"The unexpectedness of life, waiting round every corner, catches even wise women unawares."

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If Arjuna, through his unparalleled skills at archery, wins the contest, they would get the support of Drupada, whose army is said to be strongest of all. So, they decided to move to Kampilya, the capital city of Panchala. 

Disguised in the form of poor brahmans, Pandavas reached Kampilya. There was festive atmosphere all over the city. The place looked stunning, streets decorated with flowers and leaves. Thousands of wick lamps were illuminated at night. Pandavas dropped Kunti at a house. Moving about in the crowd unrecognised, they reached the royal palace. They palace was bustling with the preparations for the royal marriage. Lord Shri Krishna, his brother Balarama, Duryodhana, Karna and many other dignitaries were present at the venue.

Draupadi along with her twin brother Drishtadyumna, arrived at the venue. She looked beautiful in her wedding attire, leaving the royal princes at awe. The contest began, and as expected, none of the princes were able to hit the target. Then came Karna's turn. 

The Pandavas' hearts began to race, for Karna was the only one who can defeat Arjuna. As Karna lifted his bow up to release the arrow, Draupadi commanded, "Wait ! I don't want to marry a charioteer's son. I will not have a low caste man contesting for my hand". Karna flinched and put down the bow. 

Once again, fate was biased against Karna.

 He came back to his chair, feeling humiliated. After Karna, Arjuna, who was in a Brahman attire came forward. Taking the permission of king Drupada, who was initially hesitant to allow a Brahman to participate in the contest but later accepted the request, Arjuna stepped forward. He aimed at the wooden fish, looking at its reflection in the pond below.

 The arrow went through the five wooden circles, which were revolving in random fashion guarding the target, and hit the fish's eye.

The crowd looked at the entire episode and were unable to believe that a Brahman has defeated the powerful Kshatriyas. 

But Lord Shri Krishna, who was seated among the dignitaries, knew that the Brahman was none other than Arjuna himself. Draupadi garlanded Arjuna. He, along with his new wife and brothers, left the venue to meet Kunti.

Dristadyumn looked on with teary eyes, letting his sister go was not easy. She was his everything.. He hid his tears and smiled during her vidai but then went crying to his room. He knew he had to let her go..

While Drupada was still in doubt. " How can an ordinary Brahman defeat trained Kshatriyas ? " he thought. He sent Drishtadyumna to follow them and to find out who they were. Drishtadyumna along with some soldiers followed Pandavas.

He did not forget to take the letter he wrote for his beloved sister- his draupadi.  But should he give it? He had to be her strength...

 He had too many doubts ..

Is he really the right one?

Will he take care of his sister?

Will she be loved or treated like a servant? 

Will her husband protect his rose petal like sister or trample her with his feet?

Will her husband lust over her or love her?

Will her mother-in-law make her work all day or give her the love she needs?

Will her husband's brothers treat her with respect and help her settle and give her the same protection and care he did or will they make her uncomfortable and look at her inappropriately?

Who am I supposed to annoy & pick fights with for no reason now?

Even though she is only a few minutes younger to him, God she's too young to be getting married.

How will I face my girlfriend and choose gifts for my girlfriend without drau's help?

Who will help me sneak in the palace when I am out late?

Who will choose my clothes? I don't want to look like an idiot.

Drishtadyumn was shivering at his own thoughts he hoped for the best... He always wanted to know the person his sister will marry but now she is married to an unknown brahmin. His only solace was that he managed the feat at swayamwar so could protect his draupadi. It was hard being a brother of a sister. His sister was too naive and he knew nothing about the home she was married into. Will they even treat her right or abuse her? But what he did not know was she was getting married into the household of the great pandavas.

Slowly on his way he tightened his grip on his bow and on the letter causing the latter to fold..

Dearest Drau, 

You were my partner in crime, my shoulder in times of need, you are the closest thing I have had to a real friend. But, I always knew, as all good things come to an end, there will come a time, when you cease to be just mine and take a leap of faith to the magical married life that awaits you . 

Before I knew it- there you were, my beautiful sister, in your bridal attire, emotional yet beautiful walking down the aisle for the first time towards your new life.

In this tumultuous time, what pacifies my inner storm is knowing that whomever will win the swayamvar, is the only one who will shield you from the high blows of the world, now that I won't be with you at all times. And, therefore I can bid you adieu with a heavy heart fully knowing that you have found the person, I always prayed you found in life.

My sweet little princess(and sometimes a pain in the ass too) (I am a few minutes elder to you.) you have finally found the one person you can irritate for the rest of your life(finally, it's not going to be just me). You've enchanted us all with your smile(sometimes wicked too) and now it's time for you to spread your wings and fly away.

 I have a whirlwind of mixed emotions. Sometimes I feel happy that you have found the one and sometimes sad, that you will cease to be just mine. Amidst it all, I have just one wish for you dear sis: complete happiness.

I have been your first call since the beginning of time, in times of good and bad. So, more than you, my dear sister, this letter is for your husband to read. He better give you ten times the love, or he will have me to answer to and I will not leave him easy- death would seem too kind.

Your emotional wreck,

Drishtadyumn

~~~~~~~~

After the end of festivities, Arjuna and Bhima left the royal palace with Draupadi, declining the escort that King Drupada offered them. But Drupada, who was still in a daze, thinking how a Brahmin could excel at martial arts, sent for his son Dhrishtadyumna. Dhrishtadyumna appeared before his father. "Son, things didn't go in a way that I expected during the Swayamvara" , Drupada said. "Where did this Brahmin come from ? How was he able to defeat great warriors as if it's a child play for him ? I am sure there is some secret that they hid from us. I want you to follow them and find out who they are."

Following the orders from king Drupada, Dhrishtadyumna started following his sister, princess Draupadi, who was being escorted by Arjuna and Bhima on a golden chariot. He followed them to the threshold of a lowly house. "Mother! See what alms we got today.",they said in unison.

"My dear sons, share whatever you have equally among all five of you.", Kunti said. At this they gasped and cried out.

" Oh Mother! What is this you have commanded us to do?" Dhrishtadyumna, who was hiding behind thick bushes just opposite to the Pandavas' house, saw a grey haired, old woman coming out of the hut.

"We have won a bride and you have asked us to share her", said two sons in dismay.

Kunti embraced her children, apologizing them for the mistake she did. Kunti drew Draupadi inside the hut. Dhrishtadyumna was silently observing all this. He observed how the five brother, obeying the words of their mother, decided to take Draupadi for their joint wife.

And from where he laid crouched down, he heard them talk till into far night, about the happening of the day. Such was their talk, so full of soldiers' expressions and knowledge of war and weapons, Dhrishtadyumna knew these men to be warriors and princes.

The knowledge that they were warriors made Dhrishtadyumna happy. At the same time, he felt sad for his sister, who was going to be the wife of five men . He returned to the palace and reported everything that happened to his father. He did not give the letter. He did not even make his presence aware.

The king was rejoiced knowing that the five men and the old woman were none other than Pandavas and their mother Kunti. Drupada quickly sent messengers with Dhrishtadyumna, welcoming the Pandavas to the palace. He celebrated the marriage of his daughter to all five of them. They stayed in the royal palace for some days, while Drupada was busy meeting the guests he invited to the marriage. One among those guests was Lord Shri Krishna, the king of Dwaraka.

When Dharmaraj Yudhistira came before Krishna and spoke to him, he realized that here was the one who was greater than all other kings in the world.

Deep in their hearts, Pandavas worshipped Krishna, respected and honored him. Krishna became their wise counselor and a true friend from then. The Pandavas now found themselves surrounded by powerful allies. The news of their marriage with Draupadi reached the ears of Duryodhana. Duryodhana was livid with rage when he came to know that Pandavas were alive.

"I have a miserable fate.", he cried in angry tears, "Pandavas escaped the fire accident. How can it be possible ? Pandavas are alive now, and that poisons the air I breathe". Karna, who sat beside him, was equally unhappy.

He liked Draupadi a lot, and believed that he possesses enough abilities to win her. But he was left heartbroken when Draupadi said she didn't want to marry a Sudra. "My fate is worse than you, my friend", he said to himself.

"Pandavas should die", Duryodhana said, his eyes red like the sparks of fire. "We should separate them. If they stay united, we can never destroy them. Let us think of way to initiate a quarrel among them".

"Hmm", Karna said, still immersed in the thoughts of Draupadi. Karna knew that it is impossible to separate the brothers, for they were very bonded.

"Let us bribe Drupada and break his alliance with Pandavas", said Duryodhana, his thoughts fogged by his anger. " All these plans are of no use my dear friend", Karna said. " The best way to destroy Pandavas is by facing them face to face in war. Meet them in the battle, overcome them or die like a warrior in that attempt. This is the best way and this is how a Kshatriya should win over someone."

After listening to Karna's advice, Duryodhana went to Bhishma, Vidura and Drona, who were shocked at his decision.

" Are you mad ?", Bhishma said, "This is a kind of self destruction. People of Hastinapura are already murmuring that you were behind the fire accident at Vanavratha. If you declare a war against your own cousins, it brings a blot, not just on you, but also on the entire dynasty of Kuru".

" So what should I do now ?", Duryodhana said, in a bitter tone filled with hatred. " Send an escort to the court of Drupada and welcome your cousins home again", Drona advised, " Keep your ego aside and love them without hatred. "

It was a bitter pill for Duryodhana to swallow. But he dared not to disobey their orders. He sent for the messenger and commanded him to go to Drupada's kingdom and invite Kunti and Pandavas back to Hastinapura. Duryodhana didn't sleep that night. He repeated the words said by Bhishma and Drona in his mind, and felt that he should stop hating his own brothers. He thought of welcoming them and decided to live with them happily.

Vidura, who escorted the messenger, reached Kampilya and invited Pandavas back home. But Drupada would not permit his son-in-laws to leave. For he feared that this was another murderous ruse of Duryodhana.

He laid down many conditions that Duryodhana should fulfill before he can take Pandavas back to Hastinapura. When Krishna advised that there won't be any problem if they go to Hastinapura, Drupada accepted to send Pandavas back. Pandavas along with their family started off to Hastinapura, waiting to reach the palace the next day. Duryodhana, who decided to forget the enmity with his cousins, was sleeping happily in his palace. The cousins are going to be reunited.

But, will they be happy ? Did Duryodhana really started to build affection towards his cousins ? 

~~~~~~

The last time this book had a letter, it was not pleasant- yudhishthira's suicide letter. So I hope this is nice..

How was the chapter?

Will draupadi be divided?

What will happen now?