The Panduputris and Kunti reached Panchal along with Ved Vyas and his disciples. The sages went to the palace of Panchal as the ladies decided to stay among the commoners, fearing they will be recognised by Drupad.

They were given shelter by a potter and his wife.

"Are you all single ?" The wife asked the Panduputris.

"We all are married to one." Yaudhevi said.

"Then where is he and Why are you travelling alone ?" The wife asked.

At that the Panduputris looked at each nervously, not knowing how to answer the question. They knew they cannot let Yaudhevi answer or else she'll have no choice but to say the truth.

"Our husband is always with us." Vallabhi said.

"I didn't quite understand." The wife frowned.

"We are Devdasi, married to our lord. We are travelling by singing his hymns." Vallabhi said.

"Blessed we are ! The devadasis themselves have taken our shelter." The Potter exclaimed.

"If you don't mind me asking, which lord are you serving ?" The wife asked.

At that the Panduputris again looked at each other nervously.

"A wife mustn't take her husband's name." Kunti said.

"Right." The wife nodded.

"Now if you excuse us, we have to perform our evening prayers." Nakulaa said hinting to talk privately with her sisters.

The rest of Panduputris understood as they got up and went outside. They went to the river where no one was there.

"Vallabhi, you shouldn't have lied to the ones who gave us shelter." Yaudhevi said.

"But jiji, if we had told that we are married to Yuvraj of Hastinapur then our secret would've busted." Vallabhi said.

"But why did you say we are devadasis ? It is not right." Parthvi said.

"Parthvi, Pati Parmeshwar hota hai." Vallabhi deadpanned.

"Whatever has happened has happened, now let's pretend to be Devdasis only." Nakulaa said.

"I agree. At least that way people won't bother us much." Devami said.

"I agree with that." Parthvi said.

"Let's go now." Yaudhevi said and they all went back.

Reaching the house of the Potter they had dinner in silence.

"I hope the food is good." The wife of the Potter said.

"It is." The Panduputris nodded.

"Devi, is there anyway we can help you till we stay in your shelter ?" Kunti asked.

"There is no need for it. We cannot let Devdasis work for us." The wife said.

"Devdasis don't take debt of any king on themselves, please tell us if we can do something for you." Kunti insisted.

The potter and his wife looked at each other, not knowing what to give them.

"I am a potter, if you can bring mud from behind the temple of Mahadev then it will be a big help." He said.

"It will be our pleasure." Yaudhevi said and the Panduputris nodded assuring.

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A/N

Did you Devdasi used to be a very revered and reputed position ? These women sang hymns, danced and performed rituals at the temples.

They enjoyed high status in society and lived with dignity. Devdasis were considered protectors of arts.

It was during british era when their status declined.