| Edited |
_________________________________________

Everyone in the hall, except for Madirakshi's family, and the Yadava Kumaras, was utterly shocked to see that she had chosen Karna over all the suitors.

"This is an insult! How can a princess choose a man from a lower class, a man unqualified to be a kshatriya?" Jarasandh yelled, gaining everyone's attention.

"Absolutely! She has to choose one amongst us!" Supported another king.

"Maharaj Jaydev, how can your daughter choose a Sutputra?"

Madirakshi, Suchitra and their mother were tensed.

"It is her choice. Respect it!" King Jaydev replied in a stern tone.

"What if a fight breaks out? Do something, Kanha!" Balram whispered.

"Don't you think, that Karna can handle all them single-handedly?" Krishna chuckled.

"I know that very well! And I'm not referring about it. I'm saying would Madirakshi or any bride would appreciate a fight break on such an auspicious day of her life?"

"You uttered the truth, Dau." Krishna smiled.

I don't want any fight to happen. Narayan please help! Madirakshi prayed.

"Look, even Madirakshi is requesting you now." Balram looked at his younger brother.

"And now I have to do something! After all, how can I avoid the request of my devotees and sakhi," Krishna smiled, standing up.

"To all the suitors, it is Rajkumari Madirakshi who has the right and choice to select her husband. A woman has the freedom to choose whom she wants to! This is her right!"

Krishna's calm yet firm voice interrupted them.

Karna looked at Krishna who smiled at him with a blink of assurance.

Many believed Krishna to be the avatar of Lord Vishnu, the supreme god. Although many present, such as Shishupal and Jarasandh, disliked him they were at a loss of words against his claim.

"My daughter's decision is completely her own and I will stand by it," King Jaydev declared. "She has selected the King of Anga as her husband. And I appeal everyone to respect her choice made at the swayamvar."

★

The wedding date was set for seven days later. Dushasan departed back to the kingdom of Hastinapur, while Ashwatthama and Duryodhana waited back with Karna.

The Pandavas were unsure whether to stay or leave. King Jaydev was a close relative of theirs, but Madirakshi was marrying Karna. Upon Arjun's insistence, for his personal reasons, they chose to stay back and attend the wedding.

Additionally, Kunti was coming to Mayurvan to see her friend Queen Sulochana. More likely to bless Madirakshi and her own son from Suryadev, her secret. Nevertheless, this gave Arjun a good reason to ask his brothers to stay.

He walked down the palace corridor of the beautifully decorated palace, in the quiet of the night. His steps echoed softly as he made his way to Suchitra's chamber. Though it was unconventional for a man to visit a woman's chamber at such an hour, Arjun was willing to defy norms that night.

He paused in front of her chamber doors, where two guards stood watch.

"If Rajkumari Suchitra is awake, please inform her that I wishes to meet her right away," he instructed the guard, urgency in his voice.

"As you command, Rajkumar," the guard nodded respectfully before entering the chamber.

★

Arjun walked in, as informed by the guard, that Suchitra asked him to come inside. He looked around to find Suchitra looking etheral in a simple white attire, her long hair flowing. All her jewellery taken off.

"Arjun," she called softly, breaking his trance. "What do you wish to discuss?"

"Finally, I got to talk with you properly," he spoke, moving towards, as he stood in front of her.

"Firstly, I wanted to explain myself. I decided to attend the swayamvar, because–"

Suchitra interrupted, speaking with an understanding smile, "You don't have to justify yourself, Arjun. I understand your duty."

He expression relieved, as he spoke after a pause, his eyes glistening, "I adore every single thing about you, Suchitra. I yearn for you."

"I want to marry you, Chitra." He confessed taking her soft hands in his calloused ones.

"You have always been on my mind, Arjun," she replied softly, looking in his eyes. "I wish for the same. I've been waiting for this moment." She blushed, lowering her eye lids.

Arjun smiled, "That's all I wanted to know. Mata will be here in a day or two. Then, I'll talk to your parents."

He promised. She nodded, her eyes sparkling. When she noticed him suddenly lost in thoughts. "What's wrong?"

"I was thinking about Panchali. It's not like she would reject it or something, but still—"

"Leave that to me," Suchitra smirked.

"What's going on in your head now?" Arjun looked at her amused, as she giggled silently.

A few days later, when Kunti arrived. Pandavas, Karna, Krishna, Balram and the princesses of Mayurvan were extremely delighted with her arrival.

Arjun had already talked about Suchitra to his brothers, and then to his mother. Happily, Kunti placed the proposal for Suchitra, in front of Jaydev and Sulochana– who agreed to this marriage without giving it a second thought.

However, Duryodhan was not happy about other princess of Mayurvan marrying Arjun. But he had no right to interfere.

★

A message was sent to Indraprasth as well. There, the messanger read out the message to Draupadi about Arjun and Suchitra's marriage.

She looked a bit surprised, as she bite her lips. Even if Arjun didn't say, Draupadi had a slight idea.

"Maharani, there's one more letter for you," the messenger informed, catching Draupadi's attention.

"Whose?" She asked, puzzled.

"From Rajkumari Suchitra."

"Rajkumari Suchitra?"

The messanger handed her the letter. Draupadi opened the parchment immediately out of curiosity.

To the queen of Indraprasth,
Maharani Draupadi.

It's been long since we last met. I hope, all is going smoothly for you.

You must be already aware of my marriage with Rajkumar Arjun. I understand if you feel bothered about another woman entering your palace.

I've been in love with Rajkumar Arjun and couldn't bear to be apart from him any longer. I hope, as a woman, you can understand.

You have no need to worry about any woman taking your place. No one, not even I, has the ability to replace you. You're a strong woman, who is extremely enchanting, always graceful and headstrong.

Do you recall when we first met? We formed a bond of friendship.

I do not intend to take on the role of queen in Indraprasth. Instead, I wish to be your sister or friend, to stand by your side.

Yours sincerely
Suchitra.

By the time, Draupadi finished reading the letter, she was smiling. She eagerly awaited Suchitra's arrival at her palace.

The thought of having someone to confide in, someone with whom she could share her innermost thoughts, brought her joy. Despite having understanding husbands and a kind mother-in-law, there were still things she hesitated to share. Now, she looked forward to having someone beside her.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Hello there!

New chapter is here!

Please comment your delightful thoughts and hit the star button to vote.

And, Happy Holi to all! 🌈

Stay tuned! ;)