The streets of Indraprastha shimmered under the golden haze of the late afternoon sun. The air was thick with the scent of marigolds and incense, mingling with the distant aroma of fresh-cooked sweets as the people of the city bustled in celebration. Drummers played lively beats at street corners, and flower petals scattered in the wind as messengers ran ahead, announcing the long-awaited arrival of their beloved prince—Arjun, the third Pandava—who returned after years of exile, not alone, but with a bride.

"I cannot believe I am saying this but Arya, you should really hurry," Abhijishya murmured, a smile playing at her lips as she watched Nakul through the mirror choose and discard flowers to put in her hair. "The veil will cover most of it either way."

Nakul huffed. He had been going on doing the same for the past hour not pleased with the outcome whatsoever. "Most of it being the point," he went back to glaring at the lotus as if the pink would somehow change into a darker shade to perfectly match Abhijishya's garment.

Abhijishya chuckled, tugged her husband in front of her then glanced at her giggling companions no doubt enjoying their Rajkumar's predicament. They left swiftly closing the door behind them. She looked up at her husband Nakul, who had gotten up hours before dawn instructing workers, priests and soldiers to make the grand welcome of their brother and his new bride perfect. He, along with Sahadev had personally looked over the preparation leaving only the preparation for Subhadra's arrival to her and Draupadi after Abhijishya's insistence.

"Everything is perfect," she softly reassured, stroking his hands.

Nakul sighed then smirked,"That obvious?"

"Very," Abhijishya replied dryly. "You have been galavanting around the palace looking over everything, even the flower arrangements meticulously and now that your brother is nearly at the palace gates you are so restless that you have focused on doing my hair. Not that I am ungrateful, no one does my hair as good as you but my dearest Arya, you seem very frazzled."

"I am afraid Bhratashree will find me ill prepared," Nakul confessed in a low tone. His usual confident stature sagged a bit at the admittance.

Abhijishya tsked. This won't do at all. She rose from her seat, cupping his cheek in her palm.

Nakul's eyes fluttered close almost involuntarily as he nuzzled into it.

"Darling, believe me Bhrata Arjun would be grateful without any grand welcome after stepping into Indraprastha after so many years but I do understand what you mean," she said, caressing under his eye. "You have done remarkably well in your duties. This kingdom is running smoothly. Our army is strong, trained by all of you. The squadron of swordsmen you have trained are arguably the best in Aryavart. Our relation with the kingdoms around us are good. Everything is perfect. And I am not saying this as a wife appeasing her husband; you know how critical of a person I can be. I am also sure everyone in this kingdom will agree with me or are you telling me Jyesth is biased while giving you duties?"

Nakul laughed, shaking his head. "Gods can tell me the sky is blue but I'll believe Jyesth if he says it is green." Neither mentioned anything about the Infirmary or opium.

"Then? Stop overthinking that your perfectionist brother will find faults in your work," Abhijishya chided, flicking him on his forehead gently. "You are very diligent in your work when you are not distracted by mirrors."

He wrinkled his nose. "Uh, don't scold me like I am Anvi. It is strange," he bit the tip of Abhijishya's finger in revenge. She yelped snatching her hand away then glared at him. "And it is absolutely false I get distracted by mirrors. The one who distracts me always is definitely you."

"So mature of you Rajkumar Nakul," Abhijishya rolled her eyes. "If you are behaving like Anvi, I'll scold you like Anvi. Speaking of which, where is our daughter? I hope she still isn't dallying somewhere instead of getting ready to greet Bhrata Arjun and Subhadra."

"Reva will see to that," Nakul mused. "Or Charu, I don't particularly care when I have this beauty encircled in my arms."

Abhijishya raised an eyebrow, amused at her husband's change in mood. It seemed like her words had successfully averted Nakul's crisis. "How fatherly of you," she said, barely holding back her amusement. "Keep your charisma to yourself, Rajkumar or else..."

His eyes darkened as they darted to her lips. "Or what...?

"Or...," Abhijishya leaned into him, her lips brushing against his teasingly before she darted out of his hold laughing at his fallen expression. "Or else everyone will have welcomed Arjun and Subhadra except us."

Nakul blinked then sprang into action. He quickly threw her veil over her head fixing it in place with her churamani then grabbed his own shawl, throwing it over his shoulder.

"I knew that," he said taking Abhijishya by her wrist as they rushed down the corridor walking briskly just short of running.

"Sure you did. Sure you did, Arya," she chuckled under her breath. They would have made a peculiar sight if not for the rest of palace dwellers being in the pace of hurry.

On their way, they were joined by Bheem who was carrying a cheering Anvi on one shoulder. Abhijishya had given up on scolding Anvi for always asking to be carried by her second uncle after Bheem himself actively encouraged this and Nakul not even bothering to correct the situation. The two whenever they met would be seen in similar fashion- Bheem carrying Anvi on his shoulder while Anvi peered around herself from a greater height. It apparently made her feel on top of the world- Anvi's words not Abhijishya's.

Together they made their way to the gates of Indraprastha. The grand road leading to the palace stretched like a river of gold and crimson, lined with banners embroidered with conch shells and celestial chariots. The people cheered, their joyous cries echoing through the city like a festival. Sahadev was already there speaking to a messenger who nodded and rushed inside. Minister Atulya and Leelavati were also present along with the other ministers and their wives. Abhijishya ignored them for now. She didn't want this occasion to be shadowed by her thoughts about their ploy.

Then came their Maharaj Yudhishthir, their Jyesth, serene in his posture even though his eyes glanced at the gates with barely held patience.

This was the moment they all had waited for. Twelve years. Twelve years of counting down every hour of the day till their Arjun, their Falguna would reunite with them and the Pandavas would be complete.

Before them, a sudden commotion stirred the palace courtyard. The grand doors of Indraprastha swung open. And there he was.

Arjun.

The warrior turned vagabond returning home finally. Dust clung to the hem of his garments, his armor gleaming faintly beneath the silvery white shawl draped over his shoulders.

Arjun who was peaceful in Dwarka after his years of travel but now seemed to be bursting at the seams with happiness as his chariot rolled inside and came to a stop.

He got down, his movements graceful and practised. Then he crossed over to the other side to lend a hand to Subhadra, bedecked in red silks and fine gold jewellery befitting a new bride as she stepped down from the chariot.

Pushkar had done them good, Abhijishya could sense. It was in the way they glanced at each other, hands brushing in silent reassurance as they strode forward to greet their family.

As Arjun reached the threshold, the remaining Pandavas stepped forward.

Yudhishthir embraced him first, his smile touched with relief. "You have been gone too long, Falguna. Even though Anuj Nakul had shared about your meeting in Dwarka, my eyes have been impatient to see you here with us."

Bheem clapped a hand against his younger brother’s back, his laughter a rich, thunderous sound. "The city has grown dull without your mischief, brother." Atop him, Anvi grinned, "Tatshree! Tatshree! Finally you can teach me how to do archery. Tatshree Bheem doesn't get much time since he is Yuvraj."

Even Sahadev, always composed, allowed a small smile to break through.

Nakul, stepping forward, took Arjun’s arm. "It was difficult not bringing you back with me from Dwarka. But you have returned. That is all that matters now."

Arjun greeted his brothers enthusiastically, embracing them with moist eyes. He tugged Anvi's hand who got down from her throne in a graceful leap then touched his feet. Arjun stroked her head giving his blessings, "I did promise so in Dwarka, didn't I? Hmm, but I must warn you. I am a strict tutor."

"Then I'll be the most diligent student," Anvi puffed out her chest, her eyes alit taking Arjun's words as a challenge.

Abhijishya shook her head in amusement. Her girl was a spitfire on good days. Arjun didn't know what hewas getting into. She walked upto Subhadra who seemed to be taking in her surroundings in doe eyed wonder and hope.

"What? You come to Indraprastha and forget your elder sister. I see how it is. Marriage has changed you Subhi," Abhijishya teased, enjoying Subhadra's alarmed look.

"No jiji! I am too awed by the place I have heard so much about. How can I forget you, jiji? You are the only reason I didn't run away after my marriage was fixed," Subhadra told sincerely taking Abhijishya's hands into hers.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere with me," Abhijishya chuckled at Subhadra's innocent look. "Tell me, how was Pushkar? I have heard there are huge lakes of water lilies and lotuses. Or wait, perhaps you didn't get much time sigut seeing as you were busy indoors."

She grinned unabashedly as she watches Subhadra's fair skin bloom into rosy hues as the younger tried to avoid her eyes. Oh, Abhijishya was going to have so much fun teasing her.

"Where is Krishnaa?" The question made them pause. Abhijishya turned to look at Arjun who was searching the crowd to find the Maharani of Indraprastha, the wife he had left behind.

Ah.

It was then Abhijishya noticed the jarring absence of Draupadi. There was a hush in the chattering of the crowd as everyone sensed something amiss. The messenger having returned simply shook his head upon Sahadev's questioning look. It was likely Draupadi would not come to welcome the couple.

Abhijishya was quick to act. She ushered everyone inside apologising for forgetting to inform them regarding Draupadi's absence. A mother with three babies, the youngest too demanding and fussy- perhaps the infant prince was coming down with a cold. Surely a mother could be excused. The tense receded as everyone was quick to accept the reason even if a few faces were doubtful. Some of the ladies murmured in low voices which were silenced under Abhijishya's polite chiding about a lack of gratitude towards their governing figure, the meticulous hard working queen and new mother of the heirs. The servants brought in refreshments, the musicians played their instruments and the crowd dispersed in groups of their choice happy to let go of their queen's absence for now.

Jyesth nodded at Abhijishya in approval while Bheem and Sahadev spoke softly before moving towards various ministers to entertain their conversations. Arjun was already making his way towards Draupadi's chambers.

She had heard of this moment, read it in texts she once thought were mere mythology. Arjun had taken Subhadra from Dwaraka, not by alliance but by elopement. And now, Draupadi—who had ruled these halls as the first and foremost queen—was to welcome a co-wife she never consented to. Arjun would fail to appease Draupadi and send in Subhadra as a maid to curb her temper.

Abhijishya's expression must have adopted a look of displeasure.

"Jiji," Subhadra squeezed her hand as she smiled. Abhijishya shook her head then smiled back not wanting to worry her.

After sometime Arjun came back, his expression pinched and gait defeated. He silently beckoned Subhadra as they spoke in hushed voices. Subhadra seemed to be assuring something before she left with her maid.

When she arrived before her next, gone was her attire of a Rajkumari who was newly married. She looked young, younger than her years, dressed in the plain garb of a cowherd maiden. A simple red saree, no dazzling jewels, only the soft glint of gold at her wrists. And yet, even in simplicity, she was luminous. Large, gentle eyes the color of deep honey, her every movement careful, unassuming, demure.

Abhijishya’s heart twisted.

Nakul, as if already sensing her intentions, came towards her. "Abhijishya."

"This is simply not done," she whispered, her eyes following Subhadra's figure as she went towards Draupadi's chambers. "Formally it can be taken as an insult by Dwarka. Arjun eloped with her."

"You shouldn't interfere," Nakul held her wrist as she turned her furious eyes towards him. "Don't misunderstand my words. But today is a difficult day for Krishnaa. And for Subhadra. If anyone can bring peace to her turmoil, it can only be Subhadra's gentleness, her kindness."

Abhijishya sighed. "It is Arjun who should plead, not her."

Nakul nodded. "I agree however knowing Panchali, Arjun won't be successful in appeasing her in another twelve years."

Nakul was right. Abhijishya knew that. She also knew that while Draupadi's anger was justified towards Arjun, Subhadra would have to bear the brunt of it for sometime.

"You must think I am being too intrusive. Afterall this is a very personal matter to them but this doesn't sit right with me. It is rather demeaning," Abhijishya confessed, then sent a smile nodding her head at a passing minister.

Nakul remained silent. She knew he had already commented more on the matter than he would about his brother's marital life. Instead he said, "Don't worry yourself much. Everything will turn out fine now that all of us are together."

She nodded, smiling at her husband. "Go, Scholar Bhavesh has been staring this way for too long. He must be awaiting your company."

Nakul left her with a gentle parting smile. He would definitely be hearing about the tiny rumour Abhijishya's network had planted from Scholar Bhavesh.

She hummed. Soon Abhijishya would bring her husband into the fold. But before that she had some business to conclude.

"Maharani seems to have accepted Rajkumari Subhadra. She was heard saying, 'Let our husband be without foe'," Reva informed her from behind.

Abhijishya didn't show any indication to have heard her but the message was received. Now she understood what all that was about. A test for humility and a show of dignity- Draupadi had finally learned the lesson of palace women.

A.N. - I have thought about what Abhijishya would do in this situation for quite some time till I realised she won't outright interfere even if it displeases her. Share your thoughts on this.

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