The Sun and the Flames

1. The Temple Visit

"We have reached the temple, Princess." said the guard, holding a spear and looking straight towards the temple.

She slowly drew the curtains and peeked outside. Yes, she had reached her destination. She slowly drew the whole curtain and came out. She was wearing a pink uttariya over a pink blouse. She wore two light necklaces, which adorned her beauty. Her anklets were jingling, maintaining a rhythm with her bangles. She smiled and slowly went into the temple, with two of her maids, one of them was Malini, who was more as a friend than a helper.

Yes, she was none other than Princess Draupadi.

She stepped inside the temple. She worshipped Mahadev and started to whisper something, which was only audible to Him.
"My father wants me to marry an archer. He is organising my swayamvar next week. The preparations have begun. Govind and sister-in-law Rukmini have also come to support me. Everyone is joyful, I am too, but at the same time, I am a wee bit upset. I will have to leave Kampilya. I'll miss father, Shikhandini Jiji and Drishtidyumna. Govind says that whatever happens, it happens for good. We should always go with the flow. Mahadev, I will have to put the garland on the neck of the man who will win the competition. The rest decision I leave to you. " She said wearing a little smile on her illuminated face.

She lighted the diya in front of the idol. After completing her prayer, she sat down in the temple premises in solitude, pondering. She was thinking about her future home, if she will be able to settle there comfortably.

"Malini, how many years  have passed since your wedding?" she asked.
"Two, princess."
"Was it easy to settle in your in-laws' house?"

Malini understood the state of mind of Panchali. She sat down beside her and held her hands.

"Panchali, you have always considered me your friend. And today as a friend, I want to tell you the truth. It's not very easy to mingle with people in your new house. Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes the people may not be very welcoming, like in my case. But trust me, I'm very sure that whichever house you marry into, you'll be treated with love and respect. And you will win everyone's heart very soon, because of your nature, like you did here. So now don't worry and start preparing yourself for your wedding."

Draupadi smiled and hugged her. Then they both started walking out. As soon as she went out, she saw a man standing at the gate with his horse. He was adorned with silver jewellery which signified that he was a prince. He was handsome and was looking straight into her eyes as if he couldn't see anything else.

"Who is he?" questioned Draupadi.
"He is the prince of Hastinapur, prince. He is Prince Arjun," said Malini.
"Arjun?" Draupadi said almost in a whisper.
"I think he has also come for your Swayamvar, like other kings and princes."
"Oh" she responded.

She walked out of the temple and was about to sit into her palki when she glanced at Arjun. He was going inside the temple. Suddenly he turned back!

She lowered her eyes and immediately sat inside her palki. Arjun smiled and walked off inside.

"Was she the princess?" Arjun thought to himself.

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Draupadi went to her palace.

She was roaming in the corridor, thinking about Arjun. She saw the preparations for her Swayamvar. She remembers Malini's words. He has also come for her Swayamvar. Her lips curved into a smile with the thought.

Everyone was busy doing decorations. Some were decorating the gates, some were changing the curtains. Some were embroidering flowers on the carpet while some were busy cooking the delicacies for the dinner.
Drishtidyumna was also performing his job well as a brother, commanding the servants and welcoming the guests. After all, it was her sister who was going to get married, or perhaps his twin.