hugging her slender waist, anklets chiming with each step, each piece crafted in delicate floral design. Her long braid, adorned with her beloved jasmine flowers, released a fragrance that mingled with blue lotus perfume, a rare combination that bewitched anyone who crossed her path.

When she walked down the corridor, courtiers paused. Sunlight slipped in through the windows, caressing her flawless skin, making the diamonds on her lehenga sparkle like fallen stars. To onlookers, she was not just a princess, she was divinity walking on earth.

At the temple, priests chanted sacred hymns. Her father Drupad, her sister Shikhandi, and her twin Dhrishtadyumna stood with her, joined by close kin. Blessings rained down upon her: long life, happiness, the fulfillment of destiny.

Yet Draupadi's heart was not at ease. When the rituals ended and others departed, she lingered. She sat alone before the deity, closing her eyes in meditation. The wind caressed her cheeks. Slowly, her thoughts drifted to the stranger she had seen in the market the day before tall, radiant, his aura calm yet powerful. A smile touched her lips unknowingly.
But the warmth vanished in an instant.

A gaze heavy with hunger cut into her back. Draupadi turned and froze.
It was Shishupal, king of Chedi, dressed in royal splendor. His eyes were shameless, stripping her dignity before she could even move.

He smirked. "So this is the fire-born beauty of Panchal. Words fail to describe you. No jewel, no goddess, no dream compares. Remember this, princess: you may walk away today, but soon you will be mine."

Draupadi's throat tightened. Her entire being recoiled. Never in her life had she been addressed so arrogantly.
Before she could respond, a voice cut the air, a calm, melodic, yet carrying divine authority.

"Then win her hand in swayamvar, O king of Chedi. If you can, if you dare."
She turned and saw Krishna, her Govind, standing at the steps, serene in yellow silk, peacock feather dancing in the breeze. His gaze was gentle when it fell upon her, but sharp as a blade when it turned toward Shishupal.

Shishupal scoffed. "Ah, Vasudev. Forever meddling. Why protect her? She is no goddess. She is a woman to be conquered. I have taken lands and women alike. She will be no different."

Krishna's smile deepened, though steel glinted in his words.
"Conquer? A woman is not a prize of war, Shishupal. You may conquer kingdoms, but the heart of a woman is not for your sword to claim. Panchali is fire. Try to bind her, and you will be burned to ash."

Shishupal sneered. "Fire? Then I shall tame it. If not by swayamvar, then by conquest. Remember my words."
Krishna's voice turned low and thunderous.

"Every step you take against dharma shortens your days. Desire born of arrogance does not grant you Draupadi. It grants you destruction."
The air grew tense until Shishupal, unwilling to be bested, turned with mocking laughter and left.

Draupadi trembled. Relief and gratitude surged through her as she whispered, "Govind..." and bent to touch his feet.

He gently raised her. "Stay blessed, Krishnaa. Do not let shadows soil your spirit. Tomorrow is your day. Go, rest well."

Tears pricked her eyes. She nodded, hurried back to her chamber, and locked the door behind her.

Leaning against it, she wept silently.
What if tomorrow, someone like Shishupal wins my hand?
What if an arrogant man, who sees women as conquests, becomes my husband? What life awaits me then?
Her tears dampened her cheeks, falling like pearls onto the floor. For the first time, fear gnawed at her heart. She thought of the stranger she had seen, the man who radiated kindness, and a desperate hope rose within her.