Hey guys!!!
I'm sorry for the delay par exams hai na🥺.

I was trying to update, but there was an issue earlier.

( Please ignore typos if any 😅)

Finally updating that too a longgg one!

( Image credits: Google search)

👇👇

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D: Aap mujhse vivaah karenge Rajkumar?

( Will you marry me, Prince?)

Draupadi stared directly into Yudhishtir's molten copper orbs, knowing she would get a chance to ask this question, eye to eye again.

Yudhishtir didn't know how or what to answer. It wasn't like he didn't like the princess. She was a beautiful, kind, smart woman. However, he still believed himself to be in between her & Arjun. Moreover, on a personal level he didn't know anything about her apart from what the entire world kept talking.

He'd always wanted in his heart to know his life partner as a person before they entered a relationship. It was different from what people believed, but it was his belief. It just felt too sudden. He was sure Draupadi would agree about the suddenness though.

Marriage was a big responsibility. However, when had he ever had time in his life to prepare for any responsibility? He sighed.

D: Rajkumar, chalein?
( Prince, should we go?)
Yudhishtir scrunched his eyes, realising he'd zoned out. Draupadi didn't press for an answer, she could literally hearing Yudhishtir's thudding heart in the silent forest. The anxiousness in eyes spoke volumes. She decided to give him some time to process things. Just as she'd had a while back.

The two mounted the horse, Yudhishtir took the reins while Draupadi held their weapons. His arms slightly brushed both sides of Draupadi's waist, sending sparks shooting through her. Draupadi couldn't understand her sudden reaction to Prince's accidental touch.

Apparently, Yudhishtir had too felt the same, hence he moved his arms a little away, but they kept sometime as the horse galloped away.

D: Rajkumar.....
( Prince....)
Draupadi spoke suddenly after few moments of silence.

Y: Ji Rajkumari?
( Yes Princess?)
Draupadi somehow wanted to pout at how sophisticated & formally he behaved always. Somewhere deep down, she wanted her would be husband to be free with her.

D: Ji Rajkumari? Keval itna hi kahenge Jeysht Pandav kumar? Aapko gyaat bhi hai hum sabhi ki kya avastha hui thi? Aap issprakaar chale kaise gayi?

( Yes Princess? Is that all you will say? Do you know what was our condition had been? How did you leave like that?)

Draupadi demanded, the anger and fear in her heart surfacing without her realising what she was saying and to whom.

Yudhishtir had never found someone adorable while that person was angry and scolding him. He wanted to smile but that would make the fiery princess angrier.

Dr: Mujhe gyaat hai aap kya soch rahe hai...kintu ab aapka aur mera vivaah na bhi ho tab bhi aap mere parivaar ke sadasya hai, atah aapko dantne ka poora adhikaar hai mujhe.

( I know what you are thinking, but even if you & me don't get married, you will still be a part of my family & so I have full rights to scold you.)

Draupadi completed and immediately bit tongue realising what she just said.

However, what she didn't expect was the beautiful smile that spread across Yudhishtir's rugged yet handsome face.

They rode ahead in silence, neither knowing how to break it.

Back outside Pandava's home:

Sh: Pitashree!!!
( Father....)
Shikhandini shook her upset father, making him look up.

Dr: Kya hua pu....
( What happened da....)
He started when Yudhishtir & Draupadi, riding on the horse came into sight.

Everyone literally cheered happily. Just then, the horse happened to glance at his lord and got excited, suddenly catching more speed. Panchali gasped as she suddenly lurched forward and so did Yudhishtir, as he struggled to control the horse.

His arms tightened around Draupadi in the process, while his muscled chest pressed against her back. This sent Draupadi's heart thudding away like never before. Yudhishtir one arm to hold Draupadi securely against him, while the one he used tug at the reins of the horse.

Both of them were nearly numb woth the sparks passing through them due to each other's proximity. However, Dharmaraj Yudhishtir was the first to revover, making it his first priority to keep Draupadi safe.

Draupadi squealed in surprise as she kept getting pushed back & forth against Yudhishtir, everytime his muscled chest came in contact with her bare back, both of their breathing heightened.

The others looked frantic, but Krishna unknown to Draupadi & Yudhishtir who were too busy with the horse, signalled everyone to calm down. They did, knowing that Vasudev's mysterious ways had no answers but were always right.

Draupadi narrowed her eyes, swearing she saw a smirk on Krishna's face, but it was gone before she could react. The horse finally calmed down but not before one hard jerk that sent Yudhishtir nearly above Draupadi, making her gasp.Yudhishtir blushed, a deep dark red, mumbling a soft apology as he moved away after managing to control the horse. Draupadi shook her head, her cheeks rivalling Yudhishtir's in colour.

P: JYESHTTTTT!!!!!!
( ELDESTTTTT!!!!!)
Yudhishtir nearly tumbled down as his brothers pounced on him as soon as he helped Draupadi off the horse , leaving him only after he'd been thoroughly hugged for some 15 mins.

Y: Maata..? Maa...?
( Mother...? Mom...?)
He cupped his mother's cheeks in his large palms but Kunti only huffed. Yudhishtir only smiled, kissing her forehead before holding his ears.

K: Kaha chale gaye the putra? Apni maata ko uski ek bhool ka itna bada dand? Main tumse baat nahi karungi! Sanyas lena hai na tumhe? Iss vridhdh mata ka vichaar kyu karoge tum?

( Where had you gone, son? Don't give such a big punishment to your mother for her mistake. I won't talk to you! You want renunciate yourself right? Don't you think about this old mothr?)

Kunti's words were half muffled by Yudhishtir's angavastra as she sobbed in his arms. Everyone believed that she loved Sahadev & Arjun better than her other children, but every son of hers had a special place in her heart. Yudhishtir may be a warrior, a crown prince but for her he was her baby, one she wished to hide away in her saree, away from every evil in the world.

Y: Maa...
( Mom..)
Yudhishtir began softly....
K: Nahi....
( No....)
Kunti knew that it been her words to begin with, but she was still angry on her son for leaving her.

Y: Vaise....Kon vridhdh maata? Aap toh meri pyaari pyaari sabse yuvaan maata hai...

( By the way....who old mother? You my cutest, most young mother! )

He tried again ever so sweetly, changing his tactic but Kunti didn't relent, though she laughed a little on the inside on the buttering.

K: Nahi...
( No....)
Y: Sundar maata?
( Beautiful mother?)

Yudhishtir winked but lowered his gaze when Kunti glowered at him.

Y: Maata!!!
( Mother!!!)
The eldest Kuru Prince pouted like a baby, and Kunti wrinkled her nose but smiled wholeheartedly, poking his inflated cheeks with her index fingers, making Yudhishtir smile as well. Kunti giggled, gathering her son close to her heart, peppering his face with kisses to her hearts content. She was so afraid. She'd nearly lost him.

K: Lajja nahi aayi tumhe? Aisa koi karta hai? Bina kisi ko bataye bas nikal pade! Tumhe kuch ho jaata toh? Tumse ye apeksha nahi thi Yudhishtir.

( Don't you feel ashamed? Who does that? You just left without informing anyone. What if something happened to you? I didn't expect this from you Yudhishtir.)

Dharmaraj stood there with a sad face , lowered as he stared at the ground.

His eyes wandered to his brothers, powerful well known warriors of aryavart giggling like little 5 year old girls. They were enjoying their elder sibling being scolded, since it was very very rare to happen. Yudhishtir narrowed his eyes but ended up smiling. It was so good to see the happy even in such a situation.

K: Main yaha tumhe daant rahi hoon aur tumhe hasi aarahi hai.

( Here, I'm scolding you & you're laughing!)

Yudhishtir gulped, looking horrified while his brother continued to laugh , muffling their mouths.

With a sharp turn Kunti turned to face her other sons & instantly the laughter stopped as they looked at the sky randomly, even whistling.

K: Aur tum chaaro....
( And you four.....)
Kunti began angrily but Krishna stepped in, holding her shoulders from behind.

Kr: Bua, jyesht aa toh gaye. Ab kyu vyarth kridh kar rahi ho....shaant hojao...

( Aunt, eldest has returned. Now why are you getting angry unnecessarily? Calm down.)

Kunti glared at Kanha who smiled his innocent smile that swept people off their feet, & immediately like magic Kunti smiled.

K: Ek yahi mera budhdhimaan putra hai...aajo tumhe maakhan khilaati hoon!

( This is my only intelligent son. Come, I'll feed you butter!)

Kunti told him lovingly, caressing his cheek while all the five Pandavas gaped at them.
Kr: Sach? Aap vishwa ki sabse sundar bua hai!

( Really? You're the world's most beautiful aunt!)

He declared earning a giggle from Kunti.

K: Chinta mat karo....sabhi ke liye paryaapt hai.

( Don't worry.... there's enough for everyone.)

Kunti told her sons's feeling sad seeing their crumpled faces & in an instant they were looking at her with stars in their eyes. They were still her babies, no matter how many wars they fight.

K: Kintu sarvapratham main apne Yudhishtir ko khilaungi...apne haatho se....kuch nahi khaya na putra kalse.

( But first, I will feed my Yudhishtir first with my own hands. Youve not eaten anything since yesterday right?)

Kunti stroked his hair.

Draupadi's heart was flooding with warmth seeing yet another beautiful shade of Dharmaraj. The man who'd fought single handedly fought some 30 armed men, that valiant Kshatriya warrior now looked like a cute baby chipmunk, pouting at his angry mother.

N: Prem nahi karta koi humseeeeeee....eeee....aaaaaàaa....

( Nobody Loves usssssssss...sss)

Nakul purposefully sang a made up song in a loud, weird voice making everyone cringe.

Kunti laughed harder as she opened her arms & all hers sons came rushing in.
K: Nahi putra. Maata sabhi se atyant prem karti hai. Chalo tum sabko khilaungi.

( No son, mother loves everyone a lot. Come, I'll feed all of you.)

She smiled.

B: Hmm...vaise achcha hua Nakul tum gayak nahi ho.

( Hmmm...by the way, it a good thing you're not a singer Nakul.)

Bheem laughed making Nakul gasp in fake horror.

N: Meri kala ka aisa apmaan!!! Maata! Jyesht!

( Such an insult of my talent! Mother! Eldest!)
He whined making everyone smile.
Y: Bheem!
Yudhishtir warned ever so lovingly & Bheem gave a large dimpled smile.

Draupadi smiled realising the Pandavas were trying to make their upset mother laugh by distracting her. These warriors were such pure souls, not minding to look silly before others if only that meant getting their mother to smile. She herself was giggling silently at their antics.

FLASHBACK ENDS

Next day,

Dharmaraj Yudhishtir groaned, his foot throbbed, he could feel someone touching and prodding it, causing him immense pain & he struggled to move his leg away.

He heard voices in the background. Some hands vaguely touching him, but he was too sleepy and drowsy to open his eyes. He reached out a hand to clasp his slightly heavy head.

K: Putra Yudhishtir.....
( Son Yudhishtir.....)
He heard his mother's sweet voice, as her lips pressed against his forehead.

P: Jyesht bratha?
( Eldest brother?)
He heard all his brothers. Finally, mustering all his energy he opened his eyes, blinking rapidly to clear his vision.

Kr: Aap swast toh hai na, Jeysht? Pair kaisa hai aapka?

( Are you alright, eldest? How is your leg?)
Vasudev Krishna smiled at his darling bua's eldest son.

Yudhishtir frowned, looking at his surroundings. He was not on the bed of hay he'd gotten used to sleeping on, but on expensive looking, luxuriously soft beige bedsheet covered bed. The large rich drapes & beautifully carved pillars illuminated by enthreal golden stands with several dias told him that this was a room in some palace.
Y: Ye hum kaha hai? Aur main....
( Where are we? And I.....)
He trailed off....

K: Putra, hum Panchal ke raj mahal mein hai. Tumhe Nakul ne ghaav ke liye jo aushadi di thi pratah, usi ke prabhaav se tum rath mein hi sogaye.

( Imagine a strong painkiller like medication that makes a person sleepy or drowsy 😅)

( Son, we are the royal palace of Panchal. You fell asleep in the chariot due to the medicine Nakul gave for your wound.)

Yudhishtir nodded, as everything rushed back to his memory. The princess convincing him to come back. The king convincing them to be their guests at the palace atleast till the wedding.

Another bout of sharp pain ran through his metatarsals, making his slowly closing eyes snap wide open and wince.

N: Kaise vaid hai! Jyesht ko peeda horahi hai! Main dekh leta hoon na!

( What type of a physician is he? Eldest is in pain. I'll check him instead!)

Nakul grumbled to Sahadev who asked him to be patient.
S: Maharaj Drupad ka nivedan kaise asweekar karte Nakul!
( How could we deny King Drupad's request Nakul?)
Sahadev explained.

Just then....
Bh: Ab mera poutra kaisa hai Vaidji?

( How is my grandson now Doctor?)

A strong voice was heard around the room, making all the heads in the room turn.

Mahamahim Bhisma's majestic frame stepped inside the room. Next, followed the lovely queen Gandhari, not giving an inkling of an idea of her age.

V: Pranipat Mahamahim, Yuvraj ke pair ki angulee ki haddi lagbhag toot hi gayi hai. Uchit samay par inka upchar hone ke karan inhe ab adhik peeda nahi hogi. Ye chal bhi sakte hai, keval pair ko thoda vishraam dene ki avashyakta hai. Main ye lep laga deta hoon, usse soojan kam hogi.

( Greetings to the one of great glory! The bone in the big toe of the Crown Prince has nearly broken. Since, he was treated at the right time, he won't feel much pain now. He can even walk, only he needs to rest his foot for awhile. I'll apply this medicinal paste, it will reduce the swelling.)

The vaid told, as he started applying the medicine on Yudhishtir's foot.

Seeing his elders, Yudhishtir tried to sit up, joining his hands.
Y: Prani....paat....Pitamah, Jeysht maata....
He trailed off seeing his mother's angry glare, scrunching his eyes realising that he was in trouble with his mother, second time in a row that day. He didn't understand why his family was fussing over a small injury. He'd been in battles & had worse for god's sake, and even when Guru Dronacharya had beaten him with a stick in Gurukul, when he had confessed about not remembering all his lessons perfectly. This was nothing. He sighed.

Bh: Kalyan ho, putra Yudhishtir! Tum swast toh ho na? Vishraam karo. Tumhaare Taatshree Dhritashtra aur Chachashree Vidur iss samay ek avashyak karya hetu nikle hai, na jaane kabtak lautenge.

( Stay blessed, son Yudhishtir! Are you alright? You rest. Your uncle Dhritashtra has gone with brother Vidur for an important task, I don't know when they'll return.)

Yudhishtir nodded & smiled hearing the worry in the voice of his father figure. Finally for once, he was feeling safe & secure, at home in the presence of his beloved pitamah.

G: Ayushmaan bhava putra...lete raho tum...

( You keep laying..)

Gandhari had heard him shuffling and spoke, sitting down by his bedside, on the other side the of Kunti, stroking Yudhishtir's hair.

G: Tum sabhi kushal toh ho na? Ishwar ka aabhaar kisprakaar wyaqt karu? Unhone meri parivaar ki raksha ki.

( You all are fine, right? How do I thank the almighty? He protected my family.)

Gandhari had tears in her eyes as she joined her hands in prayer, thanking the almighty.

The Pandavas felt sad for her, she was their Jeysht Maata and had loved them just as much as her own 100 sons, & in turn they were equally fond of her. However the poor woman was too innocent to realise what evil schemes her brother & Duryodhan were upto.

K: Hum swast hai Jiji...kintu praan par sankat ki aashanka ke kaaran Hastinapur nahi laut sake.

( We are fine, elder sister. However, due to be doubtful about our lives being in danger, we couldn't return yo Hastinapur.)

Kunti explained with a smile, missing out on a few things purposefully. Gandhari was like her elder sister & she didn't want to hurt her.

G: Main samajhti hoon Kunti. Tum sabhi swast ho mere liye vahi paryapt hai. Putri Dushala bhi tumse bhet karne ke liye aatur hai. Bas aati hogi. Vo apni sakhi ke rajya gayi thi, vahi se aayegi.

( I understand Kunti. You all are safe, that's enough for me. Daughter Dushala is excited to meet you. She'll be here soon. She had gone to her friend's kingdom, she'll come from there.)

Gandhari told them with a smile & the Pandavas were delighted at the thought of meeting their only sister.

S: Vaise Jyesht, suna hai aapke ghaav ka upchar Rajkumari Draupadi ne swayam kiya??

( By the way Eldest, I hear Princess Draupadi was the one who treated your wound?)

Yudhishtir gaped at his most silent brother teasing him.

Ar: Kitni adhik chinta hain unhe aapki!! Haina Jyesht?

( She's so concerned about you.... isn't it eldest?)

Arjun added with a wink sending Yudhishtir a reassuring smile seeing the sadness in his eyes, and shook his head.

Bhishm smiled seeing his family happy & safe.
Bh: Tum sabhi ko jeevit dekhkar mere jalte hue hruday ko shaanti praapt hui, putron, Putri Kunti.

( Seeing you all alive has calmed my my burning heart, sons, daughter Kunti.)

Bhishm had tears shinning in his eyes & the pandavas embraced him. Moving to where Yudhishtir lay, Bhishm embraced him, patting Kunti's head as she took her place back next to Yudhishtir.

Just as they were conversing, a soldier entered, announcing that King Drupad wanted to meet Yudhishtir. The eldest Kuru Prince nodded, asking the soldier to request the King to enter without further delay.

Dr: Pranipat.....
King Drupad greeted everyone as he entered the room.
D: Aasha hai ki aap swast hai?

( I hope you are fine?)

He asked Yudhishtir who nodded with a polite smile.
Y: Ji Maharaj, aapka dhanyawaad. Ab main swast hoon.

( Yes King, thank you. I'm fine.)

He spoke with his signature calm smile. Nobody could point out from Yudhishtir's behaviour that Drupad had insulted him mercilessly just hours ago.

Dr: Yuvraj Yudhishtir.....

( Crown Prince Yudhishtir.....)

Drupad joined his hands, making try to get up again earning his several glares. He lay back down with a sigh.

Y: Aap isprakaar haath mat jodiye Panchal naresh. Koi samasya hai?

( Please don't join your hands before me, O' King of Panchal. Is there a problem?)

Yudhishtir smiled warmly at him, asking him with concern.

Drupad shook his head, and continued.
Dr: Main aapse aapke vishay mein kahe gaye apshabdo ke liye kshyama mangta hoon. Kintu aap vastav mein mahaan hai. Aapki keerti suni toh bohot thi aaj swayam dekh bhi li. Meri putri ko sweekar karne ki kripa kare, Dharmaraj.

( I wanted to apologize for the ill words I used for you. However, in reality you are great. I had heard of your glory, but I saw it myself today. Kindly accept my daughter, Dharmaraj.)
The humble father requested him.

Yudhishtir found all of his family looking at him with glittering eyes. He glanced at Arjun, who too seemed happy, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes that was enough to break the heart of the Jeysht Kaunteya. Even though it was gone instantly, Yudhishtir knew his brother too well.

He was about to insist the king on continuing with Arjun & Draupadi's alliance when his brother in question looked at him. Arjun who smiled and blinked in yes. Yudhishtir frowned.

Ar: Jeysht....
( Eldest....)
Arjun moved forward, embracing his elder brother & whispering in his ear.
Ar: Niyati ka yahi nirnay hai Jeysht, ki Rajkumari Draupadi ka vivaah aapse ho. Iss vivaah ke liye sweekriti de dijiye. Main ye seh lunga kintu aapka prasthaan karna nahi seh paunga Jyesht. Apne anuj ki ye prarthana sweekar karlijiye na.

( This is the decision of destiny Eldest, that you be married to Princess Draupadi. Please give your consent for this marriage. I will bear this, but I won't be able to bear you leaving, eldest. Please accept your younger brother's request.)

Arjun urged his brother, looking deep into his hesitating eyes.
Y: Kintu anuj....tum aur Rajkumari toh.....

( But brother....you & the princess...)

However, Arjun for the first time cut off his elder brother in mid sentence.
Ar: Main aur Rajkumari nahi Jyesht, aap aur Rajkumari..... meri bhaabhishree.

( Not the Princess & me eldest, You & the princess....my sister in law.)

He urged & Yudhishtir sighed, hoping that his decision didn't turn out disastrous, hurting his anuj & Draupadi, conveniently forgetting about himself.

Y: Theek hai, anuj.
( Alright, younger brother.)
Yudhishtir whispered giving Arjun a watery smile which Dhananjay reciprocated.

Y: Maata, Pitamah, Maharaj, Mujhe Panchal kumari se vivaah karna manya hai.

( Mother, Grandfather, King, I consent to marrying the princess.)

Yudhishtir spoke, facing his elders.
As soon as these words were out of his mouth, the righteous prince found himself bring hauled up as his bulky younger brother literally bounced him happily.

B: Jyesht ka vivaah! Jeysht ka vivaah!!

( Eldest Wedding! Eldest's wedding!)

Bheem cheered like a little child making Yudhishtir roll his eyes but not before ruffling his anuj's hair lovingly.

B: Jyesht ke vivaah mein jaayenge, halwa poori khaayenge!!

( We'll go to eldest's wedding, eat halwa poori!!!!!)

For a moment there was silence in the room after Bheem suddenly stopped singing happily when the room went eerily silent.

Soft giggles & chuckles were heard before they stopped, Shikhandini & Dhristadyumn stood at the door, looking anywhere but at the people inside. Again few chuckles were heard, husky deep ones mixed with soft giggles of women. Suddenly Bheem himself laughed boisterously in a loud voice. That was it!!

Yudhishtir had hidden his face in his mother's lap, but he was shaking indicating his laughter.
One by one every person person present in the room, cupped their mouth however ended up letting out loud, unstoppable strings of laughter.

*********

Meanwhile, two chariots stopped outside the beautiful, regal palace of Panchal. The second eldest of the Princes of Hastinapur, Duryodhan stepped down, accompanied by his close friend, Angraj Karn, younger brother Dushasan & maternal uncle Shakuni.

Entering the Palace, as Yuvraj Dhristadyumn & an encounteage of servants guided them inside, they heard wild laughter as they passed Yudhishtir's chamber.

D: Ye kisprakar ka vyavhaar hai? Humaare swaagat ke liye maharaj upasthit kyu nahi hua? Aur ye hasi? Aapke mahal mein anushasan ka paalan nahi hota kya?

( What type of behaviour is this? Why isn't the king here to greet us? And this laughter? Isn't there any discipline in your palace?)

Duryodhan had a displeased look on his face. Dhristadyumn smirked, knowing he was just sour at not having being able to win his beautiful sister. However, the brother in him was glad that Draupadi would wed a man like Dharmaraj Yudhishtir who would treat her with the utmost respect & not a possession like he thought Duryodhan would, seeing his current behaviour.

Dr: Kshyaama kijiye Kuru kumar, Raj mahal mein sabhi atyant prasann hai kyunki aapke Jyesht bratha, Yuvraj Yudhishtir ne meri behen se vivaah karne ke liye sweekriti de di hai. Unka vivaah nishchiy hogaya hai.
Dhristadyumn explained.

( Forgive me, Kuru Prince. Everyone in the royal palace is extremely happy because your elder brother, the crown prince Yudhishtir has consented to marry my sister. Their marriage has gotten fixed.)

Karn clasped his friend's shoulder seeing him grit his teeth hearing "Yuvraj" Yudhishtir & that he was getting married to the stunning Yagyaseni.

He personally had nothing against Yudhishtir, infact anything he admired him. He was the only one apart from Kunti to never discriminate him on the basis of his caste.

He knew Duryodhan had wanted the beautiful fireborn Princess for himself, but Draupadi refused to let Karn win her for his friend. He too knew that it wasn't right & that was the only reason the Princess had refused to let him participate. He had nothing against her, though being called Sutputra did hurt.

K: Yuvraj Yudhishtir kaise hai? Suna tha unke pair par ghaav laga hai? Aasha hai ki ve swast hai?

( How is the crown prince Yudhishtir? I heard he had injured his leg? I hope he's okay?)

Karna took the lead, trying to lessen any damage Duryodhan may have done with his words, though he was genuinely interested in the answer to his question.

Dhristadyumn smiled, being newly born the caste system was something he still didn't understand or wasn't interested to.
Dh: Ji Angraj, Dharmaraj Yudhishtir ab swast hai. Raj Vaid unka upchaar karchuke hai. Rajmata Kunti ke aadesh par ab ve vishraam kar rahe hai. Aap bhi kuch vishraam ke pashchat unse mil lijiyega.

( Yes King of Ang, Dharmaraj Yudhishtir is fine now. The royal doctor has treated him. He is resting, on Queen mother Kunti's orders.You should also rest & meet him after that.)

Dhristadyumn completed with a polite smile, as he lead their guests to their chambers.

In the chamber,

K: Mitra, ye tum kisprakar ka vyavhaar kar rahe the bahar? Hum yaha atithi hai.

( Friend, how were you be having outside? We are guests here!)
Karn frowned as Shakuni rolled his eyes.

Just then,
The sound of woman ordering daasis loudly was heard as Gandhari stepped into the room.

Sh: Priya Gandhari!
( Dear Gandhari!)

Shakuni exclaimed, hugging his sister but Gandhari broke the hug quickly.
G: Abhi mere paas samay nahi hai Jyesht!!! Kitni taiyyariyaan shesh hai! Kitne karya aur hai!! Chaliye!! Aap sab bhi kaam par lag jaiyye! Ye vivaah ke nimantran Hastinapur ki orr se bhijva dijiye.

Mujhe mere Yudhishtir ke liye vivaah ke vastra chunne jaana hai. Aryavart ke sarvashreshth karigaro se sone ka kaam karvaya hai unpar. Sampoorn Aryavart mere Yudhishtir ko dekhta reh jaayega!!!!

( I don't have time right now, eldest. So much preparation is left! So much work is left! Come on! You guys get to work too! Send out these invitations from Hastinapur's side.

I have to go select the wedding outfit for Yudhishtir. Aryavart's best cloth makers & weaver have done gold thread work on them. Entire Aryavart will not be able to take their eyes off my Yudhishtir.)

Gandhari squealed excitedly and all except Karn looked at her as if she were crazy.

Sh: Vo toh theek hai priya behen....kintu tum ye sab kyu kar rahi ho? Devi kunti.....

( That's all fine dear sister....but why are you doing all this? Lady Kunti....)

Shakuni asked with a sweet smile, though gritting his teeth on the inside.
Now, it was Gandhari's turn to look at him as if he were crazy.

G: Kyu kar rahi hoon arthaat? Yudhishtir toh mera Jyesht putra hai, aur uska vivaah hai! Aryavart ki sabse sundar Rajkumari ke saath. Kunti chahti hai ki Yudhishtir ke vastra main chunu. Ab haliye, mujhe vilambh horaha hai!

( What do you mean why I'm doing this? Yudhishtir is my eldest son & it is wedding! With the most beautiful princess of Aryavart. Kunti wants me to pick out Yudhishtir's clothes. Okay now, I'm getting late! )

With that Gandhari's anklets tinkled away as she walked away further leaving behind her stunned family.

Sh: Unn Pandavo ne tumhaari maata ko bhi apne jaal mein phas liya, mere bachche! Priya behen toh bohot bholi hai!

( Those Pandavas have influenced your mother too, my child! Dear sister is very innocent.)

Shakuni told an already enraged Duryodhan. Karn rolled his eyes. Talk about adding fuel to the fire.

K: Mitra Dury....
( Friend Dury....)
Du: Nahi mitra Karn! Iss baar main unn Pandavo ko nahi chodunga!
Duryodhan fumed.

Duh: Kintu uss....Panchali ko chod dijiyega bhrathashree.....mere liye...

( But that... Panchali leave her brother....for me.)

Dushasan licked his lips & Duryodhan smirked at him.
Du: Avashya anuj! Ek baar uss Yudhishtir ko marg se hata doon....phir uss uddand Panchali ko aisa paath padhayenge jo vo kabhi nahi bhulegi!

( Of course, younger brother! Ince I remove that Yudhishtir out of our way, then we'll teach that ill-mannered Panchali a lesson, she'll never forget.)

He winked at Dushasan & the two brothers laughed out loudly making Karn, who was sick to his stomach want to run away. It was only his promise to Duryodhan holding him in place.

Sh: Dharya rakho mere bachcho! Ye karya utna saral nahi!! Mere guptcharo ne bataya tha ki humne Yudhishtir ko maarne ke kiye jinko bheja tha, usne unn sabhi ko parast kiya. Panchali bhi yudhkala mein parangat hai mere bachche, use kam mat samjho. Usne Yudhishtir ke praano ki raksha ki.

Aur jab Panchali ke samman par baat aayi, tab Yudhishtir ne apne swabhaav se vipreet ek ek ko buri tarah dhool chatayi.

( Keep patience, my child.This task is not easy.My sources have told me that the men we sent ro kill Yudhishtir were all defeated by him. Panchali is also well versed in warfare, don't underestimate her. She saved Yudhishtir's life.)

Shocked to hear that they had planned to kill the Pandavas a second time, that too so soon after the Varnavrat incident, Karna walked out unable to bear any longer.

Panchali's room:

As the sun was nearly down, the beautiful Panchali was standing in her balcony, enjoying her view. Clad in a beautiful pink lehenga & matching uttariya, Yagyaseni looked heavenly.

The beautiful golden jewels that she wore were nothing before her natural beautiful glow. She was decked up quite a bit, seeing as she was the to be bride, the next morning.

A beautiful blush came over her cheeks, as a familiar golden-skined, copper eyed, chiselled, handsome face came before her repeatedly. She still felt pangs of pain as she thought of Rajkumar Arjun, but she somehow pushed them to the back of mind, knowing it was no use.

However, the thought of the other soft spoken prince of her acquaintance, the Crown Prince of Hastinapur: Yudhishtir, brought a sweet smile on her face & butterflies in her stomach, for unknown reasons. She didn't know why he affected her the way he did, when they'd just barely met. Further, realising that he was to be her husband now, only served to add to her sensations.

Even Shikhandini had raised an eyebrow at Draupadi when her cheeks turned red, when she had informed her about Yudhishtir consenting to marry her. Shikhandini knew that her sister was more the bold, confident type with her perfect poise & elegance & certainly not the blushy type she seemed now.

She had so many thoughts & so much to say but knew what to expect. On her last maiden night, Panchali was filled with several questions she wanted to ask her future life partner before being bonded in matrimony but alas, she couldn't be seen conversing with him before their wedding. She would directly see him when she entered the Vivaah mandap the next day.

She almost pouted until an idea struck her! Quickly, she summoned her personal handmaid, asking her to get her writing supplies.

**********

B: Toh Jeysht.....
( But eldest....)
Bheem began, puffing his chest out proudly & Yudhishtir sighed.
Y: Haan priya anuj...iske aage bhi kaho. Ye chatti baar kaha hai tumne.

( Yes dear younger brother....say something ahead....this is the sixth tine you're saying this.)
Yudhishtir smiled at his younger brother who frowned.

B : Jyeshttt!!!!!
The great Vrikodar whined.

Y: Achcha achcha... Ksh...shyaama Gurudev.
Yudhishtir pressed his lips to control his laughs.
B: Koi baat nahi Shishya....abhi tum balak ho.....iss vishay mein.
Bheem patted Yudhishtir's shoulder making him almost blink in surprise while Arjun seemed to be having a laughter fit as Nakul & Sahadev held onto him.

B: Aaj ki kaksha ka vishay hai.....Vaivahik jeevan mein sukh prapti ke niyam.

( Today's class topic is....Rules to beget happiness in Married Life.)

Bheem finally began....
B: Toh sarvapratham:
Niyam 1) Jeysht, dosh kisika bhi ho, bhaabhishree Draupadi ka athva aapka....kshyama aap hi mangenge.

( So first...
Rule 1) Eldest, no matter who's fault it is, you will apologize.

Yudhishtir frowned.
Y: Ye kaisa niyam hai? Mera dosh nahi hai toh main kshyama kyu mangunga?

( What rule is this? Why will I apologize if I'm not at fault?)

Bhim shook his head at the confused Yudhishtir. He was about to speak when he heard a rustle in the doorway. His brothers did too as they got up, alert.

A tiny a head popped from the door. It was a little girl.
G: Aapmein se sundar Rajkumar kon hai?

( Who is the handsome prince amongst you?)

She asked cutely, before lowering her head shyly.

Nakul smirked.
N: Sundar Rajkumar? Tab toh tum avashya mujhe dhoondh rahi hogi baalika! Kon ho tum? Kya naam hai tumhaara?

( Handsome prince? Then obviously you're looking for me! Who are you? What's your name little girl?)

Nakul smiled at the little girl.

G: Nahi nahi.... Rajkumar ne kaha hai ki Sundar Rajkumar bohot shant svabhav ke hai. Aap adhik bolrahe hai.

She explained innocently. Bhim put his fist in his mouth trying so hard to not laugh seeing Nakul's expression. Poor Sahadev was choking on water while Arjun was patting hid back, clutching his own stomach. This little one was too good. The Pandavas wiped their tears of laughter while Nakul glared at them.

Y: Tum kon ho putri? Bheetar aajao.
( Who are you daughter? Cone inside.)
Dharmaraj called the little girl softly. The little girl's pittered softly as she came to where Yudhishtir was resting.

G: Aap hi ho na Rajkumari ke Sundar sundar Rajkumar? Vo kehrahi thi ki aap...Dha...dhar....dharti ke raja ( king of the earth) hai.

( You are the Princess' Handsome prince right? She was saying that you are...)

All the Pandavas were awestruck by the cute girl.
Y: Dharti ka raja nahi putri.... Dharmaraj...hmm?

( Not King of the earth dear, King of Justice...hmm?)

Yudhishtir chuckled, patting her little cheek lovingly.
G: Uh.....Dhar' raja!

* Please don't mind its a simple mispronunciation of a little child, meant to be cute. No offense to the great Dharmaraj :)*

The girl announced proudly after multiple tries & everyone chuckled.
Y: Theek hai...keval aapke liye Dhar' raja!"
( Ok...only for you...Dhar'raja)
Yudhishtir smiled pulling her little chubby cheeks making her giggle.

M: Aap bhi khelte hue gir gaye? Meri bhati?

( You also fell down while playing? Just like me?)

Little Malini asked with a pout as she pointed at Yudhishtir's wrapped up foot.
Yudhishtir only laughed at her cuteness.

Y: Nahi putri...bas kuch girgaya pair par. Meri hi bhul thi.

( No dear....just something fell on my foot. It was my mistake.)

He explained softly & Malini & she nodded with a thoughtful face.

M: Oh!! Aapki maata ne bhi data aapko?

( Oh!! Did your mother scold you as well?)

Malini asked worriedly & Yudhishtir nodded with a baby face.

M: Koi baat nahi....abhi theek hogaya!

( No problem....it will be fine now.)

Malini exclaimed, kissing the bandage.
M: Meri maata humesha aisa karti hai hab mujhe ghaav hota hai.

( My mother always does this when I'm injured.)

She told them so seriously that it melted their hearts.

G: Offo!!
She slapped her little forehead as the Pandavas watched her, amused.
G: Main toh aapko Rajkumari ka patra hi dena bhool gayi!

( I forgot to give you the Princess' letter!)

She exclaimed as she handed him the red velvet scroll with golden borders.

P: Ummmhmmm....
Pandavas began though silenced by a single raised eyebrow of Dharmaraj. Who said Yudhishtir couldn't be intimidating?

Yudhishtir calmly opened the scroll, though his heart was thudding away. Well, it wasn't everyday that he received letters from women, much less one he was betrothed to.

Letter:

Rajkumar,
Aapko issprakaar patra bhejne ke liye kshyama chahti hoon. Kintu, mere hriday mein utpan ye samast vichaar aapse baatna ati avashyak hai mere liye.
Main jaanti hoon ki aap mujhse vivaah keval apni maata ke aadesh par kar rahe hai, kintu mujhe usse koi apatti nahi. Mujhe aap par poorn vishwaas hai. Aap toh swayam Dharmaraj hai.

Main kabhi aapke marg mein nahi aaungi, kintu kathin samsy mein akela bhi nahi chodungi.
Main nahi jaanti ki humaare iss vivaah ka kya parinaam hoga. Kintu main aapko vachan deti hoon ki ab aapke aur aapke parivaar ka sukh hi mere liye sarvoch hoga. Har vikat paristhiti ka samadhan hum milkar nikalenge. Na aap akele honge, na main.

Panchali.

( Prince,

I apologise for writing a letter in this manner to you. However, there are so many thoughts in my mind that are important for me to share with you.

I know you are marrying me, only on the orders of your mother, & I don't have a problem with that. I have complete faith in you. You are Dharmaraj yourself.

I will never come in your way, but I won't desert you during tough times either.I don't know what the result of our marriage will be but I promise you that your & your family's happiness will be of utmost importance to me. We will find the solution of every tough situation together. Neither will you be alobe, nor I.

Panchali.)

The Pandavas were trying to take a peep into the contents of the letter that their Jyesht was reading so carefully. They noticed the hints of a sweet smile on the face of the righteous Prince of the Kuru dynasty, followed by slight heat rushing to his cheeks.

Was it possible for someone so perfect to exist? The princess' heartfelt letter had touched his heart. If was indeed a lucky man, no doubt about that.

Taking control of his emotions, Yudhishtir quickly grabbed the ink & peacock feather placed on the side table by the bed & began to write.

Wrapping up the scroll securely, the great Ajatshatru handed it back to the little girl.
Y: Tum ye patra Rajkumari ko dedogi?
( Will you give this letter to the princess?)

He requested politely & Malini nodded cutely.

Y: Ek shan...
( One moment....)
Yudhishtir asked Sahadev to bring the little pouch resting on the table in another corner of the room. Thanking his youngest brother, he opened the pouch, pulling out a little wooden carved figurine.

Y: Ye maine meri maata ke liye banaya tha, kintu tum ise le lo. Main unke liya doosra bana dunga. Ye meri orr se dhanyawaad ke roop mein le lo .

( I had made this for my mother but you take it. I'll make her another. Take this from my side as thanks.)

He urged the little girl who's eyes lit up at the beautiful figurine.

M: Sach??? Aap sabse achche hai Sundar Rajkumar Dhar'raja!

( Really? You're the best handsome prince Dhar'raja)

The little girl giggled gleefully,
wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug before running off with the letter.

In Draupadi's Chamber:

Kr: Sab achcha hoga Sakhi. Apne mann ko shaant karo.

( Everything will be good, friend. Calm your mind.)
Krishna placed a hand on Panchali's shoulder.
The virtuous Yagyaseni sighed.
D: Kaise Govind? Main jaanti hoon ki Yuvraj Yudhishtir atyant bhale vyakti hai. Kintu...

( How Govind? I know that yuvraj Yudhishtir is a very good man. But....)
Draupadi trailed off not knowing how to continue.

Just then...
Malini came running inside, her little chubby cheeks red with exertion.
M: Ye lijiye Rajkumari! Sundar waale Rajkumar ne aapke liye sandesh bheja hai!

( Take this princess! The handsome prince has sent a message for you.)

The little girl said and ran off to play with her new figurine, without another word. Krishna wiggled his eyebrows mischievously, hinting at the letter earning a playful glare from Draupadi.

P: Ise kya hua? Aaj itni shigra chaki gayi?

( What happened to her? She left so quickly today? )

Draupadi shook her head as she opened the letter. There, below her ls was a message written in an elegant script.

Rajkumari,

Aapke patra se meri hriday ko jo shaanti praapt hui, uski vyaakhya shabdo mein sambhav nahi. Mujhe gyaat hai ki humaare vivaah ke vishay mein aur kai unkahe prashn aapke mann mein hai, jo aap puch nahi paa rahi. Kintu ab toh poora jeevan shesh hai unhe suljhaane ke liye.

Durbhagya vash, mujhmein apni bhavnao ko khulkar vyakt karne ka gunn nahi hai. Isliye, keval itna ashvasan de sakta hoon ki main bhale sadaiv aapke ashruo ko behne se na rok pau, kintu unhe pochne ke liye, sada upasthit rahunga.

Har paristhiti mein aap mujhe apne saath paayengi. Main nahi jaanta, yadi main ek uttam jeevan saathi banunga athva nahi, kintu aapki raksha apne praano se karunga. Ye koi vachan nahi Rajkumar, keval satya hai. Atal satya.

Yadi main iss patra ke madhyam se aapke hriday ko tanik bhi shaant kar paaya, toh yah mera saubhaghya hoga .

Sundar Rajkumar Yudhishtir.

( Princess,

The peace my heart felt after reading your letter cannot be conveyed in words. I know that you have several more questions in your mind about our marriage that you are unable to ask. However, now we have our whole lives to solve them.

Unfortunately, I do not possess the talent to express my feelings openly. However, I can assure you that while I may not be able to stop every single tear of yours, I will always be there to wipe them for you.

You will find me with you in every situation. I don't know if I will be a good life partner or not, but I will protect you with my life. This isn't a promise Princess, its the truth. The ultimate truth.

With the help of this letter, if I was successful in calming your heart even a little, then it will be my good fortune.

Handsome Prince Yudhishtir. 😉)

Draupadi let out a loud giggle reading the last part, she knew where that had come from. This made Krishna look quizzically at her.

Kr: Kya baat hai Sakhi? Aisa bhi kya likh diya humaare Dharmaraj ne? Jo pehle tum laal hogayi aur ab chinta mukt hokar has rahi ho.

( What happened, friend? What has our Dharmaraj written? First you were blushing now your tension free & laughing!)

Draupadi blushed. Her heart felt so much lighter after reading Yudhishtir's honest words. He knew he never lied. She couldn't believe how he understood her feelings so well without a word from her. She was touched at his efforts to make her comfortable. Dharmaraj seemed dream-like to her.
Maybe, this situation wasn't so bad afterall.

Kr: Sakhi, chalo ab vishraam karo. Shigra hi vivaah ki ritiyaan aarambh hojaayengi. Tun nidra poorn karlo.

( C'mon friend, now rest. The wedding rituals will start soon. You complete your sleep.)

Krishna led her to the matress. Covering her with the duvet, he kissed his sister like Sakhi's forehead before leaving the room.

As she lay on the bed, the day's tiredness took over her & the beautiful Princess of Panchal fell deep asleep with the thoughts of her new life to begin the next day.

**********

Another day later....

Kunti took one look at her eldest son coated in head to toe in yellow & burst out laughing. Yudhishtir pouted. He may be the calm & sophisticated Dharmaraj, the Yuvraj but with his family he was just an innocent child.

G: Kunti! Kyu hass rahi ho mere putra par?
( Kunti! Why are you laughing at my son?)
Gandhari scolded, cupping Yudhishtir's cheek making him smile.

K: Achcha achcha...kshyama kijiye jiji.
( Ok ok.... forgive me elder sister.)
Kunti smiled as she applied some more haldi on Yudhishtir.

N: Iski kya avashyakta maata? Jyesht toh vaise bhi " Sundar Rajkumar" hai. Unhe iss haldi ki kya avashyakta?

( What is the need of all this mother? Eldest as it is a " Handsome prince" . What need does he have of this Turmeric?)

Nakul teased, smirking as his eldest brother turned a deep shade of crimson. The Pandavas shot their brother knowing looks, only serving to deepen the shade of his blush.

One by one all of the Kuru family applied haldi to the groom. Duryodhan, Shakuni & Karna stood at a distance, watching the ceremony.
Sh: Dhairya rakho mere bachche, inn Pandavo ko paath hum avashya padhayenge!

( Be patient, my child. We will surely teach these Pandavas a lesson.)

She patted Duryodhan's shoulder, who was busy glaring at Yudhishtir.

D: Iss Yudhishtir ne mujhse sabkuch cheen liya! Meri maata, mera rajya aur ab Panchali bhi. Panchali par keval mera adhikaar hai. Keval Duryodhan ka!

( This Yudhishtir has snatched everything from me! My mother, my kingdom, and now Panchali too. Only I have rights on Panchali. Only me!)

Duryodhan declared almost maniacally. Karna was deeply worried about his friend, not liking the glazed crazy look in his eyes.

K: Putra Karn!
( Son Karn!)
He was startled out of his thoughts by Rajmata Kunti calling him.
K: Ji Rajmata?
( Yes, Queen mother?)
He asked politely, ignoring Arjun's glare.

K: Tum iss vidhi mein bhaag nahi loge?
( Won't you participate in this ritual?)

She asked almost sadly, Karna was about to answer when Bheem spoke.

B: Ye Sutputra? Kintu maata Jyesht ko haldi ye kis prakaar laga sakta hai?

( This son of a charioteer! But mother how can he apply turmeric to Eldest?)
He scoffed.

Y: Bheem! Maun raho! Angraj jinke bhi putro ho, hum sabhi se aayu mein bade hai. Unse isprakaar baat karna anuchit hai.

( Bheem! Be qiuet! Whoever's son the king of Anga may be, he is elder to us. It is wrong to speak like that to him.)

Bheem huffed but nodded, stepping back.

Yudhishtir smiled as Karna applied him the haldi & moved back.

Next, the second eldest prince of Hastinapur, the mace specialist Duryodhan came up to where Yudhishtir was seated.

Du: Pranipat bratha.... Yudhishtir...vivaah ke liye abhinandan.

( Greetings brother Yudhishtir! Congratulations on your marriage!)

Duryodhan greeted with venom dripping from his tone coated with sugar, as he too applied the tumeric paste on Yudhishtir, and moved back.

Y: Kalyan ho bratha Duryodhan. Dhanyawaad.
( Stay blessed brother Duryodhan. Thank you.)

Yudhishtir smiled his signature calm smile though his copper eyes were filled with rage. The still fading burns on the bodies of his mother & brothers made him clench his teeth.If Dharmaraj Yudhishtir was held back by something, it was his righteousness. If not, his spear would have already been ready. Yudhishtir never liked wars, believing in peace but harm to his family.

Yudhishtir smiled at Karn too & was glad to receive a smile in turn from him while Duryodhan & Duhshasan's glares & even Shakuni's crooked smile were wholeheartedly accepted by Dharmaraj.

Du: Ye Yudhishtir aur uska parivaar bach kisprakar gaya, mamashree!

( How did this Yudhishtir & his family survive, uncle?)

Duryodhan growled lowly.
Sh: Shaant hojao mere bachche!!! Abhi samay nahi hai iss vartalaabh ka!

( Calm down, my child! Its not the time for this talk.)

Shakuni warned him slowly, earning a huff from the elder Kauravs & a disappointed look from Karn.
Du: Jaiyye, riti poorn kijiye.
( Go, complete the ritual.)

Duryodhan rolled his eyes.

Sh: BACHCHE YUDHISHTIR!!!! Tum jeevit ho!

( CHILD YUDHISHTIR! You're alive!)

Yudhishtir cringed on the inside, & wanted to roll his eyes but he knew that Shakuni was elder to him & thus was to be respected.

Y: Mamashree!
( Uncle....!)
Yudhishtir greeted him cordially. However, his brothers fullfiled his wish, rolling their eyes when no one was looking with a " please give me a break" expression.

Sh: Bachche ( child) Vrikodar! Bachche Arjun! Bachche Nakul! Bachche Sahadev! Devi ( Lady) Kunti!!!

Shakuni exclaimed in excess ( fake) happiness. The Pandavas gave him a forced smile seeing as their elder brother had silently ordered them to.
Shakuni too completed the ritual & moved away.

K: Chalo putra! Shigra ye haldi utarvakar tumhe ritu snaan karna hai.

( Come son, we quickly need to get this turneric paste off you & then you need to
Kunti told him as they started washing off haldi.

After Yudhishtir had been bathed ritualistically with milk infused with rose petals & other aromatic herbs & pastes along with holy water, he was being dressed as the groom.

Gold. Emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones. Gold, more gold, some more gold.
That's all Yudhishtir could see around most of his body.

The manservant had put the most heaviest of necklaces he could find, studded with the most precious of stones around his neck, when Yudhishtir wondered why he'd left a couple of them, might as well put all around his neck. Might as well making a walking Jewellery exhibition.

He wanted to sulk as his brother Nakul who was ' overseeing' him grooming was still not satisfied eith the amount of jewellery.
Y: Bas Nakul....itne adhik alankar!
Yudhishtir complained.

N: Kintu Jyesht! Aap Var hai! Aapka vivaah hai!!!
Nakul insisted & Yudhishtir smiled. He could do anything if it just made his brothers happy, even if he wasn't comfortable.

N: Aaye haaye! Main yadi stree hota aur aapka bhai...ya behen na hota... toh swayam aap se vivaah kar leta!
Nakul exclaimed happily making all the Pandavas, especially Yudhishtir look at him worriedly.

N: Uh...parihaas kar raha tha...bas....
( N: Uh.... I was just teasing... that's it...)
Nakul stuttered, laughing uneasily.

S: Nakul tum thak gaye ho....vivaah se poorn vishraam karlo .
Sahadev muttered trying hard not to laugh.

N: Ek shan! Jyesht....aap kehrahe the na ki aap aaj Maharaj ko batayenge ki aap punah vivaah nahi karenge. Iska arth gyaat hai aapko?
Nakul exclaimed.

Y: Kya hai, anuj?
(What is it, little brother? )
Yudhishtir indulged him with a smile.
N: Yahi ki punah aapko aise sajaane ka avsar nahi prapt hoga mujhe! Atah....sevak...aur 4-5 aabhushan le aao!!

( Only that I won't get another chance to groom you this way again. That's why.... servant! Bring 4-5 more ornamental peices!)

Nakul ordered & the manservant standing there bowed & left to bring the ornaments. Yudhishtir held his head in his head.

For once, Dharmaraj Yudhishtir wanted cry.

******

In the wedding mandap,

King Drupad had spared no expense & the wedding of his daughter, the stunningly beautiful Yagyaseni to the righteous Dharmaraj Yudhishtir, was a lavish affair.

There, inside the heavily decorated gazebo, covered with the freshest of flowers & expensive silken drapes, stood Dharmaraj Yudhishtir in all his groom glory, awaiting his bride.

RP: Rajkumari ko bulvaiyye, Rajan.
( Call the princess, King.)
The raj purohit asked King Drupad who sent Shikhandini to do the needful.

A few moments later, as Panchali was escorted to the wedding area by Shikhandini, Dhristadyumn & the great Lord Krishna himself, her eyes fell on her groom, and before long it was as if she could only see him. There stood the righteous son of Dharma looking no less than a heavenly deity himself.

Clad in a stunningly made rich violet dhoti paired with a deep red angavastra that was beautiful embroidered with precious stones & real gold threads & matching jewellery stood Dharmaraj.

His sharp nose, chiselled, prominent & sharp jawline now even well defined with hid beard gone. However what captivated Draupadi repeatedly through the past days were those orbs of molten copper. His forehead was sharp, above which sat the majestic crown on his head. He looked altogether so handsome & masculine.

Draupadi had never taken the time to admire her would be husband so carefully before. She was just stunned as, if he looked so handsome as a rugged vanvasi he looked even better as a regal prince.

N: Dekhiye dekhiye Jyesht! Rajkumar aapki orr dekh rahi hai. Aapke manmahoka roop se ve....

( See see eldest....the princess is looking at you. Your mind-blowing form is...)

Y: Nakul....
Yudhishtir cut him off with a stern look but Nakul only grinned.

Yudhishtir's gaze fell on his soon to be bride as she approached the dias. Stunned would be an understatement to what he looked. Yudhishtir was benumbed seeing Draupadi. She looked like a heavenly nymph far too beautiful for earth in her deep red lehenga that was covered with heavy golden embroidery.

She wore the finest of ornaments studded with the rarest of stones. Though, Yudhishtir personally didn't feel like she needed them. All this was even before he'd seen her face. For once in his life, the calm & patient Dharmaraj was impatient & nervous. He just wanted to catch one glimpse of her face obstructed by the stupid veil.

He felt Bheem rubbing his shoulder & smiled gratefully at him. Bheem silently conveying that this was normal before the wedding.

RP: Varmala ki vidhi aarambh karte hai .
( Lets begin the ritual of garlanding.)
The royal priest declared as Draupadi reached the steps of the mandap. Seeing her struggle with her heavy lehenga & the veil, Yudhishtir offered her his hand.

Gorgeous black eyes met stunning copper ones through the veil. Draupadi took the proffered hand of her would be husband & sparks flew across her as his warm hand gripped hers, gently helping her up.

Taking the garland in her shaky hands, Draupadi was about to garland Yudhishtir when he was suddenly lifted out of reach.

Bheem though was more than capable of lifting Yudhishtir alone, but his brothers wanted to be a part too.
B: Itni saralta se nahi bhaabhishree!
( Not so easily sister-in-law!)
Bheem gave a goofy grin showing all 32 teeth, making Draupadi smile.

N: Haan! Yadi aapko humaare Jyesht chahiye, toh aur prayas karna hoga!
( Yes! If you want our elder brother, you'll have to try some more!)
Nakul teased making both Dharmaraj & Panchali go crimson.

K: Bheem! Nakul! Meri putri ko tang mat karo!
( Bheem, Nakul! Don't tease my daughter!)
Kunti told them sternly, though a smile played on her lips. Draupadi's heart warmed hearing how Kunti had addressed her.

Bhishm watched everything silently with a smile, content to see his family happy & complete again.

Finally, ignoring a pouting Bheem, Yudhishtir lowered his head allowing Panchali to successfully garland him while the entire wedding party rejoiced.

Taking the garland, he moved closer to Draupadi when Draupadi gasped as she was swept off her feet.
Dr: Nahi nahi nahi! Yuvraj Yudhishtir....yadi meri behen chahiye toh aur parishram karna hoga!

( No no no! Crown prince Yudhishtir....if you want my sister, you'll have to work harder.)
Dhristadyumn spoke teasingly while Yudhishtir smiled calmly.

N: Parishram? Humaare bhrata toh Yuvraj hai vo kyu karenge bhala?

( Hard-work? Our brother is the Crown Prince, why would he do it?)
Nakul played along.

Dhristadyumn shrugged nonchalantly.
Dh: Achcha nahi chahiye meri behen? Theek hai phir! Chal Drau....

( Okay, you don't want my sister? Okay then...come Drau...!!!)
Saying so, Dhristadyumn began to walk away with his sister in his arms, laughing silently as the people around protested. Draupadi let out a soft giggle, struggling in her brother's arms. Yudhishtir swore that there wasn't a sound more sweeter or melodious than this laughter.

Dr: Dhristadyumn!
Drupad scolded but looked quite amused.
Dh: Ji pitashree....lijiye Dharmaraj aapki jeevan sangini....nahi lejaata Drau ko...aap bhi kya yaad rakhenge!

( Yes father....take Dharmaraj, your life partner.... I won't take Drau away! Its a favour!)

Dhristadyumn said proudly, puffing out his chest making Yudhishtir chuckle.

Y: Aapka aabhar, Yuvraj Dhristadyumn, meri bhavi patni ko lautaane ke liye.

( Thank you, Crown Prince, for returning my would be wife.)

Yudhishtir winked playfully at Dhristadyumn making him grin back, his eyes fell on her his blushing bride. Was that blush due to him? He didn't know why, but if it was it would make him delighted.

Draupadi didn't dare look into his eyes as Yudhishtir garlanded her, knowing that she'd melt just glancing at them. She'd just gone 100 shades redder at the word " wife". Both were overcome with sensations never felt before. Suddenly, their eyes met. It was as if they could stare each other for eternity. Time had as if stopped for them, all they knew was each other's presence.

********

Longgggggg! Chapter😅
Sorry!

Anyways I hope you all liked it so far? I was going to put the whole wedding sequence here but then I thought I'll have a whole chapter dedicated to the wedding of our beautiful Yagyaseni & the great Dharmaraj, loaded with sweet, romantic scenes, what say??

Till next time!

--- Dharmasakhi 💕