Dwaraka

Krishna's blue-black fingers ran over the scroll He had just received. A knowing smile played on His lips.

This letter had arrived from Kampilya. He knew who had sent it. He knew that His dear Sakhi would need Him right now. And He Himself was also waiting for her call.

Sakha Govinda,

You have promised to stay by my side in every problem I face. Remembering that assurance I gather courage to write this to you. Since a month, a lot weird things are happening with me. I do not know why, but it feels like you, only you, have the solution for this!

Sakha, I fail to understand what I see. Not only in my dreams but sometimes even with awakened, open eyes too! I see five men,... no, not men, they look like Gods. I see them in pain. I see them getting separated from their lady love. And most surprisingly, I hear them calling me! Yes, it's me whom they call!

I cannot remember when, where I have seen them, but they seem familiar, Sakha! They want to remind me of something I forgot. But what it is, I cannot recall.

And then comes another weird vision. I see myself, clad in deerskin, doing hard penance for Mahadeva. Finally when He comes, I pray for husband. Five times!

How strange it is, Sakha? Why did I ask for five times? And the Lord, well, He too blessed me with five husbands, smiling? How could He give such a strange boon?

What is the meaning of all these, Govinda? Is it my past? Who am I? How did I come here? What is my future?

I cannot tell this to any of my family members. My mind is torn between my present and this unclear past. Only you can explain this to me, Govinda! As a friend, I request you, please come and rescue me from this darkness!

Your Sakhi,
Krishnaa

The Lord of Dwaraka lifted His lotus eyes from the letter, smiling.

Princess Draupadi might have forgotten her past, but how could she forget her soul that was tied with five hearts! Her soul was bound to connect to them, who were hers since yugas and kalpas!

Krishna took a deep breath. News had come from Maharishi Vyasa. Pandavas had begun living in the town of Ekchakra. It was time to begin with the actual preparation now!

Time has come for the reunion of lovers, separated since yugas! Time has come that Draupadi would have to know who she is!

Be prepared to garland your Indra once again, Sachi!

***

Hastinapura

Devika watched Dusshala taking seven steps with Jayadratha. Seven sacred wedding vows that he might never even fulfill to her.

Devika's mind wandered around many fleeting thoughts. She wondered whether Jayadratha would l stop being after her even after this marriage. And knowing her father, she knew that he would not deny if Jayadratha insisted for her swayamvara, or even worse, direct vaagdanam.

For a while, she felt restless. What would happen to her now? No one knew where Yudhishthira was. Who would save her from this?

Krishna! Only Krishna knew where Pandavas are, and when they would return! Till then, she would have to do something to stop her father from arranging her marriage.

And for that, she needed to be with him.

Time has come she has to return Shivi!

***

Dwaraka

"I have to leave, Ruku!" Krishna caressed Rukmini's cheek, "Take care of the children!"

"Wait, Swami!" Rukmini held His arm, "We three have to go there too!"

Krishna gave Her an innocent look. "It is not the wedding invitation, Ruku! I will surely tell you when Maharaj Drupada will send me that!"

"This is not a time of mischief, Nath!" Rukmini shook Her head, "Have you forgotten the promise we both made to them?"

Krishna closed His lotus eyes. A scene of Kailasha played in front of Him.

"Do not be dejected, Devendra!" Smiled Narayana, "I shall be there by your side, as your brother!"

"We are blessed, Prabhu!" Five Indras bowed. Their moist eyes moved to their beloved wife time and again.

"Go without a worry!" Lakshmi smiled a kind smile, noticing the pain in their eyes, "When time will come, Swami and I myself will make you five reunite with your Sachi!"

Krishna opened His eyes, nodding.

"I remember, Devi!"

"Time has come, Swami!" Rukmini remarked, "We both have to be there with them, to fulfill our promise!"

***

Hastinapura

Maids helped the newly wedded bride to enter the ornate palanquine. Dusshala's tears flowed endlessly while bidding farewell from her family. Devika sensed that it was not just a bride's normal pain of leaving her natal home. It was her unshed, hidden tears that were bound to flow.

Sighing, she looked around. Govasana and Kotikasya were talking to Jayadratha who was standing near his chariot. She felt alone even within so much of festivity around her.

"Sakhi!" Valandhara whispered, holding her hand.

Devika looked at her, smiling.

"May I know whom you are thinking about?" Mischief played in Valandhara's eyes, "Who is that fortunate man whose memory makes you so absentminded even in a wedding ceremony?"

Embarrassed, Devika glared at her. "Nothing, Sakhi. I was thinking of something else."

"Want to visit Yuvaraj Yudhishthira's chamber again?" Valandhara blinked.

Suppressing her wonder, Devika shook her head with a grave expression.

"No, why would I?"

"Thought so. You seem to be a lot interested regarding that room. Who knows what pleasure you get in watering those plants and rearranging those books!" Valandhara shrugged, "As if no maid can do those little jobs!"

"Yuvaraj used to say that no job is little, Sakhi. We royals do not get belittled by doing that."

"Fine, but how do you know that Yuvaraj used to say this?" Valandhara narrowed her eyes, "Did you meet him?"

"Why are you after me suddenly?" Devika moved away a little to hide her embarrassment. Then only she heard Govasana calling her.

"Pita is calling." Devika looked at Valandhara, "Now if you give me permission, may I go, Kashi Kumari?" She joined her palms in mock courtesy, making Valandhara giggle. Devika chuckled too. Nodding at her newly found friend, she stepped forward to the place where her father was waiting.

"Devi, do you want to return Dwaraka directly from here?" Govasana asked, exchanging a quick glance with Kotikasya.

"I shall not go there now, Pita. Bhrata Krishna will be busy for upcoming few months. He has sent me a letter informing that He is leaving for Kampilya. In this situation there is no point of going back there."

"Then? Will you return home?" Kotikasya narrowed his eyes.

"Cannot I?" Devika stared coldly at her cousin. She knew for sure that Kotikasya would not like her to return so soon. He would have a lot of problem in manipulating her father in her presence.

"I did not say so." Kotikasya shrugged, "Shivi is your home. You will come whenever you want to. Who can stop you?"

"Thanks, Bhrata." Devika said evenly.

"Get ready soon, Putri." Govasana smiled, "We shall start tomorrow morning itself."

_________________________________________

Author's note: Hope you are getting Draupadi's past birth story now. Do you like the flashbacks I'm giving to show their divine past?

Anything specific you want for the upcoming events?

Let me know. I will try to show it.

Thanks!