Hey guys!
Here's the update without anymore delay!

PS. I know dialogue translations are not there, but I promise to add them in a bit.
Took me a lot of effort to write this owing to my weakness. I hope its worth your wait though.

I dedicate this update to some of my dedicated & loyal readers:

Dharmanandini
AishRohitian
world_of_poorohit_fc
@Dharmaatmika
@SuryaSingh984
smooch_XD
@Mythology_is_love

Sorry if I missed someone's name, please know that I appreciate you as well,💕🥰

PSS. Chapter ke baad jo note hai padhna please! 🥺

~~~~~~~~~~~

Draupadi & Yudhishtir scrunched their eyes, as they heard Nakul step inside their chamber. Draupadi buried her face in his neck, only adding yo his sweet torment.
N: Bhratashree.....
( Brother.....)
Nakul had started to call him out, when an urgent feminine voice stopped him.
It was Maata Kunti.

K: Nakul, putra! Bheetar kaha jaa rahe ho? Iss prakar kisi nav-vivaahit jode ke shayan kaksh mein pravesh nahi karte putra, chalo.

( No son! Where are you going on inside? You shouldn't enter the bed chamber of a newly married couple like that, c'mon!)

Kunti admonished him lightly, but enough for Nakul to come out.
N:Oh! Jo aagya maata, kshyama kijiye.
( Oh, as you command mother, forgive me!)

Yudhishtir let out the breath he was holding, only for it to hitch again as Draupadi slumped tiredly against his torso. Her warm breath tickling his skin.
D: Hey Govind!
He heard her mutter.

He could very well use a warfare trick to get out of where he was stuck, however with Draupadi on top of him, there wasn't much he could do, without hurting her in the process.

Just then, as if the almighty ( Govind) heard their silent prayers, a large tremor of the floor sent the heavy couch hurtling across the room, freeing the two of them.

Draupadi got off Yudhishtir, dusting herself slightly. She held out a hand for him, which he slowly took though not putting any weight on her grip,as he got off the floor.

Yudhishtir quickly threw on his angavastra, turning around to see Draupadi staring at him from the large hole in her torn odhni, that had somehow happened earlier when they were stuck.

D: Aarya! Ye dekhiye kya hogaya!
( Aarya! See what happened!)
Draupadi whined to Dharmaraj, making him give her a *oops* look.
He wanted to laugh, really badly because Draupadi looked too cute for words with a sulky pout, staring at the remains of her odhni, but that would make her irritated.

Draupadi blushed as she felt a warm shawl being wrapped around her slender frame. She shivered when Dharmaraj's fingers brushed against her bare skin while doing so.
The shawl was warm with his body heat.

Y: Aaj bahar sheetalta adhik hai, isse apko kasht nahi hoga.
( Its cold outside today, this will prevent any discomfort.)
Draupadi admired Yudhishtir for long. At first he smiled calmly as usual, however a light pink stain couldn't be stopped from reaching his cheeks when her gazed continued to be locked to his face.

She wondered how a person could be so so perfect. The soft-spoken crown prince of Hastinapur had come in her life not long ago, but had her smitten by his simplicity & kind nature. She had never seen anyone like Dharmaraj Yudhishtir before. He was caring & so very sweet. Every single person in his life felt special due to his nature.

Y: Uh....chalein?
( Uh... should we go?)
Draupadi turned a deep red realising she'd been openly gawking at her husband. With a man having a heart of gold & perfectly sculpted, flawless features, that mesmerising calm smile & eyes: the most stunning shade of copper, could you blame her?

( AN: 😉)

D: J..ji avashya....
( Y..ye... yes sure!)
Draupadi & Yudhishtir had matching shy smiles on their faces as they walked out together. Something beautiful had already began to blossom between them!

( AN: 😍)

Jogging out to the small crowd gathered near their room, Yudhishtir spotted his robust nephew. Ghatotkatch spotted his favourite uncle & rushed to him.

G: Pranipat Taatshree....Jyesht mata?
He greeted Yudhishtir with folded hands, while the greeting for Draupadi came out more as a inquisitive question.
Y: Kalyan ho vatss!
( Stay blessed!)
Yudhishtir smiled lovingly, hugging his nephew tight.

Draupadi smiled politely at the large man before her. He may be large but the large dimpled grin on his face exactly like that of Bheem's made him look adorable instead of intimidating.

B: Haan putra ye tumhaari Jyesht maata hai...chalo chalo....Aryaput....uhmm... Jyesht ke charan sparsh karo, Jyesht maata ke bhi.
Bheem told his son, while innocently pretending to not have seen Yudhishtir's * You meet me later, I'll show you* look.

Yudhishtir shook his head at all his snickering younger brothers. At this time of the night also they were goofing around. However, is glares at them were often of the mock kind. If teasing i him made them laugh, made them happy then he didn't mind it in the least, infact he welcomed it.

G: Kshyama kijiyega aap sabhi, raatri ke iss samay mere aane se aapko asuvidha hui.
Ghatotkatch smiled apologetically.
K: Nahi putra, tum toh mere hriday ka ansh ho, kabhi bhi aa sakte ho, chalo ab sabhi vishraam karlijiye. Baaki ki baatein kal oratah kijiyega.

Chalo putra Ghatotkatch, aaj tum apni Pitamahi ki goad mein sona aur main tumhe tumhaare pita ke balpan ki kai rochak kathaaye sunaungi!

Kunti held Ghatotkatch's hand, leading him away. Excited at the prospect, the powerful son of Bheem agreed immediately, biding everyone a goodnight, he eagerly let Kunti guide him to where he was to rest.

Sh: Vaise.... bachche Yudhishtir? Sab kushal toh hai na?
Shakuni looked at Yudhishtir with his one open eye, grinning wickedly as usual.

Y: Ji mamashree, anayas ye prashn kyu?
Yudhishtir asked his politely, not really understanding what he was upto then.

Du: Kuch nahi YUVRAJ, aap aur YUVRANI ke kaksh se vichatra swar aarahe the. Kabhi hasya ke toh kabhi....
Duryodhan trailed off suggestively with a disgusting expression which made Yudhishtir insanely uncomfortable.

Du: Prateet hota hai, Yuvraj ko apni nav-vadhu ke soundarya ke samaksh anya koi dikhayi nahi deta....praja bhi nahi.
Dushasan cackled.
Sh: Anyatha...ve avashya hi bhukamp jaisi sthiti mein shigra hi bahar aakar apni praja ki suraksha dekhte.
Shakuni added nonchalantly, not having an inkling of the effect on the words of the Dharmaraj who lived for his subjects welfare.

D: Aarya....
Yudhishtir couldn't help but close his eyes at the softest, sweetest address to him in his life. It was surprising really, how just hearing " Aarya or Aaryaputra" from her lips suddenly lightened hi day, no matter what.

Draupadi had sensed his hurt without him having to say anything. She squeezed his hand in silent assurance, immediately making him feel much better.

Seeing as Yudhishtir didn't seem as pained by their taunts, as they expected, the trio frowned not missing the smirk on Draupadi's face though.

Draupadi lead her husband away from them, giving them a look that clearly screamed * Challenge Accepted!*

********

Next Morning:

The righteous, eldest Pandav reclined against the bark of a large & shady Banyan tree of the royal private gardens. This was his personal favourite spot. He had spent hours sitting her, muling over various issues, as a young prince.

He wondered if he'd been too distracted lately, ever since his unexpected marriage. Had he been completely unaware of the needs of his subjects lately? However, he couldn't in the least bring himself to regret his marriage with Panchali. Her name itself filled his heart with happiness & various new sensations like never before.

Dharmaraj had been so lost in thoughts that he didn't see the bowl of food held in front of him, until its powerful mouthwatering aroma hit his nostrils.

Yudhishtir found a smiling Draupadi holding a small bowl before him.
Dr: Maine suna hai ki jab manushya ka hriday chinta se bhara ho, tab meetha khaane se aanand milta hai.
Draupadi spoke as she sat down on the cool grass, next to Yudhishtir.

Yudhishtir opened his mouth to speak, but Panchali stopped him, feeding him the special dish she'd brought.
Dr: Mujhe maata ne bataya tha....ye wala mishthaan aapko priya hai.
Draupadi told him excitedly as Yudhishtir chewed.

He only smiled calmly at her before whispering....
Y: Adbhut!
That one word made her eyes light up with glee.

The couple sat in peaceful silence for a while. Yudhishtir observed his pretty wife as she fed his favourite kheer with a big smile on her face.

Draupadi shivered everytime her fingers brushed against his surprisingly soft, pillowy lips. His beautiful copper eyes were staring deep into her.

He wondered what he'd done to deserve someone like her as his life partner. Someone who knew just what to do or say to when he was feeling low. Someone who cared so much. He as the elder one, so had always taken care of those younger than him, but it felt so nice to have someone to take care of him too, the same way.

Without thinking much, he extended his hand to the bowl, taking some of the kheer & bringing it to her lips.
Draupadi's big black eyes darted up at Yudhishtir, a soft smile playing on her lips. He smiled back sweetly at her, asking her to eat with his eyes.

It felt like someone had electrocuted him when her supple, pink rosebud lips softer than a petal, wrapped around his fingers, taking in the proffered morsel.

His heart was thudding away in a manner that made him confident that soon it would break open his ribcage & come out.

Both gazed deep into each other's eyes, deep, sensual feelings sizzling within them. Yudhishtir's intense gaze had the normally bold & confident Panchali, squirming & shying with a gradually deepening blush creeping up her neck.

The calm Dharmaraj's normally "steady" mind was completely rattled. His heart was racing. All because of Draupadi. It was like he needed her to survive, his heart would stop beating without her.
Such strong feelings that too in such a short period scared Yudhishtir deeply.

The guilt of taking away Arjun's love, & being drawn her her so deeply, weighed him further down.
Moreover, Duryodhan's daily evil schemes only served to hurt him further. Why couldn't he have the one single wish he wanted in life?

A happy family filled with love.

D: Aap dukhi hai Aarya?
Soft fingers rested on Yudhishtir's shoulders, bringing him out of his thoughts.He sighed.

Y: Nahi, keval vichaar kar raha tha ki aisa kya dosh hai mujhmein jo Duryodhan mujhse itni ghrina karta hai. Kadachit yadi main use sudhaar loon toh vo hum paancho ko apna bhai maan le.

Yudhishtir wondered sadly & Draupadi facepalmed mentally. Leave to her husband to blame himself for everything, when he was actually the one to solve everything.

D: Bhrata Duryodhan kadachit aapka prem samajhne mein asamarth hai. Aap unhe bhai maante hai, kintu ve aapko apna pratidwandi maante hai. Aapmein koi dosh nahi hai Aarya.
She explained with a somber face making Yudhishtir nod in understanding.

Draupadi's sudden wince of pain alarmed Dharmaraj, causing him to look urgently at her.

Y: Kya hua Panchali, aap swast toh haina?
He enquired worriedly.
D: K..kuch nahi Aarya...kadachit..mere netra mein kuch chala gaya....
Yudhishtir caught Draupadi's fist, rubbing her eye, shaking his head at her.

His large, slightly scabrous markings of a warrior cupped her soft cheek, delicately, angling her face to suit him slightly. Draupadi's could barely breathe as Yudhishtir's face inched closer enough to her for their breaths to mingle.

Blowing cool air on it, the prince proceeded to carefully move his fingers around her eye to check around for the speck that might be irritating her eye.

He carefully helped to the nearby garden fountain, helping her was out the dirt until the irritation reduced.
Draupadi had never felt more special and loved. Yudhishtir was so tender, so sweet with her. Every step he took, he made sure to consider even the smallest of her feelings & opinions. Draupadi never knew that a man so perfect could exist, much less be her husband.

Y: Panchali...
She shivered as his thumb unconsciously stroked the soft skin of her jawline. She was so tempted to lean into his touch & close her eyes to feel this beautiful new sensation.

D: J...j...ji Aar....ya..
Draupadi fumbled miserably making Yudhishtir frown in concern, completely unaware of the effect of his simple touch on her.

Y: Kya hua? Abhi bhi peeda hai?
He questioned more worriedly, finally removing his hand making Draupadi be torn to decide whether to sigh in relief or be saddened. She shook her head negatively as reply to his question.

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves alight with Yudhishtir's proximity, Draupadi took out a scroll, reaching for her husband's hand & placing it in his palm.

Y: Ye kya hai? Koi rajkiya patra?
Yudhishtir smiled nervously, knowing he'd said something wrong when his wife narrowed her eyes at him.

D: Nahi Aarya, ye niyam patrika hai. Humaare vaivaahik jeevan ke niyam hai ismein. Smaran hai, uss pratiyogita mein vijay hui thi main, atah humaare dampatya jeevan ke nirnay lene ka adhikaar hai mujhe.
Draupadi declared, a playful smile gracing those pink rosebuds that were her lips.

Yudhishtir chuckled & Draupadi loved its sound, wanting to hear it repeatedly.
Y: Avashya....
Was all he said as carefully opened the scroll.

Vaivaahik Jeevan Ke Niyam:

(Yudhishtir smiled at the title)

Nimnalikhit niyam todne par dand swaroop, niyam todne waale ko, vijeta ki kahi pratyek baat maanna anivarya hoga:

1 Dhanyawaad bolna mana hai.
2 Kshyama maangna mana hai.
3 Anavashyak aupcharikta apraadh hai.
4 Baatein chupaana mana hai.
5 Sadaiv ek doosre ka sukh-dukh baantna anivarya hai.
6 Doosre ko swayam ka dhyaan rakhne dena avashyak hai.

( Samay anusaar, aur niyam iss suchi mein daal diye jaayenge.)

Dharmaraj Yudhishtir looked deep into the beautiful eyes of Yagyaseni. She too found herself lost in his serene eyes that held peace, respect & care for all around him, whether family, friend or enemy, something Draupadi really admired about him.

Panchali pouted when Yudhishtir chuckled again, handing her back the list.
D: Aaryaaa!!!!
She whined making Yudhishtir stop laughing, but an amused smile played on his lips.

D: Aapko ye sab parihaas lag raha hai?
Her supple, pink lips pouted further causing Dharmaraj's heart to skip a bit.
D: Chaliye Chaliye! Isspar shigra apne hasthakshar kijiye!
She demanded so cutely that he could never bear to refuse her.
Yudhishtir wrote his name on the parchment & Draupadi followed.

Y: Ab toh aap prasann hai?
Yudhishtir questioned softly making Draupadi nod excitedly & giggle like a little girl, making him chuckle again. The childish side of the fiery, elegant & royal Panchali was too sweet.

The couple lost track of time as they sat admist the bountiful greenery, spending time together. Yudhishtir listened to his wife's animated talks with complete attention, his heart beating steadily each time the stunning Yagyaseni offered him a smile.

Once Draupadi was tired & done with her happy talks, the couple sat in a peaceful silence, enjoying each other's company & the beauty of the nature surrounding them.

Draupadi was admiring the beautiful colorful butterfly sitting on a nearby freshly blooming flower, when she felt a slight weight on her shoulder.

Yudhishtir had fallen asleep, his head lolling to her shoulder in his sleep. Draupadi immediately placed a hand on his cheek, holding his head against her shoulder, while she adjusted him in a more comfortable position.

Realising that this way, his neck would be strained, she carefully manuvered her husband to place his head in her lap, hoping to god he didn't wake up owing to the fact that he was an alert warrior & thus a light sleeper.

She smiled though when Yudhishtir didn't budge, instead snuggled against her warmth, breathing evenly. Must be too tired.
She smiled softly, letting him rest, knowing how difficult the last few days had been for him, juggling rapidly between the duties of a crown prince, taunts of jealous people, his own cousin's conspiracies, the guilt of thinking that he'd taken away his brother's happiness & finally his own feelings & emotions she could see him struggling to suppress.
These thoughts never let him have a peaceful night's sleep either.

He was severely drained out, mentally & physically, & finally his body had given in to fatigue but his heart & mind were still at battle.
Draupadi couldn't resist stroking his dark,soft silky locks. Her fingers soothed his frowned lines, making Yudhishtir sigh unconsciously.

It had started out as a formality, but as the days passed Yudhishtir's simplicity & beautiful heart kept winning Panchali's heart with the smallest yet most heartfelt gestures.

She couldn't seem to take her eyes off him, admiring her sleeping husband. His long dark lashes curling lightly against his fair golden toned skin, his sharp features glowed in the sunlight.

She would occasionally pat his forehead gently when he tensed in his sleep at times, immediately calming him. She sighed knowing how everything plagued him, even in his sleep.

Time passed by, as Yudhishtir slept with his head in Draupadi's lap, while her eyes were transfixed to his perfectly sculpted features. She would stroke his hair occasionally, unconsciously.

Meanwhile, Duryodhan & Karna made their way to Yudhishtir's room, only to be stopped from entering by the gaurds.

D: Sainik! Hato marg se, mujhe Yudhishtir se karya hai!
He ordered but the gaurds didn't budge.

G: Kshyama kijiye Rajkumar, Yuvraj iss samay Yuvrani ke saath hai. Tatha Yuvrani ji ne parihaar ka aadesh diya hai. Atah aap pravesh nahi karsakte, Rajkumar!
The gaurd blocked the entrance to the chamber, stressing on the word "Yuvraj", making Duryodhan nearly gape.

Du: Parihaar?
Dushasan had a lavacious smile on his face while Duryodhan scowled making Karn sigh.
K: Chalo mitra, Yuvraj abhi vyast hai, hum kuch samay upraant aajaayenge.
Karna tried to cajole him & lead him away, but Duryodhan refused.

Du: Lagta hai raatri pariyapt....
Karn whisper yelled in shock.
K: Ek stree ke sammaan ka toh vichaar karo! Tum aise shabdo ka prayog kaise kar sakte ho!!! Vo tumhaari bhaabhishree hai, maata samaan hai.

Karn gasped out in shock while Duryodhan was unaffected, rolling his eyes.

Du: Shaant hojao mitra Karn!
Karn whispered, leading Duryodhan away when they happened to catch sight of the Crown Prince & Princess of Hastinapur.

Draupadi had pure admiration, respect, care & few other unknown feelings mirroring from her eyes as gazed at her sleeping Aarya.
So devoted to his care, & so concerned about his comfort, she was using her aanchal to fan him, unaware at the venomous evil glares coming their way.

Yudhishtir sighed in contentment as he felt cool air sooth his face. He was in a sleepy haze & too cozy & comfortable to want to wake up voluntarily.

Nevertheless, stretching a bit, Yudhishtir snuggled against the warm surface beneath him, opening his eyes slowly.

The first thing he saw was his wife's beautiful face, and was startled as he realised their position. Draupadi smiled at him, continuing to fan him.

Y: Uh... kshyama kijiye...pata main kaise so gaya....kabse soya tha main?
Yudhishtir started awkwardly but Panchali waved him off.

D: Nahi Aarya...aap vishraam kijiye. Divasbhar kitne karya karte hai aap. Aapki nidra ko abhi adhik samay nahi hua hai.
Draupadi asked him softly, her fingers still caressing his dark locks, making Yudhishtir unable to resist closing his eyes in pleasure.

Draupadi was happy when Yudhishtir kept laying, not hesitating further, allowing her to spend some quality time with him, for the first time since their marriage.

Draupadi blushed noticing deep copper coloured molten orbs staring right up at her, almost looking through her soul. Their eyes conveyed unspoken feelings, until they shyly averted them.

Draupadi noticed Yudhishtir scrunch his eyes, as suddenly the rays of the sun fell on his face. Suddenly feeling that he was no longer blinded by the afternoon sun any longer, the eldest Pandav opened his eyes, to see his perfect wife smiling in a way that made his heart flutter like a teenager, holding up her aanchal as barrier to protect him against the sun's glare.

D: Mere hote aapke vishraam mein koi vighna nahi aayega, Aaryaputra.
Draupadi's doe eyes were transfixed on Dharmaraj's handsome face, admiring that priceless serene smile of his.

Draupadi was amused to see the slight pink hue of his skin every time her dainty fingers caressed his skin. He was so cute at times, no always! Even though his dharm related talks bugged her at times, she loved how righteous & great of a man her Aarya was: the most righteous of men to be born.

K: Mitra ye anuchit hai.
Karna warned, turning away from Yudhishtir & Draupadi's oblivious figures in the garden.

Du: Tanik ruko mitra...main bhi toh dekhu ki ye Yudhishtir kisprakar Yuvraj ke daittva chodkar uss Panchali ke aalingan mein lipta hai. Yadi Yuvraj banna hi nahi tha toh mujhse mera adhikaar kyu cheena!
He growled lowly.

Karn looked exhausted by now, not knowing how he could explain Duryodhan that the crown was not his possession. He smiled, remembering how aptly Dharmaraj had put it.

" Sihasan koi vastu nahi jispar tumhaara athva mera adhikaar ho. Sihasan ek daitva hai, praja jano ke prati. Aur raja vaastav mein apni praja ka sevak hota hai, jo keval apni praja ke sukh, samriddhi va suraksha ka vichaar kare."

Karn never understood Duryodhan's hatred for the pious Dharmaraj who as far as he knew cherished Duryodhan with his heart, just like he did any of the other Pandavs. Karn would have loved to have a brother like him.

Meanwhile Duryodhan's low growl had alerted Yudhishtir, who launched up sharply from a concerned Draupadi's lap.
D: Arya..?
Y: Shhhhh....
Draupadi's pretty doe eyes widened as Yudhishtir's scabrous, firm warrior-like large palm covered her dainty petal like lips. She cursed her wretched heart internally as it took to galloping super fast once again.

Y: Yaha koi hai....aapne vo swar suna? Yahapar koi pashu toh ho nahi sakta...iss prakar humaare neeji udyaan mein pravesh karne ka kya arth hai?
Draupadi looked worriedly as Yudhishtir scanned the area for any threat, but unfortunately the person(s) had escaped.

D: Aarya! Rehne dijiye na! Jaa chuka hai vo! Iss samay mere Aarya ke samay par keval mera adhikaar hai, kisi ghuspaithiye ka nahi!
Draupadi pouted, before blushing hard realising what she just said.

However, seeing Yudhishtir's face her shy smile morphed into a smirk. She did love a pink Yudhishtir, especially when she was the reason her ever calm, strict, organised, mature, & responsible crown prince of a husband would blush. Her warrior prince of a husband was adorable like this.

Y: Theek hai, kintu main yaha se jaate hi sarv pratham, aapke bhavan ki surakhsha vyavastha badhva dunga.
Yudhishtir told her sternly making her pout again, making her husband tempted to smile, but he didn't.

D: Aapko mere samarthya par vishwaas nahi Aarya? Main stree hoon toh kya hua, apna rakshan bhali bhaati kar sakti hoon!
She frowned, tired of people underestimating her, even if their concern was out of love & care.

Yudhishtir frowned, feeling guilty for offending his wife, not meaning to at all.
Y: Kshyama kijiye, mera vo taatparya nahi tha. Mujhe aapke samarthya par tanik bhi shanka nahi, kintu mere rehte aapko vo kasht swayam uthaana pade toh mera kartavya apoorn hoga.
Yudhishtir explained softly, his sweet & deep words reaching out to Draupadi's soul. In that moment she felt something for him, much stronger than anything before.

He made her feel so special, like she was the most precious thing in the universe. She was speechless, not knowing how she came to deserve the great, righteous Dharmaraj as her husband.

After a while of rest, Yudhishtir got up, sighting that Draupadi's thighs would hurt or go numb if he rested on them any longer. She rolled her eyes at his explanation.
D: Aarya....
Draupadi spoke intensely, boldly reaching out boldly to cup his chiselled jaw her her tiny, soft palms.

D: Jisprakaar aap mujhe kisi kasht mein mein nahi dekh sakte, main bhi aapko kisi kasht mein nahi dekh sakti, Aarya. Aapke samast karya karna, aapke liye bhojan banana, parosna, aapke saath samay vyateet karna mere liye kashtdaayi nahi atyant sukhdaayi hai. Mujhe inhe karne se mat rokiye.
She whispered, resting her head against his thundering heart, pressing a soft kiss over the rich fabric of his angavastra.

Yudhishtir's eyes snapped open at the barest of contact , & he scrunched them to battle sweet sensations that threatened to overtake him completely. He was still struggling to understand how Draupadi's mere presence awoke such deep feelings in him.
Not that he'd had much experience, but no woman had ever come close to awaking.

He always believed she was only being a good & dutiful wife to him & still expected Arjun to reside in her heart, never dreaming of taking that place. However, her words confused him? She enjoyed caring for him?

Meanwhile, wanting a bit of time to calm her racing heart, Draupadi broke the embrace.
D: Ji...main vo.... Dushala ko dekhkar aati hoon...yadi use kisi vastu ki avashyakta ho...toh...
Draupadi fidegetd with her fingers, her breathing still erratic.

Yudhishtir smiled his usual serene smile giving no inkling of his racing heart, & Draupadi was sure her heart was about to stop.
She marvelled at every small beautiful detailing god had done while sculpting his hopelessly handsome features.
Y: Avashya....mujhe bhi Kakashree Vidur se bhet karne jaana hai.
He told her softly, extending a hand for her to fet up, once he did.

D: Pranipat.
Draupadi folded her shaky palms & Yudhishtir nodded in acknowledgement, smiling.
Draupadi literally ran away to the safety of the interior of the palace, leaving behind a puzzled Yudhishtir.

Draupadi ran & ran, her anklets tinkling wildly, giggles tumbled out of her lips as she stopped, holding a large ivory carved pillar for support as she took in large amounts of air, panting.
Her cheeks had outrivalled beetroots a longtime ago, thinking about her moments with Aarya Yudhishtir.

Like a predator, laying in wait for his next prey, Jaydrath emerged from behind another pillar, hiding before Draupadi could spot him.
A sick smile crossed his face as he openly eyed Panchali, his eyes fixating at the tiny bit of skin revealed due to her odhni sliding slightly downwards, due to all that running.

J: Yudhishtir! Yudhishtir! Kya bhahya likhwakar laaye ho! Maan gaye! Parishram kare Arjun, aur phal prapt hua tumhe... vo bhi itna sundar phal.
He licked his lips, as if there was a peice of meat before him, instead of his respectable Sister-in-law by marriage.

He now needed a plan to take from Yudhishtir, even if for a while, what he wanted, by hook or crook.

*******

Da: Yuvrani Prasann rahe!
A daasi entered the chamber, bowing before Draupadi.
Da: Yuvrani aapne jo laane ka aadesh diya tha, vah main le aayi.
The daasi placed a golden thaal covered with a purple silk cloth on the table. On the thaal, were several precious stones & beads, the most exquisite ones of Aryavart.

Draupadi's eyes lit up as she carefully fingered them, admiring their richness.
D: Inn motiyon ko ek dhaage mein pirohkar, main mere Aarya ke lite, vishwa ka sabse sundar upahar banaungi!
Draupadi thought to herself, happily. She asked the daasi to leave before getting to work.

Just then....
H: Pranipat bhaabhishree. Kshyama kijiye...bina anumati liye hi pravesh kar gayi.
Draupadi looked up to see a beautiful woman smiling at her.
D: Hidimba! Aao na! Baitho! Kshyama kyu? Tum toh meri behen ho, anumati ki koi avashyakta nahi hai!

Draupadi pulled her sister-in-law cum newest best friend down next to her. They'd spent a lot of time talking & bonding since early that morning.

H: Atyant sundar hai ye abhhushan! Aapne swayam banaya? Kiske liye hai ye?
Hidimba cried out excitedly & Draupadi nodded.
D: Aaryaputra Yudhishtir ke liye.
Draupadi blushed slightly making Hidimba smile mischievously.

H: Arrey waah!!!! Jyesht bhrata ke liye vishesh upahar huh!
Hidimba giggled further deepening Yagyaseni's blush.
H: Hmm...
Hidimba giggled naughtily.

H: Tab toh main Jyesht ko badhaai dekar aati hoon! Itni pyaari patni jo mili hai unhe!
Hidimba told a stumped Draupadi teasingly, making her eyes widen.
D: Nahi nahi nahi! Main Aarya ko ashcharya chakit karna chahti hoon.
Draupadi implored her, her eyes still wide in alarm.

H: Arrey arrey bhaabhi! Main toh parihaas kar rahi thi!
Hidimba winked while Draupadi made a mock stern face before playfully slapping her shoulder.

D: Natkhat kahinki!
She giggled making Hidimba grin. Draupadi knew now why Bheem was so in love with the bubbly & sweet Hidimba.

The too sat & talked for long like lost lost friendsbas Draupadi continued her job.
After working on it for a while, Draupadi quickly hid it away before the two were off going to check on the pregnant Dushala, as they had plans to spend some girl time with her, Maata Kunti & Gandhari.

Pandavas's Sitting room:

Y: Bheem...abhi nahi. Tum Ghatotkatch aur Hidimba ke saath samay vyateet kyu nahi karte? Jao na...
Yudhishtir pleaded, wanting to concentrate on the administration plan he was working on.

Bh: Par Bhratashree! Hidimba toh pratah se Bhaabhishree ke saath hai, aur putra Ghatotkatch bhi apni Jyesht maata ke liye pushp lene gaya hai. Vo toh aate hi unse apaar sneh karne laga hai.
Bheem told him, looking up at him hopefully.

Y: Bheem....mujhe rajkiya karya.....
B: Nahi na Jyesht! Keval kuch samay!!!!
Bheem cut him off with a sulky pout that made Yudhishtir sigh in defeat. He was goner before his brother's wishes.

Y: Theek hai, chalo anuj...
Yudhishtir smiled at Bheem stroking his hair lovingly. Bheem's face lit up instantly & he immediately lead Yudhishtir inside.

P: Pranipat Jyesht!
All the other Pandavas & Krishna greeted Yudhishtir with smiles.
Y: Uh....kalyan ho!
He blessed uneasily not really liking their sugary sweet grins, knowing it meant something not too good for him, most of the times.

B: Toh Shishyon!!!
Bheem commenced making Yudhishtir groan mentally. Not again!

B: Aaj Gurudev Vrikodar ki kaksha mein hum seekhenge...upahar dene ki uchit pranali!!!!
Bheem declared, turning to Yudhishtir who seemed in his own thoughts.

B: Aaj ka vishay bataiye, Shishya Dharmaraj!
He asked sternly making Yudhishtir come out of his thoughts.
Y: H...huh? Vo....upahar kaise dena hai....Drau...arthaat patni ko.
Yudhishtir answered almost meekly, hoping he was right. He admonished himself for behaving like a dreamy teenager, he was the elder here for god's sake.

Bheem nodded sternly, though smirking on the inside knowing exactly what or about who his otherwise extremely focused Jyesht was thinking today. This was just the start!!!

B: Aap yaha aiyye...
He lead Yudhishtir to the centre of the room.
B: Aur....ummm....Nakul! Tum aao!
Bhem beckoned a confused Nakul who exchanged looks with an even more confused Yudhishtir.

B: Ab maan lijiye....Nakul hi aapki patni hai.
Yudhishtir looked at Bheem like he'd suddenly grown two heads.
The other Pandavas too had matching bewildered looks plastered on their faces.

Y: K..kya?
Bheem only nodded in reply though.
Y: A...anuj?
He began hesitantly & Bheem sighed.
B: Arrey....keval abhi ke liye. Nakul ko bhaabhishree samajhkar abhyaas kijiye aap.

Smirking at Bheem, Nakul fluttered his lashed at a shocked Yudhishtir.
N: Maine suna hai, aap mere liye uphaar laaye hai!!! Kya laaye hai mere liye?? Bataiyye na Aaryaputraa!!!!
He asked in a coy voice, tugging at him making Yudhishtir grimace & the others suppress their laughter, however letting out muffled laughter occasionally.

Bheem spat out the water he was drinking, nearly gasping for breath as he laughed uncontrollably with an equally laughing Sahadev clutching to him.

Yudhishtir cleared his throat sternly making the three straighten up immediately.
Y: Aaryaputra nahi....Jyesht Bhrata kaho Nakul.
He told him strictly making the elder son of Maadri pout.
The brothers too pouted at their glaring elder brother. He was no fun!!

B: Jyesht...aapko bhaabhishree ko prasann karna hai ki nahi?
Bheem asked slyly, smirking as his trick worked when Yudhishtir's glare faded into an innocent expression as he nodded.
Y: avashya karna hai, Bheem.
He spoke out anxiously.

B: Bas toh....abhyaas kijiye Nakul ke saath....
Bheem ordered making Yudhishtir want to pout himself, but he controlled himself, wanting to maintain the decorum as an elder.

N: Aaryaaaa!
Nakul called in a squeaky voice making Yudhishtir wince, but sigh & relent.

Y: Uh..um...vo....ye tumhaare liye.....
He passed him a cushion that was their temporary " gift", before awkwardly looking away.

N: Cheee!
Nakul made a face pushing it away, back towards a flabbergasted Yudhishtir.
Y: Cheee...arthaat?
He looked confused.

B: Jyesht!!!
Bheem shook his head making a * are you serious?* expression.
S: Bhrata Bheem, kuch aur praytna karte hai....vo patra! Vo Dijiye Jyesht ko!!!
Sahadev suggested making Bheem's eyes light up as he scooped up the youngest Pandava happily, peppering his head with kisses.

B: Mera pyaara bhai! Kitna budhdhimaan hai! Sahi samay par uchit sujhaav diya tune!
Bheem exclaimed as he held a struggling Sahadev in a bone crushing hug.

Sahadev was gasping for breath by the time he had been sufficiently showered with Bheem's 'affection'.
Yudhishtir shook his head at their kiddy antics.

B: Lijiye Jyesht....iss patra ko tanik padhiye toh...
Bheem handed him a scroll, which Yudhishtir opened & began to read.

Y: Pranpriye Panchali,

Main tumhaare prem mein vikshipt hochuka hoon. Tumhaari sundar vani ne mere mann ko moh liya hai. Tumhaare aapaar soundarya ke samksh toh...

Yudhishtir's head snapped as he realised the words.

Y: Anuj....
He called sharply making Bheem gein nervously.
Bh: Ji bhratashree?
He blinked innocently earning a glare from Dharmaraj.

Y: Ye kya hai? Kisprakar ki bhasha ka prayog kiya hai tumne? Streeyon ka sammaan kiya jaata hai, aise shabdo ka prayog.....

B: Unhe bhaata hai.... kshyama kijiye Jyesht aapki baat kaatne ke liye, kintu Rajkumari Draupadi ek stree hone ke saath saath aapki patni bhi hai. Aur jab bhi ek pati apni patni ke soundarya ki, unke swabhaav aadi ki prashansa karta hai, unhe bohot sukh praapt hota hai.
Bhaabhishree Draupadi toh aapke prem mein padd jaayengi!

Bheem grinned at Yudhishtir, a smirk begining to form on his lips, seeing a deep blush creep up elder's brother's neck.
Y: Ai...aisa kuch nahi..hai... main toh keval unhe prasann dekhna chahta hoon.

Bh: Toh phir.....lag jaiyye karya par shishya!
Bheem smirked & Yudhishtir sighed but began his work with complete focus, remembering his reward:

The priceless, beautiful & happy smile on Draupadi's face.

*****

Later that day.....

Yudhishtir's eyes darted too & fro alertly, as if scanning the area for a threat.

His face whirled to a side as he weilded his spear skillfully, as if attacking a nearby opponent. Doing a complete back flip, he landed spear first on the floor, causing the flooring to crack due to the strength of his spear.

Draupadi thanked the gaurds as they informed her about Yudhishtir's practicing inside.

D: Aapke liye Sandhya aarti ka prasaad layi thi Aarya....putra...
Draupadi stopped short at what was before her.
There in the practice area, stood her husband, clad in nothing but a plain beige dhoti. His powerful arms while not bulky like Bheem, were hard & well muscled. Drops of sweat trickled down his hard well defined abs. His strong shoulder blades, muscled chest had completely benumbed her mind.

His face looked perfectly flawless inspite of the sweat drops trickling down its perfect surface.
Draupadi felt a deliciously sweet sensation pooled in within her, coupled with butterflies floating in her stomach.

Draupadi simply couldn't take her eyes off her ace warrior of a husband as he efficiently weilded his spear with grace and skill.

The other Pandavas practising with their weapons nearby noticed her arrival, smirking.

N: Aji sunte hai.... Aaryaputra! Dekhiye toh kon aaya hai....aapse bhet karne?!!!
Nakul called out mischievously while the others snickered. Draupadi gave them a stunned look before blushing deeply.

Y: Abhi nahi Nakul....
Yudhishtir warned sternly, not moving his eyes from his spear.

N: Kintu Aa...
Y: Nakul vyarth parihaas mat karo! Shastra abhyaas par dhyaan kendrit karo, Anuj!
Draupadi smiled seeing how much love dripped from Dharmaraj's scolding.

Y: Tum bhi na.....
Yudhishtir stopped short as he turned around to see Draupadi standing by the entrance with an aarti thaal in her hands.

Y: A..aap? Padhariye na....koi karya tha? Aapne swayam kasht kyu liya?
Yudhishtir told her politely. Draupadi internally made a face at his excessively formal behaviour.

D: Ji nahi....kasht kaisa? Main toh keval aapko ye prasaad dene aayi thi....lijiye na aap sabhi.

Yudhishtir took the aarti, moving his hands towards her to send it over her first before himself, making her smile.
As she handed him & the others the prasad, Yudhishtir noticed her lowered shy gaze and deep crimson cheeks. Words failed to describe how mesmerising she looked right then.

His eyes widened as it dawned upon him as to why she was blushing. Noticing completely bare upper body, he quickly scrambled for his angavastra & quickly donned it on, before returning to her. Yudhishtir narrowed his eyes, hearing snickering from behind, but let it go.

J: Apni patni se itna lajjate ho, Yudhishtir?
Jaydrath walked in out of nowhere, coming to stand near them.
Both Yudhishtir & Draupadi grew uncomfortable suddenly at his question.

Y: Pranipat Sindhu naresh.
Yudhishtir greeted politely, hinting at the others to do the same with his eyes. They did with big fake smiles, for the sake of their beloved sister, inspite of knowing how Jaydrath was.

J: Kalyan ho!
The king of Sindhu gave a leery smile, his gaze lingering on Draupadi a little too longer than Yudhishtir liked. He frowned at the sudden anger filling his nearly always cool mind. What is it that made him so irritated at Sindhuraj?

Draupadi smiled, extending the aarti thaal towards him, however Jaydrath came closer unnecessarily, that too a bit too much to take the aarti, leering at her all the while as he took the prasad, making Draupadi immensely uncomfortable.

Draupadi had just relaxed as Jaydrath left when she noticed a couple of daasis from the corner of her eyes. On a closer look, they appeared to be giggling & whispering all the while staring at her....Aarya's muscles?

Yudhishtir admired his wife's puffed up cheeks with more amusement than surprise. He looked on curiously & a little shyly as Panchali'ss fingers brushed against his muscled chest as she adjusted his angavastra in a way that covered his perfectly sculpted body completely. Her usually sweet smile was replaced by a stern look. He looked quizzically at his snickering brothers, not understanding what was going on.

D: Tum dono.....
Draupadi 's calm yet stern voice immediately stopped the giggling.
D1 & 2: J..ji Yuvrani, aadesh karein!
The daasis stuttered, somewhat wary seeing the usually calm new Yuvrani, looking irritated.

D: Yadi deepak jalana hogaya ho, toh MERE Aaryaputra ke snaan ki vishesh vyavastha kijiye. Main veshesh lep lekar aati hoon.
Draupadi instructed before walking away with a swish of her heavy ensemble, leaving behind Yudhishtir with mixed feelings at the mercy of his smirking brothers.

Draupadi walked down the large corridor of the palace, muttering all the way about shameless daasis oogling at her Aarya, hers! She pouted before suddenly stopping short. Hers?
She never realised how possessive she was growing about her husband.

Suddenly, she felt a tug on her Aanchal & turned back quickly.
Du: Ohh!! Kshyama kijiyega.... bhaabhi... shree.
Dushasan gave a sickly sweet smile glancing at his foot trapping Draupadi's long drape with a fake 'oops' expression.

Draupadi tried to tug it out but Dushasan took hold of it before her, inching closer to her, eyes alight with lust, holding the drape.

Du: Itni bhi kya shigrata hai, bhaabhi....shree!
Draupadi looked outraged, as she snatched her aanchal out of a smirking Dushasan's grip.

D: Maryaada mein rahiye, Kumar Dushasan anyatha....
She was furious but it didn't seem to affect Dushasan at all.
Du: maryada? Vo kyu....vaise bhi tum kisprakar ki stree ho....prem Arjun se aur vivaah uske Jyesht bhrata Yudhishtir se?
Laga hoga, Yudhishtir ki patni banogi toh Arjun bhi rahega aur Hastinapur ki hone waali maharani ban sakogi.
Yojna uttam thi sundari, kintu yadi mere bhrata Duryodhan se vivaah karti, tab safal hoti, kyunki Hastinapur ke sihasan par keval unka adhikaar hoga!

" DUSHASANNN!!!!"
Draupadi almost jumped at the unexpected, sudden growl from behind, turning to see the furious Bheem, Nakul & Sahadev.

Bh: Apni maryada main raho.... bhaabhishree se kshyama mango isi shan anyatha main yahi tumhaara mastak ukhaad dunga!
Vrikodar growled, swinging his gada.The twins were silent yet furious.

Dushasan only rolled his eyes. Draupadi ignored him & turned to Bheem with a smile.
D: Aapne jo mujhe laddoo banane ki nayi vidhi batayi thi, aaj maine usise kuch banane ka praytna kiya hai. Kya aap vo chakhenge? Ghatotkatch ko bhi bulva lijiye.
Draupadi asked him hopefully, her face lighting up when Bheem's anger vanished & his eyes lit up enough to nearly blind her with their shine.

B: Main chakhu? Sach? Toh vilambh kaisa bhaabhishree! Main abhi putra Ghatotkatch ko sandesh bhijvaata hoon!!! Shigra Chaliye na!!!
The gentle giant whined eagerly & childishly making Draupadi smile.

B: Aap sabse achchi bhaabhishree hai!
Bheem exclaimed happily, making her let out an amused giggle.

However her laugh halted all of a sudden when she felt Dushasan's grubby hand on her shoulder. However what happened next, shocked everyone.

Dushasan howled in pain, clutching his burnt hand. The Pandavas too looked surprised yet proud.
S: Ye aapne kisprakar kiya, bhaabhishree?
Sahadev, the youngest Madreya questioned with genuine surprise.

Draupadi smiled coolly.
D: Meri ichcha ke virudhdh mujhe sparsh karne waale ka yahi parinaam hai.
She answered. The Pandavas nodded, smirking at Dushasan. They knew Draupadi didn't need them or Yudhishtir to protect her, she was more than capable.

The second son of Dhritashtra growled in rage at his bruised male ego.
Duh: Mayavi stree! Ab tu nahi bachegi! Main Pitashree ko bataunga, tumhaare iss durr vyavhaar ke vishay mein.
He sneered.

Draupadi rolled her eyes, making him further furious.
D: Oh? Durr...vyavhaar Rajkumar?
She asked with fake innocence before a smirk graced her flawless features.

D: Avashya kahiye BHRATA. Pitamah, Maata Kunti, Jyesht maata, Taatshree, Kakashree Vidur ye sabhi avashya sunna chaahenge ki kisprakar aapne Kuru vansh ki Jyesht Kulvadhu, Hastinapur ki bhaavi Maharani ko sparsh kis bhaati kiya, kyu?

The Pandavas looked at the wife of their eldest brother with stars shinning in their eyes. Bheem was tempted to do a fist pump seeing Dushasan's rapidly purpling face.

Dushasan mad with rage, growled animalistically, raising his fist to bring down on her when Draupadi caught it, sending another wave of hot burning pain through his hand.

The fireborn looked up directly at him, rage evident in her eyes.
D: Maryada mein rahe Rajkumar!!!
She bellowed while the three Pandavas behind her growled, only waiting for Draupadi's instruction.

D: Theek hai phir... Pranipat... BHRATASHREE...
Draupadi smirked as she whirled around & walked away, leaving Dushasan groaning in pain.

*********

Yudhishtir's sitting room:

Y: Avashya, main aapko anumati deta hoon. Aapki patni ka swasthya theek hone tak aap avkaash le lijiye. Iss samay unhe aapki sabse adhik avashyakta hai.

Yudhishtir smiled reassuringly at the gaurd who was nearly in tears with worry & anxiety.

G: Aapka bohot bohot aabhaar yuvraj! Aapka rinn main kisprakar chuka paunga.
The gaurd joined his hands in respect before the great Dharmaraj, who only smiled.

Y: Rinn chukaana hi hai toh apni patni tatha hone waale shishu ka dhyaan rakhiye. Aur haan....ye kuch dhann rakh lijiye, kadachit aapki patni ke upchaar mein sahayta ho.
Yudhishtir handed him a large bag of gold coins.

The gaurd left, not before nearly falling at Yudhishtir's feet in gratitude much to his shock as he repeated hailed & praised the generous & righteous Dharmaraj. The most noble man to walk this earth.

Sighing, Yudhishtir was about to sit down to take a look at the accounts before him when he heard the loud cries of an infant.
A frantic Vasudev Krishna entered the personal sitting room of the Crown Prince of Hastinapur, bouncing & cooing to two shreiking infants in his arms. Yudhishtir had already told him to not worry about permission before entering.

Yudhishtir looked up in concern at Krishna, as the wailing got louder & louder.
Kr: Shhh..shhh... Pranipat Jyesht...shh...shh....
Yudhishtir glanced at the one man who always had a solution for every problem of theirs struggling desperately as he soothed his crying babies in vain.

Kr: Rukmini aur Satyabhama dono hi yahi se apne Pite ke rajya chali gayi aur dekhiye na Jyesht mujhe inndono ko akele hi sambhaalna pad raha hai. Meri anya raniyaan bhi Dwarka mein hai.
Krishna pouted making Yudhishtir chuckled.

Y: Toh kya hua? Shishu sambhaalna kaha kathin hai?
Yudhishtir asked nonchalantly & the eternal lord looked at him as if he were from another planet.

Y: Dijiye....
Yudhishtir winced as baby Bhanu howled loudly. Yudhishtir rocked his back & forth, cocooning him his arms, cooing softly to the little one.

The baby's sobs stopped once in Dharmaraj's arms, as if his calm aura had soothed the little one. His chubby little arms wrapped around Yudhishtir as the baby nuzzled his face against his angavastra while Yudhishtir awed at the cute gesture. All this while Krishna marveled at all his creations. ( including Dharmaraj 😉)

Kr: Jyesht! Aap toh chamatkari hai!! Bhanu ko itni saralta se shaant kisprakar kiya aapne? Satya bhi itni shigra aisa nahi kar pati.
Yudhishtir chuckled, waving him off as he tickled the baby earning a musical giggle.

Y: Aisa kuch nahi hai Vasudev, jiske chaar bhai ho, use anubhav ho hi jaata hai. Mujhe toh nanhe shishu atyant priya hai.
Yudhishtir smiled as he made a funny face while bouncing an extremely happy baby Bhanu.

Y: Pradyumn bhi bohot bada hogaya hai na?
Yudhishtir asked lovingly, fondly stroking the head of the eldest son of Krishn.

P: planipaat taatshlee!
Pradyumn bowed deeply with his tiny hands joined making both chuckle.
Y: Arrey waah! Abhi se bado ka itna aadar! Kalyan ho putra!
Yudhishtir playfully pinched his chubby little cheek making the toddler giggle & run off to play.
Kr: Arrey putra kiska hai!
Krishna puffed his chest proudly making Yudhishtir chuckle.

Y: Avashya Vasudev...aap jaise doosra samagra Aaryavart mein nahi hai koi. Mere hriday mein atyant prem aur sammaan hai aapke liye.
Yudhishtir told Krishn honestly making the lord of the universe smile.

Kr: Dhanyawaad Jyesht....kintu aapke jaisa mahapurush toh samagra shrishti mein nahi hai. Aapko pata hai....dau ko bataiyyega mat haan anaytha vo mujhe chodenge nahi...kintu mere sabse priye Jyesht toh aap hi hai
Krishna snickered mischievously before hugging Yudhishtir.

"Aaaaaa!"
A rather insistent whine & a tug on Yudhishtir's angavastra brought them back from their thoughts.
Bhaanu's chubby red cheeks were all puffed up as he glared at his father & uncle.

Realising that the baby was angry having felt neglected, both burst out laughing as Yudhishtir again began to bounce Bhaanu up & down in his arms until the baby was once again giggling happily.

Kr: ( whispers) Lagta hai putra tumhe apne hone waale Pitashree abhi se kuch adhik hi bhaa gaye hai. Bhaavi sasur-jamata mein abhi se itna prem. Waah waah!
Krishna smirked to himself, thinking about the future relationship he & the eldest Pandav along with his dear sakhi would share.

Y: Ji?
Having heard his murmurs but Krishna smiled sweetly.
Kr: Kuch nahi Jyesht, bas vichaar jar raha tha ki....meri priya Sakhi kaha hai?

Y: Aapki sakhi toh....
Yudhishtir looked around the room, before signalling a daasi, who came forward & bowed.

Y: Kripya, Yuvrani Draupadi ko sandesh de dijiye ki maine unhe smaran kiya hai. Dhanyawaad.
He asked her politely & the daasi bowed again, rushing to do his biding.

The tinkling of anklets a few moments later indicated Draupadi's arrival.
D: Ji Aarya?
Draupadi looked at Yudhishtir her cheeks rosy red with exertion, having rushed there on hearing that Yudhishtir had called for her.

Y: Haan vo... Vasudev aaye hai na. Isliye aapko bulaaya tha.
Yudhishtir smiled calmly.

Kr: Aarey' O Aaryaputra ki bharya! Kabhi apne iss bhole bhaale se sakha ki orr bhi dekhlo!
Krishna pouted. Draupadi's cheeks flushed with embarrassment while Yudhishtir coughed awkwardly.

Kr: Aur nahi toh kya? Bina maakhan ke praan sukh gaye hain pata hai!
He cried out earning a giggle from Draupadi & a smile from Yudhishtir.

D: Aapke liye toh maine sabse uttam maakhan mangvaakar rakha hai sakha! Abhi laayi!
Draupadi cried out excitedly while Kanha's eyes glittered. Even god was allowed a guilty pleasure! He thought to himself, anticipating the arrival of his fresh maakhan eagerly.

Draupadi & Yudhishtir sat playing with Bhanu happily while Krishna relished his maakhan, directly from the pot.

Draupadi giggled as Bhaanu stroked Yudhishtir's cheeks with his chubby little hands, cooing softly.
She held up a toy she'd seen Bhaanu play with for quite a bit. This made the baby abandon Yudhishtir & lurch towards her with a squeal. Draupadi giggled mischievously at her husband's crestfallen face.

Yudhishtir smirked playfully as he held up another one of his Bhanu's favourite toys making the baby immediately hop back to him making Draupadi pout.

Draupadi & Yudhishtir made it a little competition to see who the baby played with most. However both sat there stumped a while later, as Bhaanu crawled away from them both to his father or rather the pot of maakhan.

Krishna winked at them while feeding his baby just a tiny bit of butter since he wasn't exactly having anything but milk till then.

A while later, Yudhishtir & Draupadi were left alone in the sitting room when Krishna left with his baby, saying that he needed to find out where Pradyumna had run off to & get him to take a nap. His babies were too naughty to solely be cared for by daas-daasis, he'd joked.

After what had transpired between them earlier that day in the garden, both of them were shy to approach each other.

Draupadi clutched the silken bag tucked by her waist. Thoughts raced across her mind. Would Aarya like it? What if it was small for his muscled arm? What if....ugghhh!
Draupadi scrunched her eyes.

Y: Draupadi?
Her husband's soft voice broke her reverie, & she smiled at him to assure him that she was fine.

D: Uh...Aarya?
Y: Hmm?

Get a grip Panchali! You're the fiery Yagyaseni for god's sake! Her mind bellowed.
Taking a deep breath, she held out the bag towards Yudhishtir.

D: Aarya...main...aapke liye vishesh upahaar laayi thi. Vo....usdin main kuch adhik keh gayi thi...toh....
Draupadi bit her lip nervously....
Yudhishtir's coppery eyes darted up to meet Draupadi's night black ones. A gift for him? What for? He couldn't remember any special occasion or even it wasn't his birthday.

Y: Upahaar? Mere liye?
Yudhishtir questioned, genuinely surprised, but gis heart jumping excitedly within.

D: Ji...lijiye na....
Draupadi watched eagerly as Yudhishtir took the proffered bag & carefully opened its string.

As Crown Prince, he'd seen all the gold & jewels in the world, but this was something else. It was elegant & regal while being as simple as Yudhishtir preferred.

A stunning pair of precious stone studded armlets.

Y: Sundar....
The word tumbled out of his mouth, on its own accord. Draupadi's lips stretched into the most beautiful smile he'd seen.

D: Satya? Aarya aapko achcha laga na? Maine ye sawyam banaya hai aapke liye.
She told him happily making him smile her favourite, serene smile.

Y: Dhanyawaad Panchali....
Yudhishtir looked deep into her eyes, his own speaking volumes of how much her gesture meant to him. He'd always struggled to convey his inner feelings, but his eyes did their job. Draupadi could see that her Aarya was genuinely touched & so very happy from the big grin on his face as he admired his gift repeatedly.

Y: Yadi aappatti na ho toh....apna uphaar aap hi pehna dijiye.
Yudhishtir hoped he wasn't too bold or that she wouldn't be offended.

Draupadi looked at him with her mouth agape. He'd wear her gift? As a royal prince that too crown prince he was bound to wear only the best of robes & ornaments, but he would like to wear her handmade armlets?

D: Avashya!!!!
Draupadi squealed in delighted as she rushed to him. Her dainty altah coated fingers did a quick job of unhooking his previous, ridiculously heavy armlets. Both shivered as her fingers came in contact with his firmly muscled biceps.

D: Hogaya! Kitne manmohak lagrahe hai aap! Kisiki kudrishti na lage!
Draupadi put a black dot from her kajal on the back of Yudhishtir's neck pulled Yudhishtir towards the mirror, holding his shoulders from behind as she openly admired her husband, who was trying his best not to blush.

Y: Main bhi aapke liye...kuch...laaya tha.
Her husband's words halted Draupadi in her tracks as she whirled around to face him.

D: Mere liye?
Draupadi was excited. Aarya Yudhishtir had a gift for her! Eeeeee!!!
Her innocent, calm, strict, workaholic of a husband had a gift for her!!! Which meant he was slowly accepting their relationship! Panchali wanted to dance out of happiness!!!!

Y: Ji....
Dharmaraj's calm smile remaining intact inspite of the sensations running across him as he took out a small red silken pouch, bound by golden threads.

Draupadi's jaw dropping to the floor.
She had never seen a more beautiful ornament in her life. The stunningly gorgeous anklets had diamonds & rubies studded everywhere in a breathtakingly beautiful intricate manner.

D: Aarya.....
Draupadi was speechless....
Y: Uh...yadi aapko achcha nahi laga toh....
D: Shabd khoj rahi hoon Aarya, iske divya soundarya ki prashansa hetu!
Draupadi gasped out, making Yudhishtir smile in relief.

D: Aapka bohot bohot Dhanyawaad Aarya! Mujhe ye bohot bohot bohot achche lage! Aajse ye mere priya aabhushan hai!
Draupadi giggled happily making Yudhishtir feel delight like never before.

Y: Mujhe prasannata hai...
He answered calmly.

Draupadi pouted as she struggled to hook the precious jewel around her ankle. It'd not been too long since her birth from the holy yagya but the hooks of clothing & jewellery irritated her like nothing else.

She was so lost in her mini mental rant about annoying hooks that she almost jumped when a warm, large palm grasped hold feet. She was horrified to find her Aarya kneeling down before her, tenderly clasping her foot in his hands.

Y: laiyye....
Yudhishtir extended his other hand towards her to take the payal.
D: N...nahi...nahi Aarya!
Draupadi grew alarmed, remembering of the tradition her mother had explained to her before her wedding.

Husband was god & the wife touched his feet, not the other way round.
D: Aaryaputra....
Draupadi spoke urgently again but Yudhishtir only smiled calmly at her. Placing one of her dainty feet decorated beautifully with altah on hi knee, Dharmaraj carefully began to hook the anklet around her unbelievably beautiful foot. Even her feet were too pretty for words, he'd thought to himself.

D: Ye paap hai Aarya....
Draupadi began again but Yudhishtir smiled again soothingly at her. He understood what was going on in her mind.
Y: Stree maata hoti hai, behen, putri, sakhi, tatha saakshaat devi hoti hai. Aur devi ke charaan choona paap kisprakar hogaya Paanchali?

Mandir mein devi ki murti ko aabhushano se susarjit karne se punya milta hai, phir iss samay mujhe kyu nahi?
Yudhishtir finished as he placed her feet back on the ground, getting up.

Y: Ardhanareshwar ki katha suni hai?
Yudhishtir asked his wife softly, making her nod lightly.
Y: Swayam Mahadev ka kathan hai ki Purush aur Stree ek hai, samaan hai. Na koi nimn hai, na koi uncha.
He explained softly.

Draupadi looked on with a stunned expression, unable to believe that a man like Yudhishtir existed...but then again he was not Dharmaraj: the epitome of Dharm & righteousness for nothing.

Feeling embolded, & overcome with sweet feelings for her husband, Draupadi didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck. Yudhishtir was surprised, but didn't protest or hesitate.

However then, Yagyaseni Drupadkanya Panchali did something that made Dharmaraj positive that he would black out with an overload of flutterings & feelings.

Leaning in, Draupadi whispered in his ear.
D: Aap vishwa ke sabse achche Aarya hai.
She spoke softly yet sensuously, before pressing her rosebud lips to his evening stubbled cheek, letting it linger for a bit before, once again shyness overtook her & she ran out the room in a flurry of giggles & musically tinkling anklets leaving behind a numb Yudhishtir, rooted in his spot.

*******

Krishna opened his eyes with a smile.Seeing the two happy together Krishna felt relieved. They were the main protagonists of the Dharma-yudh that would take place not too far away in the future.

This was just the beginning of their beautiful bond of husband-wife that would tie them to each other for eternity.

~~~~~~~~~

That's all guys!!
I hope you enjoyed this part. I'm so sorry for the delay, but as many of you know I was really sick, still am but doing much better.

I don't know how soon I can update again, but I'll try my level best. With my health & studies there's just too much I'm struggling with, not strong enough like earlier.

Thanks to each & every loyal & gracious reader for waiting so patiently for me🥰🥰

I have no words to describe how thankful & touched I am with your words & best wishes!!!

❣️❣️

~~Dharmasakhi 💕💕