Hey guys!
To those, who I promised an update & disappeared suddenly, I'm really sorry. It's not like the update was not ready or anything, but I wasn't in the condition to update or even reply to anyone.

Recently, as many of my dear friends & readers know, I was in the hospital & was only discharged a little while back.

Just around mid September I had collapsed again while traveling to college in local bus, and during that time some idiot even had the heart to walk off with my purse & mobile.

Anyways, I'm so thankful to all of you for bearing with me. This time has been tough for me. Thanks for your patience & understanding.

I dedicate this update to all my lovely readers who were so understanding & patient & motivated me to write! 🥰

As a thank you, here's the longest chapter I have written in my life! Exceeding 13,000 words 😃😃

Enjoy!!!

*********

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.

Dharmaraj Yudhishtir, who had perfect control on his emotions & was known to remain calm & composed even in most terrible situations,stood rooted to his spot. It was as if his body had gone numb.

Draupadi's mere close proximity was enough to overpower all his senses until all he could see & understand was her. For a few moments he stood there, wordlessly, before gathering control of his tantalised senses.

Y: Ye sab kya horaha hai mere saath? Aisi anubhooti toh mere jeevan mein pehle kabhi nahi hui. Jab bhi Panchali....
He trailed off with a sigh, his fingers moving up to rest on his still throbbing cheek. He could still feel her soft petal like lips on his skin, & this sensation made him shudder & his cheeks blaze a bright, hot red. No female but his maata had shown him such a gesture of affection before, he thought shyly, really bot used to this.

Meanwhile, outside the room:

S: Bhratashree netra khol loon....?
Sahadev's innocent query made Bheem open just one eye to look at his youngest brother.

N: Ha khol lo....
Nakul smiled mischievously with his eyes closed.
S: Kintu...yadi...uh....
Sahadev trailed off flustered, but Bheem raised a hand.
Bh: Ruko tum dono...main hi dekhta hoon.

Opening a single eye, the mighty Vrikodar scanned the palace corridor, spotting a blushing Panchali come running out of her & Yudhishtir's chamber. He immediately pulled his brothers behind a nearby pillar before she could see them.

As Panchali exited the corridor, they came out.
S: Bhratashree!
Sahadev was bright red after what he saw while Nakul smirked, his earlier embarrassment gone as a new way to tease Yudhishtir emerged in his mind.

In the Gurukul his Jyesht had been too busy concentrating on his additional lessons as future Crown Prince. This rendered him unable to notice just how many female admirers he had, being not only the crown prince but also a very handsome, golden-skinned, golden hearted prince. One that every woman desired.

While he'd had his own large set of female followers owing his good looks & nature, Nakul was not oblivious to his Jyesht's ever increasing female fandom. His Jyesht maybe one of the most dignified & learned men in the whole of Aaryavart at a young age but was still innocent terms of women, even feeling shy of his wife, but then there was a certain beauty about it.

S: Nakul!!!
Sahadev's whine brought Nakul out his thoughts.
N: Ha ha Sahadev khol lo netra!
Nakul shook his head at his innocent twin.

N: Bhrata Bheem....lagta hai aaj humaare priya Aaryaputra ko ek chota sa upahar mila hai.
Nakul smirked, making Bheem grin & Sahadev blush.

S: Bhratashree!
Cried out the horrified making his brothers roll their eyes.
B: Sahadev! Tum bhi Jyesht ki bhati bohot lajjate ho, tumhe bhi sab sikhaana padega!
He slapped the shoulder of his flabbergasted youngest brother.

As Bheem & Nakul continued to discuss more ways to tease Yudhishtir, the eyes of the youngest son of Madri widened.

S: Bhratashree! Bhratashree! Maine kuch bhi nahi dekha! Sachmein!
Sahadev to the other two's horror rushed to Yudhishtir who had just opened the door & stepped out & spoke. Bheem & Nakul whirled around & cursed under their breath.

Nakul almost gasped in shock seeing that his eldest brother had been standing right behind him, by the door.
Y: Aao, priya anujo.
Yudhishtir smirked, calling out to them ever so sweetly while his brother's gulped having been caught red-handed.
What...? Couldn't he mess with them for once, like they did always?

Bh: J..Jye... sht....
Bheem grinned nervously seeing his elder brother's expression.

Bh: Hum toh bas...
Y: Yaha se jaa rahe the, socha aapse milte chale, yahi na anuj Bheem?
Yudhishtir completed making Bheem sigh in relief & nod frantically.

Bh: H..haan haan... Jyesht!
This only deepened Dharmaraj's mysterious smirk & the pit growing in Nakul's stomach seeing his eldest brother's expressions.

Nakul scrunched his eyes knowing they were in for it now.
Y: Achcha achcha...hmmmmmmm...!!!
Yudhishtir pretended to think before he suddenly moved he suddenly caught both of their ears in between his fingers, twisting them lightly.

Y: Mujhe chidhaane ki yojna bana rahe the na??!!! Sab suna maine!
Yudhishtir demanded with fake anger.
Bh & N: Aahhhh Jyesht!!!
They both moaned in fake pain making Yudhishtir immediately scrunch his eyes in worry & softly caress the spot he had held, cupping their puffy cheeks in apology before pulling both in a hug. His warm eyes beckoned Sahadev to join the hug.

Sahadev shook his head at his naughty brothers & they grinned back at him from Yudhishtir's embrace, winking. Sahadev rolled his eyes before joining the hug, pushing his way to get closest to Yudhishtir.

Y: Mujhe gyaat hai ki tum dono ek avsar nahi chodte apne Jyesht aur bhaabhishree ko chidhaane ka. Ab chalo, bhaago yaha se! Anyatha mujhe vo karna hoga!
Yudhishtir whispered in their ears in a cool voice making their eyes widen.

S: Nahi Bhratashree!
Sahadev cried out in alarm, but Yudhishtir's smirk only deepened.
Y: Haa priya anuj...

S: Nahi Bhratashree....
Y: Haa anuj..
S: Nahi nahi...
Y: Ha ha...
S: nahiiiii....

Y: Ek....
Yudhishtir counted, wiggling his fingers in preparation.

Y: Do....
He counted further till three, as his brother's came out of their stunned stupor, rushing to escape realising what he was going to do.

Y: Teen...
Yudhishtir caught Nakul from behind, tickling his sides until he was laughing hysterically...
N: J..Jyyy...eesshh..tttt...ksh...yaamaa!! Kshyamaaaa!!!
He gasped out somehow as tears escaped his eyes, due laughing so hard.

Y: Nahi nahi nahi anuj....koi kshyama nahi....vo mujhe chidhane se poorv vichaar karna tha!
Yudhishtir said feeling mischievously as his fingers continued to tickle his little brother some more.
N: Jyes..shshtttt....!!!!!!
Nakul whined as he wiggled in Yudhishtir's grip.

Y: Hmmm.... theek hai, jao kshyama kiya tumhe!
Yudhishtir had mercy on him finally. However, instead of leaving, Nakul, Sahadev & Bheem threw themselves back in his arms with enough force that he nearly lost his balance.

He laughed, whispering about crazy brothers as he kissed all of their heads lovingly. He loved them to the moon & back, maybe much more than that. They were his everything.

As they were about to break the embrace & retire for the night, Nakul leaned up & whispered in his ears.
N: Par humne toh dekh liya!
Nakul teased with a deadly smirk that made the eldest Pandav gulp.

Y: K..ky..kya de..kha tumne?
Yudhishtir stuttered nervously, horrified thinking about if they saw what he was thinking they saw. The spot where Draupadi's lips had touched his skin was still throbbing & he could not bring himself to touch it, lest remove her touch. He didn't know why he was behaving as such, but it had felt so right, so sweet & was the best feeling ever.

N: Wahi...jiske kaaran abtak aapke gaal unki laali chodne ka naam hi nahi le rahe..... Aaryaputra!
Yudhishtir gaped at his brother, reaching out to catch him but he escaped so did Bheem, pulling Sahadev along, as they ran away, laughing.

Y: Punah Aaryaputra! Abhi batata hoon tumdono ko! Thehro tumdono! Maine kaha Thehro!
Yudhishtir grabbed a large pillow, before following his cackling brothers into their private sitting room chasing them all over.

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

3 months later......

One cold night....

Dharmaraj had a huge smile on his face as he entered the private part of the palace he shared with Panchali. He glanced around, not finding his wife. He was sure she was making sure his family had everything they needed before sleeping. He sighed, hoping she would take some rest herself.

He was grateful & overwhelmed for how much she did for his family with all her heart, but his heart would be at peace once he saw her resting. In these past three months, his wife had won over everyone: his family & the citizens of Hastinapur with unbelievable ease & grace.

He'd been wrong when he thought the jittery feelings around her would fade soon, they seemed to be increasing with the passing time. His thoughts & dreams were completely occupied by the beautiful, dark-skinned Yojangandha. Everytime he closed his eyes, he could see & feel Panchali, hear her mesmerising giggles that sent his heart fluttering every single time.

He'd felt that as the months pass, he'd be able to focus on other things. However, he couldn't be more wrong. As the days passed, Panchali had become imprinted in his heart. He had developed such intended feelings for her already, that it made him afraid. He would go to the end of the world just to hear her musical giggle, see her beautiful smile & hear her call him " Aarya".
He knew deep down inside, what this feeling was but still was too hesitant to acknowledge it.

Finally breaking out his reverie, deciding to get one last small court job done as he waited for Panchali before calling it a night, the eldest Kuru prince sat down by the beautifully carved white table in their large, spacious room.

J: Bade Bhagyashaali ho, Yudhishtir.
Yudhishtir nearly jumped hearing the sudden voice of a person he'd least expected to see.

Sindhuraj.

Dushala was heavily pregnant now & had come to stay in her childhood home to deliver her first baby, as was the custom. Jaydrath had followed her quickly, dramatically declaring how he'd go mad with worry for his dear wife alone in his kingdom & how difficult it was to part with his wife & child. Duryodhan had happily gotten his father to consent & ever since Jaydrath had been their long-term guest.

Dharmaraj sighed internally, too tired to entertain Jaydrath, but forced a smile & invited him in, as was custom.
How did he even enter? He was good at manipulating gaurds, he thought making a mental note to lock his chambers at night.

Y: Pranipat Sindhuraj. Aap yaha? Koi karya tha toh mujhe sandesh bhej dete. Swayam kasht kyu kiya?
Yudhishtir was tempted to add " Aur mujhe bhi kasht diya." after the last sentence he spoke but his sense of decorum & respect for those elder to him, regardless of their nature, held back the virtuous prince.

Yudhishtir greeted him cordially, his eyes darting at the entrance though, looking out for his wife's arrival.

J: Kalyan ho priya bhrata!
Jaydrath grinned while Yudhishtir maintained his stoic calm look, even though his eyebrows itched to raise to his hairline, even above them maybe.

J: Kya Yudhishtir! Tum toh meri Dushala ke priya bhrata ho. Tumhaae kaksh mein aane ke mujhe ab mujhe anumati maangni hogi?
Jaydrath gave a grin, wrapping an arm around Yudhishtir, making him immensely uncomfortable for some reason.

Y: Uh....Nahi Sindhuraj... mera vo taatparya nahi tha.
Dharmaraj spoke awkwardly, not knowing how to respond to this. His discomfort only grew as Jaydrath almost hugged him. Personal space, boss?

Y: Mera saubhagya hai ki Dushala meri behen hai. Main bhi usse atyant prem karta hoon. Uske netro mein ek ashru ur shareer par ek kharoch tak sehen nahi kar paata.
A dangerous glint shone in Dharmaraj's eyes as he looked directly at the oblivious Jaydrath. He'd not missed the random bruise or two on his little sister's arms & was holding back only because she'd pleaded him to, saying that it was an accident.

Jaydrath however, only laughed.
J: Hmm! haant ho par ho tum bhi prachand paurush wale Kshatriya purush bhi ho.

( J: Hmm! You are quiet but you too are a Kshatriya with fierce masculinity.)

Yudhishtir felt really uneasy now, not understanding where this man was going with his talks or maybe he did know what Jaydrath was implying but he hoped against hope that it wasn't that.

J: Tum toh mere bhai se badhkar ho Yudhishtir! Aur nav-vivaahit ho, toh socha, tumhe vaivaahik jeevan ke kuch tathya samjha doon.
Dharmaraj's calm expression remained intact inspite of his discomfort as Jaydrath wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

J: Sarvapratham toh main Panchali ke vishay mein jaanne ke liye utsukh hoon.
Yudhishtir's shocked eyes glanced at his brother-in-law who had lavacious smile on his face.

Y: Ji?
Yudhishtir inquired again, hoping he'd heard it wrong, but alas!
Jaydrath only snickered.

J: Batao Yudhishtir...kaisa lagta hai Aaryavart ki sabse sundar rajkumari par apna adhikaar sthaapit karna?
Jaydrath asked with glittering eyes making Yudhishtir frown. However, owing to his generous nature, Dharmaraj decided to give him another chance & remained calm.

Jaydrath was interrupted by the melodious tinkling of anklets.
D: Aaryaputra vishraam....
Draupadi began as she entered her husband's personal study, attached to their bedroom.

Dressed in a soft, pale blue saree, Panchali wore nothing but her mangalsutra & chudamani. Deep red vermillion adorned her hair parting proudly while her beautiful locks were open, styled lightly with a couple of fragrant flowers here & there.

Yudhishtir admired his wife speechlessly, his heart in genuine awe of what he believed to be god's most beautiful & precious creation. With the most minimal jwellery or without any she could give tough competition to any heavenly nymph any day.

However, he noticed that he was not the only one admiring his wife. Jaydrath was staring at her unashamedly. He fists clench to control himself.

Realising the presence of another male apart from her husband in the room, Draupadi was quick pull her odhni over her head, trying to cover her open hair that only her husband had the right to see.

D: P.. Pranipat Aarya, Sindhuraj.
Vo...uh..Aarya, mujhe gyaat nahi tha ki.....kripya kshyama kar dijiye mujhe.
Draupadi lowered her gaze. She had dressed especially for her husband, in his favourite colour, hoping he would like it. It was a small step from her ahead in their relationship. However never in her dreams did she want another man to see her how only her husband was meant to see her. Especially not the creepy way, ( she felt bad saying it, but it was true) Dushala jiji's husband was eyeing her.

However when she looked up her husband smiled warmly at her, she just loved him for being so supportive & understanding! Wait whattt????
Just as she was thinking about her words, Yudhishthir's calm voice caught her attention.

Y: Ismein aapka dosh nahi hai. Aap jaiyye, vishram kaarlijiye. Thak gayi hongi na..?
He enquired gently & Draupadi felt a blush creep up her neck seeing how sweet he was to her.

Y: Aap meri humaare kaksh mein prateeksha kijiye, main shigra hi aata hoon. Hmm?
Draupadi's breath hitched as her husband's large, warm palm suddenly cupped her cheek. He usually refrained from such touches even though Draupadi had begun to welcome them whenever he did. She didn't care, she wanted this time to last forever.

His command to her was soft yet firm. He was waiting for her reply but she had lost the ability to speak the moment he touched her, such was her reaction to him. It was funny how she didn't even know him just months ago & now he was quickly becoming the centre of her universe. Her everything.

She was relieved to see that her husband's perfectly muscled body & broad shoulders with his tall frame effectively blocked Jaydrath's view of hers. His copper orbs had darkened with something intense. Her gaze was glued to his handsome features, finding it physically almost impossible to look away.

Her eyes were wide, cheeks rosy & lips parted as Yudhishtir's fingers stroked her skin almost tantalisingly, though he didn't seem aware of the state his mere touch had put his wife in.
Y: Panchali?
His soft voice broke her chain of thoughts. Draupadi blush furiously realising she'd been gawking at him. Realising he was still waiting for her reply, she nodded.

P: J...ji Aarya. Shigra aiyyega.
She was rewarded with Yudhishtir's serene smile, making her wonder how he was so calm after nearly rattling her insides with a mere touch.

She breathed heavily, unable to bear the intense feelings raging across her as her husband seemed uninterested to stop stroking her skin. With a deep breath, Draupadi rushed out of the room quickly yet with royal grace, her anklets tinkling melodiously as usual.

J: Adhbhut! Kya prem hai!!!
Dharmaraj took a deep breath as he turned to face Jaydrath again. How was he already missing Draupadi? Something was seriously wrong with him!

J: Tumhaare toh bhaag hi khul gaye? Tum toh pratidin iss vishwa ki sabse sundar kanya ke saath.....samajh rahe ho na????
Jaydrath trailed off suggestively making a sick Yudhishtir pray hard that he didn't hurl out all of his dinner due to his sister's dirty minded husband. Though, his stomach seemed in preparation to do just that.
Marriage was about respect, love, care & understanding. It was a partnership for life. However, men like Jaydrath thought of wives & woman in general as mere possessions used for pleasure. The institution of marriage was just a token for them to use to exploit woman openly.

Y: Aisi vaarta uchit nahi Sindhuraj. Ye atyadhik neeji hai.
Yudhishthir spoke quietly yet firmly.
His stomach gave another lurch as Jaydrath chortled before he spoke again.

J: Kya Yudhishtir! Purush hokar itni Lajja! Hum purush toh aisi baatein aapas mein baatte hai! Ab patni ko niyantrit karna kaha saral hai? Anya mitro ka sujhaav laabhdayak siddh hota hai!
Jaydrath grinned showing all 32 teeth that he'd love to knock out one by one for speaking so insultingly about HIS Panchali. Wait, wait...his??

And control? Why did these people not understand that Panchali was a woman for god's sake! A human being, not a cattle gifted to him. She was his wife, he'd make sure she got the due respect as was her right.

The righteous crown prince took a deep breath, controlling himself knowing that, causing injury or insulting the only son-in-law of the Kuru dynasty would be adharm on his part. Atleast one of them needed to act like the mature adults they were.

Y: Kshyama kijiye, JIJASHREE. Kintu iss vishay par charcha karne mein main asamarth hoon. Meri patni ki aise vishayon mein charcha apmaan janak hai. Kripya mujhse aise prashn na karein jo Panchali ke sammaan ko thes pohonchaye.

Aur vaise bhi Panchali ka soundarya unka keval ek chota sa gun. Mere jeevan aur hriday mein unka sthaan bahri sundarta se nahi, unki aatma ki shuddhata se hai.

He told him with utmost politeness, though his control was tethering on a thin string.

Jaydrath only rolled his eyes, not interested in the precious words of wisdom from Dharmaraj.
J: Tch tch tch! Tum bohot bhole ho Yudhishtir!
Jaydrath tutted making Yudhishtir force another smile.
Y: Main aapka taatparya samjha nahi...?
He levelled his sister's husband with a strict, no nonsense questioning gaze.
Jaydrath took one look at him before bursting into cackles.

J: Kya Yudhishtir! Panchali...
He slapped his shoulder, grinning as he inched closer.

Y: Yuvrani.
Yudhishthir correctly sternly. His eyes were slightly red by now, as he tried to reign his anger.

Jaydrath merely rolled his eyes as he continued his rant.
J: Taatparya ye hai mere bhole bhrata ki.....Vivaah ki raatri, Panchali ke soundarya mein doobkar kaisa anubhav raha?
He grinned with a smile that made the crown prince of Hastinapur sick to his stomach.

Yudhishthir's face shot up at lightening speed, his eyes nearly out of their sockets.
However, Jaydrath didn't notice, too lost in fantasising about Draupadi most disrespectfully.

J: Avashya hi tumne aanand uthaaya hoga, Uss Yojangandha ke sundar, sugandhit khule kesh, uski vo agni se prajvalit netra, aur uski komal twacha, kama....

Y: SUNDHU NARESH JAYDRATH!!!
Jaydrath nearly jumped hearing his ever so calm brother in law growl animalistically.
J: Arrey Yudhish....

Y: Maun hojaiyye aap!
Yudhishtir cut him off firmly. For a long time he'd heard this man blabber nonsense after nonsense crudely about his wife, one he respected ardently.

Y: Kshyama kijiye.
Yudhishthir took yet another deep breath, finally getting his anger under a little control while apologising to Jaydrath for his outburst, even if it was well deserved.

Y: Maine aapko maun hone ka avsar diya tha. Kshatriya Dharmanusar toh MERI patni ke vishay mein aisi apmaan janak baatein kehne ke liye main aapko dwandyudh ka avahahan de sakta hoon.
His voice was icy cool with a very dangerous glint to it.
Yudhishtir's copper eyes reflected the fire raging within him clearly, such was its intensity that Jaydrath took a step behind.

Y: Kintu....
Yudhishtir softened.
Y: Aap meri praano se priya behen ke pati hai, uski honewaali santaan ke pita hai.
Yudhishtir took a deep breath to calm himself, knowing the consequence if he let his angry sode loose. The fire within his eyes struggled to be unleashed so that it could devour everything in sight, but Dharmaraj: the master of self control, held back.

Y: Raatri bohot hogayi hai, kripya ab mujhe vishraam karne ki anumati dein. Pranipat.
Yudhishtir joined his hands before summoning a guard.

G: Pranipat, Yuvraj. Aapne smaran kiya?
He bowed.
Y: Haan...Sainik, Sindhuraj thak gaye honge. Unhe sammaan sahit unke kaksh tak chod dijiye. Dhanyawaad.
Yudhishtir's tone left no room for argument as the gaurd " politely" escorted Jaydrath away, who kept calling out to Yudhishtir, stuttering & blubbering & for once Dharmaraj ignored him, too angry to respond.

However, Jaydrath's words before he was escorted out peirced him straight in the heart, nearly shattering his newly healing heart again.

J: Tumhe kya lagta hai Yudhishthir??? Murkh ho tum! Panchali tumhaari kabhi nahi hogi! Tum uske pati toh bangaye! Kintu aaj bhi uske hriday mein Arjun hai! Tum nahi! Tum toh vaastav mein keval unke maarg ka ek kaata ho jo Arjun....

The gaurd yanked away Jaydrath before he could go further but the damage had been done.

Yudhishtir sat back down to work, hoping to distract himself from planning Jaydrath's murder by looking into the Kingdom's accounts. As of then, all he could see was red. He scrunched his eyes to prevent a lone tear as the reality of Jaydrath's parting words hit him like a on of bricks.

His appetite & mood killed. His heart, numb with pain.

Meanwhile,

Panchali had already entered their bed chamber early at Yudhishthir's behest. She decided to take advantage 9f it & occupy the couch for once. She pouted thinking how he made special efforts to be in the room everyday before her & complete his work sitting on the couch so that she had no option but to take the bed.

She didn't know if she should get angry or awe at her Aarya's gesture. She found it sweet as he always put her comfort before his, but didn't like seeing him uncomfortable either. Not that he would say, but she knew.

The beautiful fireborn sighed as cool air hit her face. It was a cool night in Hastinapur, that she was enjoying leaning over the railing of the lovely balcony of her chamber.

She herself hadn't eaten her meal, planning to eat it together with her dear husband. After a long busy day they would finally have a quiet dinner together. She knew Yudhishtir hadn't eaten with the family, having gone out.
She blushed violently thinking about him, still able to feel his strong palm littered with warrior scars caressing her buttery skin with the utmost gentleness.

Her lips puckered out in a little pout, thinking about her extra workaholic of a husband. He still hadn't come!
She sighed, thinking she wouldn't be surprised if he was still seated in their personal family sitting room, stamping away approval letters & going through various royal documents. Maybe, he was sitting there instead of coming inside!

Her anklets tinkled gently as she walked towards the sitting room.
D: Aaryaputra, bohot vilambh Hogaya hai...aapka bhojan paros.... Hey ishwar! Bhojan bhi nahi kiya inhone! Aarya bhi na!
Draupadi had begun irritatefly, but quickly going to fondly but was cut short seeing Yudhishtir fast asleep in a sitting position itself.

She was angry, yet found him looking ridiculously cute & devastatingly handsome at the same time as he slept, still holding the peacock feather with its tip coloured with ink.

She wanted to wake him up for dinner, but seeing his tired face, & how deeply asleep he was, Panchali thought against it.

Not wanting to wake him up with excess movement, Draupadi carefully slid a soft cushion beneath his neck, holding her breath when he stirred & let out a low grunt. She patted his forehead, whispering sweet words: a trick courtesy Maata Kunti, & bravo he stopped moving!
She sighed as he was still again, too tired to get up.

Finally, carefully covering the sleeping Yudhishtir with a coverlet, Draupadi quickly took to the task of blowing out all the lamps, having already dismissed all the servants for the day.

She looked at his handsome face, looking even more flawless if possible in the magnificent moonlight. Unable to resist, as if in a trance, Draupadi leaned closer to the slumbering Dharmaraj, pressing her soft rosebud lips to his sharp forehead, easing away his slight frown with a soft kiss.

Yudhishtir trembledi, as his body reacted to her touch subconsciously. Draupadi stiffened, thinking that he'd woken up. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment, however god was there for her, & for once he didn't let the valiant spear specialist awake.

Not having any other available seat nearby, Draupadi sat down next to her husband on the floor itself. Knowing that her husband would spend the night crammed half way, asleep in a semi sitting position on a couch, the comfort of a bed was far from her mind.

As the night deepened, Draupadi's eyelids drooped, her head resting a little lower against Yudhishtir's firmly muscled bicep. Sleep enveloped the future great empress in that position.

*****

Draupadi felt herself being lifted, as her head was carefully placed against a hard, firm surface almost like a rock hard wall.

She let a sleepy whimper, snuggling against the firm surface which was actually the well muscled chest of her husband.
Y: Shhhh....
Yudhishtir soothed her softly, almost rocking her lightly in his arms as he carefully placed her on the bed, like she was the most precious thing in the world, which she was slowly & steadily becoming to him.

D: Aarya....
Draupadi mumbled sleepily bringing a beautiful smile almost a grin on Yudhishtir's face as he covered her with a warm blanket. Did he occupy her dreams, like she did his?
Her actions and words never showed her in love with Arjun or harbouring any resentment for him. He was terribly confused though. Panchali was the most perfect & dedicated wife a man could have, but was it willingly?

Unconsciously, as if in a daze, his palm moved to stroke her hair but stopped short & he withdrew his hand.

He was about to go sleep himself but stopped short hearing a tiny growl. Before he could do anything a matching but a little louder growl sounded again, this time only he realised it was coming from both of them.

He was hungry. More like starving.
Obviously genius, you missed dinner & lunch before, being so busy with the court affairs. It was a good thing Maata was not aware, since now Draupadi saw to his meals, instead of her. Did that mean..?
Just as he mused, another growl resonated, this he got to know the source: Panchali's stomach!

D: Aarya?
Yudhishthir broke out his thoughts to find his wife peering up at him innocently, as she sat up in bed.
D: Kisi vastu ki avashyakta thi aapko?
Yudhishthir tsked as Draupadi adjusted her odhni properly, preparing to get off the bed.

Dharmaraj facepalmed!
He was sure she was dead tired, but he couldn't help but awe how dedicated she was to him & his family. He really respected her for it, & as such ensuring she got adequate rest was his responsibility.

Y: Aapne bhojan nahi kiya?
Yudhishthir asked with worry dripping from his voice making Panchali squirm.
D: Ji vo....
Her pearly tooth dug into her plump pink lip making Yudhishthir shudder, she had no idea what that did to him. However not wanting to melt, Yudhishthir kept his gaze stern as he looked at his wife. He respected everything she did for them, but doing it at the cost of her health was something he would not allow.

D: Aarya...main aapki prateeksha kar rahi thi. Socha saath mein bhojan grahan karenge. Kintu...
Yudhishthir's gaze softened, as his insides flooded with guilt. His heart was overflowing with warm feelings for Draupadi. He didn't know wether to reprimand or hug her. It was his fault!

As if on cue, Draupadi wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his bare chest causing him to inhale sharply as her soft lips brushed against his skin unknowingly.

D: Aap krodhit hai?
She asked cutely, snuggling against vher husband's firm warrior body, feeling safe & secure. Yudhishthir closed his eyes in utter bliss. She fit in his arms like a matching piece of puzzle.
Y: Aap par krodh aaye, ye sambhav nahi hai.
Yudhishthir told her earnestly, placing his palm against her head as she leaned into him. Draupadi closed her eyes, feeling his fingers stroke her beautiful bluish-black locks. She loved such moments in his arms.

Yudhishthir smiled as she tightened her grip on him.
P: Aapne bhojan nahi kiya toh phir main kisprakar kar leti....
Panchali lowered her beautiful long lashes sadly, instantly making the eldest Kuru prince guilty.

He srunched his eyes, realising he had gotten so involved in his work that he barely realised his surroundings. Perks of being the eldest & the crown prince, shouldering all of the responsibility.

He hadn't meant for Draupadi to starve. He then remembered his mother's words
" Patni toh apne pati ko sarvasva maanti hai, unke pratyek nirnay mein unka saath deti hai. Unke poorve anna toh kya bhojan grahan karna bhi uchit nahi samajhti."

Y: Kshyama kar dijiye mujhe...mere kaaran aap bina khaaye so gayi....
Draupadi saw genuine pain & guilt in her husband's eyes, immediately shaking her head.

Y: Nahi Aarya..aap aise Kshyama mat mangiye.
Yudhishthir nodded.
Y: Uchit kaha aapne, ye samay Kshyama maangne ka nahi hai....Aiyye!
He lead a stunned Draupadi out of their chamber, holding her hand.

Draupadi looked around innocently as he led her to the kitchen, making her sit while he himself went from corner to corner, checking out each & every pot & pan for any food left. He let out a chuckle realising that Bheem must have already gone back after his midnight snack & stopped searching.

D: Aarya?
Draupadi looked confused as her husband, still clad in royal crown prince robes shuffled around the royal kitchen, taking out various ingredients.

However Yudhishthir was too focused to hear her voice. All he could think was that his wife had not eaten anything all day. No wonder she was not able to sleep deeply & awoke at the slightest noise.

Draupadi was alarmed realising Yudhishthir's intentions.
D: Aaryaputra....aap rehne dijiye na. Main kuch bana deti hoon. Aapne ne bhi bhojan nahi kiya hai. Meri maata ne kaha tha ki mere hote hue aapko koi karya karna pade ye mera apradh hoga.

Draupadi protested not wanting her husband to have to cook for her.

Yudhishthir sighed. This woman! He decided to explain her in a different way.
Y: Avashya...aapki maata ne ye sikhaaya hoga na ki pati ke aadesh ka palan karna aapka dharm hai?
Yudhishthir asked, barely hiding a smile as Draupadi nodded innocently. Her innocence always awed him.

Y: Toh jaiyye....aapke pati ka aadesh hai ki aap yaha vishraam karengi aur main aapke liye bhojan pakaunga.
Yudhishthir chuckled to see Draupadi''s cheeks go all red & puffy as she pouted at him. She huffed when he smirked triumphantly. He almost laughed when she stamped her foot childishly but she had to relent.

Y: Mujhe adhik kuch toh banana nahi aata. Kintu main prayas karunga. Aap bataiyye kya khaane ki ichcha hai aapki?
He asked so sweetly that Draupadi felt her anger from before disappear as if it was never there.
Why was this man so sweet & ridiculously perfectly? He was the type of husband a woman could only dream about. Draupadi thought herself blessed to have him, thanking the almighty everyday. In the past three months, Draupadi had developed the strongest feelings she'd ever felt for anyone, for Yudhishthir. She wondered if she was in love with her Aarya?

D: Aap jo bhi prem se banakar denge main use ishwar ka prasad maankar grahan karlungi.
Draupadi looked deep into those copper orbs as she spoke with the honesty within her.

For a long time they gazed at eachother, as if nothing else in the world mattered, but one another.
Dharmaraj was the first one to break away, before concentrating on the task before him.

Draupadi bit her lip to hold in the giggle threatening to tumble out of her mouth seeing her husband wrinkle his nose ever so adorably as he eyed his completely dough covered hands with distaste.

She had to marvel at him though. He had so many perfect shades. He was a skilled, powerful warrior, equally skilled in administration & had all the knowledge in the world about each & every topic one could fathom.

Aaryaputra Yudhishtir was Perfect!

Draupadi looked on as her husband worked away skillfully. He was talented here too? She couldn't believe it!

Yudhishthir felt a light blush creep up his neck for Draupadi's eyes were fixated on him since quite a while then.
He broke into a loud fit of coughs as he absent mindedly put in chillis in hot oil. They sizzled & crackled loudly, releasing a lot of smoke.

Draupadi rushed to him carefully making him sip a couple of mouthfuls of water, & pulling him away from the firewood stove, before her quickly adding the vegetables, tossing them & in turn reducing the hissing of the tempering process.

She had to give him credit seeing him pat out perfectly round rotis, but immediately glared at her husband when he hissed in pain as his fingers burnt while turning the hot roti.

D: Aarya!
Draupadi cried out in alarm, snatching Yudhishthir's hand in hers blowing cool air on the already reddening area. Yudhishthir tried to explain that his skin bruised & reddened easily but for once he was silenced by his otherwise sweet natured wife's deadly glare.

D: Dhyaan kaha hai aapka Aarya? Yoddha hai na aap? Dekhiye kya hogaya!
Adhik Peeda toh nahi hai na?
Dharmaraj had long lost his senses of speech & understanding as his beautiful wide, who could put the prettiest of pink roses at dawn to shame, even in the middle of the night when she wasn't dressed as the royal bride she was, blew cool air on his burnt skin, her lips accidentally rubbing over it while blowing.

He observed as she fussed over his barely visible burn, dipping his fingers in cool water & applying an ointment too ignoring all his protests.
Y: Panchali iski kya avash...
He'd begin when he was met with same scary glare from before, that Yudhishthir was sure could scare away an enemy from the battlefield.

D: Mujhe gyaat hai, aap kahenge ki main yoddha hoon, aise ghaav lagte rehte hai kintu vo aap rannbhumi mein hai. Yaha aap mere pati, jinhe itna sa bhi kasht ho, mujhe ye swikarya nahi.
She told him firmly making him smile at her. Till date he could never fathom, how in the world did he deserve this beautiful woman, whose heart had long surpassed her physical features in beauty.

D: Aaryaa!!!
Draupadi demanded angrily making Dharmaraj gulp. He needed to focus, not zone out, but....Panchali looked so enthreal in her anger too.

Hold on Yudhishtir!
FOCUS!

Y: H..Haan?
He smiled at her, hoping to calm his fiesty wife.
Panchali outed her supple pink lips at his reply, making him wonder why he wanted to dedicate a poetry to the smallest of her features. He was once again loosing himself to her.
He shook his to clear out such thoughts while Draupadi looked at him worriedly.

Y: K..kuch nahi...aap...lijiye...bhojan grahan kijiye.
The scion of Kuru vansh hurriedly plated up the food, placing it before his wife with a small smile.

Draupadi smiled back at him, making his heart flutter seeing her happy. However the smile faded when she saw that he'd taken the first two rotis which were slightly burnt while he'd given her the later made ones that were a little better due to experience.

A smirk graced Yagyaseni's features as she thought of a plan. As much as she loved her selfless husband, she would not let him suffer even the slightest because of anybody, not even herself.

Yudhishthir was about to tear a peice of his black patched roti when Draupadi stopped him.
D: Aise nahi Aarya...yadi bhojan karna hai toh.....bina haath mode karna hoga!
She told him nonchalantly, hiding a smirk. She'd heard all about Bhishm's intresting game years ago, from Kunti.

Yudhishthir thought for a moment before he broke into a full grin, nearly dazzling away Draupadi with his beautiful smile, as he remembered some beautiful well cherished childhood memories.

D: Mmmm!
Draupadi couldn't resist the natural soun escaping her mouth as the first morsel of food had her mouth bursting with flavour. It was such simple food with minimal spices yet full of flavour. The type of food her Aarya prefered over the heavy & over the top royal spread each day, & now she knew why!

Yudhishthir was surprised by her reaction though he chuckled when she blushed, realising it.
Chewing on his own morsel, he was taken aback as Draupadi held his hand in place as he fed her.

D: Rukiye, abhi aapne mujhe saara bhojan nahi khilaya hai.
She pouted at him before closing her lips over the part of his finger where a few food particles were stuck.

D: Itna swaadisht bhojan hai! Iska ek bhi kann vyarth kyu jaaye!
She giggled innocently while gazing at her husband who's eyes were wide & mouth in an 'O'.
As he held in the urge to nurse his throbbing finger, Yudhishthir wondered how Draupadi was innocent & sensuous at the same time, unaware of the same.

D: Inhe kya hua?
Draupadi wondered as she fed her husband, who ate quietly, not daring to look up at her.
She shrugged innocently, eating his proffered morsel before forwarding him one of her own, skillfully neglecting the burnt rotis.

Yudhishthir had forgotten all about the previous happenings & was laughing & smiling. Such was Draupadi''s effect!

**********

Next Morning.....
Kunti's chamber:

Kunti looked at her battalion, ready to command them.
K: Tum sab hi ko gyaat hai na, kal kya hai? Aur nahi Bheem...kal koi mahabhoj nahi hai.
Vrikodar squirmed under his mother's glare, frowning at his snickering younger brothers.

Kunti's another deadly glare instantly silenced few of the most powerful warriors of all times.
K: Tum logo ko uphaas soojh raha hai! Putri Draupadi, inhe toh din raat hasi thitholi hi karni hai, chalo hum dono hi Jiji aur Dushala ke saath Yudhishtir ke janmadivas hi taiyyariyaan aarambh karte hai.

D: Ji maata...
Draupadi answered, earning a soft smile from Kunti , while the Pandavas looked sheepish.

Bh: Maata, prati varsh Jyesht toh apne janmadivas par kuch vishesh nahi karte...jabse pitashree...
Bheem trailed off sadly, an awkward silence spreading across the room as everyone grew sad.

Ka: Toh iss varsh, iss din ko Yuvraj ke jeevan ka sabse sukhad din bana dijiye, Rajkumar.
The turned to see Karn standing at the entrance.
Ka: Kshyama kijiye Rajmaata, vo...mujhe gyaat nahi tha ki aap..sabhi yaha hai. Main baadmein aajaunga.
Karna smiled politely, turning to leave when Kunti stopped him.

K: Nahi putra, tumhaari sujhaav ati uttam hai.
Tumhe bhi maine...sada apna putra hi maana hai, Yudhishtir bhi tumhe Jyesht bhrata maanta hai. Iss naate tumhaara bhi yaha upasthit hone ka poorn adhikaar hai. Isikaaran toh maine tumhe yaha bulaya.

Kunti took a deep breath to control her emotions that went haywire seeing her eldest son, the one she loved beyond measure, but could never shower her love on.

Karn looked hesitant, nor did the Pandavas look too pleased but neither wanted to deny Maata Kunti. Sahadev shifted to make place for Karn & the latter took a seat, before Kunti began.

B: Maata! Main Jyesht ke liye unka sabse priya mishthaan banaunga!
Bheem's eyes glittered with excitement & love for his brother.
K: Avashya putra.
Kunti smiled fondly, caressing his cheek.

Everyone piped in happily, gushing about what gift they would prepare for Yudhishtir, until a soft voice interrupted them.
D: Maata...yadi aapki anumati ho, toh main ek sujhaav doon?
Draupadi asked sweetly, making Kunti smile.

K: Avashya putri, kaho kya sujhaav hai. Sabse adhik adhikaar toh tumhaara hi hai. Batao.....
Draupadi returned Kunti's warm smile before leaning in and whispering something in her ear, while the confused younger Pandavas strained to hear them, but in vain.

Kunti let out an excited giggle, almost surprising her sons, seeing their prim & proper, mature, elegant queen of a maata, giggle like a little girl.

N: Kintu maata, bhaabhishree ki yojna kya hai?
Nakul asked excitedly but Kunti shook her head.
K: Dhairya rakho putra....abhi kuch aur vyakti humaari iss yojna ka bhaag banenge, tab hum tumhe sab bata denge.
She declared, a confident smile gracing her mature yet gorgeous features.

As if on cue, Bhishm, Vidur, Gandhari & Dushala walked in.
Bh: Kaho putri Kunti, hum sabhi ko yaha kyu bulvaaya hai?
Bhishma asked, happy to see Kunti's eyes shinning with delight. It was high time she got some of the happiness she deserved in life.

K: Taatshree! Kal mere Yudhishtir ka janmdivas hai. Itne varsho uparaant iss varsh, use apne sabhi priya jano tatha Draupadi ke saath apna janmdivas manane ka avsar mila hai. Main chahti hoon, ye divas uske jeevan ka sabse sukhad divas ho.
Kunti said with a dazzling smile making everyone awe at her love for her son.

Bh: Avashya putri, batao hume kya karna hai! Putra Yudhishtir ki prasannata ke liye kuch bhi! Aaj toh tum aadesh karo apne iss Taatshree ko!
Bheeshm told her lovingly & Kunti smiled warmly.

K: Aajao sabhi... Draupadi ne uttam yojna banayi hai. Main batati hoon sabko kya karna hai.
With that a large part of the Kuru family gathered close to Kunti as she explained them everything.
The Kuru family had matching smirks & a killer plan in mind as they headed out to perform their respective tasks.

A while later......

Y: Bheem! Aaj nahi anuj! Tum pratidin mujhe kheechkar le aate ho. Aaj mujhe bohot karya karne hai. Rajkiya....
Yudhishtir was cut off by Bheem's huff...

B: Theek hai Jyesht, jaiyye. Ab mujhe gyaat hogaya hai Nakul ki jyesht mujhse prem nahi karte.
He sulked & Nakul nodded sadly.

N: Ha Bhratashree, mujhe bhi yahi prateet horaha hai. Koi baat nahi... bhrata Arjun shigra lautenge tabtak main aur Sahadev hai na.
The three younger Pandavas hugged, glancing at their eldest brother from the side of their eyes.

Yudhishtir rolled his eyes, more than used to these theatrics but they seemed to affect him all the same each time, melting him instantly like butter on a hot pan.

Y: Aaj antim baar.....
He warned making his brother's eyes shine with delight as they grinned & pounced on him, hugging him thoroughly.

B: Dhanyawaad Jyesht! Aap sabse achche hai!
Bheem exclaimed making Yudhishtir ruffle his hair lovingly.
Y: Mere anuj bhi toh sabse achche hai...
He spoke with love dripping from his words. He was really not in a mood for anything.

Jaydrath's words from last night still playing in his mind.
He loved his brother, he really did but why did it hurt so bad when Draupadi openly spoke of her love for Arjun. Didn't he already know that? Then why?

What was even the use of this ' class' ? Draupadi didn't have any expectations from him to be a good husband. Her heart belonged to someone else & he didn't blame her. Unfortunately he was in way & could do nothing about it. If it made Draupadi & Arjun happy, he would take a step back from their lives in a heartbeat. However, Draupadi was now bound to him: for the next 7 lives.

Kr: Aaj iss kaksha mein aur do naye shshiya hai Gurudev!
Vasudev Krishna winked at Bheem as he entered along with Karn, making Yudhishtir immediately break out of his thoughts stand up to greet them.

Y: Pranipat Vasudev, Angraj.
He greeted them warmly, & they returned the greeting with equal warmth.
Yudhishtir was pleasantly surprised to see Karn join them, but didn't say anything.

Nakul frowned seeing Jaydrath too in the room, & turned to Karn who sitting close to him & Sahadev.
N: Inhe yaha kyu le aaye Angraj?
He hissed angrily.
K: Rajkumar....maa...aapki maata aapke jyesht ke liye bhavya ayojan karna chahti hai.

Aapko gyaat hai ki Sindhuraj bhi Gandharaj ke kshadiyantro mein unka saath dete hai. Yadi ye yaha rahenge toh, Yuvrani aur Rajmaata bina kisi vighna ke prabandh kar paayenge.

Varnavrat se lautkar toh jaise Yuvraj ki hasi hi lupt hogayi hai. Jinhone rajya ke hitt ke liye kya kuch nahi kiya, unke sukh ke liye inhe kuch samay tak toh hum sehen kar hi sakte hai.

To Karn's surprise, Nakul softened hearing him. A big, genuine smile graced his features as he nodded approvingly at Angraj. Even if he was associated with Duryodhan... maybe he was not that bad? Nakul wondered.

Karn returned his smile, maybe the Pandavas too were not that bad? He had seen their undaunted love & dedication for their elders repeatedly.
Yudhishtir, the first Pandav himself was s gem: so considerate & never believing in the caste system.

Bheem cleared his throat as he prepared to begin. His task was to keep Yudhishtir occupied for as long as possible, lest he'd walk into someone preparing for his birthday surprise.
B: Toh aaj hum seekhenge.....prem patra likhne ki vidhi.
Just as Bheem finished, Yudhishtir broke into a violent coughing fit, having choked on water.

Sahadev rushed to his brother, patting his back. Yudhishtir looked up at Bheem sternly.
Y: Bas! Ab main jaa raha hoon...maine pehle hi kaha tha ki yadi kuch attpata hua toh main chala jaunga.
Yudhishtir got up to leave & instantly everyone yelped.

"NAHIII AAP NAHI JAA SAKTE!!"

Yudhishtir looked at them weirdly but sat back down.
Y: Kya hua tum sabko?
He asked worriedly making each of them nervous.

S: K..ku..kuch nahi Jyesht...aap mat jaiyye na!
Sahadev pleaded but Yudhishtir wouldn't relent.

B: Bhratashree....
Bheem began slyly.
B: Sochiye....aapka patra padhke bhaabhishree Draupadi kitni prasanna hongi, haina Nakul? Bolo naaa!
Bheem nudged Nakul, making him nod frantically.

N: Huh?..H..haan haan Jyesht... Bhrata Bheem jeevan mein pehli baar uchit kehrahe hai... aaahhhh!
Bheem was holding a struggling Nakul in a tight grip while smiling at Yudhishtir. However he frowned when Yudhishtir only gave him a sad smile, shaking his head in a no. Draupadi wouldn't like a love letter from him.

B: Dekhiye na Jyesht, Nakul bechaara kitne prem se kehraha hai. Ruk jaiyye na, anyatha iska hriday toot jaaega!
Bheem said emotionally, pushing Nakul's head forward & backward in a nod. Karn raised an eyebrow at their silly antics, finding them cute. Sahadev pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh at his twin's condition.

Kr: Jyesht! Aapko toh main ati priya hoon na...mere liye ruk jaiyye?
Krishna looked up at Yudhishtir with his most innocent smile. Yudhishtir sighed, unable to deny.
Y: Theek hai Vasudev...aap kehte hai toh ruk jaata hoon...kintu Bheem jo karna hai shigra karo, main aaj atyant vyast hoon.
Yudhishtir told Bheem with a strict look but Vrikodar only grinned at him & nodded.

N: Ye anuchit hai bhratashree! Vasudev ne kaha toh aap turant maan gaye, aur hum jo itne samay se kehrahe the...
He gave a fake huff.
Yudhishthir smirked to himself, deciding to have some fun for once he got up.

Y: Hmm...uchit hai Anuj. Yadi main ab Vasudev ke kehne par Ruk jau, toh vo tumhaare saath ghor anyay hoga. Isliye, aap sabhi mujhe Kshyama kijiye, kintu mujhe prasthaan karna hoga.
He spoke in his best serious tone, nearly tumbling over with laughter from within though, seeing their faces.

K: Nahi!
Yudhishthir turned to take a good look at Karn, wanting to seriously know what was up with his weird behaviour that day.

Karn gulped he was really nervous by now. Radha maa always told him that he was as bad at lying, as he was an ace at archery.

K: Ummm...uh...vo kya hai na Yuvraj....ye muhurt uchit nahi hai prasthaan ka...uh..aisa mujhe prayash kal daan dete samay ek brahman devta ne kaha tha....Haan!
Karn proclaimed, smiling widely almost proud of his answer though his nervousness shot right back when Yudhishthir raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

Y: Angraj? Ishwar ke banaye iss pavitra vishwa ka har kshan shubh hi hai.
Karn scrunched his eyes seeing Yudhishthir give him a *What's wrong with you?* look.

Sahadev scrunched his eyes, regretting for once that nobody could even stand before his Jyesht in such debates , let alone defeat him.
K: N..nahi... vo..uh.... mujhe... Rajkumar Sahadev ne kaha tha aisa...kyunki...Haan! Unhe poorva abhaas hua tha!
Karn happily pointed at a shocked Sahadev, who made a crying face just as Dharmaraj turned to him.

Just then....
Gh: Main aagaya Pitashree!
Ghatotkatch annouced as he entered the room. He frowned seeing his Kakashree Sahadev look at him with so much love, like never before, not even when he was a baby. Ghatotkach smiled nevertheless, hiding his surprise, especially when Sahadev mouthed *I love you so much to him* out of the blue.

Ghatotkatch greeted all of his elders before taking a seat. Now Yudhishtir grew uncomfortable.
Y: Ghatotkatch....Bheem...anuj ye karyakram kal karte hai na! Putra Ghatotkatch bhi hai...uske samaksh...main..p..prem patra...ye sab achcha nahi lagta.
Bheem rolled his eyes at his flustered elder brother, seeing hs blazing cheeks.

Bh: Kya Jyesht aap bhi!!! Ghatotkatch ab yuvaan hai, isi bahaane vo bhi kuch seekh lega, kyu shishyon?
He winked at Krishna & his brothers who nodded. Karn was highly amused seeing Dharmaraj blushing.

This only served to redden Dharmaraj further, but he sighed knowing there was no escape.

B: Toh Shishyon, sab apni apni kalam uthaayenge.
Bheem was in * strict teacher mode* as he stood before his * class*.

"Ji Gurudev!"
Everyone chorused & Yudhishtir was reminded of his early gurukul days.
B: Shishya Nakul! Tumhaari kalam kaha hai?
Bheem demanded making Nakul tense.

N: Pata nahi kaha gayi....yahi kahi hogi...
Nakul tried to search for his quill but in vain. Actually he'd hidden it carefully before itself. Yudhishtir sighed as they took forever, as if purposefully scanning each nook & cranny for the quill.

Y: Ab bas! Bohot vilambh hogaya hai!
Yudhishtir decided, alarming everyone. They had to stop him from going out, lest the surprise would be ruined & they would face the ire of the virtuous Pritha of the Yadava race. The thought alone made them gulp.

N: S.. Sahadev...maine tumhe di thi na...kaha hai?
Nakul suddenly turned to his twin, throwing him a pleading expression secretly, asking him to handle the situation.

Sahadev grew nervous, not again! This caused him to go almost blank & blurt out the first thing that came to his mind.
S: Mujhe?...Haan..kintu....maine toh Vasudev ko de di thi.... Vasudev bataiyye na!!
Sahadev passed the eternal lord the same expression as he received from Nakul.

Krishna put on his best, perfectly innocent face.
K: Main?.....tumne mujhe kalam di thi? haan haan...mujhe smaran hai...kintu...kintu....maine.... Angraj ko de di thi unhe hi chahiye thi!
Karn paled, startled as he was suddenly pushed in the picture.

K: M...mujhe di thi? Kab Devkinandan?
He inquired innocently when Krishna threw him a look, & Karn's eyes widened as he took hint.

K: Oh...H...haan haan...smaran nahi aaya pehle...vo..Yuvraj... Va..vasudev uchit kehrahe hai....mujhe hi di thi kalam...haan...
Karn smiled widely at Yudhishtir.

Y: Uttam! Toh phir shigra kalam le aiyye. Mujhe kuch samay pashchaat mantri mandal se bhet karne jaana hai.
Yudhishtir looked at him hopefully, waiting for him to procure the quill.

Karn gulped.
K: Sh...shigra le aau? Ki..kintu...uh..vo... Yuvraj....
Karn began uneasily while the others scrunched their eyes seeing Karn stutter, thinking he'd reveal everything.

Y: Aapne Kalam Sahadev ko lauta di thi...ya Nakul athva Bheem ko, yahi na?
Yudhishtir got his answer seeing Karn's nervous look.

Y: Uchit hai....vaise aap sabhi ka itne samay se iss gol gol pralaap ka kya arth hai? Kuch toh hai jo aap sabhi mujhse gupt rakh rahe hai.
Yudhishtir looked at the nervous figures before him sternly, wondering what in the world was going on. They gulped.

He was no fool & his dear brothers couldn't lie to save their lives, such was the influence of the teachings & values taught by their beloved Pitashree.

Y: Angraj...mujhe aapse aisi apeksha nahi thi. Aap toh satya bataiyye.

B: Gu..gu..gupt? Sahadev aisa bhi kuch tha kya?
Bheem laughed nervously but knew he was not fooling Yudhishtir.

Dharmaraj raised a single eyebrow questioningly making each of them gulp, nervous that their secret would be out.

Y: Aur tum? Kya tum bhi apne Taatshree se asatya kahoge?
Yudhishtir turned to the mighty son of the equally mighty Vrikodar.

Poor Ghatotkatch was nervous & blurted out.
G: Kshyama kijiye Taatshree...kintu Pitashree ne aapko batane se mana kiya hai ki yadi aap yaha se bahar gaye toh aapko Pitamahi va Jyesht maata ka rahasya gyaat hojaayega.
He said innocently.

The eyes of all those in the room nearly bulged out as the violently began to gesture Ghatotkatch to be quiet but the deed was done .

*******

Read on ahead in the next part! Coming up today itself in a bit!!!😃

How was this? Theek? Bakwaas? Wahiyaad?😅

Lots of love,
Dharmasakhi 💕