Drishtadhyumn stood before them, his voice clear and commanding as he announced, “Panchal naresh Maharaj Drupad ne aap sabhi ko mahal mein amantrit kiya hai” ("King Drupad of Panchal has invited you all to the palace").

A wave of surprise swept through the group as they exchanged glances, unsure of the sudden summons but nonetheless ready to follow. Slowly, they moved toward the gate, only to find an impressive assembly of soldiers surrounding the modest hut, their silent vigilance creating an air of anticipation.

In front of them waited four grand chariots, each adorned with Panchal’s royal insignias. Nisha, Kunti, and Draupadi gracefully stepped into one chariot, while Drishtadhyumn ascended his own, accompanied by Yudhishthir and Bheem. Another chariot held Shri Krishna and Balram, who had come prepared for this sudden journey. Nakul, Sahadev, and Arjun took their places in the final chariot, the brothers casting one last look back at the forest they were leaving behind.

The convoy began to move, slowly at first, but soon the dense trees gave way to the bustling, vibrant market streets of Kampilya. The crowd had already gathered in anticipation, and as the chariots entered the main thoroughfare, flowers rained down from every side. Petals drifted like a gentle monsoon, filling the air with a sweet fragrance and filling hearts with celebration. People raised their hands in greeting, bowing with respect, and the travelers returned their warmth with folded hands and nods of appreciation.

Nisha, seated beside Kunti and Draupadi, was spellbound. A soft smile appeared on her face as she watched the petals fall, her eyes wide with wonder. It was as though she were a child again, delighting in a world she hadn’t yet fully known. She folded her hands, whispering a heartfelt “Dhanyawad” ("Thank you") to the townspeople, her voice soft yet filled with sincerity.

Nakul, from his own chariot, couldn’t help but watch Nisha’s innocent joy. She appeared so pure and unguarded, her smile radiating like a soft light amid the colorful storm of petals. For a moment, the crowd, the flowers, and even the grandeur of Kampilya faded into the background. His attention was solely on her—the way she reveled in the unfamiliar celebration with the wonder of a child discovering something new.

Soon, the grand chariots approached the towering palace gates, their golden archways gleaming in the sunlight, welcoming the guests into the royal heart of Panchal.

Everyone entered the grand palace, its opulence casting a majestic glow upon the hallways. Kunti and Nisha walked on either side of Draupadi, supporting her as she moved forward with an unreadable expression. Behind them, the five Pandavas, along with Shri Krishna and Balram, walked with steady steps, their presence calm yet noble.

King Drupad, clad in royal finery, soon came to greet them with a warm smile. “Aap sabhi ko mera pranam. Main ati prasan hoon yeh jaan kar ki mere priya mitra Pandu ke putra jeevit hain aur meri putri ko unhi ke veer putra Arjun ne jeeta hai,” he said, his voice filled with relief and admiration. ("Greetings to you all. I am immensely pleased to know that my dear friend Pandu's sons survived the tragic incident at Varnavat and that it is his valiant son Arjun who has won my daughter’s hand.")

A smile spread across everyone’s faces at his words. Shikhandi, Drupadi's sibling, stepped forward from a corner, addressing them with an inviting tone, “Aap logon ke liye bhojan ki vyavastha ho gayi hai. Agar aap log bura na mane to kya hum hamari Panchali aur yeh sundar kanya, jo meri behen ke saath hain, inke shringar ke liye inhe le jayein?” ("A meal has been arranged for all of you. If you don’t mind, may we take our Panchali and this beautiful lady, who is with my sister, to prepare them for the occasion?")

A slight smile played on Drishtadhyumn’s face as he looked at Nisha whom he found really adorable, whom Shikhandi had addressed as "sundar kanya" ("beautiful lady"). Kunti nodded approvingly and turned to Drupad with a gentle smile, saying, “Aap mujhe aur mere paanch putron ko toh jaante hain, par inse miliye, yeh meri putravadhu Nisha hai, Nakul ki hone wali patni.” ("You know me and my five sons, but allow me to introduce her—she is my daughter-in-law, Nisha, Nakul’s to be wife.")

Drishtadhyumn's smile momentarily faltered as he looked at Nisha with confusion in his eyes, but Drupad’s gaze softened as he looked at Nisha, who respectfully bent to touch his feet. Placing his hand gently on her head, he blessed her, “Akhand sobhagyavati bhav.” ("May you be blessed with eternal good fortune.")

Noticing Drishtadhyumn nearby, Nisha stepped toward him as well, bending to touch his feet in respect. His face twitched but he control his expression and smiled, placing a gentle hand on her head in quiet acceptance.

When Nisha stood again, she turned to find Draupadi, Shikhandi, and the other maids looking at her, clearly waiting. Realizing she has to join them, she glanced over her shoulder, sharing a soft look with the Pandavas—especially Nakul, Govind and with Kunti before gracefully following them further into the palace.

As Nisha and Draupadi went with the maids, Yudhishthir took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he turned to Drupad. “Main janta hoon, Rajan, aapko yeh apatti avashya hogi ki aapki putri hum teeno bhaiyon se kis prakar vivah karegi," he said with calm sincerity. "Rajan, chinta ki koi vishay nahi hai, kyunki Rajkumari Draupadi ne bhi koi apatti nahi jatayi. Unhone hamne jo kaha woh bina kuch kahe hi maan gayi. Hum teeno bhai to dhanya ho gaye Draupadi ko paake.” ("I understand, Your Majesty, that you may be concerned about how your daughter will marry the three of us. But rest assured, there is no cause for worry. Princess Draupadi has raised no objections; she accepted our words without protest. We three brothers feel truly blessed to have her as our wife.")

Drupad let out a hearty laugh, wiping the joyful tears that glistened in his eyes. “Nahi, nahi, Dharmraj, hamein koi apatti nahi hai," he replied, his voice full of fatherly pride. "Aap logon ne meri putri ko apnaya hai, isse badi khushi ki baat iss yug mein kisi pita ke liye aur kya ho sakti hai. Humein khushi hai ki Draupadi ne bhi apne hit mein nirnaya liya." ("No, no, Dharmraj, I have no objections. You all have accepted my daughter, and there is no greater happiness for a father in this age. I am pleased that Draupadi has also chosen what is best for herself.")

A wave of relief and satisfaction spread through the group, and Nakul and Sahadev exchanged pleased smiles. Drishtadhyumn, observing the joy around him, stepped forward and said with a smile, “Chaliye, mahaaveer, aap sabhi pehle bhojan kar lein. Uske baad hamne aapke aaram ke liye bohot se poshak, krida aur astra-shastra bhi sajaye hain taaki aap bhojan ke baad uska anand le sakein." ("Come, great warriors, let us first enjoy a meal. Afterward, we have prepared fine clothes, games, and weapons for your comfort and enjoyment.")

They all nodded, following Drishtadhyumn into a grand dining hall filled with a soft breeze that drifted in from four large windows. The room was cool and welcoming, with the fragrance of fresh flowers mingling with the aroma of delicious food. Seven royal chairs were arranged neatly, each with a table before it adorned with an array of dishes. On each plate, a mound of rice was set to one side, and various bowls surrounded it, brimming with curries, dal, and a sweet dish of kheer.

Bheem, unable to resist the enticing smell of the food any longer, quickly moved to one of the chairs and sat down, ready to dig in. Everyone laughed at his eagerness and joined him. Nakul chuckled, saying, “Kitne dino baad jaake, Bhratashree jee bhar ke khayenge. Rajkumar Drishtadhyumn, aaj aapke rasoi ke chulhe bujhenge nahi!" ("After so many days, our elder brother will finally eat his fill. Prince Drishtadhyumn, today your kitchen fires won’t be going out anytime soon!")

Everyone present in the hall laughed at Nakul's remark. Bheem glanced at Nakul with a mock-threatening gaze but said nothing, far too engrossed in the delightful food he had longed for over their recent trials. As everyone settled in, the room filled with the warmth of laughter and the satisfaction of a feast shared among family and friends.

In the royal chamber, Draupadi and Nisha sat amid a bustling group of maids who poured their efforts into adorning them. One maid brought a beautiful saree with intricate handwork, its fabric shimmering in the light. Draupadi looked at Nisha with a gentle smile and said, “Nisha, tum to meri devrani ho. Lo, yeh mera sabse priya saree hai, tum pehn lo.” ("Nisha, you are my sister-in-law now. Here, this is my most cherished saree; you should wear it.")

Nisha hesitated, glancing at the saree and then back at Draupadi. “Are nahi, nahi, Rajkumari," she replied shyly, "aap kuch aur dedijiye. Yadi aapko yeh saree priya hai to aap hi pehn lijiye.” ("Oh no, no, Princess, please give me something else. If this saree is so dear to you, you should wear it.")

Draupadi looked at her, blinking in feigned hurt. “Jao, main tumse baat nahi karungi,” she declared, turning her face away with a teasing smile. ("Fine, I won’t talk to you.")

Nisha looked alarmed, genuinely worried. “Are Rajkumari, maine kuch galat keh diya kya?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. ("Oh, Princess, did I say something wrong?")

One of the maids, catching on to Draupadi’s playful mood, chimed in with a mock angry tone, “Galat? Aapne to dil dukhaya hai hamari Rajkumari ka, unke diye saree ko na leke!” ("Wrong? You’ve broken our Princess’s heart by not accepting the saree she offered!")

Draupadi turned around with fake tears in her eyes, clutching her heart dramatically. “Vaishakha, dukh is baat ka nahi ki inhone saree nahi liya," she sighed. "Dukh to is baat ka hai ki inhone mujhe ek parivar ke hote hue bhi Rajkumari kaha.” ("Vaishakha, my sorrow isn’t that she didn’t accept the saree. It’s that, even though we’re family, she called me Princess.")

Nisha’s confusion deepened as she watched Draupadi’s mock distress, unsure of what to do. Finally, she stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Draupadi’s shoulder turned her around and joining her hands in apology she said, “Mujhe maaf kardo, Rajkumari...oh, mera matlab, didi," she said softly. "Meri koi behen nahi hai, issliye aaj se main aapko hi apni sagi behen manungi. Aap is prakar dukhi mat hoiye.” ("Forgive me, Princess...oh, I mean, sister. I don’t have a sister, so from today, I will consider you my true sister. Please don’t be sad like this.")



At that, Draupadi and the maids burst out laughing, leaving Nisha thoroughly bewildered. Draupadi gently wiped her own smile away and explained, “Tum dil ki badi saaf pratith hoti ho, Nisha. Main to tumhare saath thoda mazaak kar rahi thi. Achha, lo, issi baat pe tum yeh saree pehn lo. Ab to behen ka rishta hai, tumse badi behen ki baat maan ne ko badhya ho tum.” ("You seem to have such a pure heart, Nisha. I was only teasing you a bit. Alright, take this saree and wear it. Now that we’re sisters, as your elder sister, I insist you accept it.")

Nisha huffed a little in relief, thinking, Thank god, I thought she was truly upset. She looked back at Draupadi and said warmly, “Khushi se aapke aadesh manungi, didi.” ("Happily, I will obey your command, sister.")

After a few minutes, both women were fully adorned. They wore stunning sarees, each complemented with elaborate jewelry—mang tikas, bangles, anklets, armlets. Nisha glanced at herself in awe, unused to seeing herself in such royal attire. She had only seen herself dressed simply, either as a servant or a village bride, but today was different. Draupadi looked her over and grinned, exclaiming, “Itni sundar devrani ke aage to mujhe koi dekhega hi nahi!” ("With such a beautiful sister-in-law, no one will even look at me!")

Everyone laughed, and Nisha replied, “Kaisi baatein kar rahi hain aap, didi? Yagyaseni ke tej ke aage koi mujhe kyun dekhega?!” ("What are you saying, sister? No one could possibly look at me when they have Yagyaseni’s radiance before them!")

Draupadi then turned to Nisha, her curiosity piqued. “Waise, Nisha, main toh puchna bhool gayi," she said. "Tumhari vani se tum badi gyaani pratith hoti ho, aur roop se kisi samrajya ki rajkumari. Tum kaunse naresh ki putri ho?” ("By the way, Nisha, I forgot to ask. From your speech, you seem very wise, and in appearance, you could be a princess of some great kingdom. Whose daughter are you?")

Nisha hesitated, unsure how to answer. She finally said, “Didi, mera iss yug mein koi vishesh parichay nahi. Parantu haan, main itna keh sakti hoon ki main Hastinapur ke mahamantri Vidur ki shishya hoon—” ("Sister, in this age, I have no special lineage. But I can say that I am the disciple of Hastinapur’s grand minister, Vidur—")

Before she could finish, a familiar voice interrupted her warmly, “Aur meri sakhi.” ("And my dear friend.")

They turned to see Krishna standing there with dristhadhyumn, smiling, his eyes twinkling with affection looking at his two bestfriends.



------- Kuch karo na karo par please vote and comment Karo mere priya pathko. I hope you guys liked this chapter.