"Um. As great as the speech of feminism and women empowerment was, I don't think we took into account the lack of our camping skills." Bhanumati grumbled standing over the edge of area assigned to them.

A clearing right in the center of all trees. Fresh green grass carpeting the soil. With a little burned spot in the center, where campers previously had sat their bonfire no doubt.

"Come on how difficult it could be." Pauravi urged walking ahead, carrying her supplies, as others followed her.

Twenty minutes and four tries later, Draupadi knew that camping was not her area of specialization.

"Ugh! I give up." Pauravi complained sweating heavily, falling back on her back, breathing heavily.

"I can't feel my hands, how in the heaven men make it look so simple lighting a fire, with just two sticks." Dhara grumbled, her hands aching.

"I feel useless. Why don't you just let me help. All I am doing is sitting." Bhanumati complained.

"Bhanu you are pregnant, you need the rest. You are doing so much taking care of my future niece or nephew." Draupadi assured, giving her sister in law a side hug.

Sugandha had gone to fill some water. And all of them were tired.  Feminism and everything was fine, but they all had no skills in camping.

Never in her short life Panchaali had ever been one to set up a camp. Food and water they could manage, but how does one light fire and set up a tent.

She wondered, biting her bottom lip. "Maybe we should ask the men-"

"No! They will laugh. We will do it." Pauravi stated adamantly. "Yes we can do it. In the next try I am sure we can have it." Agreed Dhara.

Panchaali wasn't so certain anymore, it wasn't about being a male or female, or women empowerment altogether.  It was more about as a human accepting, that certain times you need help.

It could be male or female. What does it matter? We learn from each other, don't we?

She sighed, knowing it was no use. The two were adamant. If only someone could just instruct them, she was certain, they could do it.

Taking another sip of water, she stood up, "Let's move. We need to set up the tents before sunsets." Pauravi stated, helping Panchaali and Dhara up, the later grumbled and followed the two.

Bheem and Arjun shared a look, hiding from behind the leaves, where they sat watching over.

Leaning over Bheem plucked a mango, from the branches, and began munching. "Jyest you resemble a monkey." Humor tainted the words of younger pandav, Bheem clubbed him on the back of his head, rolling his eyes.

"Ouch!" Draupadi's cry of distress had the two turning, "careful Drau." Pauravi crouched beside her friend.

"What happened?" Worry marred Dhara's words, "Oh don't worry. I am fine." She assured forcing a smile, "I think I just twisted my leg. But I am okay."

She wasn't, the two could hear the wavering in her voice, even from where they sat perched up on the tree. Frowning heavily, gazing at her.

"Damn it Drau." The second son of a Kunti, silently cursed, his eyes lingering on his bride, who winced, when her friends weren't looking.

The urge to march over and pick her up, was intense, but he had it under the wraps, fisting his hands.

"Are you sure? You should rest. I'll call someone to check on your leg."

"It's okay Pauravi. I am fine. It doesn't hurt. Come let's set the tent up."

Without waiting for a reply she stood  biting back the pain, that flared from her ankle.

Arjun's jaw set, he wanted to march up right there, and throw her over his shoulder, carrying her back.

Consequences be damned. She was hurt, and she still wanted to go ahead with the regular work, like nothing ever happened.

Typical Drau. He fumed. "They are doing it wrong again." Bheem gritted the words, trying to calm the lava of protectiveness burning him from within.

"Why are they so stubborn?" Arjun grumbled, "stupid Nakul."

"I have got an idea." Arjun stated, his eyes lighting up like the lanterns of Diwali.

He watched as Panchaali set up the strings wrong again. "Jyest! What are you doing, twist the strings to your right! And time them between the two trees!" He hollered louder, correcting Panchaali.

Who froze, her body grew taut. Could he be talking to her? She wondered, gazing around, she shook her head continuing with her work.

"You're doing it wrong jyest!" Arjun snapped, patience running low, his eyes moving to her ankle every now and again.

Panchaali jumped, "What happened?" Pauravi asked from beside her, "Um nothing.  Maybe we should try tying this ropes from this tree, to the one across. " She suggested, uncertain.

If what her mind was stating was true and her husband, was actually guiding her, than this would be perfect.

If not, they'll have to just try again. "You sure?" Pauravi asked confused, receiving a nod, she shrugged.

What's there to try. Walking across the field she tied the long rope on the tree, climbing it, and tying higher, so it didn't  touch their heads.

Bheem's eyes lit up, a broad grin plastered on his face, one after another the two bickered back and forth, as though talking about how to set up a tent.

Chastising Draupadi, using each other's name. Another ten minutes later, Panchaali stood in front of her tent.

Warmth unfurling in her chest, making it pulse wildly. She pretty much had a idea, that the two were somewhere around the mango tree.

"We did it!" Pride rang through Pauravi's words, who was jumping up and down on her feet. They did it!

Throwing her arms around the wife of Pandavas, she hugged her hard. Excitement pumping through her veins.

Panchaali hugged her back, her eyes settling over the mango tree. A shy grin tracing her cheeks, all too familiar warmth blooming in her chest.

They were right there, she was pretty sure. Watching. And the realisation grounded her, anchored her. In a middle of nowhere,with them around, it all felt worth it.

The sound of feminine laughter, had the brides of Kuruvansh breaking apart.

Turning towards the source of sounds, they watched as a couple of maidens walked up to them.

"Well you girls all seemed set up. My names Aishwarya, and this are my sisters, Kavya and Kirti. Sorry, we just popped out of nowhere. We just wanted to introduce ourselves." A bubbly voice chirruped.

The girl, Aishwarya, had long dark waves of hair, with almond shaped green, cat like eyes.

She had a warm smile on her face.  "I am Pauravi. This are my sisters, Drau, Dhara and Bhanumati."

"Oh my god! Ate you pregnant!!!! Can I touch please?" Kavya pleaded, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"Uh sure." Bhanu answered giving a warm smile, a little nervous about all the energy packed in the girl.

The girl practically ran towards her, crouching beside her. The brides of Kuruvansh shared a look.

This wasn't creepy at all. "Kavya!" Kirti admonished, rushing beside her sister, pulling her up.

"I am sorry. She just loves kids and pregnancy in general." Giving a strained apologetic smile, Kirti pulled her sister back.

"I understand." Bhanu sighed, partially relived from not being smothered by the girl.

"We are really. We just wanted to introduce. We are in next camp, with our guardian. And we're looking to make some friends." Aishwarya  smiled, gazing at the girls around.

"No it's really alright." Panchaali assured, stepping up beside Bhanu, who smiled up at her sister in law.

"Oh! By the way. Our guardian and Aunt, Veena is one of the hosts. We are helping her, so our first task is to invite campers for hike." Kavya announced.

"Hike?" Dhara asked intrigued.

"Oh yes. Don't worry, tonight at the gathering orientation you all will be informed. There you can meet other people, make friends, choose a group to go along for hike. A leader will be assigned from the hosts panel. So you know, we don't get lost and are taken care of."

Panchaali nodded at Kirti's explanation. It made sense. And she would be lying, if she said she wasn't intrigued.

"Oh! And you all will also be shuffled in different groups."

"What?!" The women of Kuruvansh shrieked, partially in shock and partially in surprise, at Aishwarya's words.

"Don't worry you will be with others girls only." Giggled Kirti, rolling her eyes at their reactions.

"You guys are here to make friends right? Than why not be with a few other girls?" Kavya asked curious.

"We just want to stick together." Bhanumati whispered, nervousness slithering through her words.

"Nonsense! We'll have fun together. Plus, this is a safe place. Don't worry. And if you really have an issue, than it's alright. You girls can stick together. We are here to have fun, not scare you away." Kavya waved away her worries, smiling at the others.

"We will take your leave. See you at the evening supper!" Hollered Aishwarya, walking away, her sisters, following quick behind.

"I'll just go take a bath." Panchaali announced, picking up her clothes, craving some alone time.

"Sure. We'll wait here." Pauravi hugged her, rubbing her back. And with a last wave, and her clothes, Panchaali walked out.

The ache in her ankle flarring with every step she took further in the forest. Arms wrapped around her, swinging her up, carrying her bridal style.

A scream lodged in her throat, but the moment Bheem's face came in the view, she relaxed, laying her head on his shoulder.

It had been crazy few days, and she had really missed them. A sigh passed through her lips, relaxing.

"Arya." She whispered,  he pressed his lips on her forehead, nuzzling her hair. Tiredness weighed her down, and the ache in her ankle didn't help.

"Tired baby girl?" He cooed, pressing his lips to the crown of her head. "A little."

He snorted at her admission, the girl was clearly drained. But as always refused to admit.

"You know it is alright to get tired. Shows that human and not a meta elemental."

She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. A wave of calmness and completion washing over her.

"Thank you for helping me." Her words were barely above a whisper, but he heard them just fine, pressing his lips to her forehead, just held there.

Absorbing her close proximity, letting it sooth his soul. She was here, and for this one moment everything was perfect.

"I am yours. There is nothing, I won't ever do for you my love." He crooned in her ear, biting at the soft skin, making her breath hitch.

Sparks ignited through her body, lighting it up. Warmth blossomed, her cheeks flooding with crimson.

"I love you wifey."

"I love you more." And just like that, Bheem's world seemed to be perfect ones again.

No matter where they were, what they did, it didn't matter as long as they had each other. Laying her head, on his shoulder, she let herself relax, basking in his warmth.

Her breathing evened out, tiredness catching up.

Bheem couldn't stop the smile curving up from his lips. Gazing at her calm serene expression, he pressed his lips to her forehead, he was officially addicted.

Snorting at his thoughts he mentally chuckled. He had been so lost in his mind that he didn't realise when he arrived at his destination.

Gazing at the what looked like a dead end, a rock wall. He continued on, walking right through the illusion, that Nakul had managed to set up.

Behind the illusion lay a huge cave, that held a small area, where various wild flowers grew surrounding the water hall, that cascaded freely, in a huge lake.

Rocks surrounded the area, and right next to the water fall, was a natural  hot spring.

"Oh you're here!" Nakul grinned watching his brother walk in, with his wife.

"Tone it down she's asleep."

"Lay her down here jyest. I am almost done with this hammock swing." Togintening the knots, he pushed his weight down on the swing testing it.

The swing hung between two coconut trees, weaved out of the softest and most durable creepers. Nakul had added his own touch of padding the inner side, with a soft light yet fluffy duvet, he had carried from the royal tents.

A pillow and another duvet rested on it. The hammock was made for two.

"Thank heaven." Bheem laid her down cautiously, Nakul pulled back the duvet adding him.

Pulling the duvet over her. "She hurt her ankle, check it out. I have sent back Arjun to get your kit of medicines."

"What? How the hell did that happen?" Nakul whisper yelled, concern pumping through his veins, lifting her duvet.

He gazed at her feet. Lifting her lehnga slightly just above her ankles, he noticed mild swelling on her left foot.

"Damn it lil' one." Cursing the eldest twin, winced lifting her foot cautiously, examining for more damage.

The shuffling sounds had the two looking up, Arjun walked in with rest of their brothers.

"I got the kit." He ran towards, the other two.

"Is it something serious?" Sehdev asked,  "She's asleep?" The first son of Pandu asked.

"Of course she is. And no, nothing serious.  I think she sprained her muscles. " The eldest twin assured, taking the kit from his third eldest brother, and returning to the work of patching his wife up.

Arjun took her hand in his, the fingers of his free hand caressing her long tresses. She leaned in closer sleepily, making him smile.

"Hold her hand this might burn slightly." Sehdev instructed, Yudhisthir took her free hand in his.

"Do you guys ever have something that doesn't?" Bheem grumbled, he knew it wasn't their fault, but damn it, this is supposed to heal her, not hurt her more.

"Jyest, every herb has some qualities, that make evoke unpleasant sensations, but in a long run provides relief." The youngest of the brothers explained.

"I am sorry I just-"

"Jyest, we understand. You have nothing to apologies for." Nakul assured, giving his brother a grin.

And he did. Being a healer, where had always been something he prided and loved, but when he came to his wife, he hated the job.

He didn't like seeing her in pain. But it also gave him a sense of satisfaction that he was in a long run elevating her pain.

Assisting her, in her most vulnerable and time of need. He hated and loved it all at once.

"Here." Sehdev passed the paste he had made from the collection of herbs. His twin took the container, with a final look at his brothers, he sighed in resignation.

Scooping up some paste, he applied it on the swollen area.  Taking the clean strip of cloth from his twin, the two tied it around her foot.

"Arya." She whimpered, her eyes flying open. As the slow burning sensation began from her ankle.

"Shh princess. It's alright, we are right here." Yudhisthir crooned, cupping her cheek, rubbing his thumb back and forth on her cheek in an assuring manner.

"Yes baby." Arjun cooed, she winced sitting up, biting back a whimper, as the sting amplified.

"Easy sweetheart." Yudhisthir wrapped his arm around her shoulder, helping her sit up, pulling her slightly so her head rested on his chest.

"Arya it is just a slight burn." She teased, gazing at the worried expressions on her husbands' faces.

Sehdev narrowed his eyes at her. "You missy, need to stop falling in trouble all the time."

"I am not in trouble all the time."

The five snorted, amusement sparkling in their eyes. "Right. I so believe you." Arjun's words dripped of sarcasm.

"You do remember I am still angry at you all right?"

"Oh come on Drau, I didn't even mean it. I was just teasing. We are brought up by our mother alone, do you think we would consider women of all ever weak?" Nakul asked, turning his head sideways.

"I have plenty other reasons to be angry too." She added.

"Drau, sweetheart there is just one woman for us. It's you." Nalul promised, gazing at her.

"We are sorry sweetie." Arjun crooned in her ear, pressing his lips on her temple, making her heart skip a beat.

"Can you forgive us?" Sehdev asked, a concerned frown tracing his features, and just like that she wanted to wipe it away.

An air if sadness blanketed the place, and it made her heart ache. She didn't like to see them so down at all, it hurt.

"I do." She whispered, and just like that the five shared relived grins. "I am so going to spend my time, making up for the crap that I said." The eldest twin promised, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

The all too familiar soft skin pressed against his lips, soothing him, warming his heart.

"We all will." Yudhisthir rubbed his hand up and down her back soothingly, in a reassuring motion. His eyes softening, tracing the features of her beautiful face.

"Can you help me out?" She asked, leaning to get down. "Drau, you're hurt." Nakul pointed out.

"It's not so bad." She wanted to roll her eyes at their protectiveness, one would think she had demanded to set the moon on the ground by the expressions on their faces.

"Drau."

"Arya, seriously it's not so bad." She assured, squeezing Arjun's hand. The way they surrounded, it was almost as if she had a fatal injury.

She bit back a giggle, knowing all too well, her men wouldn't appreciate her thoughts.

"Drau-"

She pouted, her bottom lip wobbling, giving them the best puppy dog eyes.

"Fuck." Curses rang around the room, the five shooting her a stern look. "Please." She almost whimpered.

Bheem pinched her bottom lip between his thumb and finger. "Don't you dare princess. This shit doesn't work on me." He growled, lying right through his teeth.

She bottom lip quivered, and Yudhisthir growled, his arms going under her knees and one on her back, swiftly lifting her off the hammock.

"There. Now stop this pouting." He grumbled, annoyed to hell and back that all it took was a quivering lip, to get him nearly on his lips.

He hated that crap, and by the looks around, he knew his brothers did too. Her giggle had him squinting his eyes down at her in a fake stern look.

"You dear wife are trouble." He concluded, her mouth parted in shock, "I so am not." She protested.

"You so are."

"So am not."

"So are."

"So am not."

The younger four pandavas' shared a look of surprise, were they dreaming or was it their eldest just having a playful banter.

The always calm Yudhisthir, who strived to be a perfect elder brother, a perfect son, a responsible crowned prince and somewhere among all this, he had given himself completely for the people around him.

For his family.

"Alien abduction." The four chorused under their breath, amusement tainting their words.

"I have to go have a bath, and return others must be worried." Drau tried to get out of her husband's arms, who just tightened his arms, lifting her higher, and closer to himself.

"No can princess. We already informed them, you won't be returning tonight."  Nakul informed, jumping on the hammock to lay down.

Her face scrunched up in a cute confusing expression. "Why?" She asked, turning her head sideways, like an adorable lost puppy.

Sehdev reached out pinching her cheek. "Yes. We decided we wanted a family night. Just some games and us." Arjun announced, launching on hammock on his brother, who cursed under his breath with an 'omph'.

"You're killing me." The elder twin grunted, "Not so easily." Arjun teased, rolling to lay beside him.

Panchaali giggled at antics of the two, her gaze momentarily lost, while she around the place.

"Beautiful." Awe laced her words and expression, gazing around at all the flowers.

"Indeed." Her first husband agreed, staring at her face, momentarily losing himself in her.

"She meant the place." Sehdev added, a cheeky grin tracing his features. Yudhisthir cleared his throat, turning to look around.

"Yea I meant the same thing."

"And the sky is purple." Bheem drawled, earning a set of laughter.

"Aw baby panchi is blushing." Nakul crooned. "Are you saying you're a pedophile?" Drau raised a brow, mirth marring her features, though she tried to keep a straight face, pressing her lips together to control the laughter.

Other four howled with laughter, while Nakul's mouth hung open, shock screaming from his features.

"Aw baby. You're ass just got owned." Arjun said in between in laughter pulling his brother's cheek like he was a new born.

"Okay who are you and what did you do to my wife?" Nakul asked all too seriously, gazing at his girl, who grinned mischievously.

Their breaths left in a whoosh, the usual shadows that lingered in her eyes had disappeared. Haunted ebony eyes, today cackled with warmth.

And for the first time the five felt like they were gazing at the girl, that wasn't molded by the ugly claws of the evil.

And this girl was breathtaking. One right in front of them held the sparkle of mischief in her eyes. An innocence of a child.

But under the wraps they could see the silent strength. One that spoke of valor way greater than any depicted in the war fields.

Overcoming physical injuries, the slaughter that they as warriors reigned in their battle grounds, paled in comparison to the one in front of them.

Shouting, screaming, blaming, and all the negatives, people can take a hundred reasons to be negative because of their difficult past.

When it was survival everything was fair. But their girl flabbergasted them every point.

For she had returned kindness for cruelty, she never really roared or screamed, no sharp words or curses for universe who did so much wrong to her.

She just went on with kindness, a smile for everyone. And that was something they as people acknowledge not many can do.

Being bitter over past is understandable, but raising above it and being kind is admirable.

And the funniest fact? Panchaali had no idea, just how beautiful she was, inside out.

"Um? Is something wrong?" Her words brought the five back to the reality making them blink.

"Yes right. How about you take a bath at the spring, while  we set up for the game night?" The eldest pandav suggested, his gaze tracing her features.

Nodding, he slowly lowered her down, "Nakul, Arjun come along." And you two set the things here." With that the five spread up, their minds lost in their wife. . .

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