"Really? This is too much. We are only visiting for a fortnight. No. No. Not that. Draupadi jiji," Abhijishya sat down with an exasperated sigh after running behind Draupadi who was fully intent on packing her clothes.

"15 days, Dhruvi, 15 days. These clothes and accessories are not enough. Dasi, go bring me those jewelleries I had asked the jeweller to bring yesterday," Draupadi said while arranging Abhijishya's clothes.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Abhijishya whined. "I can't manage so many clothes. What if I loose all these jewelleries? Wait. No. I don't need anymore clothes. I know we will be gone 15 days but that doesn't mean you have to pack 30 lehengas and 30 different sets of jewellery."

Draupadi chuckled. "That is why you have dasis with you. They will take care of clothes and accessories. I have only packed 25 lehengas." She looked with concern at the heap of clothes. "I think I should add 5 more. Do you think it will be enough?"

Abhijishya got up alarmed. "If you add anymore things, I'll have to ask Maharaj Drupad to let me borrow an elephant for carrying my things."

She stepped beside Draupadi and implored," Jiji, please reconsider. Let us bargain. Say I take 10 lehengas and 10 jewellery sets. How about that? That will be more than enough."

"No no. That is too less. I cannot allow you to leave with only 10. 25 lehengas and 25 different sets. That will be enough I guess," Draupadi said.

"What is going on here?" asked an amused Nakul who just entered Abhijishya's chambers.

Abhijishya immediately went to him hoping for some support. "Nakuuuul, you must stop this madness. This is all too much. Draupadi jiji is packing 25 clothes and accessories for our visit. Say something."

Nakul smiled in amusement. "Oh? Is that so? And how many do you think will be enough?"

"12 lehengas and 12 different sets of jewellery will be more than enough," Abhijishya said.

"12? No. You could manage with 20. Not any less," Draupadi protested. Then she glanced at Nakul and immediately her eyes were downcast.

"Arya," she said softly.

Nakul shifted awkwardly and stiffly acknowledged," Panchali."

There was a moment of silence. Abhijishya looked between the two of them. Nakul's reluctance and Panchali's hesitance made up a nice stifling awkwardness which she refused to be a part of.

"14," she announced.

"Huh?" Draupadi made a questioning sound.

"14 lehengas and 14 different sets of jewellery. No more," Abhijishya stated.

"18," Draupadi said.

Nakul intervened,"All right. All right. How about 15? 15 days so 15 outfits. And you still haven't put them in the trunks?! Vasudev is ready to leave."

"Help me?" Abhijishya pleaded a little.

"Fine," Nakul smiled. He couldn't really deny her anything.

Draupadi watched the pair in fascination. Arya Nakul and Dhruvi seemed to always gravitate around each other. She always thought Dhruvi to be only serious, wise and kind but the more she spent time with her Dhruvi became more playful. It was endearing. Arya Nakul appeared more free and happy around her. She wished her bond with her five husbands would be similar to Arya Nakul and Dhruvi's bond one day.

"Jiji, help us," Abhijishya pouted. "If we pack at this pace, my poor Gopal will have to wait till tomorrow sunrise."

Draupadi smiled and helped them pack Abhijishya's clothes. Generally dasis would do this but Abhijishya insisted on doing it on her own.

Among the three of them, everything was in order in a few minutes.

"Come on, let us go and bid farewell to everyone. Dasi, please take these trunks and have them ready for our journey," Abhijishya said.

They arrived near the Panchal palace entrance where everyone was waiting for them.

"Look, who have finally showed up," Arjun said.

They greeted everyone.

"Pardon us for the delay, Bhratashree. Your dear sakhi Abhijishya wasn't done packing when I went to call her," Nakul replied.

"Not my fault. Jiji was insistent on packing so many clothes that I would have to borrow an elephant to carry my trunk," Abhijishya protested.

"No Arya, she is exaggerating. I only asked her to bring 30 lehengas and 30 different sets of jewellery. But she just packed 15," Draupadi said.

Arjun's eyes widened on hearing 30 but masked his surprise expertly.

"Exaggeration is the key element of gossip. It is an art," Abhijishya said sagely.

Everyone laughed at that. "She insists sarcasm to be an art too if that helps in understanding her line of thinking," Bheem said in between chuckles.

"Sarcasm is a metric of wit. A person requires good sense of humour and knowledge to appreciate it," Abhijishya said.

Draupadi laughed lightly. "You say such strange things."

Abhijishya shrugged. "Your Govind also does but you all call it mystical advice." Then her eyes widened when she realised what she said. The familiarity she felt made her loose tongued and mouthy.

Krishna only raised an amused eyebrow. Abhijishya laughed weakly and said," Oh look, the poor horses have become so tired waiting for us. We must set out for Dwarka at once."

He just smiled happy to see Abhijishya finally settling in. He knew she generally watched what she spoke and was really careful around everyone except Nakul. This was good. Abhijishya needed to settle in before her modern thinking slowly unravelled and mixed with the current system for the prosperity of the people.

"Take care of each other," Kunti said when Abhijishya took her blessings.

"Yes Mata." She said while she glanced at Nakul who stood before Draupai.

"Have a safe journey, Arya," Draupadi said shyly.

Nakul simply nodded his head and left.

Abhijishya noticed Kunti looking at the pair with a troubled expression. She gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile. Kunti smiled back.

After saying their goodbyes, Krishna, Abhijishya and Nakul set out for Dwarka. The Pandavs and Kunti had decided to stay in Kampilya for sometime before returning to Hastinapur. Maharaj Drupad also thought it would be easier for Draupadi to accept and settle in her unusual marriage.

Upon hearing their decision to stay in Kampilya, Abhijishya wanted to visit Dwarka. So Mata Kunti asked them to accompany Gopal on his way back.

Nakul told her later it was mutually decided that Panchali would be Jyesth Yudhisthir's wife this year followed by him, Bhrata Bheem, Sahadev and lastly Bharat Arjun. He tried his best to sound unaffected but Abhijishya knew he still wasn't able to fully comprehend their life from this point. She hoped this year lasted longer.

Abhijishya didn't expect Draupadi to help her pack today. Draupadi treated her with familiarity so Abhijishya went along with the flow in turn. She knew an olive branch when she saw one. She was relieved to see her efforts of creating a friendly bond with Draupadi was being reciprocated.

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The journey to Dwarka was long. After 5 days of travelling, Abhijishya was done with chariots.

"Nakul, you have to teach me horse riding," she demanded.

Nakul looked at her puzzled. "But isn't sitting on the chariot much more comfortable?"

"Yes," Abhijishya drawled out slowly. "But I am so bored. I should have brought some books with me. I have nothing to do," she complained.

"Oh, so talking and spending time with me is boring," Nakul said in mock seriousness.

"What? No no I didn't mean it like that," Abhijishya shook her head in denial.

"But you said you had nothing to do. That means you weren't even listening to me," he said with fake sadness.

"I was. You just finished telling me about the time in Gurukul where you tripped Durmarshana every chance you got for a week for pushing Sahadev into a thorny bush. You also put stinging nettle leaves inside his dhoti. See, I did listen to you," she reassured.

"That means, you didn't enjoy my tales," Nakul looked away trying to hide his smile. But Abhijishya thought he was really hurt.

"No, it is not like that. I really love listening to your tales of childhood and Gurukul experiences. I just don't like sitting and doing nothing productive," she babbled. "I mean it is not that you talking to me is not productive but," she sighed. Abhijishya held his wrist and tugged gently. "I am sorry," she whispered.

Nakul looked at her upon hearing the soft tone to find downcast teary eyes.

"Love, I was just joking," he said caressing her hand. Irritation spiked inside Abhijishya and turned into anger.

"Well one should know when to end a joke. It wasn't funny," she snapped.

"Abhiji-" Nakul said.

"Charioteer, please halt," she said. Their chariot stopped. Krishna also stopped his chariot which was just behind them.

"Abhijishya, I apolo-" Nakul tried to talk but shut his mouth seeing Abhijishya's glare. She got down from the chariot and went to Gopal's chariot.

"What happened, dear Abhijishya?" Krishna asked. Abhijishya huffed.

"Can I travel with you?"she asked instead; knowing very well that he already knew what happened.

"Who am I to deny my dear sakhi?" Krishna said offering her a hand. She got up. Their chariot started moving.

That night Abhijishya partitioned their mattress in half with pillows and slept with her back turned to Nakul. She knew she was being childish and petty but she felt guilty and hurt when she thought Nakul was hurt by her supposed inconsiderate behaviour. She buried her head under a pillow when Nakul tried apologising again.

The next day went on with Nakul offering various flowers to Abhijishya. He even caught a small rabbit from somewhere and offered it to her.

"Nakul! You can't just kidnap a tiny rabbit from it's family," Abhijishya said loudly.

Nakul returned it to its family. Abhijishya's anger had long since melted but she was enjoying herself under Nakul's constant attention.

"Forgive your husband, Abhijishya. Even I am feeling sorry for him now," Krishna said with amusement shining in his eyes.

"He is already forgiven, Gopal. I just want to him to experience how it feels to be kept hanging," she said.

Krishna chuckled. "You have him wrapped around your fingers."

Abhijishya blushed. "You are saying as if he doesn't rule my heart."

That evening after dinner, Abhijishya waited in their tent for Nakul. He said he wanted to check on the horses so he'll be a bit late.

It was already night time. She felt anxious. Did he wander off inside the nearby forest? What if some Rakshas attacked him?

"Love? Are you awake?" Nakul asked. She turned and almost yelped in surprise.

Her always put together and appearance conscious husband was standing with ruffled hair half drenched in mud.

Abhijishya immediately went near him. "Are you alright, darling? What happened to you? Are you injured? Dasi, dasi please get me water and some wash cloths."

"Does that mean I am forgiven?" he asked.

"Yes, you idiot. I forgave you long ago. Now, tell me. Are you injured?" she asked lightly patting his figure.

"I am fine. Huh, if I knew I just needed to look dishevelled to gain your forgiveness I wouldn't have gone deep into the forest to acquire this," Nakul said.

It was a beautiful blue lotus. Abhijishya was mesmerised.

"Wow, this is so beautiful," she said taking in gently in her hands.

"Not more than you," Nakul smiled.

"Oh you flatterer," she giggled. Abhijishya grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in a sensual kiss. Nakul kissed back enthusiastically drawing her closer.

But Abhijishya moved back. "Nope, you are going to dirty my clothes too. Go, wash yourself," she said stepping away with the blue lotus.

"You are such a tease," Nakul groaned. "I think I should get you blue lotuses more often," he said before going out of the tent to wash properly.

Abhijishya had a silly smile on her face. She carefully placed the flower in the water and got ready for bed.

Nakul came in after sometime. Abhijishya was already asleep. He laid down beside her and slowly descended in the realm of dreams admiring his lady love.

================================

After another day of travel, they finally arrived in Dwarka. That morning the blue lotus had still remained fresh so Abhijishya put it in her hair. If Nakul's smile was a bit brighter whenever he looked at her then no one was really surprised.

She stared in awe at the huge city before them. Her stomach was surely doing somersaults inside her due to her nervousness.

Nakul placed a comforting hand on shoulder. Abhijishya glanced at him with a strained smile. Nakul knew meeting the Yadavs meant a lot to Abhijishya. He smiled reassuringly in turn.

They got down from the chariots and were greeted by a huge welcoming party. The sound of trumpets and drums resonated around them. They were showered in petals of various flowers.

An elderly man and two women stood before them. Krishna gestured towards them and said,"Greet your guardians, Abhijishya. Pitashree Vasudev who has given you the title of the Yadavs."

Nakul and Abhijishya touched his feet. "Pranipaat Pitashree," they greeted.

He blessed them with forturne and prosperity and said," Welcome to Dwarka, putri Abhijishya, putra Nakul."

"This is Mata Devaki and Mata Rohini," Gopal said.

Nakul and Abhijishya took their blessings.

"Akhand Saubhagyabati Bhava putri," Mata Devaki blessed and embraced her.

"Suputra janani bhava (May you be the mother of good sons)" Mata Rohini blessed her.

"Only sons Mata? Won't you bless me with daughters too?" Abhijishya said with a smile.

Rohini smiled and said,"Susantan janani Bhava (May you be the mother of good children)"

Gopal placed his hand on the shoulder of a tall muscular man and said," This is my dau (elder brother) Balram." Then gestured towards a woman standing beside him. "And his wife, my Bhabishree Revati."

They touched their feet and greeted," Pranipaat Baldau. Pranipaat Bhabishree."

"I am so pleased to finally meet you Abhijishya," Shree Balram smiled.

"Yes, it is such a pleasure to finally put a face to Krishna's description. I wish you could've come earlier," Revati said.

"I look forward to getting to know you all," Abhijishya said.

Next they greeted three women. Each of them had a touch divine beauty.

"These are my wives, Rukmini, Jambavati and Satyabhama," Krishna introduced.

Abhijishya and Nakul gained their blessings too.

"I was breathless from anticipation when we got Arya's message that you would be arriving in a week. Your presence amongst us is much awaited," Rukmini smiled gently.

"Yes, I just cannot wait to get to know you," Jambavati said with a broad smile.

"Indeed. We have much to talk about. I would love to see your sword fighting skills," Satyabhama said curiosity clear in her eyes.

"Areh, will you all talk about everything standing here only? Let us go inside first then talk to your hearts' content," Krishna said.

Mata Devaki did their aarti and welcomed them inside. Abhijishya felt slightly overwhelmed with so much attention on her person but that didn't stop her from noticing Subhadra's absence. She gently held on the lotus pendant that Nakul gave her and took a deep breath. Her left hand was grabbed by Nakul.

She looked at him. He raised an eyebrow in question. She shook her head and smiled. He smiled back, squeezed her hand and let go.

Abhijishya really hoped Gopal's fam- (now also hers)-ily like her for the person she was.

*~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~*

A.N. - I am so happy to announce that this story has crossed 10 K views and 1 K votes. Thank you to my dear readers. Just Wow! Never thought I would get such love and appreciation from you all 💗💗💗

Please do vote and let me know what do you think of this chapter in the comment section below.

I'll update again on Tuesday. (14th July) If you haven't noticed yet, then I am letting you know that I am updating every Tuesday and Saturday. 🌼

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")