Hey guy!!!
Here's the next chapter of my story, dedicated to some of my first friends here who were so welcoming and sweet to me ❤️

Dharmaatika, Dharmanandini & PandavPriye.

I hope you enjoy reading!

PS: In the pic above, just imagine Yudhishtir in Vanvasi clothes.

{ Image credit: Google search :)}

**********"

Two souls bound together by fate. Will they find love in their sudden, unexpected marriage?

***********

FLASHBACK :

Dharmaraj Yudhishtir was delighted, downright ecstatic as he walked home with a large load of firewood on is muscled shoulder.

Things were finally seeming to work out for them. Happiness had arrived at their door. First, Bheem's marriage with demoness Hidimba, who inspite of her origin was a pious soul.

Little Ghatotkatch born to the couple was a chubby little tyke whose favourite pastime was playing or rather tugging at his tatshree's hair & beard until his father performed the special Rakshasa tilak ceremony, turning him into a large, robust man.
A powerful ruler for the rakshasa clan complete with all of the ideals and virtues of the Pandavas and his righteous mother. Although Yudhishtir didn't mind one bit, he'd loved his naughty baby nephew to peices.

His anuj Bheem had been so sad to leave his family behind, but he knew they had duties to fullfil and had followed him and their mother without a single protest. .

Now, Arjun had most probably won the swayamwar of the beautiful fireborn Princess of Panchal. Another marriage and celebration in their family!!!!! All Yudhishtir had ever wanted was for his family to be safe and happy, however destiny had its own plans for them.

While they were watching the Swayamwar, Yudhishtir suddenly remembered that they were nearly out of firewood and would certainly need some to cook dinner that night. They needed to get some before dark. He saw the animated look in the eyes of his brothers seeing Arjun step up towards the dhanush. He couldn't bear to ask them to do the task. Of course they wouldn't deny him, but he wanted them to enjoy, to be happy for once. Hence, after much negotiation with Bheem he'd left to get the firewood while the others stayed to cheer for Arjun.

Y: Maata!!! Main aur lakdiyan le aaya!!! ( Mother!!! I have brought more firewood!!!)
He called out as he reached near their hut. However, there was no answer. Maybe Maata didn't hear him.

**********

A little while ago,
Inside the hut:

P: Maata hum aagaye!!! ( Mother we have come!!!)
The four pandavas chorused happily. Their mother, Kunti was holding her jaap mala and praying, chanting some mantras.

K: Aagaye putron...iss samay kaha gaye the? Jao..vishraam karlo main aati hoon. Bhojan toh karliya hai na? Maine pooja mein baithne se poorv banakar rakha tha.

( Sons, you came? Where had you gone? Go...rest, I'll be there. You've had food right? I had prepared it before sitting for the pooja.)

She said without opening her eyes. Her entire focus was on her pooja. The one she was doing for the safety and happiness of her precious five gems.

B: Ha bhojan hogaya maata!!! Kintu sarvpratham....dekh toh lijiye, Arjun aapke liya kya laya hai!!

( Yes, we had the food mother. But first... atleast see what Arjun has brought for you!!!)
Bheem cried out excitedly, glancing at his smiling brother and the blushing woman besides him, both wearing matching garlands.

K: Bheem, putra main ek vishesh pooja mein vyast hoon. Tum mere liye jo bhi laaye ho, vo Yudhishtir aaye toh use de do. Keval usine abtak bhojan....."

Kunti turned around with a gasp when a sudden sound of something dropping with a loud thud echoed throughout the tiny hut. There was extreme silence in the tiny single roomed accommodation.

The four Pandava brothers stood there with various expressions of shock, bewilderment, horror, and disbelief. At the door of their humble abode, stood her eldest, the most righteous man to walk the earth: Yudhishtir.

A large tied up pile of logs lay on his feet. However, there was no realisation of pain on his face. His otherwise radiant and ever so calm and peaceful face had an expression of utter horror.

Y: L...lak...diyaan...M..maata...

( W....woo...ood...M...mother...)

Yudhishtir choked out, his brain nearly numb, his gaze falling on his third anuj & the Princess. By now, Kunti had turned around and looked horrified as realisation dawned upon her seeing her third son standing next to a visibly gorgeous woman. Even though her face was veiled, she could make out her shock. Both her son and the woman wore matching garlands.

P: BHRATASHREE!!!!

( Brotherrrrr!!!!!!!)

The pandavas rushed to Yudhishtir who stood there, numb. The several large piles of wood still on his feet which his brothers quickly shoved aside.

K: P....putra?
( S...son?)

Kunti placed a hand to steady her thudding heart. She hadn't noticed Yudhishtir's injury yet due to her shock.
K: Ye..kanya kon hai? Aur...Arjun...tumdono ne....ye...mala....

( This....Who's this young lady? And...Arjun....you both....these...garlands....)

She trailed off, unable to form words.Her shock was too big for her to process anything more.

Ar: Ye aapne hume kaisa aadesh de diya mata!

( What type of order did you give us mother!!!)
Arjun looked shocked, broken. Bheem looked worried while Nakul and Sehadev were still shaking a stunned Yudhishtir who stood still as a statue.

K: Putra!
( Son!)
Kunti was nearly in tears.

K: M..main tum sabhi ki suraksha avam sukh ke liye anushthaan kar rahi thi. Mujhe...mujhe laga tum...tum...bheeksha laye ho pratidin ki bhati....aur Yudhishtir pratah kaal se bahar tha....bhojan nahi kiya tha usne...iss karan....kintu...kintu...main...
She cupped her palms over her mouth to prevent her sobs from escaping.

( I.. I was performing a special pooja for your safety & happiness, I... I thought that you have bought home alms like everyday, & Yudhishtir had been out since morning...he hadn't had lunch so....but...but... I....)

The Pandavas looked at their weeping mother sadly. Indeed she was right, Yudhishtir had been busy, been out all morning and had directly met them at the Swayamwar as planned before he had to leave halfway. It had been an honest misunderstanding & some miscommunication.

Ar: Maata....ye Rajkumar Draupadi hai. Hum inke swayamwar mein gaye the. Vaha pratiyogita mein vijay hone par unhone mera varan kiya hai.

( Mother, this is Princess Draupadi. We had gone to attend her Swayamwara. When I won the competition there, she garlanded me.)

He explained, as he glanced from the corner of his eyes at Draupadi, not daring to look directly at her. She too stood there silently, shocked.

S: Bratha, Maata ne chahe jaisi bhi stithi mein aagya di, uska paalan karna humaara dharm hai. Hum...hum...unke vachano ko taal nahi sakte....vah adharm hoga....

( Brother, no matter in what situation mother had given us the order, it is aur duty to fullfil it. We..we cannot ignore her words. That will be unethical.)

The youngest Pandava stuttered, hating to say what he had to, knowing how it would hurt his brother.

D: Kshyama kijiyega kumar...kintu maine Rajkumar Arjun ka varan kiya hai. Wahi mere pati banenge. Main kisi aur se vivaah kisprakar kar sakti hoon? Kisi aur ko apna pati kaise maan sakti hoon? Kya iss sab mein meri ichcha ka koi sthaan nahi?
She questioned, tears trailing down her cheeks endlessly. Was this guy serious? What about her? Draupadi was livid but calmed herself a bit.

( Forgive me Prince, but I have garlanded Prince Arjun. He is to be my husband now. How can I marry someone else? How can I accept someone else as my husband? Is there no place for my wishes in this?)

K: Putri....mujhe kshyama kardo.....saara dosh mera hai.

( Daughter.... forgive me...the entire fault is mine.)

Kunti joined her hands in apology before the woman her son had brought home.
Draupadi immediately felt bad for the woman, she had heard so much about the virtuous Pritha who'd suffered all her life yet never had it affected her kind, affectionate heart. She knew Kunti had done an honest mistake. But now Draupadi would pay for it. With her life and feelings.

D: Koi toh upaay hoga? Kya yahi samann praapt hoga aapki bhavi putravadhu ka? Ek khilone ki bhati?
Draupadi sobbed, her sobs shaking each every person in the room from within.

( There must be some option? Is this the respect your future daughter-in-law gets? Like a toy?)

Y: Nahi Rajkumari. Aapka samann hi humaara samaann hai ab. Mere paas upaay hai.

( No princess, your respect is our respect now. I have a solution.)

Yudhishtir said determined making Draupadi frown. Wasn't this Yudhishtir? This was the one Kunti had ordered her marriage with due to the misunderstanding.

S: Nahi Jeysht! ( No Eldest!)
Sahadev cried out in alarm, something clicking in his brain. He did not respond to his twin who held him, asking what the matter was but Sahadev rushed past Nakul behind Yudhishtir who had just left the room without another word.

Before any of the confused souls could utter a word, a loud roar echoed across the house.

" ITNA DUSSAHAS!!!!"

( The nerve!!!!!)

King Drupad of Panchal thundered.
D: Pi..pitashree.....
( Fa..father.....)
Draupadi broke into loud sobs as she ran across the room into hers fathers arms. No one could say that Drupad had been seething with rage just a moment ago, as he engulfed his daughter in his arms, placing a tender kiss on her veiled head. He whispered soft soothing words to his inconsolable daughter.

A minute later, transfering the still inconsolable Draupadi into Dhristadyumn & Shikhandi's embrace he turned to face the others. The anger from before was back, multiplying tenfold.

Dr: Meri putri ka aisa apmaan!!! Samajhte kya hai aap sabhi swayam ko!! Meri putri koi vastu nahi jo ek putra se lekar doosre ko de dein aap devi!

( Such humiliation of my daughter!!! Who do you think you are? My daughter is not an object to be passed on from one son to another, Devi!)

The father in him was raging, but he tried to calm down seeing as Kunti was woman. He still resented himself for the way he treated his precious baby girl the day she emerged from the fire. He knew his rejection had broken his child from within and hated himself for it. Then on, he'd pledged to never let a tear be seen in Draupadi's eyes ever again. And now this! Unfortunately, her destiny did not agree.

N: Hum khyaama mangte hai, Panchal naresh. Maata ne jo kiya bhul vash tha. Aap chintit na ho...mere Jyesht koi dharmsangat marg avashya nikal lenge.

( We apologize O King of Panchal. What mother did was by mistake. You don't worry, my eldest brother will surely come up with an ethical solution.)

Nakul requested the king with folded hands but the agony of the father in Drupad had supressed his rationale.

Dr: Aapke JYESHT...DHARMARAJ YUDHISHTIR! Unhi se vivaah karne ka aadesh diya hai na aapki maata ne? Ve aisa kyu karenge? Meri putri aaryavart ki sabse sundar kanya hai, vo apne anuj ke liye itna bada balidaan kyu denge?

( Your....ELDEST.... DHARMARAJ YUDHISHTIR! Isn't he the one your mother ordered the marriage of with my daughter? Why will he do so? My daughter is the most beautiful woman in aryavart, why will he give such a big sacrifice for his younger brother?)

The pandavas didn't like the tone Drupad used for their beloved elder brother but they were in no position to say anything right then. Moreover, the way Drupad spoke, they knew he clearly didn't know Yudhishtir.

Mad in greif, growing even madder seeing his daughter's tears and downright growling everytime a small muffled sob escapd Draupadi's mouth. She was trying so hard to stop crying but simply couldn't. The pain in her heart was too much.

He went on and on insulting Yudhishtir, even though it was Kunti's words that had caused this, he couldn't say much to her without crossing the limits of a Kshatriya, so Yudhishtir would bear his brunt.

* AUTHOR'S NOTE: I cannot and will not insult Dharmaraj even if it is someone's dialogue here, so please bear with me as I will not describe what Drupad is saying.*

The brothers were loosing control with every passing moment, it was only Kunti's command to stay put stopping them from calling out Drupad for a duel. NO ONE ever insulted their Jyesht, NEVER!

Draupadi looked on as her siblings joined in occasionally as her father took out all of his rage on Yudhishtir, insulting him in the harshest language she'd heard him use.

Ar: Maun hojaiyye Maharaj Drupad!!!!

( Be quiet King Drupad!!!!!)

Arjun finally lost control. Drupad stopped his tirade and looked at him. He was about to speak when Arjun's eyes widened visibly.

Ar: J..jye..sht?

( E..lde...st?)

He stuttered and Draupadi whirled around to see Prince Yudhishtir standing there with a calm smile on his face while he held tightly onto a rapidly reddening and heavily breathing Sahadev. Not even the most silent Pandav could stay silent hearing his elder brother being insulted.

Even Drupad was momentarily shocked. So Yudhishtir had been standing here all this while? He'd silently heard everything. He'd used the crudest language he knew but the virtuous Dharmaraj had not uttered a word.

Y: Pranipaat Maharaj Drupad, Yuvraj Dhristadyumn, Rajkumar Shikhandini.
Yudhishtir greeted their bewildered guests calmly.

Dhristadyumn frowned. Pranipat? Was he serious?? His father had just insulted Yudhishtir in all possible ways yet he was calm.
Y: Main aapko ashwast karta hoon Maharaj, aapki putri ke saath koi anyaay nahi hone dunga.

( I assure you King, there will be no injustice done with your daughter.)

Yudhishtir told the ruler of Panchal firmly and even he couldn't deny it, since Dharmaraj's reputation of keeping his word and always supporting dharma no matter what was all over aryavart.

Y: Rajkumari Draupadi ka vivaah mere Anuj Arjun ke saath avashya hoga. Maine sanyaas dhaaran karne ka nishchay kiya hai.

( Princess Draupadi will surely be married to my younger brother Arjun. I will renunciate myself.)

Yudhishtir declared ever so calmly yet again while his family's eyes appeared as if they'd pop out.

P: Jyesht.....
( Eldest....)
The remaining sons of Pandu trailed off in disbelief. Tears filled they eyes of the pious daughter of Shurasena, Kunti scrunched her eyes, using all of her self restraint to not cry.

K: Kintu putra....hum...koi aur upaay nikal lenge na...haina?

( But son....we...we can think of something else... right?)

Kunti asked desperately and even the Panchal royals felt bad for her. She had lost a great deal in life, loosing her elder son was not something she could bear.

Y: Maata....
( Mother....)

Yudhishtir spoke softly, broken within, but he was efficient at masking his feelings.
Y: Iska uttar aap swayam jaanti hai...hum bhai aapke vachano ko vyarth kisprakar jaane de sakte hai? Mera nirnay atal hai.

( You know the answer yourself, mother. How can we brothers let your words go ignored? My decision is final...)

Yudhishtir told everyone determined while he was hurting so bad from within, not being able to bear that he had to seperate from his family. His everything. What did he even have in life but his family?

Kunti's face crumpled and she couldn't control her sobs this time. Yudhishtir's heart twisted painfully seeing his mother cry inconsolably, the one in whose eyes he couldn't bear to see a single tear.

Y: Maa.....
( Mom....)
He whispered, knowing his mother loved it when he called her maa instead of the formal maata. Gathering his weeping mother into his strong arms, he held her close, resting his cheek on her head.

Draupadi had tears in her eyes, intially due to her pain but now due to the pain of the most pious mother-son she'd seen. Not once had anyone tried to force anything on her. They were ready to sacrifice for her sake, someone they barely knew.

As Kunti calmed down a bit, Yudhishtir broke the hug, placing a soft kiss on his mother's forehead, whispering soft loving words to her before moving away.

Draupadi watched the man hug his brothers one by one.
B: Jyesht...main aapke bina nahi reh paunga. Mat jaiyye na....main...Nakul ko kabhi nahi chidhaunga!

( Eldest.... I cannot live without you. Please don't go... I... I will never tease Nakul.)

N: Haan, Jeysht main bhi Bhrata Bheem ka bhojan nahi chupaumga.

( Yes, Eldest I will also not hide Brother Bheem's food any longer.)

Nakul & Bheem promised earnestly, hoping to crack a small joke to ease the tense atmosphere and at the same time stop their elder brother.

B: Kya??? Tum the vo, jo mera bhojan chupate the?

( What??? It was you who hid my food?)

Bheem gasped in anger, pulling Nakul in a choke hold. This made Yudhishtir give a painful watery smile to all his younger brothers, who'd nurtured like his children.

Ar: Nahi Jeysht....humaare liye Pitashree ke sthaan par aap hi hai. Hume swayam se door mat kijiye. Hum koi aur naarg dhoondhte hai!

( No Eldest....you are our father figure. Don't seperate us from yourself. We'll find some alternate way.)

S: Bratha Arjun uchit kehrahe hai Jeysht....main toh sabse chota hoon.... mujhe chodkar mat jaiyye.

( Brother Arjun is right Eldest.... I'm the youngest.... please don't leave me.)

Arjun & Sahadev pleaded. However, Yudhishtir shook his head, he knew that his dharma came first, before all his emotions hence hardened himself, ignoring their pleadings no matter how much anguish it caused him.

Dh: Antatah, meri behen ka vivaah kisse hoga? Rajkumar Yudhishtir ya Arjun? Ye uske jeewan ka prashn hai!

( Finally, whom will my sister wed? Prince Yudhishtir or Arjun? Its the question of her life!)

Dhristadyumn, asked. No matter how much he loved to irritate and tease Draupadi she was his little sister, and never in a million years would he let her life be destroyed.

K: Putri Draupadi ka vivaah usi se hoga jisse vah chahegi. Pratyek kanya ko apna var chunne ka purn adhikaar hai. Yaadi Draupadi mere putre Arjun se hi vivaah karna chahti hai, toh aisa avashya hoga.

( Daughter Draupadi will marry the person she chooses. Every female had the right to choose her husband. If Draupadi wants to marry my son Arjun, then she surely will.)

Kunti told determined, wiping away her tears.

Draupadi wanted to feel happy, now that there was no injustice being done to her, but somehow she couldn't. Her thoughts kept wandering to Yudhishtir. That man had not taken a single moment to give up his whole life, so that hers could be happy. She wanted to marry Arjun, the valiant archer famous all over aryavart but somehow her heart could not be happy. It just didn't seem right.

As Draupadi was lost in her own musings, and the others busy in serious discussion, Sahadev suddenly stood up, shouting....
S: MATA! DEKHIYE....JE..JEYSHT KAHA HAI????

( MOTHER! SEE....EL... ELDEST, WHERE IS HE?)

Instantly, the entire room went in chaos as they realised that Dharmaraj Yudhishtir was nowhere to be found. Kunti ran out of the hut, followed closely by her sons.

Kr: Arrey arrey arrey bua!!! Mere swaagat ke liye isprakar kyu bhagi aarahi ho? Aur aap sab bhi?

( Whoa, whoa, whoa aunt!!! Why are you coming running like this to welcome me? And you guys too?)

Vasudev Krishna, the one who need not be introduced held Kunti by her shoulders after she suddenly bumped into him.

K: Krishn....t..tumne mere Yudhishtir lo dekha? Vo.. vo...abhi abhi.....

( Krishn...y...you saw my Yudhishtir? He..just...just now...)
Kunti asked Krishna desperately, but he only smiled.

K: Jeysht? Haan bua, kuch shan pehle hi Jeysht mujhe ashram ki seema par mile the. Bade vichlit aur dukhi prateet horahe the. Aapne bhojan nahi diya kya unhe?

( Eldest? Yes aunt...I met him on the outskirts of the ashram just a few moments ago. He looked wuite stressed out & sad. Didn't you feed him?)

Krishna winked at the last part.
Kunti held her head, nearly collapsing down but Krishna held her.

Kr: Kya hua bua? Ab toh main aagaya aapse milne...jaise hi mujhe samaachar mila ki aap sabhi jeevit hai maine prasthaan karliya. Main toh Pabchal raj ke saath hi aaraha kintu....marg mein mera rath....

( What happened aunt? I have come to meet you now, as soon I got the info that you all were alive, I left immediately. I was coming with Panchali raj but....on the way my chariot.....)

Krishna trailed off innocently but if one looked closely, the great lord had a knowing smile on his lips.

The younger Pandavas narrated Krishna about all happenings to the king of Dwarka. After hearing everything, Krishna turned to Draupadi.

K: Tum prasann toh ho na Sakhi? Chalo chalo...tumhaare aur parth ke vivaah ki taiyyariyaan aarambh karte hai.....

( You are happy right Friend? Come come....we need to start the preparation for Parth and your wedding.)

Krishna spoke excitedly, but frowned seeing his dear sakhi's quivering lips. It was time to show her the right path. He caught a lone tear that slid down her before it fell down.

K: Ab kyu ro rahi ho sakhi? Dharmaraj ne apna dharm nibhaya. Ab tumhaari baari hai.

( Why are you crying now Friend? Dharmaraj has done his duty. Now its your turn.)

Krishna told Draupadi meaningfully. Suddenly something clicked within her hearing " dharm" and that Yudhishtir had done his, it was time for her to do hers.

Kr: Bhratha Yudhishtir adhik door nahi gaye honge, sakhi. Mera ashwa le jao.

( Brother Yudhishtir mustn't have gone too far, friend. Take my horse.)

Krishna whispered to her knowingly as if reading her mind, just as Draupadi opened her mouth to speak.

Draupadi nodded frantically. Before anyone could realize, the princess of Panchal bolted outwards towards & took off Krishna's horse before her stunned family and the others.

Dr: Putriiiii....

( Daughterrr.....)
Drupad turned to go behind his daughter but Krishna held him back, shaking his head.
K: Sakhi ko jaane dijiye Maharaj.
He told the confused monarch.

*************

With every step his heart grew heavy. Dharmaraj Yudhishtir was about renounce everything materialistic. However, the loss of his family was too painful.

As he moved away and away from his previous life, to step into a life of meditation, he suddenly heard a scream.

There, at some distance was an old woman, surrounded by 2 burly men who were snatching her cloth bag from her.

Yudhishtir walked up to them, and tried to persuade them to leave the old woman alone. However, the goons laughed him off.

G1: Maun raho brahman! Aur jao yaha se!

( Be Quiet Brahmin! And go from here!)
The first goon warned.

G2: Humaare karya mein badha utpann mat karo!!

( Don't be an obstacle in our job!)

Added the second.

Y: Kshyama kijiye, kintu issprakar kisi vriddh mahila par bal prayog karna anuchit hai.

( Forgive me, but using force on an old woman is wrong.)

Yudhishtir told them calmly, hoping they would understand, however they didn't.

G1: Apna gyaan hume mat sunao brahman! Anyatha tumpar bhi "balprayog" karenge.

( Don't show off your knowledge on us Brahmin! Otherwise we'll use "force" on you too.)

The goons laughed at Yudhishtir, thinking that they had scared him. Little did they know, how wrong they were.

Yudhishtir had always condemned violence, he believed in talking out issues wherever even remotely possible. After repeated attempts, when he couldn't persuade the men, Yudhishtir knew what his Kshatriya dharma was.

He felt an emotion that he rarely felt, seeing the men strike the old woman when she resisted. Chanting a few mantras, Yudhishtir was quick to magically summon his spear.

Smiling reassuringly at the scared woman, he turned to face the goons.
G: Oh toh tumhe yudh karna bhi aata hai?

( Oh, so you can fight?)

One of them chortled. The other one joined him in laughing while Yudhishtir only smiled calmly, failing all their efforts to rile him up.

The red faced men growl and beckoned all of their other gang members. Instantly, some 20 more people surrounded Yudhishtir, walking out of their hiding spots in the forest. They circled him like he was their prey, before attacking.

With one graceful yet sharp swipe of his Spear, Yudhishtir had nearly half of his opponents sprawled on the floor. Growling and baring their teeth in wild rage, the men advanced towards Dharmaraj yet again.

As Yudhishtir fought with their leader, one of the fallen goons got up, moving behind the skilled student of Drona. He was about to attack when a dagger hit his back, stopping his strike.

Yudhishtir turned around at the sound, hearing the sound of a horse neighing. His eyes fell on the injured man and then at the approaching horse rider.

It was a woman, decked in precious jewels like a bride. Her face was covered with a vastra, such that only her eyes were visible. The most beautiful black eyes he'd ever seen. On closer look, Yudhishtir realised that it was none other than Princess Draupadi.

Draupadi got off the horse, walking up to Yudhishtir, glaring at him.

D: Iss prakar kaise jaa sakte hai aap?

( How can you just leave this way?)

She demanded while Yudhishtir lowered his lashes.

Y: Vo...Pancha....

( Actually...Pancha....)
Yudhishtir began nervously when he was interrupted by laughter....
L: Suno! Chod do iss Vriddha ko......

( Listen.... leave this old woman....)

The leader told one of the men, eyeing Draupadi's jewels greedily and her with lust.

L: Tumhe inn alankaro ki kya avashyakta, Sundari?

( What need do you have of these ornaments, beautiful?)

He eyed Draupadi shamelessly, advancing towards her, reaching out a hand to touch her when he found Yudhishtir stepping between them.

L: Oh...toh iss stree par tumhaara adhikaar hai? Bhagya khul gaye tumhaare mitra!!

( Oh...so this woman belongs to you? You're so fortunate friend!!)

He laughed with a lavacious smile, slapping Yudhishtir's shoulder which he immediately pushed away.

Y: Stree par keval swayam uska adhikar hota hai. Apni maryada mein raho.

( Nobody but herself owns a woman. Be in your limits.)

Yudhishtir warned while sheilded Panchali from the human monsters before them.

L: Theek hai, theek hai. Rakho apni stree apne paas. Kintu ek baar....apna ye sundar mukh toh dikha do..... Sundari!!

( Ok ok, keep your woman with you. But just once.... atleast show me your beautiful face.....O gorgeous!)

His eyes glittered with lust as his grubby hands reached out to grab the cloth covering her face.

D: Nahi!!! Sparsh mat karna mujhe! Dushttt!!!

( Noo!!! Don't touch me! You evil man!)
Draupadi cried out, moving her face away as the goon smiled nastily in reply, holding onto the vastra. Just as he was about to tug it, a loud gurgle escaped his lips as the furious Yudhishtir landed a hard, solid punch straight in his gut, followed by a kick to his chest that sent him sprawling on the ground by their feet, groaning in pain.

Y: Punah kisi stree ko iss prakar bina unki ichcha ke sparsh karne ka dussahas mat karna.

( Don't you dare to touch another woman like this without her permission again.)

Yudhishtir warned, his eyes held great anger. Something had snapped within him. The calm Dharmaraj had transformed into a ferocious weapon- weilding warrior. Disrespecting woman was one thing he had no patience for.

The gods in heaven had taught Draupadi all of the necessary skills including self defense, which she effectively showcased as she and Yudhishtir collectively battled it out with the gang of robbers.

Y: Aap swast toh hai na Panchal kumari?

( Are you alright Princess?)

Yudhishtir questioned the princess before him gently, all traces of his previous rage gone, once all the men were sprawled all over the ground.

Draupadi glared at him in answer making him gulp slightly. And he thought his maata could be scary at times.

D: Kis mitti ke bane hai aap, Kumar?
She asked with a raised eyebrow, with fire in her eyes.
Y: Ji...?

( Pardon me?)

Yudhishtir asked, not understanding if what he heard her say was right.

D: Aapne yatharth suna hai hai Jyesht Pandav Kumar.

( You heard right Eldest Pandava Prince.)

She told him, her fiery look intact. She didn't know why she was so angry on him for wandering off like that, even if it was for her own sake. But what if she hadn't come on time and that wretched goon had stabbed him?

Yudhishtir was confused, not understanding why the princess was angry at him. Wasn't he moving out of her way to Arjun?

D: Aap iss prakaar van mein, vo bhi akela....yadi kuch hojaata toh....

( You are here like this in the forest...that too alone....if something happened to you....)

Her voice quivered towards the end but Draupadi quickly controlled herself.

Yudhishtir lowered his gaze. He hadn't meant to worry her or his family but he was duty-bound.
Y: Kshyama...
( Forgive....)

D: Nahi Rajkumar....kripya kshyama aap mujhe kar dijiye....iss samast ghatna ki doshi main hoon.

( No Prince....you please forgive me.... I'm to blame for this entire episode.)

Draupadi spoke softly & stopped him in between, joining her hands, and Yudhishtir saw tears glistening in her eyes. Instantly, his heart filled with pain remorse, unknowingly.

Just as they were conversing, the old woman came up to them.
W: Mere prano ki raksha karne ke liye abhaar. Kon hai aap?

( Thank you for saving my life. Who are you?)
She questioned.

D: Pranaam Kaki. Aap swast toh hai na? Main Panchali hoon. Panchal naresh Drupad ki putri. Aur ye....mere bhavi pati hai.... Hastinapur Yuvraj Yudhishtir....yadi ve sweekriti dein toh....

( Greetings aunt, Are you ok? I'm Panchali. The daughter of King Drupad of Panchal. And this is my future husband, Hastinapur's Crown Prince Yudhishtir......that is if he accepts. )

Draupadi told the old woman tenderly making her eyes widen, whispering the last part, though loud enough for Yudhishtir to hear as she looked at a stunned Yudhishtir from the corner of her eyes, as if asking for his answer.

Yudhishtir literally stared at her for eternity with his eyes wide and mouth open, before coming to his senses.
D: Aap hume ashirwaad dene humaare vivaah mein kal avashya aiyyega.

( Please do attend our wedding tomorrow to bless us.)
Draupadi told the happy woman who blessed the couple before insisting tthat she needed to return to her home nearby. Yudhishtir offered to drop her home, but she denied, pointing out that she was nearly home already when the goons caught her. She left before they could protest, leaving behind a smiling princess and a shocked prince.

*******

Hey!!!
That's all, how was it???

Next Chappy: Yudhishtir-Draupadi Wedding!!!! * Dreamy!!!*