Time was a fickle thing. It passed swiftly with every blink of her eyes. Her thoughts were in chaos but her eyes never strayed from him.

Arjun and Bheem had returned earlier with the news of Duryadhan and Karn's arrival in Panchal.

The Pandavs and Kunti were talking about leaving Kampilya in the dark of the night. Abhijishya just looked at Nakul. How the shadows danced on his face from the bonfire. How his forehead creased when he looked thoughtful. How he rubbed his left thumb over his left index finger while talking.

Abhijishya wished Nakul wasn't a Pandav in that moment. She wished he could be some farmer or sweeper or anyone that wasn't obliged to follow dharma and obey his mother, his brothers. She wished he could be just hers, hers to love and she only his.

But then he wouldn't be Nakul. Abhijishya couldn't want that. So she watched and silently despaired for the next sunrise.

She saw how he stretched when he got up, winced slightly and rubbed his thigh. He shook out his leg and looked at her.

The rest of them had just gone inside.

"What? Do I have something on my face? I noticed you were looking at me the whole time," he said rubbing his forehead and cheeks. His long hair had three braids which she had tied when she felt bored. His beard was longer than what she preferred in men. But he was handsome as ever.

Abhijishya just hummed the same tune Nakul often heard. She never sang the words. Once he had asked if she could sing. She had laughed and replied like a dying cat. But the tune was familiar and just another of the small things he loved about her.

She got up and stood before him; close enough to see the reflection of the bonfire and herself in his eyes.

"Can't I just look at you and admire you?" she asked as she interlaced her fingers with his. Nakul squeezed her hand.

He smirked mischievously and said," Like what you see?"

Abhijishya smiled. "Love what I see."

Nakul gently caressed her cheek. "You seemed quieter tonight. Anything wrong?"

"Everything is right in this moment. My heart wants to stop time this very second and never let the sun rise in the sky," Abhijishya said.

Nakul tilted his head and looked intensely in her eyes," If everything is right then why do I see your eyes watering?"he whispered.

"Tears of love, darling. Don't worry. It won't fall," Abhijishya smiled.

Nakul had a light pink hue on his cheekbones. He always did when she called him 'darling.'

Next morning seemed too far but too near at the same time. Abhijishya ran her fingers through his cheeks and settled it at the juncture of his jaw and neck.

"I love you," she simply said. Nakul smiled at her adoringly and replied," And I love you."

Abhijishya closed her eyes and leaned in. She felt his breath hitch and pressed her lips against his slightly chapped ones. Nakul encircled her waist with his arms and kissed her back. She broke the kiss. Nakul still had his eyes closed.

She leaned in and kissed his eyelids and cheeks. She embraced him and she felt his hands hold her gently.

"We should go inside. It-it isn't right to be like this in the open," Nakul whispered. His voice slightly husky.

Abhijishya reluctantly let go but held onto his hand.

They went inside and saw the others cleaning up the room they were given to sleep in.

Once the old potter fell asleep, they left silently.

Arjun led them out of Kampilya and into the forests. They walked for what felt like hours when they came across an abandoned hut.

It was near sun rise. They entered the hut and decided to rest for sometime.

The Pandavs and Kunti sat down on the hay floor and chattered.

Nakul remained oblivious to Abhijishya's inner turmoil. Every minute that passed she wanted to tell him everything. Ask them to not go to Draupadi's swayamvar. But the words never escaped her lips.

Yudhisthir was saying something about alms. The Pandavs got up. Abhijishya still hadn't let go of Nakul's hand. As he was about to leave, she said the only words she could say without breaking down," Come back to me."

Nakul looked at her and smiled. "Always."

================================

Abhijishya sat quietly inside the hut. Kunti wanted to do some sort of ceremony. Honestly, she wasn't even paying attention to what she had been saying. She just nodded her head in intervals.

Krishna wanted Draupadi to marry the Pandavs. Her marriage was one of the keys steps for the war. Abhijishya knew that the war was inevitable. Her brain knew all this and was providing her logical answers to all her questions.

But her heart felt like it was cracking and breaking into pieces in her chest. She would have no place in Nakul's life after his marriage to Draupadi. Abhijishya couldn't think of sharing her life partner with another person.

"Putri" A small vindictive part of her whispered that Nakul could never love Draupadi without seeking her in Draupadi first. His first love was hers. His first kiss was hers. But when she thought of Draupadi's fate, the guilt of such thoughts made her sick.

"Putri,"Kunti shook Abhijishya.

She looked up to see a worried Kunti gazing at her. "Are you alright? I've been calling you for quite sometime."

"I am fine, Mata," she smiled too fake; too strained.

Kunti didn't look convinced. "Mata, earlier you said you were preparing for a ceremony. Do you want me to bring something for you?"Abhijishya asked.

"Yes, I forgot to get some durva grass," Kunti said.

"I'll go and bring some. You start the ceremony," Abhijishya said while getting up.

Kunti smiled and went back to rubbing a small stick of chandan on a stone.

================================

Durva grass was the last thing on Abhijishya's mind as soon as she stepped out of the hut.

She walked farther into the forest. It was Draupadi's destiny to marry the five Pandavs. Where did she even fit in all this?

Some part of her wanted to leave everything upto Bhagwan. She loved him. He loved her. If marriage was in their fate, then it will happen either way. But her heart protested against it. She wanted to be selfish and hoard Nakul to herself forever.

Abhijishya felt insecure too. Draupadi was said to be the most beautiful woman of entire Aryavart. Nakul would slowly but surely start comparing them both. The heart was a treacherous thing. The love he had for her was for now. Will he even turn to look at her after ten years?

Gods, she was just nineteen and thinking of lifetime commitment to someone who will marry two other woman. She tugged at her hair and paced restlessly. Krishna was Draupadi's Govind too. Draupadi was his instrument in his scheme. Why should she sacrifice Nakul and hers' love and happiness for his scheme to establish dharma?

The answer came to her mind as quick as the question. Because of the welfare of the people of Aryavart. This was the eve of a revolution. A transmigration of yugs. It wasn't just stories in mythology books. This was Abhijishya's reality now and she knew she couldn't doom the common people who wanted Yudhisthir to grace the throne of Hastinapur along with his brothers at his side. Draupadi would pave their way to that.

Abhijishya cried at the loss of another family. Her love. She could hear her friend Saurav's voice say," In a selfish world, the selfish succeed. Your dumbass can't be selfish no matter what. फितरत में ही नहीं है (it's not in your spirit)," as he tsked.

She got up and walked to the river. She splashed water on her face and wiped it with her saree. She spotted some durva grass and plucked some up.

Abhijishya slowly walked back to the hut. She hoped she had the strength to witness everything without completely shattering.

================================

A beautiful woman stood infront of Mata Kunti along with the Pandavs. She was dressed in a fiery red saree and large intricately designed gold ornaments decorated her body. Her long hair was braided. The kajal emphasised here fierce eyes. Her posture screamed grace and poise. As Abhijishya came nearer she heard the fateful words.

"I consider your mistake as my destiny. I," the melodious voice paused. "I will marry your five sons," she said with determination.

Abhijishya felt the words stab like ice shards in her heart. Nakul looked horrified at the mere suggestion of such a taboo. But he didn't utter a word. She gritted her teeth and tried to calm her breathing.

She looked towards the sound of horses. Maharaj Drupad and Dhrishtadyumna were on their chariots along with nearly hundred soldiers. Abhijishya slipped behind a tree, not wanting to be seen yet.

"IMPOSSIBLE," Drupad roared.

Wiping the few stray tears, she took a few calming breaths. Abhijishya stepped out from her hiding place and walked towards them.

Drupad was taking Draupadi to his chariot. Draupadi turned back. Their eyes met. Draupadi's expression changed to one of confusion.

Abhijishya knew then. 'She doesn't know who I am. They didn't tell her about me.' She couldn't hold the bitter chuckle in.

The Panchal Royal entourage left. She came in front of the Pandavs and Kunti.

"So, care to explain why the Panchal princess declared she is going to marry all five Pandavs?"

The Pandavs stood silently. Kunti had tears streaming down her face. Abhijishya rubbed her face. She didn't like seeing that. Kunti was like her mother.

She sighed. "Standing silently and crying won't help anyone. Let's sit down then you can tell me what is the problem."

================================

Nakul was simply sticking close to her. He hadn't uttered a word; just kept glancing at her with a devastated look on his face.

Abhijishya didn't have the courage to speak about their relationship now. She just concentrated on Arjun as he explained everything.

"Alright. Mata Kunti ordered you all to equally share what Arjun had gotten in daan without looking at what Arjun brought along. Earlier, Arjun asked Mata to look at what he had gotten for daan. What. What. What," she paused. Refereeing to a woman as a what wasn't helping her temper. She stood up and shouted,"SHE IS NOT AN OBJECT. She is a who not a what. I don't care what concept is behind Kanyadaan and all but what is wrong with you all? A woman is not something that is given away. If she is in Aryavart, then pardon me, but your customs and traditions can go to hell."

The Pandavs and Kunti had the same helpless looks on their faces. Kunti said," Putri, I am terribly sorry. I thought maybe four of my sons could take sannyas while one married Draupadi. We have decided it should be Nakul." Nakul looked at his Mata astonished and in despair.

She continued," It won't be fair to both of you if Nakul took up sannyas. That way both the honour of Draupadi and your love can be saved."

Abhijishya sighed again. "None of you can take up sannyas. Also, Arjun won the swayamvar so it would be unfair for Draupadi to not marry Arjun."

"But how can we marry the same wom-" Bheem was saying incredulously.

"Let me finish," Abhijishya snapped. Bheem fell silent. "Any brother who decides to marry Draupadi will never lead a happy married life knowing his other brothers had to take up sannyas for his wife. He will slowly start to despise her and grow bitter towards life,"she paused.

"I have lived with you all for more than a year. It is very clear you five brothers are more like five parts of one rather than five separate people. So taking up sannyas is out of question," she said.

"Then, what can we do?" Kunti asked tentatively.

"It is time for you all to fulfil your Rajdharma," she said hardening her expression.

"We don't have any greed for the crown and royal life. My son Yudhisthir has given up his throne. You already know this, putri," Kunti said.

"Mata, one decision taken at one time cannot be right for rest of the time. That time, you all were devastated at being betrayed by Duryodhan. You cannot allow Duryodhan to sit on the throne of one of the most powerful and influential kingdom of Aryavart. It goes beyond your or your sons' wishes. What about the common people? The subjects of Hastinapur? Duryadhan, with the constant stream of evil whispers of Gandharraj will lay ruin to Hastinapur. He is not fit for the throne. You all know that," she said.

"To gain the right for the crown of Hastinapur, it has to be either Jyesth Yudhisthir or Bhrata Bheem who marries Draupadi. Otherwise, as the eldest Duryadhan will gain the crown undisputably."

"ENOUGH," Arjun shouted. "How can you, a woman, try to decide the fate of another woman with politics? This isn't about any throne. It is about Draupadi's honour."

Abhijishya raised an eyebrow. "Who are you, Arjun? Who are you all? Who is Mata Kunti? You all are the wife and children of Maharaj Pandu. The title Maharaj isn't for luxury or comfort. It is given to the person that looks out for the welfare of common people; the subjects.Your fate was sealed the day you all were born to Maharaj Pandu along with Maharani Kunti and Maharani Madri. It is your karm as well as dharma to do what is necessary for the welfare of your people. The people of Hastinapur have long since wished for Rajkumar Yudhisthir to grace the throne. But he alone cannot do this without the protection of his brothers : Bhrata Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev. What did you all expect? That Bhrata Yudhisthir will get the crown without dispute? Duryadhan wants the crown for himself. He is utterly spoilt and that Gandharraj is no good. If he becomes King, for many coming generations Hastinapur will be ruled by adharma and selfishness. But Jyesth Yudhisthir will rule for the people. Kings don't have the right to choose personal happiness and content over his people. Or have you all forgotten that?"

"Extraordinary," said a calm voice. They turned to see Maharishi Vyas standing. "I felt that you all might need someone to guide you. So I came here from Kampilya. But looks like someone is already steering you to the correct path," he smiled at Abhijishya.

Bhagwan Vedvyas

"Pranipaat, Bhagwan Vedvyas," Abhijishya said. Others also joined their hands and greeted him with 'Pranipaat.'

He sat down on a rock and said," Kunti, you heard what Abhijishya said. What do you think is your duty now?"

Kunti looked determined. "It is time we all return to Hastinapur and putra Yudhisthir takes up his duties as Yuvraj once again."

"Good decision," he nodded.

"But Bhagwan, what is the solution for this Dharamsankat (moral dilemma) regarding Rajkumari Draupadi?" asked an agitated Yudhisthir.

"Yudhisthir, your names states you are one who can stay sthir (calm/ stable) in Yudh (war). How come you are this agitated? Draupadi herself has given the solution by making the grave decision of marrying all five of you, Pandavs. She will surely have a difficult life. But can't you all make some rules to give her an easier married life?Can't you all turn your lives into austerity ( Tapasya) ?" asked Maharishi VedVyas.

"But Bhagwan, the subjects have always followed the King's example. If we do such a thing, won't the common people start doing the same?" asked a concerned Sahadev.

"For anyone else it will be adharma, Sahadev. But you all are in a difficult situation, in Dharmsankat and to come out of this problem, we must apply Apatdharm. By Apatdharm, sometimes such decisions can be taken which if done in other simple situations is considered a great sin. Similarly, for you all five brothers and Draupadi, this marriage will be considered dharma. Any other man to do so, will be sent to Hell," Bhagwan Vedvyas replied.

Bheem looked distressed. "How can I consider my brother's wife as my own? How can I consider Jyesth's wife who is supposed to be like a mother, as my own life, Bhagwan?"

"In a temple, a copper pitcher pot is placed on three pillars over the idol of God; safe from all five directions. Who is related to the idol, Bheem?" He asked.

"Everything is related to the idol but the idol is not related with anything," Bheem answered.

"Then can't you think of Draupadi as the idol and place her in your heart's temple? Always remember, the idol of God makes everything pure. The pillars and kalash doesn't grant purity to the idol." He answered.

He looked towards the Pandavs and asked," So, what have you all decided?"

The brothers shared glances except Nakul who stared resolutely at the fire. His posture was tense and fists clenched tight. He still didn't say a word.

"Then, we brothers have decided to accept this sannyas which is called marital life," Yudhisthir declared.

"Wait Jyesth," Nakul said. His eyes red and breathing irregular. Abhijishya wanted to run to him and forget about the world. But her mind won over her heart and she stood in her place with a blank expression.

"You all have thought about everything except Abhijishya. What about her? No one thought of her. If we are discussing and thinking of Panchal Rajkumari's honour and sacrifice, what about our love? What about my promise to her?" Nakul gritted out. This was the first time in his life he was questioning his eldest brother's decision. His hands felt clammy but the fire in his heart was consuming him whole. He looked at his love standing near him.

Yudhisthir was silent.

"We are talking about the welfare of the people, Nakul. Personal sacrifice must be made. It is dharma," Bhagwan Vedvyas said.

"But-" Nakul protested.

"But nothing," Abhijishya said flatly. "None should make a decision from heart and none should love from mind. You are doing the former. It is time you do karm and fulfil your dharma. Don't think about the consequences. I believe birth, marriage and death are carved into our fate by the Gods." Her voice trembled slightly. "If we are to get married then we will when it is time. Even if we don't, my love for you will never fade. Always stand with your brothers, Nakul. They are your strength as you are theirs. Never let anyone come between you."

Nakul looked at her with so much hurt, she despised herself for it. He gritted his teeth and looked away.

"Kalyan ho, putri. You have proved your wisdom and righteousness. I insist you go with the Pandavs to Kampilya. You will be needed there. Go now Panduputro, kalyan ho," Maharishi Vedvyas bid them farewell.

They did pranam and set off towards Kampilya along with Kunti.

================================

The sun was setting but the moon had already graced the eastern sky. With the slowly darkening heaven, stars became visible. It reminded her of Nakul's confession in Kamyaka Forest.

Abhijishya felt hollow entirely. As if she herself had tore out her heart from her chest. Her pace was slower than the rest.

She felt herself being pulled by the arm and slammed against a tree. She didn't struggle. Abhijishya knew Nakul would confront her.

Nakul had a wild glint in his eyes. "I won't ask why because you always seem to know things a bit more." He caressed her lips with his thumb. "How could you not demand that I fulfil my promise? How could you so easily let go of our relationship?" His voice trembled.

"How can you still look at me so calmly? You promised you would fight the world for our love" he choked slightly. "You said you would stay by my side as long as I wanted you. I want, no need you now. And you are leaving," his tears flowed freely down his cheeks.

Abhijishya wasn't strong enough to fight fate. How could she explain that to him?

"I love you, no matter what. Marriage isn't the goal or destination for love, darling," she smiled with tears in her eyes.

"The setting sun, the moon and the stars were the witness to our love in Kamyaka Forest as they are now. If you truly love me as I love you, then fate will have to bend before our love. The Gods won't let any other woman be my wife before you become mine and I become yours. That was my promise to you. Even if that doesn't happen, I have already placed you in my heart. I'll marry Rajkumari Draupadi but I'll never love her. I'll do my duty as her husband but never love her.," Nakul swore with one hand around her waist.

Abhijishya's heart soared at his dedication but she knew she couldn't allow him to be unfair towards Draupadi. "Nakul, don't be unfair to her,"she pleaded.

Nakul chuckled in bitter irony. He looked at Abhijishya and held her close. This was probably the last time he could hold her like this. He passionately kissed her and she kissed back.

Both poured their entire existence into the kiss and only parted for air. They stood panting; sharing the same air. Nakul abruptly let her go.

"We have delayed long enough. You'll dress me like a groom tomorrow or I won't marry Panchal Rajkumari," he said impersonally as he turned away from her; as if they weren't sharing their love a few moments ago.

"As you wish, Rajkumar," Abhijishya replied; her tone polite. 'Better get used to this' she thought as her insides ached at his nonchalance.Who knew her love could be so cruel.

They walked side by side towards the Pandavs and Kunti ahead. The distance between them felt miles wide.

~°~•~°~•~°~•~°~

A.N. - This is much longer than any previous chapter. I know there's no Draupadi and Abhijishya interaction. It'll be in the next chapter.

'Ek Dil Ek Jaan' song from movie 'Padmavat' felt very appropriate for this chapter so I had to add it.

Please review. I want to know whether you all felt the intensity and emotions of this chapter.

If you like this chapter then please vote and comment.

I nearly took 11 hours in putting this together.

Until the next time,

Byeee :")

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