chapter 18
Nakul stood in front of the mirror, gently humming as he combed his luscious, silky hair. Each stroke made his hair gleam in the sunlight, and he admired his reflection with a satisfied grin. His hair was his pride, and he treated it like a crown.
Meanwhile, across the room, Bheem was busy munching on a giant plate of laddoos, crumbs falling onto his chest as he devoured each one with zeal. On the other side, Sahdev, ever the opportunist, was quietly trying to steal a laddoo from his distracted brother’s plate.
Bheem suddenly glanced at Nakul, raising an eyebrow. "Nakul, why are you grooming yourself like a woman? You’ve been standing in front of that mirror for ages!"
Nakul, not taking his eyes off his reflection, gave a dramatic flip of his hair. "Brother, I am the most handsome man in Aryavart. I have a reputation to uphold. Beauty like this doesn’t just happen—it requires maintenance!"
Bheem snorted, crossing his arms over his massive chest. "Handsome? What’s the point of being handsome? Do you have muscles like me? Look at me—eating all these laddoos makes me stronger!" He flexed his biceps proudly, as Sahdev made another failed attempt at stealing a laddoo.
Nakul rolled his eyes, putting down his comb with exaggerated elegance. "Oh, Bheem Bhaiya. Women don’t care about muscles; they are attracted to beauty! While you're busy stuffing your face with sweets, I’m the one turning heads with my looks. Trust me, women love a well-groomed man, not a laddoo-eating giant!"
Bheem glared, half offended, half amused. "Nakul! What's so important about being handsome? Will it help you in a fight? Can you defeat enemies with your hair?"
Nakul smirked, flicking a strand of hair back. "Why bother fighting when I can charm my way out of anything? Beauty, my dear brother, is its own weapon."
Bheem laughed heartily, thumping his chest. "Well, charm won’t save you when you face a real opponent. You should focus more on your muscles and less on your hair."
Before Nakul could retort, Arjun walked in, a sly grin on his face. He looked at Nakul with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Nakul, you might want to rethink that ‘most handsome’ title."
Nakul raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And why’s that, Arjun Bhaiya? Have you suddenly become interested in fashion and beauty tips?"
Arjun’s grin widened as he leaned against the doorframe. "Apparently, the girl you like prefers *bald* men. Says they’re low maintenance."
Nakul froze, his hand instinctively flying to his perfectly styled hair. "W-What? Anya likes bald men? No, no, that can’t be! My hair… it’s beautiful!" He began to inspect his reflection in the mirror, touching his hair in horror. "My hair is my crowning glory! She can’t prefer bald men… that’s impossible!"
Arjun chuckled, crossing his arms. "I didn’t say Anya though." He gave Nakul a teasing glance, watching his brother panic.
Bheem burst into laughter, slapping his knee. "A bald man, Nakul! Looks like all that grooming is for nothing if she prefers no hair at all! Maybe you should shave your head and see if you get more attention!"
Sahdev, finally succeeding in grabbing a laddoo, popped it into his mouth and chimed in, grinning. "Yeah, Nakul Bhaiya! Imagine how much time you'd save without having to comb your hair all the time!"
Nakul’s eyes widened in horror. "No, I refuse! My hair is my pride! It’s what makes me, *me*! I’d rather—" He paused, running his fingers through his hair again. "I’d rather lose a battle than my hair!"
Arjun couldn’t hold back his laughter anymore. "Don’t worry, Nakul, I’m just teasing. But if you don’t believe me, you could always ask Draupadi. She’s been hearing some interesting things lately."
Nakul narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Draupadi? Why would she know about this… this nonsense?"
Bheem, still laughing, leaned over and whispered, "Because, little brother, the women talk. And if you really want to know what Anya likes, Draupadi’s your best bet."
Nakul hesitated, still clutching his hair protectively. "You really think she prefers… bald men? Over *this*?" He gestured dramatically to his reflection in the mirror.
Sahdev snickered, enjoying the spectacle. "Who knows? Maybe you should start preparing for a future without your precious hair, Nakul Bhaiya."
Bheem, clearly enjoying his brother’s misery, smirked. "Or you could keep eating laddoos like me! No woman can resist a strong man with muscles. Forget about hair—it’s all about power!" He flexed his muscles once more, making Nakul roll his eyes.
Arjun gave Nakul a final pat on the back, grinning. "Well, Nakul, I’d suggest you find out sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you might just wake up one day with all your hair gone."
Nakul, still muttering to himself about the absurdity of Anya liking bald men, marched out of the room, his hair bouncing with each indignant step. "I’ll ask Draupadi myself! There’s no way *my* hair is losing to a bald man!"
As Nakul disappeared down the hallway, Bheem and Arjun exchanged amused glances, while Sahdev sneaked another laddoo.
"Do you think he’ll actually ask Draupadi?" Sahdev asked, his mouth full of sweets.
Arjun grinned. "Oh, definitely. And I can’t wait to see his reaction when she gives him *her* opinion on bald men."
Bheem roared with laughter, the room echoing with their playful banter as they continued teasing their vain, hair-obsessed
Nakul entered Draupadi’s common chamber with his usual charming demeanor. The air inside was fragrant with the scent of sandalwood, and he found his wife seated in front of a large mirror, delicately adorning herself with jewels. Draupadi was arranging her hair into a beautiful bun, her fingers working with precision. Her elegance radiated in every movement, making it hard for Nakul to look away. Draupadi was, after all, Aryavart’s most beautiful woman.
Nakul, known for his romantic charm, couldn’t resist the scene. He gestured for the maids to leave the room, flashing them a quick smile. Once they were alone, he approached her quietly, his eyes lingering on her reflection in the mirror.
Draupadi noticed him and smiled softly, catching his gaze in the mirror. "What brings you here, Arya Nakul?" she asked, her tone playful yet curious.
Nakul smirked, leaning against the vanity as his eyes traced her every movement. "Well, I came to ask you something important... but the moment I saw you, I forgot what it was." His voice dropped into a softer, more flirtatious tone. "You’re breathtaking, Draupadi."
A soft blush spread across her cheeks, though she continued fixing her hair, clearly used to his charming ways. "You’re still as smooth with your words as ever," she teased, though her smile lingered. "But I know you didn’t come here just to admire me."
Nakul chuckled, reaching for one of her hairpins to playfully twirl between his fingers. "Well, you can’t blame me, can you? You’re Aryavart’s most beautiful woman. It’s hard not to be distracted."
Draupadi shook her head, amused but still curious. "Stop flattering me and tell me what’s on your mind." She glanced at him through the mirror again, noting his slightly nervous energy.
Nakul hesitated, searching for a way to ease into the conversation without seeming suspicious. "Actually, it’s nothing too important. I was just wondering... about preferences. You know, what kind of men women typically admire." He tried to keep his tone casual, but Draupadi, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow.
Draupadi paused, tilting her head slightly as she caught on to his train of thought. "Preferences? That’s an interesting question, Arya Nakul. And who, exactly, are you asking for?" Her eyes held a knowing glint.
Nakul coughed, looking away briefly. "Just... general curiosity, you know? People talk, and I was wondering what sort of men women—particularly... Anya—tend to admire." His voice trailed off a bit at the end, as though trying to hide his real intent.
Draupadi turned fully in her seat now, her gaze focused on Nakul’s face. Her smile softened, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She knew about Nakul’s feelings for her dear friend Anya, but she wasn’t jealous. She had always known her husbands would have complicated relationships with other women. Still, her heart ached slightly—not out of possessiveness, but simply out of the bittersweet reality of love.
"Nakul, you do realize I know you better than you think," Draupadi said, her voice gentle but firm. "You’re asking about Anya, aren’t you?"
Nakul stiffened slightly, his charming facade slipping for just a moment. "Well... yes," he admitted, trying to recover with a sheepish grin. "I suppose I am."
Draupadi let out a soft sigh, though her expression remained kind. She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "Anya is... unique," she began thoughtfully. "She’s not like most women, and her preferences reflect that. While many might seek strong, powerful men, Anya’s heart tends to lean toward... well, let’s just say her ideal man is a bit unconventional."
Nakul leaned in closer, curiosity piqued. "Unconventional? How so?"
Draupadi chuckled, shaking her head. "She doesn’t just like cute boys, Nakul. She prefers men who are rich, cold, and distant—men with a mystery about them, someone who exudes danger yet captivates her curiosity. In short, she’s drawn to the kind of man who’s a bit... intimidating."
Nakul blinked in disbelief, his mind racing. "Wait, what? Anya prefers cold, distant men? I thought she’d like someone... well, like me!" He gestured to himself, his usual confidence slipping. "You know, charming, approachable, and—"
Draupadi laughed softly, placing a hand on his arm. "Anya is full of surprises. You, my dear Arya Nakul, are indeed charming, but her heart seems to crave a challenge. She admires strength, yes, but more so the kind that comes from restraint and mystery."
Nakul slumped slightly, stunned. "So... bald men and cold personalities, huh? I’m completely the opposite of what she wants!" He shook his head, muttering under his breath, "First bald men, now this? My poor hair can’t catch a break."
Draupadi’s laughter rang through the room again, but it soon faded into a more thoughtful silence. She turned her gaze to the window, her mind drifting. She knew her husband’s heart was torn—his love for her was true, but there was something about Anya that drew him in. And she couldn’t blame him. Anya was special, her airheaded yet endearing personality always making her stand out. Draupadi wasn’t jealous, but there was a quiet sadness, knowing that love often took different forms.
Still, she had no doubt that Anya would never find a more suitable man than Nakul. Despite Anya’s preferences, Nakul’s devotion and warmth were qualities that would eventually win her over.
"Nakul," Draupadi said softly, bringing his attention back to her. "You are a good man. Anya would be lucky to have someone like you in her life. She may be drawn to different kinds of men, but I believe, in time, she will see the value in the love you offer."
Nakul’s heart swelled at her words, a deep sense of gratitude filling him. He loved Draupadi deeply—she was his anchor, his guide. But there was also a part of him that couldn’t deny his growing feelings for Anya. It was a strange, confusing mix of emotions, and he found himself torn between two incredible women.
"Draupadi, you always know exactly what to say," Nakul murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I love you, you know that, right?"
Draupadi smiled, her eyes soft and understanding. "I know, Arya. And I love you too." She paused, giving him a knowing look. "But it’s also okay to have feelings for Anya. Love isn’t always simple, and neither are our hearts."
Nakul looked at her, marveling at her wisdom and grace. He knew how lucky he was to have Draupadi by his side. Still, as his thoughts wandered to Anya, he couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for him and his complicated emotions.
Hey guys I hope you like this chapter 💗
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