As evening softened the shadows of the forest, Sahadev caught sight of Nakul and Nisha walking towards him, their hands gently intertwined. He glanced at Rati, grateful for the guidance, then broke into a run toward them. Before they could even turn to acknowledge his approach, Sahadev wrapped his arms around them, pulling them close in a warm embrace before touching their feet in reverence.

Nakul returned his hug, smiling fondly, while Nisha watched them with a soft gaze, her affection evident in her eyes. As Sahadev looked up, his gaze lingered on the bangles on Nisha's wrists—the delicate red glass ones she always wore, now accompanied by the gold bangles given by Mata Kunti. He smiled, noting how they shimmered in harmony.

"Nisha, ye sone ki chudiyan in lal chudiyon ke sath sunder lag rahi hai tum to suhagan lag rahi ho, bas sindoor ki kami hai," he remarked, unable to resist teasing her. ("Nisha, these golden bangles look beautiful with the red ones. You look like a bride; all that's missing is the sindoor.")

Nisha blushed deeply and softly replied, "Dhanyawad, Sahadev." ("Thank you, Sahadev.")

With a thoughtful smile, Sahadev offered to carry her weapons, and Nakul handed them to him. Together, the three of them began their journey back through the forest. As they walked, Sahadev eagerly recounted all that had happened during the five days they’d been away—every small moments with details, the conversations with saints, the laughter, and the anticipation building for the swayamvar in Kampilya. Nisha and Nakul listened, captivated by his tales, feeling the familiar warmth of family surrounding them once again.

Sahadev said "kehte Hain ki jo rajkumari ko dekhta hai wah apna sara dukh bhul jata hai" When Nisha learned of Draupadi's swayamvar, a slight pang tugged at her heart, filling her with unease.

Nakul said as if knowing the reason behind Nisha's sudden change in expression "jis prakar main apna sara dukh bhul jata hoon Nisha ko dekh kar?" Both Nakul and sahadev laughed but Nisha just stayed with the same expression, expression of fear of Nakul marrying another women.

She knew Nakul married Draupadi just like the other Pandavas and her gaze lingered on his face, filled with silent longing and unspoken fears. Closing her eyes, she steadied herself, whispering a quiet prayer. She hoped with all her heart that Nakul's vow—to remain married only to her—would remain unbroken.

------ In Kampilya

The city of Kampilya was abuzz with energy as preparations for the grand swayamvar of Princess Draupadi began. Streets were adorned with colorful banners, flowers were strung along every pillar, and incense filled the air with a heady fragrance. Craftsmen and artists had been working tirelessly to make the palace grounds look like a place fit for gods. Royals and noble guests from distant lands poured into the city, each hoping to win the hand of the enchanting princess whose beauty and strength were as famed as her lineage.

In the royal bedchamber, a stunning woman of slender grace rose, her beauty like the radiant flame itself. She was none other than Yagyaseni Draupadi, the fire-born princess, whose face reflected an ethereal glow—pure as fire. As she stood, her maids quickly surrounded her; one held a mirror, another a jug of water, and the third, a soft cloth. They bowed in greeting, and she acknowledged them with a gentle smile. Taking the cloth, she dipped it in water and delicately wiped her face. The maid holding the mirror stepped before her, and as Draupadi caught her own reflection, she smiled at the vibrant glow in her cheeks. The maid commented, “Rajkumari, aaj to aapke chehre ka chamak itna manmohak hai ki sab Rajkumar aur Raja aapke liye yudh karenge!” ("Princess, your face glows so enchantingly today that all the princes and kings will fight for you!")

The other two maids chuckled, as did Draupadi, her laughter warm and gracious. Composing herself, she replied, her voice firm yet calm, brimming with fiery confidence, “Jinhe yudh karna hai, wo yudh kare; parantu mere swayamvar ka mala to usi veer ke gale main jayega jo yogya hoga.” ("Let those who wish to fight do so; however, my garland will go only to the warrior who is truly worthy.") The maids nodded with reverence, understanding the weight of her words.

Just then, Shikhandini entered, glancing over the gathering of maids with a purpose. “Tum sab yahan kis vishay pe baat kar rahi ho? Jaldi karo! Rajkumari ko tayaar karo, swayamvar ka samay nikalta ja raha hai!” ("What are you all discussing here? Hurry up! Get the Princess ready; the time for the swayamvar is drawing near!") She moved close to Draupadi, lifting her chin lovingly. “Aaj meri Agni-si pavitra behen ko duniya ki sabse sundar Rajkumari ki tarah shringar karo, jese dekhne wale dekhte reh jayein.” ("Today, adorn my fire born sister like the world’s most beautiful princess—let the onlookers be spellbound.")

The maids nodded and began their tasks with diligence, leading Draupadi to the bath. They poured water, followed by milk and honey, over her glowing skin, then gently applied haldi to enhance her radiance. After her final rinse, they escorted her back to the room, dressing her in an exquisite red saree and adorning her with ornaments. Bangles were slipped onto her wrists, anklets placed on her graceful feet, a mangtika beautifully rested on her forehead and other maids applied alta to her feet in swirling patterns. Her hands, decorated with mehndi from the previous day, glowed with rich, darkened lines. One maid remarked playfully, “Dekho, dekho Vasundhara, yeh mehndi kis prakar Rajkumari ke hathon par khili hai! Isse to nischit hota hai ki Rajkumari ko dher saara pyaar milne wala hai.” ("Look, look, Vasundhara, how this mehndi blooms on the Princess’s hands! This certainly means that the Princess is destined to receive a lot of love.") Draupadi laughed softly and rolled her eyes, amused by their teasing.

As her Gurumata braided her hair, Draupadi asked curiously, “Gurumata, yeh streeyon ka kesh bandha rehna itna mehtvapurn kyun hai?” ("Gurumata, why is it so important for women to keep their hair tied?"*l) Gurumata replied with a smile, “Issliye Draupadi, kyunki aurat ke kesh hi uski shakti ka pratik hain, uske streeyatva ka pratik hain. Aur streeyon ko apne kesh bandhe hi yagyon mein baithna chahiye aur mehtvapurn karya karna chahiye. Sirf wahi streeyen kesh kholke rakhti hain jo vidhwa hain, jinke pati mar gaye hain.” ("Because, Draupadi, a woman’s hair symbolizes her power, her femininity. A woman should keep her hair tied for significant rites and tasks. Only those whose husbands have passed—widows—keep their hair open.") Draupadi nodded thoughtfully, reflecting on the symbolism hidden in such a simple action.

Suddenly, Shikhandini hugged her from behind and exclaimed, “Wah, Gurumata aur dasiyon! Meri behen kitni sundar aur pyari lag rahi hai! Wo, Rajkumar toh atyant bhagyashali hoga jise meri behen milegi.” ("Wow, Gurumata and maids! My sister looks so beautiful and dear! Oh, the prince who wins her will be very fortunate.") Laughter filled the room as Shikhandini admired Draupadi’s beauty. Just then, the palace gatekeeper arrived with a respectful bow. “Rajkumari Shikhandini, Rajkumari Draupadi ko swayamvar ke liye Raj Sabha main lane ke liye Maharaj ne aadesh diya hai.” ("Princess Shikhandini, King Drupad has ordered that Princess Draupadi be brought to the Royal Court for the swayamvar.") The maids arranged everything with precision as Shikhandini guided Draupadi by the shoulder, who gave her sister a warm smile. Taking a final glance at her braided hair, Draupadi followed Shikhandini out, the maids trailing behind. Little did Draupadi know that her hair, tied today for her swayamvar , would be left untied for many years to come—despite her husbands being alive.

------- Finally Draupadi's entryyyyyyy. Yeahhh are you guys too feeling the excitement or is it just me😅. Whatever!!



Draupadi Arjun moments coming soon..

Vote and comment guyssss.

And guys I am thinking to change the name of this story to "From Kaliyug to Dwapar: A Love Beyond Time" Tell me your opinion on this