Yudhishthir slowed down as he took in the room decor. The theme appeared to be earthy. While it was luxuriant & worthy of a king, it was strangely homey a few things made to resemble their childhood home in Satshringa a lot. The lovely paintings which he cherished, believing them to be the best gift of his life were tastefully placed around the room.

One thing was for sure that the designer of this room surely knew his heart, his wishes, dreams & desires much better than even himself. But how?
The soft palm he felt on his cheek made him look down at Draupadi.
D: Kaisa laga aapko?
( How did you like it?)

She looked at him hopefully.

Overcome with emotion at her efforts just to cheer him in their new yet unknown abode, Yudhishthir smiled at her with such tenderness that it made Draupadi's heart beat quicken. With the utmost care, the righteous king placed his wife on a nearby settee. He hoped that being a man of few words, even those disappearing when he was with her out of consciousness, he hoped his eyes could convey his silent thanks which came from the bottom of his heart.

Y: Humaare Vivaah ke samay se...aapne meri prasannata ke liye na jaane kya kya nahi kiya..pata nahi mujhe vo avsar kab prapt hoga jab main aapke liye kuch kar saku....

( From the time of our wedding.....what not have you done for my happiness. Never know when I will get the opportunity to do something for you...)

He told her earnestly, looking deep into her eyes, hoping she understood how much he respected & appreciated her.

D: Hmmmm...
Draupadi pretended to think deeply, grinning on the inside having just gotten an opportunity of a lifetime!
D: Diya aapko avsar!
( I give you a chance!)

She proclaimed regally like the royal queen she was.
Yudhishthir was almost nervous seeing the smirk gracing her flawless features.

Y: Kya karna hoga mujhe?
( What do I have to do?)

He asked warily, having no inkling of what was going on in his wife's pretty little head.
D: Aapko....
( You have to...)

Draupadi drawled in a low, sensuous voice, inching close to her husband & locking her long, slender arms around his neck.

Dharmaraj gulped, his heart & breathing rate instantly quickening at the proximity much like his wife's. However, Draupadi had foregone her blush & decided to enjoy her husband's instead. She loved it when he was affected by her presence, her touches.

Why did he still try to deny it? Why couldn't they move on in their marriage, forgetting everything.
Yudhishthir closed his eyes as Panchali rested her weight against his torso, inching closer & closer to him until his back was against the hand rest of the settee.

Draupadi's heart fluttered as her husband's hands traveled to rest gently on her waist to stabilize them both. His warm hands on her skin sent it tingling.
D: Aapko aapke mulyawaan samay ka kuch ansh apni patni ko dena hoga.....mere priya Aarya....

( You have to give a part of your precious time to your wife....my dear Aarya....)

She whispered in her ear, the proximity nearly bringing their already thundering hearts to a a stop.

However, she was determined not to stop, wanting to show him her affection for him. Craning her neck forward, she pressed her lips against his jawline, placing a lingering kiss there. She couldn't keep the smile off her face when she heard his breath hitch & his grip tighten on her waist. She relished in the fact that her proximity & touch affected him just as much as his affected her. She smirked, noticing that his eyes were shut tight as well.

Draupadi closed her eyes as she embraced her husband, burying her face in his neck, breathing in his rich sandalwood fragrance that was intact even after the long day, finally allowing the shyness of her previous actions to creep in.

Yudhishthir never felt more complete, or whole in his life before. As much as he wanted to pull away, he found himself unable to do anything but embrace his wife with everything he had. And he did.
Just what wouldn't he give to have her in his arms for ever. Yudhishthir found himself unable to deny his feelings any longer. He loved Draupadi with all his heart, to an extent that scared him.

Knowing that it had been a long day, Dharmaraj let his wife to rest while he & his brothers still had some matters to settle urgently regarding the newly established Indraprastha.

He chuckled heartily on seeing her adorable wrinkled nose & hearing her cutely mumble something about extra busy husbands & royal duties. He promised to return soon with s sweet smile, that melted her.

Draupadi reclined on the settee for a bit after her husband left their chambers, knowing she'd have to go & check on the food preparations in a bit.
Finally getting up, she headed to the dressing area, emerging moments later dressed in a simpler pale blue lehenga with silvery work on it.

She wore only a delicate neckpiece & earnings along with a few studded bangles, foregoing her large rings for smaller ones. Adjusting her chudamani & veil, she was good to go.

******

S: Jyesht! Aapka upaay toh ati uttam hai! Isse Indraprastha ki praja ka kalyan nishchit hai!

( Eldest! Your plan is great! This is bound to be good for the citizens 9f Indraprastha!)

Sahadev beamed happily at his elder brother who had always been his role model. They were alike too in their reserved natures & love for the written words. Contrary to popular belief, his Jyesht did not only read books on Dharma or about politics, administration etc. He was a well read individual, & was knowledgeable on a variety of topics.

Just then, a gaurd entered the room, bowing before them.
G: Maharaj ki Jai Ho! Maharaj, Sindhu naresh Jaydrath padhare hai.

( Hail the king! The king of Sindhu, Jaydrath has arrived, my king.)

Yudhishthir saw the look of displeasure on his brothers faces, even the gaurd didn't look too happy, as not many in Hastinapur were fond of the womanizing & other wicked ways of the royal son-in-law.

Yudhishthir sighed, atleast they could show their displeasure.
Y: Krpiya unhe sanmaan sahit bheetar le aao, sainik!

( Please bring him inside with respect, gaurd.)

He requested in a firm tone not failing to notice the scrunching of his brothers' faces.

B: Ye yaha bhi aagaya!
( He came here as well!)
Bheem sighed, feeling fed up while his younger brothers grumbled, agreeing. Yudhishthir sent them a stern look.
Y: Anujo... Sindhu naresh humaare atithi hai aur Dushala ke pati bhi, atah hume unka sanmaan karna hi hoga.

( Younger brothers....the king of Sindhu is our guest as well as Dushala's husband & hence we will have to respect him.)

He offered them a sad smile of his own, reassuring them that he understood them.

B: Keval isliye kyunki meri Dushie ka....pati hai.
( Only because he is my Dushie's.... husband.)

Bheem pouted, making a face at the word 'pati'.
Ar: Yadi hum lakshagrih ki ghatna ke kaaran Hastinapur se door nahi hote na, toh main humaari priya choti behen ka Vivaah uss dusht se kabhi nahi hone deta!

( If we hadn't been away from Hastinapur due to that Lakshagrih incident, I would have never allowed our younger sister to marry this evil man.)

Arjun glared ahead of him into the space from where Jaydrath would emerge. Nakul & Sahadev nodded, sharing the sentiments.

Jaydrath's mind was clouded with envy as he entered the palace of Indraprastha, completely awestruck by his splendor & grandness. He didn't think Yudhishthir was fond of such luxury, always preffering that forest he & his brothers grew up in.

As he was passing through the corridor, he noticed sweet humming coming from someplace coupled with the mesmerisingly musical tinkling of anklets.

As he followed the source, he entered the kitchen & was tantalised at the scene before. The most beautiful woman he'd laid his eyes on & would in the future stood there, humming a sweet tune which was as lovely as her.

Draupadi was busy happy stirring the dish Bheem had proclaimed was a Pandava favourite, especially he'd teased : her husband!
She knew that it had a several long tired days, & relishing one's comfort food would be just perfect! Bheem had grinned his biggest grin at her, showing those adorable dimples. Sometimes she failed to understand the reason of the hatred for her husband & his brothers in their cousins' hearts. How & why would someone hate such love filled souls? They'd done their best to make her feel welcomed & cherished ever since their unexpected marriage.

Jaydrath on the other hand observed her figure, facing away from him as she added some spices to her dish that was already giving out a mouthwatering aroma.

Jaydrath saw green. He was mad with lust & envy at the fact that the world's most silent person, who according to him never even struggled for or desired for it, was suddenly the king of the most exquisite kingdom of Aaryavart, living in a palace that was far grander than anything he had seen & if that wasn't all, married to the world's most beautiful woman, having her all to himself.

Moreover, Draupadi seemed to be completely devoted to him. What did he have that he, the mighty king of Sindhu didn't? What could Yudhishthir give Draupadi that he, such a mighty king couldn't?

Unable to think rationally, overcome with jealousy & lust the king took steps towards the oblivious queen of Indraprasth.

Draupadi felt a shadow behind her, & hoped it was her husband. It was not large enough to be Bheem & there was no reason for the others to wander into the kitchen.

A pair of arms wrapped around her from behind, as a nose deeply inhaled the natural body fragrance of the fresh blue lotuses, she was blessed with.

D: Aarya....
Draupadi smiled, closing her eyes in bliss, wondering how he initiated such intimacy today. She stiffened suddenly when something inside her began ringing alarm bells in her head.
This was not her husband's touch! No! She didn't need to see him to recognise his touch.

Draupadi began to struggle, alarm bells growing louder & louder going off in her brain as she wiggled in the unknown man's grip. Using all her strength, she pushed the man away from her, moving away to a corner, frantically adjusting her odhni.

To her horror, when she whirled around to give the shameless intruder a peice of her mind, she was shocked to see who it was.

D: S..Sin..Sindhuraj...aap ( You) ?

Draupadi was flabbergasted, while the man continued to leer at her.
J: Pranipat.... Maharani.
Jaydrath continued to eye her in a manner that made Draupadi immensely uncomfortable.
J: Aaj aap atyant hi manmohak lag rahi ho....

( Today you look stunning....)

He smiled lasciviously at her, eyeing her like a peice of meat.

D: Ye kaisa duhsahas tha?
( How dare you?)

She demanded, her eyes burning with fire from within her.
Jaydrath only smirked, continuing to walk towards her while Draupadi moved backwards.

J: Kshyama karna...kintu main swayam ko rok hi nahi paya. Aap humaari pyaari bhaabhishree toh hai hi, kintu Aaryavart ki sabse sundar stree bhi toh hai.

( Forgive me...but I couldn't stop myself. You are our dear sister-in-law law, but you're also the most beautiful woman of Aaryavart.)

He told her as if it were an obvious fact which caused Draupadi to be disgusted.

J: Dushala bhi garbhavati hai tatha yaha koi anya sewika bhi uplabd nahi hai. Akela hogaya hoon....aap samajh hi sakti hai.

( Dushala is pregnant & there's no servant girl here too. I'm lonely...you can understand...)

He grinned at her with a wink making Draupadi wonder what was wrong with him.

D: Kshyama kijiye...kintu ye kisi vivaahit stree ke sanmaan par haath dalne ka karan nahi.

( Forgive me...but this isn't s reason to put your hands on the modesty of a married woman.)

She spoke in a calm yet dangerous voice, trying to keep her anger in check. Jaydrath just laughed.

J: Aisa kya hai tumhaare uss pati mein, jo mujh mein nahi? Maine dekha hai, tum mujhe kisprakar dekhti ho Panchali.
Yudhishthir ko toh rajkiya karyo se mukti mile tab hi vo pati ban paayega tumhaara. Tum bhi akeli ho....meri bhaati.
Mera prem sweekar karlo, sundari. Main tumhe vo sab kuch dunga jiski aasha ek patni apne pati se rakhti hai.

( What does that husband of yours have, which I don't have? I have seen, how you look at me. If Yudhishthir ever gets free from his royal duties will he ever be a husband to you, right? You're lonely too... like me.

Accept my love, beautiful. I'll give you everything that a wife wants from her husband.)

Jaydrath looked up & down at her, pure lust gleaming in his dilated pupils as he advanced towards her.

Draupadi was horrified & disgusted by his proposition. Didn't he have the basic mannerisms of talking to a woman, much less his sister-in-law?!!! His talks were shameless & disgusting.

D: Vahi Ruk jaiyye!
( Stop right there!)

Draupadi commanded him , her eyes fierce & red with rage. Jaydrath tried to move forward only to find burning hot flames of fire licking at his person out of nowhere. Before him, on the ground now was a line of fire, seperating him & Draupadi.

J: Panchali....

D: Maharani....
( Queen)
Draupadi correctly him sternly, not wanting him to be even a bit informal with her.

J: Dekho....
( Look...)

D: Aap kripya maun rahiye, Sindh naresh, tatha aap MERE Aarya ke saath swayam ki tulna kar rahe hai?

( You please be quiet, King of Sindhu, & your comparing yourself with MY Aarya?)

Draupadi demanded. Her eyes filled with fire. How dare this buffon think he could match the level of her husband?!!

J: Arjun se sambandh toh tha hi, ab Yudhishthir se bhi hai, toh mera bhi sweekar karne mein kya aapatti hai?
Yudhishthir ki premika aur patni donon hi uske dharm granth aur rajya hai. Tumhaare liye samay hi kaha hai uske paas? Tum jaisi sundari ka jeevan vyarth hai uske saath, atah....

( You had relations with Arjun, now with Yudhishthir, then what's the problem in accepting me as well? Yudhishthir's lover & wife are his books on Dharma & his kingdom. Where does he even have time for you? The life of a beautiful woman like you will be wasted with him so.....)

Draupadi let out a defeaning scream unable to hear her husband's further insult.

D: Maun hojaiyye....
( Keep quiet!)
She growled, not caring about properity any longer. Her voice was now eerily calm & rather dangerous sounding.
D: Mere Aaryaputra, mera jeevan hai...unse uttam jeevan saathi kisi kanya ko nahi praapt sakta. Mera Tan, man, hriday, aatma inn sabhi par keval mere Aarya ka adhikaar hai.

Tum jaise murkh aur durth dusht ki tulna toh unki charan-padukao se bhi nahi ki jaa sakti.

( My Aaryaputra, is my life....no maiden can ever beget a better life partner than him. My body, heart & soul all belong solely to my Aarya.

A wicked & foolish man like you cannot be compared to even his footwear.)

Draupadi glowered dangerously at Jaydrath, her entire body emanating nearly intolerable heat. Her positively fiery aura caused Jaydrath to take a step back.

He scurried out of the room to quickly join the waiting Pandavas, as if nothing had happened.

Luckily for Draupadi, the Pandavas weren't in the palace but on the grounds, inspecting their weaponry as well as the army in preparation for their upcoming digvijay yatra. They couldn't have heard this exchange. She sighed in relief.

Big fat tears rolled down Draupadi's cheeks as she stormed through the galleries of the palace. Throwing herself on the beige luxuriant, soft silken mattress she buried her face in the pillow.

Yudhishthir entered his bed chambers to retrieve a particular inventory he'd prepared about the requirements of their newly forming army & was to head back to the palace grounds where his brothers were personally counselling & training their soldiers.

He frowned hearing soft sniffles coming from what he'd expected to be his empty bedroom. What he didn't expect to see was his dear wife curled up on his bed, shaking with soft sobs.

Draupadi felt a few fingers softly stroke her shoulder from behind. She stiffened at the touch but hearing her husband's soft voice laced with concern, asking her what was wrong she let out a whimper, further worrying Yudhishthir.

Not wanting to bother him with what she believed was a trivial issue, Draupadi hurried wiped away her tears. He already had so much on his plate, being seperated from part of his family & then having to look over the complete management of their newly blooming kingdom.

She reasoned with herself that she was just emotional due her approaching monthly courses, hastily attempting to wipe away her tears.
Her husband's gentle hands cupping her cheeks made her open her eyes to peer into his copper orbs, filled with concern.

Her husband was not a man of many words & Draupadi knew that often he wasn't sure how to behave in front of her. She found his inexperience incredibly cute & it also assured her that they were together in this relationship, both equally new to it. He didn't speak, but his eyes conveyed to her that whatever it was that made her cry he wouldn't spare. He would do whatever it took to once again beget that beautiful smile on her face.

Draupadi looked at him quizzically as he made himself comfortable next to her on the bed. Didn't he have to attend the royal court proceedings?
When she asked him, Dharmaraj merely smiled.

Y: Jaana toh hai....kintu jab meri maharani hi sukh mein nahi toh praja ka kalyan aur sukh kaise sunishchit kar paunga main?

( I do have to go...but when my queen is not happy, how can I ensure the good fortune & happiness of my citizens?)

Draupadi nearly melted at those words in his deep baritone. Oh, how she loved, loved, LOVED it when he called her as his Maharani, his!

D: K...kuch nahi Aarya.... mujhe na kadapi achcha nahi lagta jab...bhrata Duryodhan aur unke anya bhrata, Mamashree, aur anya log jab aapke vishay mein katuvachan kehte hai.
Aap kitne achche hai, unki varsho ki ghrina ka uttar aap aaj bhi keval prem se dete hai...phir kyu?

( N... nothing Aarya.....I just don't like it when.... brother Duryodhan, his other brothers, uncle & others speak ill about you. You're so nice, you've always responded to their years of hatred with only love. Then why?)

As she sobbed against his chest, Yudhishthir held her, finding the situation peculiar. There was something more to this which had upset his wife so much.

He knew she was sensitive when it came to her family, especially him, he'd noted previously with a smile, however his fireborn princess of a wife was not one to sit & cry at someone's cruel words. She had the potential to make sure that person never spoke words again, let alone cruel ones.

Draupadi for once in her life felt helpless, she wanted to tell Yudhishthir the entire thing, but couldn't. She knew he would support her, but she didn't want to have him to choose her over his sister, whose husband had behaved despicably with her.

She knew how deeply her husband loved his sister, & she did too. She didn't want their pure relationship to be strained due to one disgusting person. It was best she remained silent, she thought.

However, seeing as her rather sharp husband had already realised that maybe something was amiss. He had no pressed on it, thinking she would tell him when she was comfortable.

Draupadi bit back shy giggles herself when she told her husband that her monthly courses were due & were causing her to be moody. She would never in her life forget the look on his face, as the tips of his ears turned a nice dark pink. His eyes were wide & his mouth in an 'O'.

He mumbled something softly before nodding at her. Draupadi watched him, trying her best to not laugh.

However, soon she lost her battle, breaking into the most melodious giggles Dharmaraj had heard while he looked on still slightly flustered & confused.

*******

Later that night......

The Pandavas had decided to have a sleepover, since they'd not had one in months.

Arjun looked at his Jyesht from the corner of his eyes, he lay on his side, facing away from him with his mattress pulled far away in a corner. He was covered from head to toe in a coverlet, nearly cocooned in it, making Arjun press his lips together trying not to laugh. He may be the stern, wise & perfect king in his royal court but his jyesht was a child at heart, more like baby Arjun thought with a chuckle, seeing his current state.
His brother was too cute, trying to avoid him like this.

However, it broke his heart to know that the elder brother he loved more than his life was hurting because of him. Yudhishthir had never been angry on Arjun before & him not speaking to him was something the third son of Pritha was unable to bear.

Ar: Jyesht....
( Eldest...)
One poke from Arjun, & a tug at his coverlet.

No reply from Yudhishthir.

Ar: Mere priya Jyesht....
( My dear eldest...)

Another poke & harder tug.
No reply from Yudhishthir again. Arjun kept tugging the coverlet away while Yudhishthir held it to his body with all his strength.

The other Pandavas watched this unique tug of war with great amusement.
N: Arrey...phat jaayega kambal...maata ka priya wala hai ye.

( Oh...the blanket will tear....it's mother's favourite...)

Nakul pointed out as he, Bheem & Sahadev snickered.

Yudhishthir let go off the blanket with a huff, leaving a pouting Arjun holding it.
Ar: Mere praano se priya Jyesht....
( My eldest, dear to me more than my life....)
Arjun tried again, shaking his shoulder. Yudhishthir narrowed his eyes but didn't reply. Too hurt.
One part of his heart wanted to forgive his baby brother & embrace him till eternity but the other part of him was hurt, heartbroken.

Even though somewhere, he still blamed himself for coming in between Arjun & Draupadi but Arjun's sudden departure had shattered him from within. He felt abandoned. Where had he gone so wrong, that his dear anuj had decided to punish him so?

Arjun had left when he needed him so much. He understood that his brother was hurting too, but couldn't they have supported each other through pain together & emerged stronger out of it.

Arjun hugged Yudhishthir's laying figure from behind, burying his face in his neck while hugging him tight.
Yudhishthir struggled against him.
Y: Rajkumar Arjun... mujhe nidra aarahi hai. Kripya mujhe vishraam karne de.

( Prince Arjun... I'm feeling sleepy. Please let me rest.)

He spoke as formally as he could making Arjun sulk. Hearing ' Rajkumar Arjun' instead of 'Phalgun' or 'Anuj' from Yudhishthir's mouth caused tears to prick at his eyes.

Blinking away his tears, Arjun put on a smile.
Ar: Jyesht! Dekhiye....yadi aap mujhe kshyama karenge na toh....toh...uh.... bhrata Bheem 4 maah tak madhya raatri mein uthkar mishthaan nahi khaayenge.

( Eldest! See....if you forgive me.....the ..then...Brother Bheem will not eat sweets in the middle of the night for 4 months! )

He promised.

B: Haan???
Bheem cried out in outrage & horror, clutching his heart which Yudhishthir saw from the corner of his eyes as he pressed his lips together to suppress his laughter.

Ar: Dekhiye haan bhi keh rahe hai! Toh ab ye unka vachan raha! Aur...aur...Nakul ghud sawari nahi karega aur Sahadev taaro ki taraf dekhega bhi nahi, haina?

( See he's saying yes! So that's his promise now! And..and...Nakul will not do horse riding & Sahadev will not even look at the stars, right?)

He looked pleadingly at his brothers who rolled their eyes but nodded, wanting nothing more than for all of them to be together again.

Ar: Jyesht!!! Ab krodh tyaag dijiye na! Apne phalgun, apne Arjun se aur kitne samay tak krodhit rahenge.

Mujhse bhool hogayi Jyesht.... Kshyama kar dijiye na, aapka chuppi asehniya hai Jyesht! Aap krodh kijiye, dantiye mujhe, maariye mujhe, kintu mujhe baat karna band mat kijiye, Jyesht....

( Eldest, I made a mistake.... forgive me....your silence is unbearable for me, eldest! You get angry on me, scold me, hit me, but don't stop talking to me, eldest....)

Arjun collapsed on the ground, his body shaking with sobs, as his brothers surrounded him.
N: Bhrata! Aapke haath se rakt beh raha hai!

( Brother! Your hand is bleeding!)

Nakul called out in concern, seeing Arjun's bleeding hand which had gripped the carved, sharp metallic edge of one of the asan, a little too hard.

Yudhishthir's eyes snapped open & jumped up, near Arjun & examining his hand in less than a moment. Arjun looked at him with teary eyes as he fussed over his would, asking Nakul & Sahadev to do something. They all smiled seeing how Yudhishthir was fussing over a slight cut, when they were Kshatriyas & had had worse in battles. However, love was blind & didn't see all of this.

Y: Arjun! Ye kya kiya!!! Dhyaan nahi de sakte tum!!!!
( Arjun! What did you do??!! Can't you pay attention!!)

Yudhishthir scolded, forgetting all about his anger in his worry.

Tears trickled down Arjun's face, not because of the physical pain but due to his aching heart that needed his big brother to tell him that it was all ok & that he loved him. After Pandu, it was Yudhishthir who was more of a father to him, then elder sibling.

Yudhishthir wiped his brothers tears, unable to bear to see him like that. His anger had evaporated away long ago.
Y: Anteem baar kshyama kar raha hoon tumhe, anuj. Yadi punah aisa kuch kiya....toh main Madhav ko vo wala balpan ka kissa suna dunga.

( This is the last time I'm forgiving you, my younger brother. If you do something like this again, I will tell Madhav about that childhood incident...)

Yudhishthir's stern face morphed into a triumphant smirk.

Ar: Konsa Jyesht?
( Which eldest?)

Arjun frowned in confusion. Yudhishthir's smirk deepened.
Y: Wahi....kaise ek baar jab tum 3 varsh ke the aur mata ne apni saree sukhne ke liye bichayi tha aur tumne usse dhaaran aur.....

( That one...how once when you were 3, mother had kept her saree for drying...& you tried to wear it &......)

Ar: NAHI NAHI NAHI!
( NO NO NO!)
Arjun glowered at his other brothers who were giggling like little girls, before turning to Yudhishthir with a puppy face.
Ar: Jyeshttt!
( Eldest!)

He whined childishly making Yudhishthir pull his little brother in his embrace. They were still babies not even children at heart. He kept soothing him with gentle caresss in his hair.
Arjun snuggled closer, enjoying the security & warmth of his brothers arms. He maybe be a powerful warrior, & one of the rewoned archers of Aaryavart but in his brother's comforting embrace, he could be himself, safe & protected from any pain.

The eldest son of Pandu placed a kiss on his brother's head, tightening his grip on his dear Phalgun. Oh how he'd missed him!
Three throats clearing themselves made Dharmaraj lift his face from where he'd buried it in Arjun's dark locks. Bheem, Nakul & Sahadev looked rather displeased at being left out of the hug. He only chuckled, opening his other arm out to them, making the three princes practically pounce on them. The Pandavas stayed in that position for long, none ready to move

*********

Yudhishthir looked around to see his brothers fast asleep in the cool chamber, beautifully illuminated pleasently by the moonlight.

His flawless features curled into an affectionate smile as he observed his slumbering siblings, looking too adorable for words, curled up against each other.

He stroked whichever part he could reach wether head or shoulders of Arjun, Nakul & Sahadev who were snuggled against him like babies, rather possesively.

Carefully, maneuvering his body from their grips, Dharmaraj made his way out of the chamber & into the dimly lit corridor of the palace. Leaning against the railing he looked at the cast expanse of the still deep, dark blue sky with no signs of the approaching sun yet.

He'd been unable to sleep for a while, & felt that a midnight stroll might do the trick. Suddenly, his sharp ears caught a light sound.

Gentle, musical tinkling of anklets. The person was trying their level best to be as quiet as possible though.
He looked to his side, noticing someone's presence besides him.

D: Pranipat Aaryaputra...
( Greetings, Aaryaputra....)

His wife whisper-giggled to him, effectively blowing his senses away by being the perfect epitome of the moonlight beauty she was. After all these months of marriage too, he failed to understand how she could rival a heavenly nymph anyday, even while being clad in nothing but simple nightwear.

Her beautiful locks shone stunningly in the moonlight, her hair parting proudly adorned with vermillion. Her attire consisted of a silken patch of cloth covering her chest over which was a pretty pale blue, over which was draped by a net odhni & beneath she wore a plain lehenga, both of the same shade of blue, it's silvery embellishments shimmering in the moonlight.

Her creamy arms & shoulders were bare with the exception of the mangalsutra around her neck.
Dharmaraj was speechless, completely lost in his wife.
Y: Soyi nahi aap?
( Didn't you sleep?)

Draupadi trembled as his large palm cupped her cheek, his thumb scaborous with the markings of a warrior effectively yet unknowingly tormenting her senses by stroking her skin.

D: V...vo...vo....AapkeBinaNidraNahiAarahiThi!

( Ac...Ac... Actually.... ICouldn'tSleepWithoutYou!)

He mumbled, her cheeks blazing red already. If he wasn't himself coloured deep to his roots, Yudhishthir would have been amused, as he usually was seeing his wife blush.

D: Aur aap?
( And you?)
She asked softly her red husband, who mumbled something about it being the same reason as hers.

Eeeeek!!!
Draupadi wanted to dance! However, didn't think the elders of Hastinapur would accept their eldest daughter-in-law dancing of glee in the middle of the night! She almost giggled at the thought.

But the fact was that her husband was missing her! He couldn't sleep without her next to him, just as she couldn't.

Yudhishthir's hand moving from her cheek to her shoulder, broke her reverie.
He looked at her tenderly, hoping she was fine. He was plagued by the thought of her safety, due to all the previous happenings.

For a long time they stood next to each other, watching the stars together. No words were exchanged, but their eyes did more than enough of the talking. It was nearly morning by the time, they parted from each other's company reluctantly, leaving for their respective chambers to catch some sleep for the last remaining couple of hours.

Love had already blossomed & in the air. Only it had to be accepted wholeheartedly & confessed.

******

Next day....

It was their first day as the King &: Queen of Indraprastha & quickly got busy with their several new royal responsibilities not getting time until later for each other.

Two inhabitants of the royal palace of Indraprasth sat side by side, deeply engrossed in their respective works.
One was a king, not more than twenty & eight years while another was just barely three.

The little was happily engrossed in his picture book that was full of colourful drawings of flowers, animals, birds, greenery etc. Though he would occasionally tug at ' Aalyaput' to point & giggle at a given picture, only recieve an encouraging smile & an occasional kiss in response.

Draupadi pressed her lips together, trying her best not to laugh at the rather adorable nickname her husband had been given.

Vrishasen was bored & his friend was busy. He pouted. Yudhishthir could barely concentrate on his task with the adorable antics of the little one.

Vrishasen had descended on the ground to look for something interesting but not finding any he was disappointed.
Glancing at the legs of the king before him, a bright idea struck him.

Yudhishthir & Draupadi barely held in their laughter as baby Vrishasen huffed & puffed, his chubby little cheeks growing red as he used Yudhishthir as an anchor & climbed up his body.

Dharmaraj pretended not to realise, but was watching him secretly, making sure he did not hurt himself.
Vrishasen was triumphant as he climbed up Yudhishthir's back , throwing his chubby arms around his neck from behind.

Yudhishthir stiffened for a moment before he turned around, pulling the child into his arms, tickling him.
Y: Pakad liya!
( Caught you!)

He declared, peppering the giggling baby's cheeks with soft kisses, while Draupadi looked on adoringly couldn't help but dream of a future where her husband was playing exactly the same way with a baby with the prettiest bluish-black curls & the most mesmerized orbs of molten copper.
A deep blush covered her ast the mere thought.

She saw her husband's face scrunch up as the young one resorted to calling him with his latest nickname.

D: Maharaj?
(My King?)
She addressed him differently on purpose & soon saw the effect.
" Maalaj!"
( My Kinn?)

The tiny tot squealed before breaking into adorable giggles. Yudhishthir breathed a sigh of relief at this, sending his wife a thankful look, playfully narrowing his eyes at her, seeing her smiling at his discomfort.

D: Ye dekhiye....
( Look at this...)
She whispered while the baby next to her husband played distractedly.
D: Ye wahi abhushan hai jo iss balak ne dhaaran kiya tha. Iss par ek naam ankit hai....
Iss par mail jam gayi thi, kintu jab daasi ne ise swachh kiya, tab yah naam spasht hua: Vrishasen.
Kadachit, iss balak ka yahi naam hai

( This is the very peice of jwellery that this child had worn. There is a name inscribed on it. It had become quite dirty, but when I had a daasi clean it, then this name was visible: Vrishasen.
Maybe, that's this child's name.)

Draupadi told him seriously. Yudhishthir couldn't be more proud of his wife's thoughtfulness.

Y: Vrishasen....
Yudhishthir thought, remembering hard where he'd heard the name.
Hearing that name, Vrishasen turned to look at the couple, as if understanding that they had called his name.

Just then.....
B: Pranipat Jyesht...
( Greetings eldest!)

Bheem entered the room, clutching an armour & some weapons.

B: Maine digvijay yatra ki samast tayyari karli hai, Jyeshth! Ab shigra hi aap chakravarti samrat honge aur maata humaare nikat hongi, sada ke liye.

( Eldest! I have completed all preparations of our Victory tour! Now soon you will be the Chakrawarti Samrat & mother will be with us, forever.)

Bheem declared happily, pumping an excited fist in the air childishly.

Yudhishthir was about to speak when he stopped short, seeing Vrishasen's big black eyes brightened seeing the armour.
V: Pitashlee...
( Fathel....)

He babbled, extending a chubby fist towards it.

The three exchanged looks.
B: Tumhaare pitashree bhi kavach dharan karte hai, putra? Jyeshth... avashya ye kisi yoddha ki santaan hai.

( Did your father wear an armour too son? Eldest, surely he is the child of a warrior.)

Bheem spoke seriously making Dharmaraj nod.

On a closer look, he noticed the design of the armour which had a beautiful carved sun in the middle, just like...... that's it!
Realisation dawned upon the king, his beautiful copper orbs widening.

Y: Ye Maharathi Karn ka putra hai Anuj, Vrishasen.

( This is the son of the great warrior Karn, my younger brother, Vrishasen.)

Yudhishthir informed his shocked sibling.

B: Kya? Angraj ka putra? Kintu vo uss vann mein kisprakar pohoncha?

( What? Angraj's son? But how did he reached in that forest?)

He mused.

Y: Vo samay ke saath hum gyaat karlenge, iss samay mujhe ek ati avashyak karya sampann karna hai

( That we will find out with time, for now I have to complete an important task.)

Yudhishthir declared, summoning an attendant to bring his writing supplies.

*****

A day later....

Hastinapur......

Karn had finally come to the palace to meet Duryodhan, as he'd insisted so urgently. He was yet to inform his friend about what had happened.

The face his little one came before his eyes, filling his heart with horror. He knew that he was just a sutputra according to society.
His work for new advancements & equality for everyone were not appreciated by everyone & as such he had quite a bit of enemies.

The thought of someone having his baby, & torturing him to cause him pain was terrorising. His heart was numb with fear for the first time in his life. He didn't know how he would live if something happened to his Vrishasen.

He msy be a strong, valiant warrior but his heart was that of a father aftereall....one who loved his children with every fibre of his being. Once he got his hands on the person who dared to even look at his child, let alone toching, he would cover his body surface with arrows.

Du: Mitra...?
(( Friend..??)
Duryodhan was shocked as he took in his friend's dishellved appearance. His face was red & blotchy & eyes bloodshot.
Du: Ye tumhe kya hua?
( What happened to you?)

Duryodhan asked with deep concern, all thoughts of battle out of his mind.

K: Mi...mitra...ek...ek saptah hogaya....mere Vrishasen ko le gaye....m.. maine pratyek sthaan par khoj liya, kitne vyaktiyon se pucha koi nahi jaanta vo kaha hai....

Vo...vo..kis avastha mein hoga? J..j..jeevit toh hoga na? Batao na!! Mujhe mera Vrishasen chahiye! Vo bohot chota mitra! Mere aur Vrishali ke bina nahi reh pata. Lekar aao na usse! Le aao shigra!

( Fr... friend...one..one week went by...they took my Vrishasen....I...I searched for him everywhere, I asked every concerned person but no one knows where he is...

He.. he...in what condition must he be? Tell me friend! Tell me! I want my Vrishasen! He's so young friend! He won't be able to stay without me & Vrushali. Bring him! Bring him quickly!)

Duryodhan held his friend as he continued to babble. He & Shakuni exchanged confused looks. What was going on? Karn had been gone suddenly after his wife came in crying. Then, he returns after a week in such a pitiful state. Duryodhan had never seen his ace Archer of a friend lamenting like this before.

Du: Shaant hojao Karn! Tum ek yoddha ho!
( Calm down Karn! You're a warrior!)

Duryodhan spoke stern as Karn continued his tirade.
Karn stopped. Tears trickling down his face as Duryodhan hugged him.

Du: Vrishasen...tumhaara putra hai na? Tum mujhe vistaar se batao...aur chintit mat ho. Main Vrishasen ko dhoondhkar rahunga, chahe dharti-paataal ek karna pade. Tum nishchint raho mitra. Ab batao....

( Vrishasen is your son, right? You tell me in detail...& don't worry. I will find Vrishasen no matter what. You be relaxed, my friend. Now tell me...)

Karn looked up at Duryodhan, sufficiently calm now.

He had exhausted all his resources in vain over the previous week & had been told that maybe by now the kidnapper may have sold his son as a slave in a far off land or killed him, made him loose his sanity & go hysterical.

Just then....
A gaurd knocked & entered the chamber.
Greeting all of them, he spoke.

G: Angraj...aapke liye patra hai....
( King of Ang, there's a letter for you...)

The gaurd spoke & Karn wanted to dismiss him, not interested in anything but finding his son. Nevertheless, something told him to ask about the writer, but his friend beat him to it.

Du: Patra? Kisne bheja hai...
( A letter? Who has sent it? )

Duryodhan questioned...
The gaurd hesitated but answered.
G: Ji.... Maharaj Yudhishthir ne...
( King Yudhishthir has....)

The gaurd answered making the trio look surprised.

Sh: Iss Yudhishthir ko Karn se kya karya?
Shakuni mused suspiciously while Duryodhan looked livid.

Karn was surprised. He'd never had a lot of interaction with the eldest & the quietest of the Pandava brothers, except on his birthday & before. What would he want?

Du: Yaha lao...
( Give it here...)
Duryodhan demanded harshly moving to snatch the letter but the messenger who had entered the room previously held it back.

M: Kshyama kijiye.... Maharaj ka aadesh hai ki ye patra keval Angraj ke haath mein diya jaaye.

( Forgive me.....the king has ordered that this letter be handed to the king of Ang only. )

He informed, bowing respectfully.

Duryodhan eyed the messenger with disdain, opening his mouth to speak when Karn stopped him, taking the proffered letter.

However, Duryodhan snatched it from him immediately & began to read. His face purpling with rage as he read.
Finally crumpling the letter he threw it in a corner, growling angrily.

Du: Mitra! Uss Yudhishthir ne hi tumhaare putra ka apaharan kiya hai. Mujhse pratishodh ke liye. Vo jaanta hai ki isse tum durbal pad jaaoge tatha uska mujhpar aakraman karna saral hojaayega!

( Friend! That Yudhishthir has kidnapped your son. He wants to take revenge from me. He knows that you will become weak with this & it will be easy for him to attack me!)

Duryodhan exchanged a look with Shakuni who nodded with a wicked smile.

Du: Sainik!!! Senapati ko bulao! Usse kaho mera aadesh ki sena sajj ki jaaye! Hum tatkaal hi Indraprastha par aakraman karenge!

( Gaurd! Call the army commander! Tell him that I have ordered for the army to ve readied. We will attack Indraprastha immediately!)

Duryodhan bellowed much to Shakuni's delight & Karn's horror.

**********

Well well well....
How'd it go?
YuPadi romance?

Baby Vrishasen?

Jaydrath?

Duryodhan-Shakuni?

Iss baar atleast 40 votes toh ho jaaye, itne din se kam hogaye hai.😣

Please vote & comment guys!
Pweaseee!🥺

Lots of love,
Dharmasakhi 💕💕