Hey guys!!
Sorry for the late update! Exams hai na 🥺.

Ye lo behen Dharmanandini tumhaara update!

Ps. Sorry yaar itna wait karaya! 😅

Enjoy!!!
Please please vote & comment!

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

After the Varmala ceremony, both were lead to a beautifully decorated sitting area, where a beautifully carved large asana was kept especially for the bride & groom.

Draupadi glanced at Yudhishtir from the corner of her eyes, gasping inaudibly realising that he too was looking at her. Both, embarrassed at being caught red handed by each other, looked away with their cheeks still blazing.

Vasudev observed the couple from afar, finding them adorable.
Kr: Arrey....Jyesht! ( Eldest!)

Krishn called out, making Dharmaraj look up from the large gold ring on his finger, he was fidgeting with.
Y: Huh?....Vasudev?

Yudhishtir spoke as he suddenly broke out of his reverie.

Kr: Kya Jyesht! Meri sakhi aur aapka vivaah hai! Aur aap hai ki apni vadhu se itni door baithe hai. Ye uchit nahi Jyesht!

( What eldest! Its my friend's & your wedding! And you're sitting so far away from your bride. This isn't right Eldest!)

Draupadi widened her eyes, glancing at her sakha through her veil but he only smiled his mysterious smile.

Kr: Kya soch rahe hai, bhrata?
( What are you thinking, brother?)

Krishna questioned mischievously & then smirked as Yudhishtir moved closer to Draupadi, till they were just barely touching each other.

Kr: Ummm...Aanand nahi aaraha Jyesht!

( Ummm.....that wasn't fun Eldest!)

Krishna clucked his tongue as their heads snapped up at him.

D: Tatparya....Sakha?
( Meaning.... friend?)
Draupadi asked uneasily.

Kr: Kya Sakhi! Tum toh bohot bholi nikli!

( Whst friend! You're too innocent!)

He told a flabbergasted Draupadi while Yudhishtir looked confused.

Just then,
Draupadi's mother, Queen Prashati came there.
Pr: Putri....maine Aryavart ke sarvashreshth chitrakaaro mein se ek ko aaj yaha bulaaya hai. Aapdono ke vivaah ke avsar par, main chahti hoon ki tumhe va humaare priya Jamatashree ko tumdono ka ek sundar chitra bhet karu.

( Daughter.... I have called the best artist of Aryavart here today. On the occasion of your wedding, I want to gift you & our dear son-in-law a beautiful potrait of both of you as a gift.)

She exclaimed happily & Draupadi did not like her tone. This was the tone her mother used when she was really excited, & that was never good for.

Y: Maharani...bhet ki avashyak.....

( Queen....a gift is not nee....)

Yudhishtir began, not wanting her to take any trouble but Queen Prashati cut him off...
Pr: Nahi Jamatashree....avashyakta hai. Aur aap mujhe Maharani hi kahenge? Ab toh Draupadi ki maata....aapki maati....

( No Son-in-law....of course it is. And you'll address me as queen only? Draupadi's mother...your mother now.)

Prashati exclaimed happily though a little nervous if she was to forward. Yudhishtir smiled calmly, his eyes reflecting warmth which made ger comfortable.

Y: Avashya...jaisi aapki ichcha maata. Kintu yadi aap mujhe putra kehkar sambodhit karengi, toh mujhe vaastav mein prasannata hogi.

( Of course...as you wish mother. But if you would call me as son, it would make me really happy!)

Draupadi's heart flooded with warmth seeing her mother's eyes lit up. She still couldn't believe that someone as perfect as Dharmaraj was real? He may have his flaws as a human, but from where she saw, he was flawless & deserved the utmost respect.

Kr: Jyesht, aap.....uh...Sakhi ke kandhe par haath rakhiye!

( Eldest....you...uh...keep your hand on my friend's shoulder!)

He told a shocked Yudhishtir, how looked uncomfortable.

D: Sakha...chitra toh aise bhi banaya jaa sakta hai...iss sab ki kya avash...

( Friend....a pitraity can be made like this also....why is all this nee....)

Draupadi began to protest but Krishna pouted.
Kr: Sakhi! Avashyakta hai! Anayatha main kyu kehta? Ab chalo dono bahane mat banaiyye. Koi nahi hai yaha, keval parivaar jan. Anya atithi toh bahar baithe hai.
Krishna pleaded with eager puppy dog eyes.

Y: Theek hai Vasudev...yadi aap chahte toh....

( Ok Vasudev....if you wish so....)

Yudhishtir smiled & the eternal lord grinned to himself.
Kr: Dekha Sakhi! Kitni bhagyashaali ho tum sakhi, mere Jyesht mujhse kitna sneh karte hai! Kitne achche hai ve...aur ab tumhaare hai.
Krishna winked making Draupadi gasp while Prashati pretended to not hear anything. Draupadi glanced at her husband who only gave her a shy smile.

Kr: Chaliye maata, hum bhi chalte hai.
Kadachit dono humaare hone se laja rahe hai.

( C'mon mother.... we'll also leave. Maybe they're both feeling shy in our presence.)

Krishna grinned earning Draupadi's glare. Giving them both a meaningful smile, Krishna left the room with Draupadi's mother.

With only the artist in the room, both exchanged silent glances.Yudhishtir moved even closer, & Draupadi shivered as his large warrior arm wrapped around her delicate frame. She saw Krishna looking at them from the entrance but she too lost in the new sensations running across her to say something.

Yudhishtir too was in the same boat, Draupadi fit perfectly against him like a puzzle peice. They were two halves of the same whole, they would realise this with time.

********

Finally, the bride & groom were brought back to the Mandap, for the Saptapadi.

Yudhishtir glanced at his bride next to him, his copper eyes meeting her deep black ones that were filled with anxiousness, excitement, happiness, worry etc. He smiled his signature calm smile, hoping to soothe her as well as his thundering heart.

RP: Yuvraj, Rajkumari aap dono mere peeche boliye....pratham Yuvraj aap.

( Crown Prince, Princess....both of you repeat after me....first Crown Prince you..)

The raj purohit told them & they nodded.

It was time for the gathbandhan, Kunti asked Krishna to come forward. This, the omnipresent lord himself tied the edge of Draupadi's heavily bordered odhni with Dharmaraj's equally heavy angavastra, bonding them then on for life.

The raj purohit asked them to stand up for the Saptapadi. Draupadi took her groom's hand & he helped her up while she managed her heavy bridal ensemble.

Yudhishtir ahead, with Draupadi behind him started their first round around the sacred fire.
As they took their first round around the holy fire,Yudhishtir promised to be responsible for the welfare, happiness & nourishment of her as well as any children they bore in future. In turn Draupadi promised to accept the responsibilities of their household, be it food or finance.

Next, Yudhishtir said that together, they would protect their home & family, while Draupadi promised to be by his side as his strength & courage. She promised to rejoice in happiness on the condition that he loved her solely.

Dharmaraj spoke about getting the best education for the children from their union, making them into capable individuals while Draupadi vowed to love him & him alone for life, as her husband. No other man would come before him for her.

Next, Yudhishtir praises her for bringing sacredness in his life & completing him. He wishes for obidient children. In turn, Draupadi promises to give him immense joy & strive to make him happy, always.

Draupadi now comes ahead of Yudhishtir as they continue their pheras. Flowers kept showering on the beautiful couple as they took rounds around the holy fire. Yudhishtir smiled to see his family: Kunti maata, Gandhari maata, Pitamah, his beloved brothers who were more like his children, they were all smiling widely as they showered them with flowers.

He nearly burst out laughing seeing his anuj Bheem throwing petals with both hands, showing his big dimples on his handsome face. He didn't really realise how much strength he was using to throw them until one hit Yudhishtir sqaure on the forehead.

Bheem's mouth turned into a big 'O' & he held his ears, looking at Dharmaraj apologetically. This made Yudhishtir chuckle at his innocence, & Bheem relaxed. Even his Phalgun looked happy.

What added to his laughter was Dhristadyumn, making weird faces at Draupadi, when he thought no one was looking. He saw Draupadi shaking her head at his antics. Soon enough, Shikhandini slapped Dhristadyumn's arm telling him to stop it.

Sh: Ye vivaah sanskaar koi uphaas ka vishay nahi hai, Dyumn. Kya kar rahe ho?
Shikhandini hissed.

( This marriage ceremony is not a joke Dyumn! What are you doing?)

Dhristadyumn nodded obidiently but still held a cheeky smile on his face.
Dh: Kintu jiji....main toh keval Drau ko hasa raha tha. Vo hataash thi kuch samay poorv.

( But elder sister.... I was only trying to make Drau laugh. She was sad a while ago.)

Shikhandini softened, nodding in understanding but sternly told him to not repeat it.
Yudhishtir was sure Draupadi was trying not to laugh.

Dharmaraj shifted his focus back to the Saptapadi as their fourth round came to an end.
Next, as part of the fifth vow, Yudhishtir declares Draupadi as his best friend & ardent well wisher, thanking her for enriching his life so beautifully. He requests the almighty to bless her. Draupadi vows to take his joy as hers, his sorrow as hers & cherish him for life. She would always do whatever possible to fullfil his wishes.

Yudhishtir confesses that the lovely Yagyaseni has filled his heart with happiness & tenderly requests her to do so for life. With a blush, Panchali promises to be by his side for eternity.

Meanwhile, Duryodhan, Dushasan & Shakuni watched the ceremony afar, angry and bitter.
Sha: Shaant mere bachche, shaant.
( Calm down my child, calm down.)

Shakuni patted Duryodhan's shoulder as he crushed the flower petals in his hand angrily glaring venomously at Yudhishtir & Draupadi. Karn sighed, knowing not how to deal with his friend & continue to shower petals on the couple with a small smile.

Yudhishtir, finally as part of the 7th vow says that they are now husband wife, they are one. He is hers just as she is his for eternity. Draupadi smiles, accepting him while calling upon God to witness their promise to love & cherish each other as life partners forever.

By the end of the seven vows, both of their hearts were fluttering, though they got no time to recover, since they had the next ritual.

It was an emotional moment during the Kanyadan when King Drupad & Queen Prashati performed the ritual with tears in their eyes. The strong & other wise calm Panchali too felt her lips quiver but she effectively controlled her feelings not wanting to cry before everyone there.

Draupadi's pulse quickened, butterflies fluttered within her as her thudded away, seeing Yudhishtir pick up the beautiful golden & black beaded mangalsutra.

Her breathing heightened as Dharmaraj leaned in closer to clasp the mangalsutra around her neck. His chiselled jaw was clenched in attention as his fingers struggled with the hook.

Draupadi bit back a gasp as he leaned in closer , still trying to hook the holy pendent in place. She nearly trembled feeling his warm breath on her. His coppery eyes were gazing into hers. Panchali admired the beautiful golden flecks in his lotus shaped eyes.

Yudhishtir closed his eyes for a moment, as the beautiful scent of blue lotuses engulfed his senses, tantalising him.

The beautiful Yojangandha blushed.
Shivers ran down her spine as Dharmaraj's fingers gently grazed her neck as tied the nuptial chain around her neck, a holy symbol of their sacred union.

Draupadi smiled as she admired the beautiful, unique piece of jewellery. It was perfect. It was beautiful, royal & rich looking while being simple & elegant at the same time.

She almost gasped as felt a hand enter through her veil & lift her heavily studded maangteeka filling her hair partion with the sacred vermillion . She'd been so preoccupied thatt she'd not realised. She blushed as Yudhishtir withdrew his hand, & accidentally a few particles landed on her nose. This time both blushed, as the crowd rejoiced declaring this meant that the prince would love the princess very much.

RP: Badhaai ho. Aajse aap dono janm-janmantar ke liye Pati patni hue. Apne purvajo va parivaar ke bado ka aashirwaad le lijiye.

( Congratulations. I declare you as husband-wife today for eternity.Take the blessings of your ancestors and family.)

Finally, after all the rituals were completed, the Raj purohit declared Dharmaraj & Yagyaseni as man & wife.

Pi: Ayushmaan bhava! Saubhaghyawati bhava!
Bhishm blessed wholeheartedly, caressing their heads & pulling Yudhishtir in a big hug.

Kunti embraced both of them with tears of happiness in her eyes after they touched her feet. She kissed both their foreheads.
K: Sada sukhi raho, sada prasann raho.

( Always stay content, always stay happy!)

She blessed, overwhelmed completely.

G: Yashasvi bhava putra! Sada suhaagan raho putri!
Gandhari too showered the couple with immense love & blessings.

Sh: Bachche Yudhishtir! Yuvrani!
Shakuni greeted, his one eye still closed.
Sh: Prasann raho mere bachcho!
( Be happy my children!)
He blessed with both hands. Draupadi frowned to see Yudhishtir's calm look intact as he touched the feet of the main conspirator who tried to have them killed. But then, she realised that her husband was the most patient man on earth, the master of self control. She smiled, feeling proud.

Recieving the blessings of Drupad, Prashati, Shikhandini & Dhristadyumn they moved forward to Krishn.

Kr: Sada saubhaghyawati raho sakhi! Pranipat Jyesht.
Krishna first touched Yudhishtir's feet & then hugged his Sakhi, as she took his blessings.

Y: Kalyan ho, vasudev!
Yadi bhrata Balram aate toh prasannata hoti.

( Stay blessed Vasudev! I would have been happy if brother Balram could come.)

Yudhishtir told him with a sad smile.

Krishn gasped dramatically, alarming Yudhishtir.
Kr: Jyesht!!! Arthaat, aapko mere yaha hone se prasannata naho hui? Hey ishwar! Yahi sunne ke liye iss dhara par bheja tha mujhe!
He lamented with a mental wink & chuckle to himself.

Draupadi felt sad for Dharmaraj who looked nearly scandalised, his eyes wide with alarm. Her sweet, calm & even innocent husband didn't realize that krishna was just teasing him. She glared at her sakha.

Kr: Hawwww Sakhi! Tum toh shan bhar mein Dharmaraj ki Dharmarani ban gayi! Dekhiye toh Jyesht...maine aapke saath thoda parihaas kya kiya, aapki patni toh mujhe aankhe dikha rahi hai!

( Hawww friend! You turned into Dharmaraj's Dharmarani in a second! See eldest.... I just joked a little with you & your wife is glaring at me!)

Krishna huffed. Everyone was laughing silently by now while Yudhishtir & Draupadi were blushing for the nth time that day.

Dharmarani! That had a nice ring to it, Yudhishtir thought. Afterall, as his wife, she would be the one to help him fullfill his Dharma. Little did he know, Draupadi too had had similar thoughts.

P: BHRATASHREEE!!!!
( BROTHERRRR!!!)
Yudhishtir gathered his brothers in his embrace with a chuckle as they fought to be closest to him. They were so happy for him.

N: Antatah hume Jyesht ke krodh se bachaane wali devi aa hi gayi!

( Finally, we have someone to save us from Jyesht's anger!)

Nakul exclaimed excitedly earning a fake scowl from Yudhishtir.

N: Uh...mera tatparya tha...ki... Jyesht toh hume maata ke krodh se bachaate hai kintu yadi ve swayam hi krodhit hogjaaye tab kon bachaayega.

( Uh.... I meant...that.... Eldest saves us from mother's anger...but if he gets angry himself, who will save us?)

Nakul amended.....

Everyone laughed at this while Draupadi watched the exchange with a sweet smile. Her eyes breifly lingered on Arjun who gave her a small cordial smile which she returned before turning her gaze back to her smiling husband.

Finally, it was slowly sinking in. She was a married woman now. The wife of the righteous Dharmaraj Yudhishtir, who in a short span had earned immense respect for himself in her heart. If not love, she was happy to have a husband who she looked up to. Even though, Yudhishtir was to be king, & she would be queen she had no desire for the royal throne. All she'd wanted was an understanding, supoortive, sweet, & loving life partner.

Yudhishtir too was in the same boat. Life had changed so suddenly for him. He'd gone from being a Brahmin youth living on alms to returning back to his royal status, as the Crown Prince & married. He'd never really given a thought to what kind of a wife he would like, being always so occupied in his responsibilities as an elder son & brother. However, now that he thought Draupadi was perfect. He didn't know wether he deserved her, but he would try his level best.

Soon, they were seated together on a large throne, with a table before them. On this table was a large golden plate, brimming with mouthwatering dishes, smelling like they could tempt anyone. However, both their nerves were too much at the time for them to be tempted.

However, what both noticed was that there was only one plate.
K: Ye tumdono ka pati-patni ke roop mein pratham bhoj hai, atah tumdono ko ek doosre ko spne haatho se khilaana hai, vo bhi ek hi thaali se. Yahi reeti hai

( This is your first feast as husband-wife, hence the two of you have to feed each other with your own hands, that too from a single plate. That's the ritual.)

Kunti explained with a smile.

K: Aarambh karo...
( Begin...)
She told them. Yudhishtir hesitated, glancing at Arjun seated at a little distance.
Y: Maata...
( Mother....)
Yudhishtir began softly & Kunti nodded, understanding his unspoken words.

K: Jaanti hoon putra...kintu yahi parampara hai, tumhaare samast purvajo ke kaal se....

( I know son...but its our tradition, from the time of your ancestors....)

Kunti smiled sadly, squeezing him hand before smiling at Draupadi & going back to sit near Gandhari.

Yudhishtir glanced at Arjun who was looking down at his food, or rather avoiding looking up at him. It was exactly not characteristic of Arjun to admire his food so deeply.

Draupadi could feel the tension in the atmosphere, and was about to speak when her father spoke out aloud.

Dr: Humaare sabhi atithiyon Hastinapur Yuvraj va meri putri ke vivaah samaroh mein sammelit hone ke liye aabhaar. Sarvapratham, putri Draupadi ke haath humaare Jamatashree anna grahan karenge, tatpashchat hum sabhi bhojan prarambh kar sakte hai.

( We thank all our guests for attending the wedding of Hastinapur's Crown Prince with my daughter. First, our dear son-in-law will partake food from daughter Draupadi after which we all can begin eating.)

Drupad announced with a big smile. Turning to his daughter, he asked her feed Yudhishtir.

Draupadi smiled tightly, the uneasiness in air taking a toll on her. Tearing a peice of poori, she dipped it randomly into one of the several gravied vegetables, bringing it up to feed her new husband.

Dharmaraj opened his mouth to accept the proffered bite, holding Draupadi's hand for a moment to guide her before leaving it immediately. Everyone cheered as he chewed, & the wedding feast went in full swing.

With a shaky hand, he took a morsel, forwarding it to his wife, who ate it, chewing delicately. The tension in the air was sharp enough to cut through anything, Draupadi thought as she ate.

As she fed Yudhishtir again, her eyes met his sad ones and she blinked reassuringly, hoping to covey that everything would be okay. Yudhishtir smiled at her for a moment before his calm yet stoic face returned.
He was thankful for Draupadi trying to reassure him but he couldn't bring him to feel any better.

Draupadi looked at Dharmaraj, his calm face did not reveal even a bit of the turmoil within him. However, his beautiful, expressive eyes were the mirror to his soul. She could clearly see his pain in them. She knew he almost believed that she was still Arjun's intended, inspite of her being married to him now.

Guilt & pain of hurting his brother by marrying his intended was clear in his eyes. Event though, this statement was wrong on all counts. How was he to Blame? He didn't ask for it or do it purposefully. Infact, he had nearly saccrifised his own life, if that only meant Arjun being happy. Such was his love for his brother. The more Draupadi thought, the more Yudhishtir's righteousness, his capability of loving his family so deeply enamoured her. He truly had a golden heart.

She was so lost in thoughts that she accidentally choked on some food, causing her to go into a little fit of cough. Almost immediately she felt the golden glass of water against her lips allowing her to sip the cool liquid.A strong hand firmly yet gently rubbed her back, until she calmed down.

Y: Rajkumari....aap swast toh haina? Kshyama kijiye....kadachit maine hi adhik bada nivala khila diya.

( Princess.....are you okay? Forgive ne....maybe I fed you a too big of a morsel. )

Yudhishtir smiled apologetically at her as Draupadi shook her head.
D: Ji... dhanyawaad...dosh mera hi tha...dhyaan dekar khaana chahiye tha.

( Thank you...the fault was minem I should have paid attention while eating.)

She smiled, speaking softly.

Y: Aur jal chahiye?
( You want more water?)
Yudhishtir asked worriedly making Draupadi deny, thanking him.

B: Maharani?
( Queen?)
Bheem suddenly addressed Draupadi's mother.
Pr: Ji, Rajkumar? Aur bhojan le aau?
( Yes prince? Should I bring more food?)

The queen was about to move to get more food when Bheem spoke out.

B: Nahi Maharani, iss samay toh maata ke haath se khaakar main tript hua. Kintu...aapke yaha ka bhojan atyant swaadisht tha. Kya aap thoda marg ke liye baandh dengi?

( Bo queen...at this time I'm satisfied after eating from mother's hands. But...the food at your place was delicious. Could you pack some for the road?)

He requested excitedly.

Pr: Avashya Rajkumar. Ye toh mera saubhaghya hai.

( Of course Prince. That'd be my pleasure.)

Saying so, the queen hurried to get the work done.

Kunti slapped her forehead in exasperation as the others chuckled. Draupadi was delighted to see Yudhishtir's lips fighting to curve into a smile.

K: Bheem!
Kunti warned.
B: Maata! Mere liye nahi....apne Arjun ke liye....dekhiye toh uski kamar kitni patli hogayi hai!

( Mother! Bot for me...for our Arjun...look at his slim waist!)

Bheem batted his eyelashes innocently at his mother, secretly winking at Krishna, who grinned back.

Arjun was torn between getting angry & laughing.
B: Main toh keval apne priya bhai ke roop ki chinta kar raha tha...aur maata aap mujhe hi....

( I was only worried about my dear brother's looks...and mother you...)

He trailed off, wiping fake tears. That was the last straw & Arjun burst out laughing.

K: Achcha achcha mere priya putra....kshyama kardo apni maata ko.

( Ok ok my dear son... forgive your mother.)

Kunti laughed.
Bheem pouted.
B: Ab kya labh maata....ab toh mere hriday ke chote chote tukde hogaye!

( Now what's the point mother....now my heart is broken into tiny peices!)

He clutched his heart making Arjun laugh harder & Yudhishtir smile.

N: Toh bhaabhishree Hidimba ko nyota bhej dete hai, bhratashree....

( So should we invite Sister in law Hidimba, brother?)

Nakul grinned, winking at the other Pandavas. Draupadi observed Yudhishtir press his lips together.

S: Haan haan Nakul! Ve apne prem se bratha Bheem ka hriday jod dengi!
( Yes yes Nakul! She will rejoin brother Bheem's heart with her love!)

Sahadev said dreamily, fluttering his eyelashes making Bheem lower his lashes and blush, a huge grin spreading across his face.

However, hearing his brothers laughing, Bheem growl & grippef Nakul & Sahadev aound their necks tightly.
N & S: Aahhhh! Bhratashree!!!!
( Aahhhhhh! Brother!!!!!)
They exclaimed, trying to free themselves from his grip.

Everyone in the room was laughing, smiling at the antics of the brothers.
Y: Bheem, Nakul, Sahadev! Bhojan par dhyaan do!

( Bheem, Nakul, Sahadev! Concentrate on your food!)
Yudhishtir told them sternly though there was amusement on his face. Bheem winked at his Jyesht making Yudhishtir's heart fill with love & warmth for his brother, understanding why had done this.

Just then,
Dh: Chutki!
Draupadi groaned internally at the petname. Dhristadyumn stood by the table, leaning towards her.

Dr: Kya hai? Bhrata DHRISHU?

( What is it? Brother DHRISHU?)

Draupadi smiled cheekily while Dhristadyumn huffed.
Dh: Main Yuvraj Dhristadyumn, Panchal ka senapati va bhaavi raja! Aur mere jaise medhavi purush ko tum....Dhrishu kaise bula sakti ho? Main koi balak hoon?

( I'm Crown Prince Dhristadyumn, the commander in cheif of Panchal & the future king! And a glorious man like me... how can you call me Dhrishu? Am I a child?)

He growled making Draupadi roll her eyes.

Dr: Badi saralta se....bhrata Dhrishu. Kitna Sundar naam hai....Dhrishu!

( Very easily.... brother Dhrishu. Such a beautiful name isn't it?...... Dhrishu!)

Dhristadyumn glared at her while Yudhishtir watched them in surprise.

Dh: Vaise....ye kya hai? Ye toh mujhe nahi mila.

( By the way.... what is this? I didn't get this.)
Dhristadyumn pointed to one of the sweets in their plate.
Dr: Nahi..
( No..)
Draupadi spoke plainly.
Dh: Nahi?
( No...)
Dhristadyumn asked her, confused.
Dh: Thoda sa do na...
( Give me some....)

He requested cutely but Draupadi shook her head.

Dh: Drau! Keval thoda sa....
( Drau! Just some...)
He whined & Draupadi's heart melted, still wanting to tease him back she declined.

Dh: Apne jyesht ki aagya palan karo Draupadi!
Dhristadyumn said sternly though smirking on the inside. Draupadi huffed but relented.

Dr: Ji.. Jyesht bhrata....

( Yes... eldest brother...)

She answered picking up the one peice of sweet, which was her share to feed her brother. Afterall she couldn't deny her dear brother any longer.

Dh: Adhik nahi na?
( Not much right?)
He asked.
D: Hmmm...
Draupadi answered distractedly.
However, Dhristadyumn on the other hand grinned, breaking off a tiny part of the proffered sweet, he put it back in plate before popping the remaining whole peice into his mouth.

Draupadi gaped while Dhristadyumn laughing, jeering at her. Draupadi pouted.

Yudhishtir was observing all of this silently, nearly awing out loud when stunning Yagyaseni pouted like a little girl.

D: Achcha? Bohot adhik hasi aarahi hai bhrata Dyumn? Thehriye....PITASH...

( Is that so? Its too funny isn't it, brother Dyumn? Wait....FATH....)

Dh: Meri pyaari behen....main toh parihaas kar raha tha.... pitashree ko kyun kasht derahi ho?
Dhristadyumn laughed nervously & Draupadi smirked victoriously. Her brother looked around before making a face at her, & went back to his seat leaving Draupadi to roll her eyes. Yudhishtir smiled in amusement. His own brothers rivalled Dhristadyumn in naughtiness.

Glancing back at her groom, the lovely Agnisuta realised that Yudhishtir was holding out another morsel for her to eat. She noticed it was the very last peice of her favourite sweet which Drhistadyumn had gobbled up.

D: Yuvraj......
( Crown Prince....)
Y: Aapko ye ati priya hai na?
( You love this right?)
Yudhishtir asked with a smile that nearly melted her. Everytime he smiled at her, he sent her heart in flutters.

D: Ji...kintu...
( Yes... but....)
Yudhishtir didn't say anything. He only smiled at his hesitant wife, gently urging her to eat. With a sheepish smile, still reeling from the effects of her speeding heart, Draupadi accepted the bite from his hands.

The couple continued feeding each other. No words were exchanged, except occasionally shy glances.

*******

Draupadi bit her lip. She wanted to cry so badly. It was time for her to leave for her new home : the palace of Hastinapur, where she would now reside with her husband & his family.

She hugged her parents, putting on a smile for them. She was somewhat delighted to see her father's eyes go moist. In the past she thought she had been only a pawn of his but maybe he'd come to love her as well.

Her mother whispered to her a bucket load of instructions about married life , that had been going on since her swayamwar had been finalized.

Dh: Chalo peecha choota!

( Got free off you!)
Dhristadyumn winked ignoring his glowering sister.
Dr: Kya?
( What?)
Draupadi demanded angrily but Dhristadyumn only laughed.

Dh: Dharmaraj.....
Yudhishtir turned to see his new brother in law, on being addressed.
Y: Ji?
He asked politely.

Dh: Ab meri behen aapki patni hai....savdhaan rahiyega.
Dhristadyumn warned him seriously & Yudhishtir looked concerned.
Y: Savdhaan, Yuvraj?
( Precautious.... Crown Prince?)
He enquired almost innocently.

Dh: Haan....vo kya hai na, ekbaar Draupadi yahi Panchal mein bina roop sajja ke nikli thi....toh bas...bechaare daasiyon ke balak bhaybheet hogaye. Aap toh yodhdha hai...phir bhi batana mera kartavya tha.

( Yes...the thing is...once Draupadi was was roaming her in Panchal without any make up...and that's it....the poor children of the daasis got scared. You're a warrior...but still was my duty to tell you.)

* I HOPE NO ONE IS OFFENDED BY DHRISTADYUMN'S TEASING. HIS CHARACTER IN MY STORY IS INSPIRED BY MOST BROTHERS TODAY WHO LOVE TO IRRITATE THEIR SISTERS 😁*

Draupadi gasped & gritted her teeth. She would have might as well emitted smoke out of anger. Almost everyone ( only family) around was fighting a smile, wanting to laugh but new better than to. Luckily all the guests had left. Only Yudhishtir looked stunned, & looked at her worriedly seeing her angry.

D: Jyesht! Jaiyye main aapse baat nahi karti! Aap sadaiv mujhe chidhaate hai! Chali jaati hoon! Koi mujhse prem nahi karta na!

( Eldest! Go! I won't talk to you! You always tease me. I'll go away. No one loves me.)

Draupadi huffed & started walking away when Dhristadyumn pulled her back.

Draupadi, anger forgotten, looked concerned as the powerful & " manly" as he loved to boast Senapati of Panchal sobbed silently against her shoulder.

Dh: Bohot yaad aaogi tum meri pyaari behen.... kisprakar rahunga main tumhaare bina? Tum toh meri judwa hona, humdono toh ek hi aatma ke do hisse hai. Jabtak tum mujhe 2-3 apshabd nahi kehti, mera din poorn nahi hota.

( I'll miss you so much my dear sister...how will I live without you? You're my twin right? We're two parts of the same soul. Till you don't use 2-3 curse words on me, my day doesn't end.)

He spoke sadly. Draupadi blinked back her tears, not understanding wether to beat him or hug him.

He cupped her cheek, pulling her back in his arms, kissing on top of her head, repeatedly.
The pure love between the fighter siblings warmed everyone's heart.

Dh: Main tujhse milne aaunga, Hastinapur. Vachan hai mera.

( I will come to meet you in Hastinapur. I promise.)

He told his sad sister making her smile.

Draupadi hugged Shikhandini for long, reveling in the embrace of her eldest sister, the first person to be her friend & guide when she emerged from the holy fire.

Sh: Apna dhyaan rakhna Draupadi.
Shikhandini too had tears in her eyes.
D: Avashya jiji....aap bhi mujhse milne aayengi na aap?

( Of course elder sister.... you'll also come to meet me right?)

Draupadi asked making Shikhandini nod eagerly.

Du: Yuvraj ki patni hone labh toh aap abhi se uthaane lagi, bhaabhi...shree.
Duryodhan exclaimed suddenly making everyone frown. Draupadi clearly noticed the venom in his words when Duryodhan addressed Yudhishtir as "Yuvraj"

Du: Vivaah hue kuch shan hi hue aur aap bina Rajagya ke kisiko bhi Hastinapur aane ka nimantran derahi hai. Uchit hai!

( You're wedding was completed just moments ago & you're already inviting anyone to Hastinapur without royal orders.)

Draupadi taunted making Drupad & Dhristadyumn frown.

Y: Bhrata Duryodhan....

( Brother Duryodhan....)

Yudhishtir spoke calmly but no one but him knew he was irritated from within.
Y: Apne avaas par kisiko nimantran dene ke liye aagya ki avashyakta kaha hoti? Ab Hastinapur Raj...Yuvrani ka bhi ghar hai. Unka aadhikar hai apne parivaar athva kisiko bhi apni ichcha anusaar amantrit karna.

( Where is the need for permission to invite someone at your own home? Now Hastinapur is the Prin... Crown Princess' home too. Its her right to invite her family or anyone else as she wishes.)

Yudhishtir didn't deter even though Duryodhan looked furious.

Bh: Uttam putra Yudhishtir!

( Excellent, son Yudhishtir!)

Bhishm smiled at his dear grandson making Shakuni & co. roll their eyes.
Bh: Kumar Duryodhan! Kabhi kabhi maun rehna bhi uchit hota hai.

( Prince Duryodhan! sometimes it is better to keep quiet.)

Bhishm scolded making Duryodhan back off.

Dh: Mujhe toh Yuvraj Yudhishtir bohot achche lage.

( I really liked Crown Prince Yudhishtir.)

Dhristadyumn whispered.

Sh: Haan! Unke jaise atbhut vyaktitva waale manushya milte hai kaha hai.... Draupadi tum toh atyant saubhaghyashali ho!

( Yes! Men of such amazing personalities are not found easily.... Draupadi you're extremely lucky!)

Draupadi blushed heavily. Coincidentally, her eyes travelled to Yudhishtir. He was looking at them too, & from his little, almost shy smile, she could make out that he'd probably heard them.

Draupadi was touched. This was the first time she had someone taking a stand for her rights. And that too from an unexpected person....the calm, soft spoken prince was not the one she thought would speak up like that for her. Guess, she was wrong. She smiled.

Soon, the wedding party bid farewell to the bride's family as they set off homewards.

*********

Hastinapur:

" Yuvraj Yudhishtir ki.....Jai!!!

Yuvrani Draupadi ki.....Jai!!!!

Yuvraj Yudhishtir ki.....Jai!!!!

Yuvrani Draupadi ki....Jai!!!!!"

( Hail the Crown Prince Yudhishtir! × 2
Hail the Crown Princess Draupadi×2)

The loud chorus echoed throughout as every citizen of Hastinapur hailed their much loved future king & his wife, their future queen.

Bhishm was content, knowing that Yudhishtir was the best thing to happen to Hastinapur. He would be the one to establish Dharma & free him of his mortal duties so he could attain moksha.

Draupadi smiled as she peeped out of her palki. Her husband was so loved by the people of the kingdom, that itself spoke volumes about his golden heart to her.

Gandhari happily performed their aarti, welcoming Draupadi as the royal daughter-in-law of Hastinapur.
Gently striking the beautifully decorated Kalash of rice gently with her toe, Draupadi let the rice fall out gracefully.

Stepping into the liquidy altah, Draupadi entered her new home with her husband, bringing with her its prosperity & fortune.

G: Putra, putri.....kuch aur vivaah ki reetiyan shesh thi kintu pravaas ke kaaran arhik vilambh hogaya hai. Anya reetiyaan hum kal pratah karenge....tab tak Sindhuraj tatha putri Dushala bhi Hastinapur mein honge.

( Son, Daughter.....some more wedding rituals are dtill left but its really late now due to the journey. We'll do the other rituals tomorrow morning. By then Sindhuraj & Dushala will be in Hastinapur too.)

Draupadi saw her husband's eyes lit up hearing Maata Gandhari. She was excited too to meet her only sister in law!

A little while later.....

Draupadi blushed as she looked at herself in the mirror.

(All Image credits: Google search)

Gandhari, Kunti and her personal daasis from Panchal had dressed her up beautifully. She was adorned by fragrant flowers that enhanced her already ethereal looks.

K: Jiji... aapko aaj bhi yaad hai? Ye pushp toh Yudhishtir ko atyadhik priya hai.

( Elder sister....you still remember? These flowers are Yudhishtir's favourite.)

Kunti asked Gandhari to which the queen nodded happily.

G: Haan Kunti...isiliye toh itne saare mangvakar rakhe the. Uski vadhu ko uske priya pushpo se saja dekh vo bhi aanandit hoga.

( Yes Kunti... that's why had ordered so many of them. He will be extremely happy to see his bride decked up with his favourite flowers.)

Gandhari said with a smile as Kunti nodded in agreement.

Panchali's personal handmaiden, Keerti shot her a teasing look.
Ki: Rajkumari....inn pushpo se susarjit toh aap swargiya apsara lagrahi hai.
Yuvraj Yudhishtir ki dhrishti aapse iss janm mein toh hat nahi paayegi.

( Princess, adorned by these flowers, you look like a heavenly nymph. Crown Prince Yudhishtir will not be able to take his eyes off you in this birth.)

She giggled & Draupadi brushed her off, her cheeks blazing a dark, deep red.

Outside Gandhari's chamber:

Duryodhan was threatening the gaurd at the door.
G: Kshyama kijiye kumar, kintu Maharani ka aadesh hai
Koi bhi purush bheetar nahi jaa sakta.

( Forgive me prince, but it is the queen's order that no male can enter inside.)

The gaurd pleaded.

Dus: Kintu kyu? Maata apne putron ko bahar kyu roken
( But why? Why will mother make her own sons wait outside?)
Dushasan asked.

Just then the door opened & group of giggling daasis walked out, gossiping.

Da1: Maharani ne kitna sundar sajaya hai nayi Yuvrani ko. Yuvraj ke priya phoolon ke aabhushan se sajaya hai unki vadhu ko. Aaj toh Yuvraj gaye! Apni patni ke prem mein!

( The queen had dressed up the new crown princess so beautifully! She has decked up the crown prince's bride with ornaments made out of his favourite flowers. Today Yuvraj would lost in his wife's love.)

The giggled walking away, leaving behind a seething, furious Duryodhan.

Du: Tumhe iska mulya chukaana hoga Yudhishtir!!!
Duryodhan growled angrily, kicking down a showpiece nearby. He was mad with rage at the thought of the most beautiful woman he'd seen, the one he wanted being with Yudhishtir. The thought of Yudhishtir & Draupadi's wedding night made him crazy.

Back in chamber....

G: Chalo chalo....putri Draupadi ko uske naaye kaksh mein le chalte hai.

( C'mon c'mon....lets take daughter Draupadi to her new bedchamber.)

Reaching the beautifully decorated room, Draupadi looked around in awe as Kunti told her to rest while she sent Yudhishtir.

She lowered her lashes shyly. This was every maiden's special night. She was nervous to finally be alone with Yudhishtir not knowing what to expect but excited too.

*******

Finally, after the teasing session ended when Kunti scolded his brothers, Yudhishtir made his way to his....no their bedchamber.

He was feeling jittery all over again. Wedding night. What did Draupadi expect from him? They hadn't gotten any time to discuss anything after that evening some 3 days back. Things had escalated so fast and they were now married.

Their were so many questions brimming in his head, fighting to get out. Yet again in the past few days, Dharmaraj found himself unable to be his calm self. He was overflowing with emotions. For once he wished to go spend hours in his favourite private gardens in the palace, but alas he couldn't. He had someone waiting for him, most probably equally anxious as him & he couldn't be selfish enough to not try & ease them to the best of his ability, knowing himself how it felt.

As per Kunti's directions, Yudhishtir headed to new bedchamber they would now stay in. He couldn't exactly bunk with his brothers, Gandhari had teased him.

Opening the vast, beautifully carved door of the chamber, Yudhishtir stepped inside & with a quick hustle all the daasis slipped outside, giggling for reasons he couldn't understand.

His eyes roamed the whole room, illuminated by several hundreds of lit diyas. The beautiful fragrance of fresh flowers from the flower rangolis decorating the floor & other floral decorations of chamber was all around.

Then, his gaze fell on the large bed in the centre. Heavily decorated colourful floral strings formed a stunning canopy on the bed. There, seated on rich silken sheets of the bed decorates with rose petals, sat his wife .

Draupadi, clad in a pretty pale pink ensemble sat there. Her nearly transparent net odhni was delicately dotted with little shimmery stones, making her glimmer in the light of the diyas. She sat in the centre of the bed, holding her knees close with her face still veiled.

Draupadi looked up hearing the sound of the door. Her heartbeats escalated seeing her husband enter, closing the door behind him.

Yudhishtir closed the distance between them, taking a seat on the bed before her. Both were nervous.
Y: Uh.....
Yudhishtir began but didn't know what to say, however seeing her sitting silently with her head lowered, made him uneasy. He wanted her to feel comfortable.

With a deep breath, he recollected the instructions of his mother.
Step 1: Remove the veil as he was the only one who was allowed to, not even Draupadi.

Step 2: Talk to her. Make her comfortable.

Yudhishtir's hands moved towards her veil, wanting to free of the heavy contraption & at the same time relieve his own self. He didn't understand why but he desperately wanted see her, & the fact that he'd be the first one to see her face, in the whole of aryavart except her family, made him somewhat more excited unknowingly.

Panchali closed her eyes in anticipation as Yudhishtir's fingers gripped her embroidered veil.
As he lifted her veil, first he saw lips that put pink roses to shame, a delicate & ridiculously cute button nose & beautifully shaped cheekbones & finally the most beautiful eyes he'd seen, as deep as a dark night, sharp & filled with fire. Perfectly shaped brows rested above them beneath a sharp forehead. Her pretty plump lips quivered & beautiful cheeks were redder than a rose at dawn.

His eyes moved across the expanse of her creamy dark skin. Yudhishtir stared. There were no words worthy enough in praise of this eternal beauty.

Her odhi left little to imagination as his eyes trailed over her lush curves. No compliment could suffice even a bit for the woman before him. She was too beautiful to be human.

Her beautiful form glowed. Her slender frame was decked up in only the freshest of flower ornaments.
His favourite flowers.
He sighed, knowing what this was about. He needed to talk to her.

However, Yudhishtir simply couldn't take his eyes off her. He found himself completely smitten by her, looking like a newly descended heavenly nymph.
Yudhishtir shook his head to clear his thoughts. How could he look at the princess like that? It was adharm. Staring like that at a woman. Women were to be respected not gazed at as if they were show peices. Moreover, the circumstances under which they married....he had no right.

Draupadi smiled at her sweet, innocent husband. Other males who'd seen her from afar, still veiled at her swayamwar had atleast masked it but the mad lust was visible in their eyes, that made her skin crawl.

However, Yudhishtir's gaze on her was one of pure awe and respect. Her husband seemed smitten by her & she admitted she liked it. Which woman wouldn't want her husband to be enamoured with her, no matter under what circumstances they married?

There was no lust in his eyes, he was really genuinely struck by her beauty. She'd seen instant guilt in his eyes after he'd taken his time to admire her beauty. She didn't want him to be guilty. If anything, he was the only male allowed to admire her beauty.
All his eyes had for her was respect & admiration. She really was impressed by his righteousness.

Yudhishtir had been unable to resist glancing at her once, & lost himself in her eyes again.

However, when Yudhishtir was still lost in her without blinking, Draupadi felt her cheeks heat up, as much as she was unable to deny liking it, she was feeling shy now.

" Ahmmm..."
Yudhishtir snapped out of his reverie, looking sufficiently embarrassed as he lowered his gaze immediately.

God!! What the heck was wrong with him? Why was he behaving as if he'd never seen a woman before? What would the princess think about him, staring at her for so long like that!!!

Y: Aap...vishraam kijiye....m..main...aata hoon. Kshyama kijiye.

( You... rest... I.. I'll...be back. Forgive me.)

Yudhishtir spoke before turning around to leave, still battling to regain control.

Just as Yudhishtir was leaving, he heard Draupadi's voice.
D: Uh....Aarya!!!
She called out.

Yudhishtir stopped in between. Arya. The word " Aarya" was echoing in his ears. Would it be wrong to say that he was in love with that word. He desired to hear it again & again & again. Did she really accept him as her husband? Our dear Dharmaraj was confused.

D: Aryaputra.....??
Draupadi's voice held a little worry, making Yudhishtir turn around, looking at her with surprise.
D: Aap...kaha jaa rahe hai Arya? M...mujhse koi bhool hui hai?

( You...where are you going Aarya? D..did I do something wrong?)

Draupadi asked nervously, worried that she had upset him on the first night itself.

Yudhishtir's eyes widened & he shook his head. If anything, he was at fault, he thought.
Y: N.. nahi nahi.....aisa...kuch nahi hai....vo toh bas....
( N...no no...its... nothing like that...it was just that....)

Yudhishtir fumbled, not knowing what to say, his gaze anywhere but at her.

Draupadi smiled sadly. He was still guilty for looking at his own wife, even after her assurance to him. She was sure Arjun too would have done his nest to convince his elder brother.

Dr: Uh...vaise...main... aapko Aarya kehkar bula sakti hoon?

( Uh...by the way.... I..may you call you Aarya?)

Draupadi questioned innocently with a little smile.

Y: Aap jaisa uchit samjhe, Yuvrani.
( As you deem fit, Crown Princess.)

He smiled at her.
Draupadi wrinkled her nose something which Yudhishtir found exceptionally cute.

D: Apni patni ko Yuvrani kahenge aap Aarya?
( You'll address your wife as Crown Princess, Aarya?)

Draupadi pouted her rosy pink lips in a manner that made her husband awe.

Y: Haan...ab aap Hastinapur ki Yuvrani hai toh...

( Yes....now you are the crown princess of Hastinapur so...)

Yudhishtir trailed off. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable by behaving like a normal husband, that would only hurt her. He didn't think she could just instantly accept him as her husband, when she'd been dreaming of a life with Arjun all along .

Draupadi wanted to groan & then bang her head somewhere. Her husband was still stuck in the royal court or maybe still hesitant to show any right on her. She didn't want him to don this cloak of formality. No matter how, they were married & she desired a real, happy marriage with him, not one just in name.

D: Aap apni patni ki ek ichcha poori karenge...Aaryaputra?

( Will you fullfill one wish of your wife's, Aaryaputra?)

Draupadi asked so sweetly that Yudhishtir couldn't refuse even if had wanted to. What stunned him was how breathtaking & sensous without an effort or even realising it.

Y: Avashya....maine aapki har ichcha apne samarthya anusaar poorn karne ka vachan diya hai maine aapke pita ko.

( Of course....I have promised your father to fullfill every wish of yours according my potential.)

Yudhishtir told her honestly. However, Draupadi felt a pang in her heart. Deep down inside she wanted him to fullfil her wishes to make her happy not because he was bound by his word.

Yudhishtir frowned, why did the princess look upset? He wondered if he said something wrong? But he'd just told the truth, nothing else. He felt sad, he wanted to hear her laugh & smile like before.

However, Draupadi composed herself. There would be plenty of time to make a place for herself in her Aarya's heart.

D: Mere kitne naam hai.... Draupadi, Panchali, Yagyaseni, Parsati, Nithyauvani, Yojangandha, Agnisuta....inmein se koi bhi naam chun lijiye na.....bas Yuvrani nahi.
Vaise aur hai kintu smaran nahi!

( I have so many names... Draupadi, Panchali, Yagyaseni, Parsati, Nithyauvani, Yojangandha, Agnisuta....out of these choose any name....just not crown princess. By the way...there are more but I can't remember them!)

Draupadi giggled sheepishly. She was so cute & innocent, Yudhishtir wondered. So different from several calculative royal women he'd seen, even some of the wives of the Kauravas.

Y: Aap hi bata dijiye...konsa naam adhik priya hai aapko?

( You only tell me.... what name do you like more?)

He questioned politely.

Dr: Yadi aisa hai toh meri ichcha hai ki aap mujhe keval Panchali kehkar bulaye Aarya. Na koi Rajkumari, yuvrani athva koi bhi rani.

( If that is so, I wish for you to call me only Panchali, Aarya. No princess or crown princess or anything else.)

Draupadi giggled at the last part making Yudhishtir chuckle as well.
Draupadi wondered how he was so devastatingly handsome after a hectic day & travel.

D: Uttam!!
( Excellent!!)
Draupadi squealed happily.
D: Toh aajse aap mere Dharmaraj aur main aapki Panchali!

( So from today you're my Dharmaraj & I'm your Panchali!)

She exclaimed in glee with a little happy giggle. The next moment, her eyes widened, and she bit her tongue, realising what she'd just said.

D: Uh..mera...tat...tatparya tha ki...aap...aapka naam Dharmaraj hai na aur main Panchali hoon...aur hum pati-patni hai...toh...usprakar...

( Uh... I...mea...meant that....you...your name is Dharmaraj right? And I'm Panchali, and we're husband wife so...that way...)

She laughed nervously, her soft pink cheeks turning crimson with every passing second.

Y: Hmmm.... Panchali.....
Yudhishtir tested the name & saw a beautiful radiant, nearly blinding smile spread across his wife's face making him happy.

Y: Main...ye aabhushan utarkar aata hoon. Aap vishraam kijiye na.

( I'll just remove this jewellery & be back. You should rest.)

Yudhishtir told his wife softly, assuring her he'd be back. This time Draupadi smiled & nodded.

Yudhishtir smiled back as he walked into their private dressing area. Quickly getting rid of the heavy neckpeices, armlets, bracelets, earrings, rings & not to forget the heavily studded waist band. Finally, putting down his crown & thanking his alloted personal manservant, he made his way back to their chamber.

Draupadi still sat on the bed the same way as before, just this time her beautiful face was not covered by the veil, which now rested on top of her head instead.

Every time he looked at her was not enough. Seeing his beautiful bride, decked in flowers with her silky curls swaying with the breeze & glowing skin, he smiled.

Yudhishtir walked towards her & Draupadi's eyes fell on his body, well built, lion like. He was strong & muscular, not bulky though. His body was that of a well trained warrior. Draupadi blushed, looking away while Dharmaraj too gulped, realising the same as he pulled his angavastra tighter around him. He wondered why Draupadi being near him made him so conscious.

Y: Yuv... Panchali...
He began softly, sitting in front of her on the flower decked bed. She looked up at him almost nervously. He supposed he knew why.

Y: Panchali....aaj...mujhe gyaat hai, humaara vivaah jisprakaar hua, hum ek doosro jaan hi nahi paaye. Mujhe ye bhi gyaat hai achanak se aap mujhe apne pati ke roop mein nahi sweekar sakti.

( Panchali...today.... I know, the way our marriage occured, we weren't able to get to know each other. I also know that you just cannot suddenly accept me as your husband.)

Parantu aapko chintit hone ki avashyakta nahi hai. Jabtak aap humaare vivaah ko hriday se manyata nahi dengi, humaare beech pati-patni ke koi sambandh sthapit nahi honge. Hum jab jo karenge, keval aapki suvidha se. Aapki ichcha ki virudh kabhi kuch nahi hoga, na hi main aapko vivash karunga. Ye mera vachan hai.

( However, you need not worry. Till you don't accept our marriage with all your heart, there will be no husband-wife relations between us. Whatever we do, whenever that is, it will always be according to your comfort. Nothing will ever happen without your wish & I will never force you. That's my promise.)

Yudhishtir took a deep breath as he let out everything he had to say. However, Draupadi's reaction was something he never expected.

The fiery, confident & strong princess he'd seen till now, broke into loud sobs as she threw herself in his arms all of a sudden.

Yudhishtir went numb. He didn't know how to console the woman nearly on his lap, crying into his neck. His hands trembled, wondering wether to wrap them around her or not. Finally, he brought one hand to her open hair, stroking them.

Panchali tightened her grip around Yudhishtir's neck. She'd been a nervous & emotional wreck all this time due to the various changes occurring in her life, but Yudhishtir's words had soothed all her worries. Finally her barrier had broken & she'd let out all her feelings.

She didn't realize what she was doing in the heat of the moment. She sniffled again, inhaling Dharmaraj musky fragrance mixed with sandalwood. He smelt so fresh even after a long journey. She snuggled against's warm chest, clutching his angavastra.

Yudhishtir felt sensations like never before with Draupadi in his arms. He never wanted to let go, he thought as her signature fragrance of fresh blue lotuses played with his senses. For once, he lost all his hesitancy & hugged her back.