There was something fishy going on, Dhriti was so certain about it.

Something had really altered about the pandavas, she couldn't really place her finger on it.

They somehow seemed more...happier?

There was no outward change in their behavior, their eyes just had lost the haunted look that she had began to associate with them. 

And let's not forget about the part that these men had successfully become bigger assholes. 

"Dhriti where is the scroll relating to state economics?"

Bheem's growly voice had her jumping, seriously? What in the heaven was wrong with him? 

"It's on the first shelf of that one." She pointed at the shelf, juggling books in one hand eyes still focused on some others. "It is not there I have checked it." 

"Get it to me now!" He snapped his patience running low, this was ridiculous, why in the heaven was he assigned this paper work when he was supposed to be out there looking for his Drau, and not sit here doing this stupid tasks. 

Be normal, Yudhisthir had warned them. But he hated that. The only thing keeping him grounded here was the fact that Arjun was sourcing out data on his wife. That Nakul was looking for any incidences that happened after Drau, something that could give them a clue. 

"Dhirti!" He shouted frustrated at everything. And specially himself. He hated how her proximity effected him. He wanted to ignore this storm of emotions roaring in him. This pull that tugged him towards this unknown girl felt like he was betraying his wife. This was wrong. 

His Drau was out there. Waiting for him and what was he doing? Getting attached to this brat that had no business being in his life. She had done nothing wrong, and him treating her this way wasn't fair. But he wanted her to hate him, to stay away from him, this emotions needed to leave him.

"Dhriti!" 

She rushed towards the shelf, looking for the damned scroll. Where in the heaven had that thing disappeared? Picking up the scroll she walked over to him, he snatched it out of her hand turning around to ignore her. 

The hell!!!! This man was so rude! Not even a damn thank you. 

"Get me a tea. Quick." 

If looks could kill Bheem would certainly be dead. He had no doubt about it. She huffed marching out of the room. 

Leave this job already brat.

He mentally pleaded. He didn't want to hurt her, but he didn't understand what ways he could use to make her leave, she needed to go. 

He couldn't afford this emotions that were slowly developing towards her. 

She returned on time placing the tea on his table. "I want the entire library arranged by tonight, dusted, cleaned and put in order. Alone" 

Dhriti sputtered, he got to be kidding her. This place was magnanimous it would take ages to clean it alone. 

"But that's impossible, it is so huge-"

"Not my problem servant girl, you can either do this or leave. I am certain you can get a job anywhere."

His words were harsh, but he mentally willed her to just leave. But the damned girl was too stubborn for her own good. Fury blazed in her dark orbs and he was certain she would march out, her jaw set. 

But a deep breath in later, she sighed. It resonated with resignation. Picking up the duster she marched to the library leaving him alone. 

Bloody Baboon! Why does he have to be so harsh? Her heart hurt recalling the blank expression that he aimed at her every time he looked at her. She couldn't really understand why he was being so rude to her. 

What in the name of heaven had she done to him? 

Was this the punishment was speaking to him so rudely that day? But what choice did she have? He was being so pushy that day.

She gritted her teeth. Screw him, she didn't care.

But than why did the apathy in his gaze cut deep in her heart. 

She walked to the servants area to pick the bucket and a rug, maybe moping would be a good idea first. 

This wasn't even her job. She was supposed to be an assistance. 

Picking up the bucket with water and rug, she marched back to the library. 

This was insane. Why did she have to do this? 

Pushing the door open she walked in, her breath hitched. The library was magnificent.

It was just so beautiful and HUGE.

There was just no way she could clean this entire place without any assistance.

Shooting out a final curse to Bheem she walked in. Okay let's do this.

Time seemed to fly, morning turned to evening. Her body ached, muscles protesting another movement.

Her limbs burned with extertion.

"So you are not done yet?"

The harsh words of the second son of Kunti, had her jumping. Her head hit the wall, as she tripped on the wet floor.

Pain bloomed in her skull, pulsing with agony.

His heart jolted. "Stupid girl."

He grumbled reaching down to crouch beside her.

Worry flooded his system, guilt weighing heavily on his heart."

Are you alright?"
She nodded pushing herself off the ground wincing at the throbbing pain.

As soon as she stood up she crumbled to the ground clutching her stomach in agony, tears forming on her cheeks.

"Fuck!"

Hands reached out to support her weight, helping her stand.

"You idiot woman! Why must you always act like an imbecile?"

Fingers brushed against his wrist stopping him.

"I'm fine." Her voice sounded fragile, but he couldn't miss the fire behind her words.

Stupid girl! Why couldn't she just leave already.

The world tilted on its axis as Dhriti stumbled, 
his grip tightened, pulling her closer into his chest.

She allowed it, too tired to fight him anymore. What was the point anyway? Her body throbbed with agony.

His arms wrapped around her protectively, lifting her gently into his arms.

A warm flush filled her cheeks, she felt so weak right then.

Weak as a newborn kitten, unable to defend itself from the harsh reality of the world.

A weakness that only increased when she noticed she was pressed close, the warmth emanating from his body making her feel safe.

Why?

Wasn't he responsible for her condition? Than why was it that she still felt safe in the arms of her tormentor.

The sweet musk filled her nose. His embrace was firm and strong, and so very familiar.

Confusion filtered through her mind, why did she feel this pull towards him?

It was a simple feeling, almost like home. She hadn't experienced this kind of safety before.

Not with her parents who treated her like trash, not with her teachers who beat her within an inch of her life, not even with the guards that patrolled every corner of the palace.

But here, with this stranger. With him. She suddenly didn't feel fear, she didn't feel anger, she just felt complete, complete peace.

"Put me down." She commanded finally finding the ability to speak again.

"No."

"Put me down!"

This time it was his turn to protest.

"No!" He shook his head.

"Let go of me!"

"No."

"Please don't touch me again!" She whispered.

He instantly loosened his grasp but held onto her firmly refusing to let her go.

Her eyes opened wide.

Oh no! No. No, no, NO!! She couldn't allow her emotions to cloud her judgment. She just couldn't.

Sucking in a steadying breath, she looked him straight in the eye. Her determination filling every corner of her.

"You are going to drop me or I'll kick your ass." She threatened.

The corner of his mouth twitched. Damn it. He could feel the heat rising in his body.

He reluctantly released her, knowing full well if he didn't she would most definitely try to kick his ass.

She stumbled, and his arms caught her before she fell again.

"Whoa whoa easy! You need a healer." He spoke worriedly. He watched her pale face as she breathed hard.

"Just put me down."

She demanded.

Nodding, ignoring the way she trembled, he placed her feet back on the ground and took a step back.

His fingers curled into fists at the sight of her.

She was pale, trembling slightly. His body responded to her weak appearance.

There was no denying it, but he was trying to ignore it. He was angry at himself more than anything else.

He should've just ignored her, left things alone. Instead he chose to torture her.

"Sit." He ordered motioning towards one of the chairs in front of his desk.

He sat behind the desk watching her walk towards it.

As she sat there he stared intently at her, drinking in her delicate features.

Damn that girl.  

She was such an innocent creature.

And he just had to ruin everything he was starting to think he found.
Biting back the growl threatening to escape him he cleared his throat.

"Will you just tell me where it hurts?" He questioned, annoyance laced through his tone. He didn't know how she managed to irritate him so easily.

But he couldn't deny the fact, that under all this appearance was concern that churned in his gut, each time she winced.

He hated himself. She had done nothing to deserve this.

She glared at him narrowing her eyes at him.

"Nowhere." She shot back, ignoring the way her heart skipped, his intense gaze caressed on her gaze, leaving behind a hot trail of need.

She wanted to reach out and press her lips against his. To hug him.

This was insane. She hated him.

Yet he was standing right in front of her, eyes narrowed dangerously at the thought of her hurting herself, his face contorted into an angered mask.

The thought sent a shiver through her body.

Heat rose again.

"Stop being stubborn." He snapped.

Another wave of dizziness washed over her, she stumbled.  He cursed, his protectiveness kicking in, wrapping his arms around her he picked her up bridal style.

"Easy brat." The words were more soft, and the nickname more affectionate than anything else. Surely she was hallucinating.

It had to be. This mammoth of a man had never shown a blink of concern towards her, than why today?

Bheem marched out of the room ignoring her protests.  He pushed the door to Sehdev's room open marching in.

"Bheem?" Yudhisthir jumped to his feet along with their youngest brother, the questions died on their lips the moment their eyes anchored on the girl in Bheem's arms.

"What happened?" The duo growled, their protective instincts came roaring out.

"She fell."  Bheem replied tersly.

That's what they expected. They knew damn well that her body was probably exhausted from all the strenght she exerted today.

Sehdev moved forward reaching out to examine her injuries. There was no wound, only a small bump on the back of her head.

Bheem paced the length of the room, Yudhisthir gazed at the girl. What the hell had happened?

Words tumbled out of Bheem's lips as he explained all that he had done. Guilt and shame weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"Bheem this is no way to treat an innocent."  Disapproval rang through the words of the eldest son of Kunti.

"I am sorry." Bheem whispered defeatedly, gazing at his brothers tears shining in his gaze.

The eldest son of Kunti wrapped his arms around his brother tugging him a fierce embrace.

"I just want Drau back." Bheem whispered brokenly.

"And we will get her back, it's a promise."

"She's fine, just exhausted."

Relief flooded the room on Sehdev's words, his voice still a little hoarse from not being used for so long.

"You should apologize to her."

The second son of Pandu nodded at  his elder brother's words. He would.

He had hurt the girl for no apparent reason. "I'll be right back." He whispered walking out.

Silence stretched in the room, as the two pandavas watched their brother leave.

Their concerned gazes moved back to Dhriti, they didn't even really know the girl. But this pull that tugged them towards her was just so strong.

"I'll prepare some medicines for her." Sehdev stated, walking towards the herbs kept in come glass container near his bed.

Yudhisthir nodded getting back to his work, looking up at her every now and than.

Time flew faster than he would have predicted. The sound of the door opening had the eldest son of Kunti looking up.

His jaw nearly hit the ground noticing the tray in Bheem's hand. Steam wafted off the delicious looking cottage cheese gravy along with rice, dal  and puris sitting on the other side of the platter.

The mouthwatering aroma of Bheem's cooking filled the room. The garnished dishes looked so tempting.

"You cooked." It wasn't a question, Yudhisthir knew that.

"Yes. I wanted to show her I am really sorry."

Yudhisthir's lips curved up an inch, it was probably the first time he had cooked in so long.  After Drau's death this was the first time Bheem had used his culinary skills.

Sehdev looked up from where he was bandaging Dhirti's hands. They had some minor cuts that she had acquired during cleaning.

He winced everytime he layered the paste on her wounds. He was momentarily distracted by Bheem.

A groan shattered the stunned silence in the room. The pandavas  head snapped towards the girl who lay in the bed.

"Water." Her voice cracked at the end of the sentence.

Sehdev reached out, helping her sit up. Adjusting the cushions behind her back.

"Here." Yudhisthir whispered pressing the glass of water to her lips. Bheem placed the platter on the side table waiting for her to gain her control completely.

Three concerned eyes met Dhriti's, her heart thudding erratically at their close proximity.

They were staring at her.  Waiting for her to speak.

She swallowed thickly, forcing herself to breathe normally, trying desperately to push away the blush rising on her cheeks.

"What?"  She asked hoping to distract them.

The three snapped out of their haze. "How are you feeling?" The all too commanding aura of Yudhisthir had her back straightening.

His lethal beauty sapped her breath out of her lungs, leaving her heart thundering in chest. A  flush rose to her cheeks.

"I am fine." She whispered.

She didn't know what else to say, she was fine.

"Dhriti. " Bheem began, "I am sorry. I shouldn't have done this to you."

The sincerity in his words had her stunned. Did he just apologize to her? She didn't really know what to say.

Never in her life anyone had ever apologized for anything. What was she too say?

"I know I have been a complete and utter moron since the day I met you. And I regret it. I am really sorry."

"It's okay." Dhriti whispered,  smiling up at him. It was sad and genuine.

"No one ever has apologized to me." She whispered, it was too soft, she spoke more to herself rather than anyone else.

The three froze uncertain of what to say. They were sure she hadn't meant to say it aloud, but they had heard it.

And fir the first time, the trio saw something so vulnerable under the strong exterior that she always showed.

"I made something for you." Bheem said cheerfully trying to illicit a smile out of  her.

Her head snapped up, as she gazed at the platter of food. "You cooked?" She asked astounded.

The three chuckled at her shocked face, heat burned in her cheeks.

"Yes, I do cook okay."

"Nah he cooks really good." Sehdev added smiling.

"Let her be the judge of it." A minute smile curved on Yudhisthir's lips, before it disappeared.

"But I cannot. . ." She didn't know what to say. Her throat clogged, tears burning in her eyes.

It was really stupid that she was crying over the fact that someone cooked for her. But no one had ever gone out of their way to cook something for her.

"Hey I don't cook so bad. I promise." Bheem assured half panicking. His heart tugged sharply seeing tears lining in her gaze.

"Are you okay?" Sehdev asked.

"I am good. Everything is fine." She answered gazing at them. "Ignore me. It's been a long day." She waved away their concerns, pushing a smile on her lips.

"You should eat." Bheem grumbled  gently nudging the platter towards her.

She hesitated.

"Why would you do that for me?" She inquired softly.

"You're welcome."  Bheem responded simply. The warmth radiating off his skin seeped into her soul.

"Eat."

Bheem commanded, gazing down at her. His gaze softened.

Maybe this was beginning of a new friendship. . .

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