The Pandavs, Kunti and Abhijishya arrived near the palace gates of Kampilya when arrows fell just before their feet, stopping them from proceeding any further. They were immediately surrounded by armed soldiers.

Bheem stood slightly in front of Mata Kunti in a protective manner. Nakul stepped closer to Abhijishya.

Maharaja Drupad and Rajkumar Dhristadymna stood before them with their bows.

"How dare you show your faces in Kampilya!!" Drupad shouted in anger. "After insulting my daughter, you shouldn't get any place in entire Aryavart, much less Kampilya." He held his bow and summoned an arrow.

Abhijishya stepped forward in front of the Pandavs. "Maharaj Drupad, should you not find out the identity of these people before you release your arrow?" she said calmly.

"Why should I care about their identities? They are devilish Brahmins who have dared to insult and dishonor my beloved daughter," he yelled.

"You might think otherwise once you learn of their true identities. These are none other than the sons of Maharaj Pandu, Princes of Hastinapur," she then gestured towards Kunti and said," And this is their mother, wife of late Maharaj Pandu, Devi Kunti."

Drupad and Dhristadymna looked baffled. But Maharaj quickly recovered and sneered," What rubbish are you going on about, girl? Why should I believe the words of you who hasn't even introduced herself?"

"You can ask Vasudev Krishna for confirmation then," she turned towards Krishna and greeted," Pranipaat."

Krishna nodded his head and smiled at her. "You have been sorely missed, Abhijishya."

She sent a strained smile his way and inclined her head. " I too missed you sometimes."

Krishna smiled then turned towards Drupad. "Maharaj Drupad, I assure you that my sakhi Abhijishya is speaking the truth. These are indeed the Pandavs and the one around whose neck Draupadi put the garland is none other than Arjun whom you wanted as your son-in-law."

"It still doesn't change anything, Vasudev. Surely they must have come to Panchal with the thought of ridiculing and insulting us," he accused. "And here I thought they are the carriers of Dharma. My daughter put faith in Arjun and put the garland around his neck but she got a lifetime of sorrow and tears from him."

"Bhagwan has decided this. They are simply the medium, Maharaj Drupad," Krishna said calmly.

"It doesn't matter whether they are right or wrong, Vasudev. My daughter's life is filled with sorrow because of them. Now, whether my daughter marries them or remains a maiden life long, she will be insulted and looked down upon her entire life. It is all their fault," Drupad shouted but his cracking voice gave away his pain. He,once again, summoned another arrow.

Arjun looled agitated. His finger curled and uncurled as if wanting to bring out his own bow but he remained silent.

"They are not, Maharaj. You are the reason," Krishna said seriously. "During Draupadi's birth, what kind of future did you ask for, Maharaj? Do you remember?"

It was eerie to see the serious look on Krishna's ever smiling face.

Drupad's hands trembled. He gritted his teeth and shouted as he released the arrow in the sky above. The arrow exploded causing clouds to emerge which emitted thunder and lightning.

"Children always have to face the consequences of their parent's action, Maharaj. You cannot plant a neem sapling and expect mangoes from the same tree. Draupadi will get all the sorrows, injustice and misfortune you asked for her," Krishna said solemnly.

Then he smiled serenely, his eyes seeing something the rest of them couldn't see," But your daughter shall excel and rise above all hardships. She will be counted amongst the greatest women in Aryavart. In the future, people will worship Draupadi."

Drupad lowered his bow. Krishna placed a hand on his shoulder and said," Now, it is your duty to welcome your five sons-in-law."

Drupad looked at Krishna's smiling face and nodded. He handed his bow to Dhristadymna and stepped forward with joined hands.

"Please come inside Panduputro and Maharani Kunti," then he looked at Abhijishya and said," I am not sure who you might be devi."

Abhijishya joined her hands and said," Pranipaat Maharaj, I am Abhijishya. For some reason, people also say I am Yadavkumari. I have yet to find out why they say so." She pointedly looked at Krishna.

"Ah right. I've heard about your wisdom and good judgement Yadavkumari Abhijishya. But I wasn't aware Vasudev had another sister," Maharaj Drupad looked at Krishna for explaination.

"I consider her as my friend and sister, Maharaj," Krishna answered pleasantly.

"Sakha Gopal has been very kind to me. My homeland and blood family do not exist anymore. He granted me his family name after that," Abhijishya smiled but the deep rooted ache at the loss of her family and friends resonated in her heart.

"I am sorry for your loss. We can talk more later. Please come inside," he ushered them into the palace.

Krishna fell in step with Arjun. They were talking in hushed tones. Some part of her expected him to talk to her first. But she ignored the hurt.

Nakul followed close behind. He didn't participate in meaningless chatter with Dhristadymna. He looked at Abhijishya walking before him. He had said he would marry Draupadi but then what? How could he spend the rest of his life with a woman who wasn't his Abhijishya? A woman who he had to share with his brothers. He couldn't help but feel resentful towards his mother. If only she had looked once. Just once.

Dhristadymna was curious about Yadavkumari Abhijishya. What was her relation with the Pandavs? If they were all alive then why didn't she go to Dwarka?

They arrived in a sitting room of sorts. The Pandavs, Krishna, Mata Kunti, Abhijishya and Dhristadymna sat down while Maharaj Drupad excused himself to see to the preparations of the wedding tomorrow.

Krishna turned towards Abhijishya and said," How have you been, sakhi?"

Abhijishya raised her eyebrow in question. She didn't understand why was he bothering with asking her. He already knew everything, didn't he? Nonetheless she indulged him a little. "I've seen better days. You already know everything so why bother to ask."

Krishna smiled gently," You weren't obliged to do anything."

Abhijishya laughed mirthlessly. "I am not, am I? But you know I can't doom generations of people in the right mind. You also know I understand the importance of the War. If I truly did ever intend to bend fate any other way, you wouldn't have allowed me to keep my memories. I am not naive, my Lord. Either way, your sakhi Panchali requires your guidance and empathy more than me. You should go to her." She said most of the part in Bengali knowing only Krishna would understand her.

Dhristadymna was even more intrigued. What was this language and what did she say to Vasudev that she didn't what them to know? Krishna too excused himself.

"Pardon me devi, but I am curious how are you with the Pandavs instead of being in Dwarka?" asked Dhristadymna.

"It's fine if you call me by my name, Rajkumar. It is a rather long answer to that question of yours," she said.

"I guess we certainly have the time for it," he replied.

"Time is an interesting thing, Rajkumar. We always think we have grasp or count of it but it is like air. Everflowing, everchanging and untouchable," Abhijishya said with a sad smile. "Anyways, you are feeling rather impatient in satisfying your curiosity."

Dhristadymna gave an indulgent smile. "I was abducted by a Raksas from my homeland while I was on my way to my friend's house alone."

The Pandavs and Kunti listened to what Abhijishya was saying.

"Next thing I know I was falling from the sky. Rajkumar Arjun and Rajkumar Nakul," both stiffened at the formal regard instead of hearing the familiar first names from her "found me in a forest near Hastinapur and brought me to the Royal Palace. I woke up hours later amidst people who spoke a language I didn't understand except a few words here and there. Thankfully my sakha Gopal, Vasudev Krishna, visited Hastinapur and found me there. He was on his way to visit Panchal so I couldn't accompany him. He left me under the protection of the Pandavs and Mata Kunti. I went along with them to Varnavat. After Mata decided to not return to Hastinapur, I still stayed with them. And here I am."

She continued,"As for why I didn't go to Dwarka, it was partially because I assumed that Gopal would come to get me if he wanted me to go to Dwarka. And also because I wasn't clear why my sakha granted me his clan name. I am only familiar with him, not any other Yadav. Then again I couldn't abandon the people who gave me another life."

"I feel quite intrigued. Where is this homeland you speak of?" Dhristadymna asked.

"It is called Singur. There's nothing really left of it. A strange disease was spreading rapidly amongst us. Many died without proper cure. The air and water became impure. Combine that with natural calamities and it doesn't exist on the map of this world anymore," she said with a sad smile.

"I apologise for bringing up your loss," he bowed his head slightly.

"How can I grudge a concerned brother worried about his sister's marriage life? Lovely interrogation," Abhijishya inclined her head. Dhristadymna paled slightly at her words.

The Pandavs and Mata Kunti looked confused at first then understood Dhristadymna's underhanded way of getting an idea about Abhijishya's relation to any of the Pandavs.

"But you never gave the actual answer," Dhristadymna said giving up any pretenses of being polite.

"That is because I prefer straightforward approach more. But I'll answer you question. Afterall you deserve you know," she gestured towards Nakul and said calmly," I am Nakul's lover."

Dhristadymna frowned and stood up.

"Is my daughter a joke to you all?" came Maharaj Drupad's voice from the door. He stalked in angrily.

"First she is to marry five men and now one of her husbands has a lover," he shouted.

The Pandavs and Kunti got up. Nakul felt breathless when Abhijishya proclaimed being his so openly. He had a scant glimmer of hope that went against all logic. Maybe he could be together with Abhijishya somehow.

"Is she telling the truth?" Maharaj asked the Pandavs.

"It is true that anuj Nakul and Abhijishya love each other," Yudhisthir said.

Nakul refused to be cowed by Drupad's glare. "I had promised marriage to her before Draupadi's swayamvar. We didn't have any intention-"

"Intention or circumstances I don't care," Drupad shouted.

"Who is she other than the name provided by Vasudev? What is her clan name? Caste? Parents? She is no one without any of those. Have you no shame or fear of the Gods that you claim to be a Rajkumar's lover at the eve of my daughter's wedding?," Drupad sneered.

Nakul was shaking in rage. Arjun gripped his brother's hand and shook his head slowly. He didn't want to escalate the situation anymore. Arjun's heart ached for his friend and his brother. But perhaps they could marry after all this was over.

Abhijishya simply looked back at Maharaj. Really who was she in this time? Back home, she would've been Dr. Abhijishya Nandy someday. Here, she was an inconsequential anonymous entity.

"I am not exactly sure what caste I am from since my country didn't have a strict caste system. It was more of an indulgence of old school people. Since neither my parents nor my country exist, all this information is useless at the end of the day. I do not take well to people who look down upon others due to caste, creed, colour and gender. But I understand that the poison that laces your tone is the concern of a father's heart," Abhijishya smiled.

"My heart belongs to Rajkumar Nakul. That is simply the truth. Why should I be ashamed of saying it out loud? Or even fear anyone? Rather I think as the bride's family, you should be aware of our love. But you have my word, Maharaj. Neither me nor Nakul and the Pandavs will do anything to disrupt Rajkumari Panchali's wedding. It is of great importance for the coming times afterall," Abhijishya stated ignoring the waves of heartache.

Maharaj Drupad didn't appear pacified. "But what about Prince Nakul? My daughter will never gain his love if you remain in the lives of the Pandavs."

Abhijishya clenched her fists so hard that her finger nails cut her palms. "Maa used to say : Birth, Marriage and Death are carved into our fates by the Tridev themselves. My dear Nakul had promised me that he will not marry until I marry him. After the successful completion of their wedding tomorrow, I swear I will disappear like a forgotten dream and never initiate any contact with them."

Nakul felt like the breath knocked out of him and he could only mumble 'no'. Only Arjun's hand kept him from falling on his knees. The Pandavs and Kunti looked miserable.Dhristadymna was expressionless.

Drupad's features softened minutely and his shoulders slumped. He whispered a quiet thank you which was only heard by Abhijishya. She gave a strained smiled in turn.

"Putri," Kunti said softly with tears in her eyes.

Abhijishya shook her head. She couldn't utter another word. "May I be excused?"

Drupad nodded," Dasi, show Yadavkumari her room. Dinner will be arranged after a short while. Please join us later."

Abhijishya joined her hands," I thank you for your hospitality but I am not hungry. Just tired. So I wish to retire for the night."

Drupad didn't say anything more. She wished good night to everyone and turned to walk towards the door.

Nakul blocked her way. She moved aside and was about to leave when he caught her hand.

Drupad and Dhristadymna were displeased but didn't voice any objections.

"Rajkumar," she warned but her voice came out more like a plea than a warning.

"Remember my wish Yadavkumari. You will dress me as a groom tomorrow,"Nakul stated in a flat tone.

Abhijishya tried to rip away her hand but his hold tightened.

"Nakul," Bheem warned seeing Abhijishya struggling.

"Your wish is my will, Rajkumar," Abhijishya said as tears spilled from her eyes. She struggled against the sobs threatening to come out of her lips.

With a jerk, she broke his hold or maybe he let go, Abhijishya wasn't sure but she walked out sedately. She bit her tongue but didn't make a sound. Her righteousness echoed louder than her grief.

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

That night three people didn't sleep a wink.

Nakul who hadn't uttered a word to his mother and brothers.

Draupadi who heard about Nakul's lover, Govind's sakhi and her vow. She never wanted to be the cause of anyone's heartbreak.

Abhijishya who silently lay shedding tears because she won't be able to during the wedding.

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

Draupadi was getting ready when a dasi informed her that Yadavkumari wanted to meet her. She gave her permission.

The scant glance she saw of Abhijishya in the forest wasn't enough to properly see her face. Now that she stood before her, Draupadi saw that Abhijishya was truly a beauty.

"Pranipaat Rajkumari Draupadi," Abhijishya greeted.

Draupadi joined her hands and returned her greeting.

"You must be wondering why I am here," she said nonchalantly walking towards her."I just wanted to see the woman who is going to wed five men. It would be rather difficult for you to satify-"

"Yadavkumari," Draupadi snapped tears easily filling her eyes. "Just because your heart is broken doesn't mean you'll insult me like this. I never intended for any of this to happen.I never expected this from someone who is Govind's sakhi."

Abhijishya sighed. "Let me finish. As I was saying, it would be rather difficult for you to satisfy everyone with their numerous questions. You'll hear insults and some people in Hastinapur will leave no chance to degrade you. But you must listen, Rajkumari. You must listen but never let those words taint your heart."

She took Draupadi's hand and squeezed lightly. "Their words are powerless before your sacrifice. You are marrying five men. This is your reality now. If you feel insulted when someone merely states the truth, then how will you lead your married life? Take pride in being their wife, Rajkumari. I wish you a happy married life." Abhijishya smiled. Draupadi was really fiery; quick to anger too.

Draupadi was looking at her in obvious astonishment. Of all the things she had imagined, she didn't expect her soon-to-be husband's lover to say all this. She thought she would be indifferent and cold if not downright spiteful. Afterall the dasis were saying so.

Abhijishya chuckled. Draupadi looked so innocent with her wide doe eyes and surprise on her face. She couldn't resent this face. Afterall, Panchali was a victim of circumstances.

"What? You look like you have seen some strange creature. Anyways, I just-" Abhijishya's eyes watered. "I just wanted to tell you that please be a little patient with him. Take care of him in my stead, won't you?" She gave a watery smile.

"Abhijishya..." Draupadi whispered seeing the raw pain in her eyes.

"Oh,I must really go. I have one wish to fulfill. Excuse me, Rajkumari," Abhijishya didn't wait for permission and just hurried away.

Draupadi looked at the tear that had fallen on her hand and wondered if all this heartache and sacrifices of so many people were worth whatever the future held.

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

"You are late," Nakul said without even turning towards Abhijishya. He had already sent away all das and dasis.

"Almost late. I went to meet Rajkumari. I had to see for myself on whose hands I am leaving you," Abhijishya said as she quickly looked at the various coloured gold embroidered aangavastras. A maroon one caught her eye. She picked it up.

"Get up," she said.

Nakul got up and stood with his arms spread slightly. Abhijishya meticulously put in on his shoulder, wrapped around his back and put it on his other hand.

She couldn't bring herself to look at his face. She chose jewellery and carefully put them on him. The silence was only filled with Abhijishya's familiar humming.

At last, she put on his crown and stepped back.

"How do I look?"he asked.

"Handsome as ever," Abhijishya said with her eyes averted.

"Right,"Nakul let out a watery laugh. He didn't bother to stop his tears. "You won't even look at me."

Abhijishya took the corner of her veil and wiped her darling's cheeks but new ones spilled again.

"Stop crying damn it," she said sharply; wiping his face with more force than necessary.

"Look whose talking," Nakul smirked. His red eyes and wet lashes ruined his haughty look. "Your eyes are watering,"he said softly.

"Tears of love, darling. Don't worry. It won't fall," Abhijishya tried to smile.

Nakul abruptly entered into her space and leaned in towards her ear.

She didn't move an inch.

"Liar," he whispered and walked out without a backward glance.

A tear slipped from her eyes and ran down her cheek.

~°~•~°~•~°~•~°~•~°~

A.N. - So Draupadi and her family is aware of Abhijishya being Nakul's lover. I know this too is another long chapter but I hope you all enjoyed this.

3.94 K views and 500 votes. Wow. Just wow. Thank you so much my dear readers.

I just wanted to also say that from now on the updates will be every two days or three days. I already told once before that multiple exams are piled up on July so I am really short on time.

Maybe I'll do a few more daily updates. No sure but I really want to write the entire wedding arc.

If you like this chapter then please vote and comment.

Recommend this story to your fellow Mahabharat lovers.

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")

P.S. Does anyone have any idea why this story is still not getting ranked? The tags are appropriate as you are aware. I update daily. The reader response is great but still my story hasn't acquired any rank under any of the tags. I published this work on 4th june. Do stories get ranked after a month of it's publishing?