Draupadi woke up feeling dehydrated though she had a good sleep after a long long years. She opened her eyes and was shocked by what she has witnessed, her husband was sleeping putting his head with support of a table. She was clucthing his one hand while his other hand was on her head seems like it was assuring her of support and safety. She understood why she had such nice sleep, though sun still hasn't rose and there was darkness in the room but still she could see handsome face of Karna which was heavenly, she has to agree with her sakha that he was most handsome man in Aaryavrat. If her best friend is most beautiful man in dark skin then Karna was most handsome among fair skin person. They both had same asta ratni body but Karna has beautiful Kundal which took lead atleast according to her. (A/n : Don't diss me people in love are mad it's proven fact. I too know lord Krishna is most handsome.)

Suddenly she remembered whatever happened at night. She remembered how her insecurities spilled out in front of Karna who just sat beside her and provided support when she was perhaps most vulnerable in years. She remembers how he consoled her and let her bitterness flow out. He must have difficulty putting her in bed and still he sat beside her to provide the company and support she needed. His hands on her heads seems like protected from all bad dreams that were plaguing her. But doubt of does she deserves it crept to her as always. She doesn't know how many times she cursed herself to form opinion about Karna after listening to others instead of believing her best friend or observing her husband's behaviour first.

Seeing sitting her there as if sheilding her formed a smile on her face. Though she was feeling rather par her but still she didn't want to get up which she has to do after leaving the hands she cluctched and remove Karna's Hans from her head. So she layed there with open eyes observing her love who was sleeping with peaceful expression on his face. She want time to freeze alas it wasn't possible and time drifted she didn't knew when Devi nidra grasped her again. Brahamahurat of sunrise was near so biological clock of Karna woke him up.

Like Draupadi he to opened his eyes and saw his new friend/ first wife sleeping peacefully with smile adorned on her face instead of sadness like in the previous night. He removed his hands from her head which he used to caressed her head to calm her down, he realised that the grip of Draupadi in his hands were also loose so he carefully free it so that he can go for his Surya Pooja. He without making any noise stood up and went away from the chamber.

He returned to his previous chamber and like always his dhoti, shawl and utensils for Pooja was there. No doubt work of Vrushali which she hasn't failed since her marriage whenever she was in palace only due to her Digvijaya did he have to do this chores. Vrushali was not present in the room which he could understand because like him his wife was early riser and he was slightly late if he has to be honest. He simply took everything and left the chamber. He took bath and after bathe he went to ghats of river for his Pooja where as usual the petioner were there. He performed his usual deed and returned to palace after two years. Like usual he went for his daily yoga and excercise.

Draupadi too woke up as per schedule which was half an hour late than Karna. She found she was alone here, she checked the chamber but soon the reason became known to her. Ofcourse her husband has gone for Surya Pooja. She too has witnessed and heard everything that transpired between soldier and her husbands yesterday. Daanveer it was title that Karna was known throughout Aaryavrat, a title which they first make fun and belittle but look at game of destiny it was this act of him that is providing safety to her and Pandavas. Would anyone give alms of protection to his bitter enemy, no right but that is exactly what they got from him.

She was brought out her thoughts through a knock on door. Voice of reigning queen of brahamnagri asked her permission to enter the chambers. Draupadi put her thoughts away and came down the bed to open the door herself. She saw Vrushali was present there.

Draupadi : Suprabhat.

Vrushali : Suprabhat.

She doesn't know how to adress her till now because her interaction with vher was of only once. Similar was case for Vrushali too but she was here for reasons and one of them was solve these problems.

Vrushali : May I come in?

Draupadi nodded and both of them entered the room. Vrushali gestured for both of them to have seat. They both sat.

Vrushali : I know it's sudden change in environment for you and it's difficult too but we have to move on adjust such is life.

Draupadi nodded she doesn't know how to continue the conversation because it was awkward for her because she knew she was third wheel in happy life of Karna and Vrushali. Vrushali was ofcourse wasn't unaware of this.

Vrushali : I know building relationships takes time but as queens we unfortunately no such time. We can't be like this because it will send wrong message to others. So let's have amicable relationship for now. You can call me Vrushali.

Draupadi : No no how could I? If you don't mind I like to call you jiji. It was way Subhadra use to adress me in the past.

Name of Subhadra also brought painful memory, she spoke in hurry so she she said what she wants without thinking but still another name came up which her family has wronged and worst of all her well being and location is still unavailable which again brought up immense guilt. She and Subhadra had very good relationship like of real sister because along with wife of Arjun she was also sister of her best friend. Het disappearance caused fear and pain to her too but at that time shubhadra suddenly left after her quarrel with Arjun and ever since they didn't get any information about her. With everything happened afterwards she nearly forgot everything for her penance but suddenly she remembered her sister figure. Vrushali too saw sadness, longing and fear in eyes of Draupadi.

Vrushali : I don't have any problem with that, i too wish that we can have such relationships. Don't worry about Shubhadra she is fine, i assure you of her safety and well being.

Draupadi (shocked) : You know where she is? Please tell me I want to meet her, please.

Vrushali : Yes I know her whereabouts as I said there is very little information about Aaryavrat that I or Aarya don't know. I can't tell you before I get her consent but I will ask her about it and if she wants you will meet her please understand we are not eligible to disclose her information without her consent. I informed about her because of your worry.

Draupadi (crying) : Thank you jiji.

Vrushali nodded, she heard genuine respect and gratitude from Draupadi. As a woman herself how could she be unaware of mental condition, worries and insecurities of another woman.

Vrushali : Now Draupadi, get dressed please because today would be your first rasoi. Yesterday was hectic for everyone so we weren't able to do it but as bride you will have to go through all the rituals. Get dressed after bath maids will escort you to kitchen. Don't worry I and others will be present there to help you.

Vrushali gently patted the shoulder of Draupadi to show her support and smiled at her. Then she stood up and left the chamber. After she left some maids came inside and escorted Draupadi for bath and help her getting dressed up. After Draupadi dressed up befitting a queen she was escorted to kitchen where not only Vrushali but along with her Radha, Ghandhari, Bhanumati, hidimba and Dushala was there but there was no maid present there. She smiled at them which was returned. It was clear that Vrushali informed and gathered them here. She was very greatfull to her. She understands it way her way to help so that she adjust in new environment and family. The ladies helped Draupadi with menial task but cooking was done by her only. Soon a sumptuous breakfast was prepared and brought out to dinning hall where males was present.

The breakfast was served to everyone and they all ate. It was situation that was cumbersome for everyone. Most people present there already were part of such rasoi before like Ghandhari, Dushala, Bheeshma but it was new and tricky for rest. But they decided to go with flow as Vrushali have informed them before hand both of rituals and her strong support for new situation.

Breakfast was done, everyone present there praise the cooking skills of Draupadi once Karna himself did that. Soon gift ceremony began Radha and Adhiratha were first she gave set of beautiful jwellery and beautiful red saree embroidered with finest silk and gems, along with that the couple bless her as parents in law, then it was Bheeshma who gave her a his beautiful and sharp dagger one of his weapons he had with him, then Ghandhari gave her beautiful pearl necklace, Bhanumati gave her bangles, hidimba gave her anklets, Hidimba too gave her earings, Dhushala along with Eklavya gave her a some jwellery Sahdev gave her smile and approval but bhanumati shoved a necklace in his hands which he gave her, ghatotkach too gave her saree. Seeing everyone giving something lakshmana and Apoorva to gave her flowers. Elders blessed her while younger ones asked for her blessings. Now only two people were left Vrushali gave her a sword and blessed her informing everyone Draupadi is her sister. Karna was only one left, he gave her a beautiful and precious maangtika along with praise of her cooking skills. Draupadi was touched not by gifts but emotions and acceptance of everyone.

Everyone then disperse for their work. Elderly went to Shiv-parvati temple but along with them Karna and veiled Draupadi too went for blessings of divine couple, since agyatvas was going on it was done in low key manner bith Karna and Draupadi went in commoner clothes and Karna had disguise. Karna and Draupadi returned while elders stayed at temple for daily prayers. Karna and Draupadi changed and went to Sabha. Sabha went on as usual without a hitch.

Inbetween Pandavas too went for their job after breakfast. Yudhishthir went to school he was assigned as assistant for a month similar was case with Nakul in vaidyashala. Bheem came to palace and went to kitchen but whenever possible he took chace to see Hidimba, Draupadi and ghatotkach. Arjun as Madhusudan was officially took charge to teach his nieces Veena playing. While Sahdev assisted the Vishnupant. After Sabha Vrushali took Draupadi on tour of treasury. She made her aware of some duties and responsibilities as queens of brahamnagri which was not some housewife works but genuine involvement in state matters.

At time of lunch the elders too returned from temple and they all had lunch together. After that Bheeshma left for his usual round of city where he has some aquintances. He loved to see hustle bustle and lively kingdom. Adhiratha too went to place where chariots were prepared or taken care of. He happily took position of head of them and pass down his knowledge and experience to ones who were interested. Eklavya, ghatotkach went to army to train them. Ladies to have some chats and light works which they like. They all know they need to do this and slowly form bonds and make Draupadi comfortable. Karna was followed by Sahdev and Vishnupant for several state matters.

Like this the day has passed but it was fruitful for Draupadi. She realised several things after today. First there was no restriction placed on her and she also got gist of his new family. Her Father in law was a simple person who has wisdom because of his experience. He loves his family and was brimming with positive energy with no attitude of superiority of being male in him no wonder Karna was like this he learnt from his father to respect woman. What could she say about Her mother-in-law who is always brimming with kindness and generosity. She was homely not royal. She understood she was mother not queen mother of Brahamnagri. She never made anything hard for her but gave love and care which soothed her and thing she misses from birth. She understood she was not like Vrushali who her mother in law doesn't consider her daughter but according to her she is her daughter. She wishes someday she too could have that but she realised everything was dependent on her efforts because her mother has given her acceptance and chance nie it's her efforts that matters. She already knew love and care of Ghandhari, bhanumati and Dhushala because she knew them before and nothing changed but there was guilt that three lady have for everything happens to her. Hidimba wa innocent she accepted her because Vrushali accepts her because she respect her that much. Lakshmana and Apoorva were breadth of fresh air for her because she spent free time with them. Both kids were extremely likeable and her motherhood oozes out and somewhat fulfilment she get after her 13 years away from her kids. She always remember them how grown up they would be. They all almost crosses their teen in her absence and she couldn't see them up close growing up. She has immense belief in her best friend that he will raise them well but mother inside her always want to see them, pamper them, hug them and love them.

She wasn't unaware of her husbands plan to start war but does she want that. Is she ready to throw her kids in flame of war where they could be lost forever. Wasn't everything happens to he enough that she has to go through that too. She was lost in thought. Her thoughts were broken by knock. She was surprised because she wasn't expecting anyone but to her surprise it was lakshmana and Apoorva that came to their new mami. She supressed her thoughts and spent time with them which provides her peace because of their innocence but a firm decision to atleast avoid war if worst doesn't come to be. Because she doesn't want children to entangle in web that their predecessors has casted. She will forget and forever supress her pain and humiliation if that will lead to innocence of her and rest children remain intact. Because deaths are inevitable in war and whoever sides win losers and victims would be women especially her new family that consists of Mata Ghandhari. She wouldn't budge if ego of males clashes. Ego what a word all the Kshatriye sin is results of this word. Haha what a sad fate she has she thought. For her old family she has to bear humiliation and for new she has swallow them.

Soon kids went away to sleep. She was informed via maid that king was asking permission which surprised her because she thought he would be with Vrushali. She gave the permission and Karna came in. Like previous night he came and sat on chair, Draupadi too dat opposite to him.

Karna : How was your day Draupadi?

Draupadi : It was very good Radhey?

Karna (frowned) : Then why do I feel you feel uncomfortable Draupadi? Did someone misbehave with you?

Draupadi (surprised) : No no Radhe nobody did that. I was welcomed and everyone is nice to me.

Karna : Then why are you like this Draupadi? You can speak to me Draupadi, we are friends you can share anything with me.

Draupadi : I was thinking of probable war Radhey. I don't want it to happen because it will bring pain. Whoever sides win us women will one who will lost everything. Makes get satisfaction of dying according to Kshatriye code but it will is who will be left behind with sorrow of losing son, father, husband and brother. Do i really want to be reason for that.

Karna (seriously) : Draupadi war itself is evil but sometimes it's neccecary evil. Tell me Draupadi if Duryodhana and Kauravas fall on your feet and ask for forgiveness will you give them.

Draupadi : I have forgiven them after I got your forgiveness Radhey.

Karna : Why?

Draupadi : Govind has asked me to forgive them when he came to meet me after dyut. He said it would be vengeance if I don't forgive them but after forgiving them I would get justice. I have told him if I got your forgiveness then i would forgiveness them too. If they ask for forgiveness truly then i am willing to forget everything also.

Karna : Yes justice is what you deserve Draupadi. But Draupadi one cannot forget sin happen to them.

Draupadi (cuts him off) : You did Radhey, don't say what ever happened to you wasn't sin. If you can forgive and forget everything is strangers did to you then why shouldn't I do same to someone who is in strange sense a family.

A hollow laugh escape from Karna which didn't go unnoticed by Draupadi.

Karna : Draupadi, I did everything I possible to change the society so that exploitation of low caste people can be avoided. You only saw my sufferings Draupadi closely think Draupadi I had strength to stop it happening but still I allowed because of my insistence then think Draupadi about ones who don't even have strength to oppose what would they have to go through. I always knew my prosecutors didn't have mean to truly harm me then how other like me has to go through and live in fear of just tomorrow. I fought back Draupadi but it was society and it's thinking that was my true enemy. I embraced sorrow of others and never pointed at individuals for my pain and sorrow.

Truth is Draupadi, even if you are ready to forget and forgive just because they happen to be your family, You shouldn't. Think how many women has to actually go through what you nearly had to. Duryodhana, ghandhar Raj or Kauravas are not only responsible of that but it's thinking of society that never cared for sacrifice of women and is hell bent on their exploitation. Draupadi you have to be strong not only for yourself but every who has gone through one or other traumatic experience. You have to show them that women are not something to be used and discarded at men's will. I and Vrushali tried but Aaryavrat and women in Aaryavrat needs someone who can sho them women can go through worst and still be strong. Vrushali has physical prowess but such mental prowess only you had.

Draupadi was struck by his words because she remembered she was nearly disrobed because she became slave, she realised suffering of woman is also embedded in society so much so disrobing a women without her consent wasn't wrong just because she is slave. Such thoughts were outrageous same as thinking women as property to gamble away. Words of Radhey pierced through cloud of doubts she had. She knew what she wants now. A respect and admiration for man sitting in front of her arose inside of her. So many people lost in their ego thinks only I, me and myself but Karna thought about we. Only from he best friend who everyone considers divine Avatar of Vishnu has she heard such thoughts and then it striked her how can someone of Karna's features, thoughts, abilities and qualities be anything but divine. How no one was think this. Just how?

They both talked, Karna never told her about what everyone in Hastinapur was expecting one agyatvas would pass because it would influence Draupadi especially after what they talked today. So he guided her towards away that her suffering could give requiring lessons to society. What happens between her, Kauravas and Pandavas is beyond his reach and he would never interfere with her decision. They both talked then Draupadi went sleep on bed on insistence of Karna where as Karna layer on ground to sleep. Ofcourse he could feel the gazes of Draupadi on him.

A/n tell me how was it should I rewrite this. Not very satisfied with it. Do tell your thoughts.