"Make way for Maharani," a guard's voice boomed, announcing the arrival of the Queen of Indraprastha to the bustling corridor. Das, dasis and soldiers alike shuffled sideways, almost plastering themselves along the wall immediately to give way to their queen. Almost immediately, a collective sound of numerous tiny bells drew nearer as the crowd bowed their heads.

Draupadi, in her impeccable regal attire, emerged followed by a queue of a dozen or so dasis, each carrying large gold plates. The aroma of roasted almonds, cardamom, cinnamon, jaggery along with fragrance of a few hundred flowers earned quite a number of eager glances but their eyes were disappointed upon finding the sweet laden plates covered by embroidered cloths.

The sun was almost over their head making it even more necessary to hurry the preparations for the first ceremony after Bhumipujan on their land. Draupadi picked up her pace; her movements graceful as she walked through the space absentminedly nodding at the uttered salutions. Her steps found temporary rest when she reached her destination- Dhruvi's chamber. Usually the doors would be half shut and curtains drawn with attendants sitting outside. Another unusual habit of her co-sister who treasured her privacy even if it meant shooing away her concerned companions and eager to please attendents.

Today the doors were open and curtains folded away neatly. Strings of marigold hung from the doorframe, just shy of touching her crown. Draupadi caught sight of Parnika, Dhruvi's most shy maid and beckoned her closer.

"May Indraprastha's prosperity multiply," Parnika folded her hands and bowed. "How may I serve you, Maharani?"

Draupadi smiled, "May it be as you pray." Gesturing at her company, she said, "I wish to entrust you with a serious task. You must lead them to the temple where the prayers are being held. Be careful that the food doesn't catch any inauspicious stare."

A nondescript look appeared on Parnika's face but it was gone as soon as it had appeared. Draupadi paid it no mind waiting impatiently for her words to be acknowledged. "I shall not fail your trust Maharani, "Parnika answered, her eyes averted to the dasis perhaps already scrutinizing everything superficially.

"Good. Now off you go. I shall be bringing Dhruvi to the temple soon," Draupadi replied. Sparing another moment at the departing dasis, she went inside towards the bedroom.

Music reached her ears accompanied with giggles and excited voices were talking undoubtedly about the soon-to-be-born child. She let herself linger near the doorway watching the scene before her.

Seated in front of a mirror was a heavily pregnant Dhruvi. Her face was alight with the most brilliant smile as her companions Charu and Reva fixed her clothes and hair. Her mother-in-law Kunti was speaking in low tones to Dhruvi and caressing her head affectionately. As much as Draupadi would like to remain ignorant to Mata's partiality regarding her daughters-in-law, the contrast between Mata Kunti's current behaviour and her past crisp tones towards Dhruvi was glaringly obvious. Dhruvi was presently the apple of Mata Kunti's eyes and Draupadi would never begrudge her that. It was a good change. Something she hoped would stick.

The seasons had passed away soon- summer ending with monsoon showers followed by autumn- and now Dhruvi was nearing the end of her seventh month in pregnancy.

Today marked a very important day in Dhruvi's journey as a mother - it was Godh bharai (baby shower) of her first child. Thus, the festive atmosphere of Indraprastha. An amused smile slipped on her face as Draupadi recalled her husband Yudhisthir's undignified sulking because Abhijishya insisted on a short ceremony, shortening the list of guests from a few hundreds to seventy people only. If it were upto the Pandavs, they surely would have invited the entire Aryavart. Quite unsurprisingly, it was Arya Sahadev who had sighted that Indraprastha was not ready for such a lavish ceremony as their security was not yet ironclad. The other brothers had relented then. And Maharaj, ofcourse, had sulked privately only in her embrace. A blush bloomed on her cheeks as a warm feeling curled in her chest. Draupadi chastised herself for letting her thoughts run errant.

She drunk in the sight of the ladies who were skilled musicians artfully manipulating their instruments. Almost all the surfaces of the room- the bed, tables, a good portion of the floor were covered in a few open and mostly untouched gifts.

For a brief moment, Draupadi envisioned herself in Dhruvi's place. Wouldn't it be lovely to have a new life grow in her womb? Her gaze must have stagnated on Dhruvi because now her eyes met Dhruvi's through the mirror. Dhruvi's smile dimmed or perhaps she gave up the semblance of forced joy. The shadows of worry in her co-sister's eyes would attest to the later.

No one, including Draupadi, was a stranger to the reason of worry. It had been over a week since Dwarka didn't respond to their messages. All messengers returned with only one news - Anarta Kingdom has closed her borders for an indefinite time. They couldn't reach Dwarka.

Arya Nakul had sent out his ravens. In reply, they only received a short apology stating their inability to respect the invitation. No one would be able to attend Dhruvi's Godbharai.

There were different speculations regarding the situation and none if them were more favourable than the other. If Anarta wasn't fighting outside enemies then they were probably battling their inside enemies- which meant either civil war or a coup. Draupadi sent a silent prayer as always to the Gods that her friend Krishna and his wives may remain unharmed, that Bhrata Balram, his wife and their newborn son Nisatha may remain unharmed. The indoors of Dwarka was in a very delicate situation with Rukmini ready to give birth anyday, Jambavati and Satyabhama in their third and fifth month of pregnany respectively. Perhaps Rukmini had already given birth and they weren't aware of it.

"Putri Panchali? Come in. Don't remain standing there," Mata Kunti's voice broke her musings. Draupadi smiled in answer and made her way towards the royal ladies.

"Pranipaat Mata," Draupadi reached to touch her mother-in-law's feet.

A hand was placed on her head. "Suputra janani bhav, putri," Kunti blessed her.

Draupadi arose. "Mata, the preparations are complete. Sulabha kaki is already at the temple. We should proceed without further delay." As she spoke, she felt the familiar weight of Dhruvi's gaze settle on her.

"You are right. We truly cannot chance missing the auspicious hours. The ceremony must be completed before the sun reaches the western horizon," Kunti ushered Dhruvi to arise.

Draupadi extended a helping hand which was accepted with a grateful albeit hesitant smile. There was the same look again in Dhruvi's eyes. If Draupadi didn't know better then she would assume that she was viewed suspiciously by her co-sister. She had thought so initially but her patience had forbidden upfront confrontation. Instead Draupadi observed Dhruvi more. The frequent glances were searching and spoke of uncertainty. She didn't know what was Dhruvi looking for in her and she never asked. She only hoped her co-sister would find it soon. The palace was lonely without an understanding friend.

The royal ladies departed for the Parvati temple in the palace courtyard as Drauapdi made up her mind to live in the moment and set aside her worries for later.

------------ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ------------

Being pregnant was not a blissful experience despite what anyone might say. It was frustrating, tiresome, annoying, painful at times and Abhijishya was very ready to hold her baby in her arms. Perhaps all moments were not bad like the first time she felt her baby move but it was hard to feel glorious while waddling to the bathroom every two hours and try not to cry when her food cravings were unavailable.

Yes, she, Abhijishya was reduced to waddling. Her protruding pregnant belly obstructed the view of her feet as she walked- waddled- towards the temple. She didn't even know that she liked looking at feet while walking because now not being able to look at them annoyed her.

Also she was quicker to feel out of breath. Thankfully, they arrived at the temple by the time she wanted to catch her breath.

Sulabha kaki ushered her to a well cushioned stool. Abhijishya sat down carefully; wincing at another small kick inside her. Her child seemed to have taken it upon themselves to always let their presence known.

She caressed her belly soothingly hoping to settle her baby when a metal pitcher caught her periphery. Abhijishya looked up to find Draupadi holding a cup of water. "Would you like some water?" Draupadi asked kindly.

Abhijishya glanced around to spot her mother-in-law. Last thing she needed was to do something before puja that would be considered inauspicious.

"Mata said it was alright to drink or eat if you want," Draupadi gently placed the cup in her hands. "We are fasting for you and your baby's continued good health. You are allowed to have food and water. Didn't you have something for lunch?"

"I did. But we are now inside the temple. So I wasn't sure," Abhijishya muttered before taking slowly sipping the water. "Thank you," she added.

Draupadi shook her head, "None of that. I am your sister so it is my duty to make sure that you are comfortable and healthy."

"Only duty?" Abhijishya let slip before she could stop herself. She waved away Draupadi's surprised look and probably what would have been an apology along with an explanation.

"It's alright," Abhijishya assured as she looked away. The temple was full of dasis, some royal women- she could identify the newly appointed advisor's wife and daughter, other ministers' wives. Godh bharai was a ceremony where only females took part in. Yet none of the women she wanted to be present were here. "I just wish Bhabishree Revati, Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, even Bhabishree Kalindi could be here," she sighed. "And Mata Devaki as well as Mata Rohini."

She didn't mention her own mother because that would be fruitless and bring up an ever aching corner of heart. Abhijishya only hoped everything was fine in Dwarka. This time she was clueless what had caused Anarta's sudden choice of seclusion no matter how much she tried to dig up information from her memories of the texts she had read in Mahabharata. She felt like she was forgetting something important.

Abhijishya felt a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. "I wish the same too," Draupadi replied. For once, Abhijishya was glad to not hear any sympathetic consolations. Her husband had been doing that for the past few days and Abhijishya was a hair breadth's space close to never letting Nakul sleep near her again.

"We are about to begin the prayers. Please settle down," the priest announced. Abhijishya let herself get lost in chants and hymns mumbling her prayers under her breath. The smell of incense was thankfully diluted and the ringing of bells was kept to a minimum to facilitate her needs.

She stole another glance at Draupadi who was standing beside her praying sincerely. Whenever she looked at her, the incidents regarding the painting, failure to inform her specifically about Gopal's departure made no sense. The actions were petty and spiteful. How could someone who was so sincere in their actions be like that? Draupadi wasn't one to mask her dislike. She let her feelings known however indirect but she always did.

Abhijishya almost startled upon feeling a nudge on her left shoulder. Her eyes met Sulabha kaki's enquiring gaze. Abhijishya shook her head then closed her eyes and willed her mind back into praying.

The conch was blown thrice marking the end of the prayers. Abhijishya blinked open her eyes and adjusted her stiff arms.

The priest came forward holding a plate on which a small holy fire burned. He held his palm over the fire murmuring some prayers before placing his palm over her head, "May Goddess Parvati bear her never-ending grace upon you and your child. May your family prosper. May the child you birth bring glory and pride to your family."

Abhijishya folded her hands and bowed her head in respect, "Let it be as you say."

Mata Kunti took the plate from the priest and passed it to Sulabha Kaki. Joining her hands, Kunti said, "If you may permit, then we shall begin our ceremony,"

The priest smiled and held up his palm in blessing, "Yes, you may but before that Rajkumari must be fed the prasad. Then only she should have any other food arranged in the ceremony. I believe Maharani Draupadi would be best suited for it."

"It shall be done as you say," Kunti answered then looked at Draupadi. On cue, Draupadi nodded and brought a bowl of kheer. She knelt down before Abhijishya.

"I noticed how much you loved eating my handmade kheer so I thought it would be only fair for kheer to be one of the offerings to Goddess Parvati," Draupadi scooped up a small lump with her fingers and offered it. "Let me know how do you like it. I added jaggery this time."

Abhijishya flushed but smiled more openly this time. She had thought she was being discreet about making Arya get her kheer. She opened her mouth and was about to eat when the hand offered was roughly wrenched away smearing some of the kheer on her chin instead.

There were shrieks of dismay as the bowl of kheer went clattering on the stone floor from Draupadi's hand. Reeling from shock and bewilderment, Abhijishya turned her head to look at the assaulter.

There stood a frantic trembling Parnika gasping for breath as she struggled to speak.

"What kind of-" Kunti began to speak angrily only to be cut off. Their blood went cold at Parnika's next words.

"Poisoned. A bottle of datura extract was found in the kitchen."

A.N. - Can't have enough of attempted poisonings now, can we? : )

I think I am incapable of wrapping up this part of the series at this point so you'll have to bear with me. Nuh jk. I think I *might* finish Dhi with another *sits to count* 4 chapters? 5 chapters? Don't think it would be more than 5 chapters.

Thank you to all the new readers who have started reading my book and to all the old ones who bear with my irregular updating self.

Can someone guess who poisoned the kheer?

Option A : Draupadi

Option B : Parnika

Option C : A new character

Option D : Gossiping garland maker

Option E : Sushasan aka Dussashan

nerd_positive is forbidden from taking part in the quiz. Dubjed, don't tell anyone the answer. Tumko humare dubjedta ki kasam.

Winners get to ask 1 question regarding the plot of Dhi (or this entire series) which I will answer honestly. {Only condition applied is that you don't get to share the my answer with anyone}

Lemme know what you think of this chapter. Vote, comment and recommend my story if you like it.

Until the next time,

Byeee

;")

P.S. Unedited. Feel free to point out errors.