Devika herself came to deliver the gifts to Siyaanshi's new born sons. In her surprise, Prativindhya and Siyaanshi didn't bother pay her any respect even out of courtesy. None of them touched her feet.
As Yudhisthira is again the Samrat, Devika thought it was necessary for her to be with her husband. But surprisingly she didn't meet him once in this 100 day celebration. Even when she went to meet him, she couldn't. She was stopped outside his door for almost a day. Then finally the guards told her Yudhisthira has retired for the day.
Not only that she could see the overflowing love in his eyes whenever he looked at the fire born around. Devika curses in her mind. First their and now the first grandchild of Pandavas bloodline more preciously sons. Yudhisthira is bound to lean in her way more.
Devika looks at the mirror. Gray hair is prominent in her, those marks on her face and rough palms. Whereas that woman looks as old as she was in her swayamvar.
This fight wasn't fair to begin with, she thinks. Today she will leave. Despite asking for Yudhisthira so many times, he never saw her. Even when she greeted him in front of people, he bluntly ignored it.
Devika walks to the main gate and amusingly she finds herself face to face with her. She was saying farewell to the wives of Krishna. As they leave, she turns and a frown immediately appears on her face seeing Devika.
Devika joins her hand and goes to touch her feet.
Draupadi steps back in disguist, "Don't bother. No one is looking anyway."
Devika stands up her face red with humiliation. She felt a fool in front of this woman in every way.
"I thank you for blessing my son and daughter in law. Give my regards to your father. Isn't Yaudheya returning with you?" Draupadi asks.
"He decided to stay longer here," Devika informs.
Draupadi nods in acknowledgement. She was about to leave when Devika stops her.
"Why aren't you telling the world what I have done?" Devika asks.
"What good will it bring? You will be a villainess and this is degrade Yudhisthira's reputation. Your son will be despised by others," Draupadi says sternly.
"Are you happy now?"
Draupadi doesn't turn and waits for her to complete.
"All five Pandavas swarm around you like bees. They have completely forgotten they have other wives and children. Prativindhya's is not the only son of Arya Yudhisthira. Yaudheya is too his son,"
"Nor Yudhisthira not me has ever said Yaudheya isn't his son. He carries the Kuru blood in him that won't change ever," Draupadi says.
"Good that you two remember that. Because Arya Yudhisthira won't even see me. What is his problem? Is he so lost in you that he forgot the relationship and status I have? What changed in him so much?"
Devika stomps her feet in anger. Draupadi's calm approach like she doesn't care whatever she says is pissing her off more and more.
"Subhadra is living like your maid here. Isn't that to be close to her husband? Serving you all the time. Don't expect me to ever do the same,"
"I am not short in maids, princess and keep Subhadra out of your nasty plans next time, Rajkumari,"
Devika felt an explosion in her head. Despite marrying the Samrat of Aryavarta, she is still the princess. The title of Samragni is something she can never touch. From maids to relatives she was always addressed be as a princess. Even after complaining to Yudhisthira about this, he never did anything. He never gave her the title of Samragni to her. Not only her but also other wives of Pandavas never gained my title other than princess after marriage.
"I will never ask for forgiveness. I don't regret what I did at all," Devika spats.
This time Draupadi turns around.
"Forgiveness you say? Such a strong word doesn't suit you, Devika. Besides I desire the blood of 100 Kuru princes for what they did to me. You are no less guilty,"
Devika flinchs at her cold tone.
"I might not warrant a death penalty for you but know what, you foolish woman? God forgives but never forgets. You will get your due as well," Draupadi says.
Devika looks at her mouth open. She cursed her? How could she?
"I am Yudhisthira's wife. How can you blamelessly curse me? What I did happens to every family in Aryavarta. This conflict of co wives. They don't go around cursing each other. You are going too far," Devika appears angry but she is shaken from inside.
"Not in my family, Devika. In my family, these conflicts can't happen. I don't allow them. And whatever ideal family's picture you have in your mind, keep it there. Because as long as I am alive, I am the only mistress of my family. After my death, my daughter in laws will take my place. Never you will stand where I stand. Never will you be able to get the rights and authority I have. Never will you have the crown of Samragni. You deserve none of these,"
Devika grabs her hand harshly, "What are you still so arrogant about? You lost everything."
Draupadi couldn't help but smirk, "What exactly did I lose, Devika? Enlighten me."
Devika takes a step back intimidated by her.
"Let me count, I didn't lose my husbands, my children. Though losing Indraprastha is temporary. I got Devapath in the time being. And honor? Honor cannot be taken forcefully by anyone, Devika. Honor is lost only when you abandon it,"
Malini comes from behind and shakes Devika's grip from Draupadi. She glares at her, "Samragni, if you are so lenient with the wrong people. You might give people the wrong idea of nepotism because these people aren't your blood."
Devika screams, "You a mere maid dare to touch me?"
"I am a maid of Samragni. But who are you? What's your identity other than being a snake? Know this, even snake's skin leaves it's own body. You will be responsible for your own downfall," Malini glares.
Devika's face was red with anger when she finally noticed the man behind Draupadi.
"Arya...you came..." Devika's face brightens seeing him.
"Panchali, I told you to rest. Your feet are still swollen. These greetings can be done by our sons," Yudhisthira immediately kneels to take a look at her feet.
Devika's mouth fell open. Yudhisthira has kneeled to the ground inspecting Draupadi's feet placing them on his thigh. Draupadi's attention was completely shifted to her eldest husband and Yudhisthira's on her. But Malini took that opportunity. She walks closer to Devika with a smirk on her face. Grabbing her wrist, Malini drags her away from Yudhisthira and Draupadi.
"Please refrain from looking at lovers like this. People might think you are jealous," Malini whispers.
"See, they are swollen again. Panchali, you want me to scold you badly?" Yudhisthira says a bit stern.
"Yudhisthira, I have to be present for my guests. A few days more then I will not go running around this way," Draupadi consoles him.
Devika felt a pang in her chest. The Samrat and Samragni of Aryavarta. Both suits each other so well. Anyone will keep looking at them speechless. Only Draupadi dares address Yudhisthira by his name. Devika tried it once. But seeing Yudhisthira's stern look and annoyed face that day, she never dared call him by his name.
Devika looks at them in disbelief. Did Yudhisthira really not acknowledge her presence?
"Don't look at them. Ever heard of privacy? Husband wife sharing their love and care while you being an outsider is shamelessly looking at them. Is this the manner of Shivi women?" Malini mocks her.
Devika glares at her. She didn't find a single word to counter attack Malini. She doesn't dare raise a hand on her as well. Priyamvada and Malini are the head maids of Draupadi. Sometimes Yudhisthira and others would call them to ask about Draupadi. Touching them will make Draupadi furious and if she is angry, Pandavas are too.
Devika goes inside her carriage. Her plans fisted so hardly that they begin to bleed.
"Dasi, bring me Ganga jaal. I don't want any bad omen near my mistress again," Malini orders a maid.
"Maa, you called us," Prativindhya and Siyaanshi enters Draupadi's chamber.
"Yes, sit down," Draupadi says to them.
While Prativindhya sits at front, Draupadi pulls Siyaanshi to sit beside her.
She touches her cheek, "You have lost weight, Putri. Are they keeping you up all night?"
"Mata, they rest all day long but at night, they don't sleep for a second," Siyaanshi complaints.
Draupadi fondly smiles, "Just like their father. Prati had the same routine. He was always awake at night."
"How did you handle, Mata? You are the Samragni and still you stayed up all night?" Siyaanshi asks surprised.
"I had no other choice. Prativindhya was very tough to handle when he was young. He didn't allow anyone else to hold him but me. Though as time passed, he became sensible and didn't cause me much trouble," Draupadi runs her hands in his hair.
"Maa, you still work so hard. My heart pains seeing you this way. I fear I can't take your burden away only increasing it. Pitashree was so angry that you are ignoring your health," Prativindhya says.
"Leave him. He worries even when I sneeze," Draupadi jokes.
"Why did you summon us, Maa?" Siyaanshi asks.
"Putri, there are some important things I wish to tell you both," Draupadi states.
"We are listening, Maa," Prativindhya says.
"When you two became parent, your responsibility increased beyond limits. Only giving birth and orders don't make us parents. You are their life long teacher, their idol. Children are the reflection of their parents. So, if you slip a bit, they will. If you are ignorant of their education, they will be guided to the wrong path,"
Prativindhya and Siyaanshi listens carefully.
"Seeing the Kurus I became alert and promised myself to be a better mother. Whatever Duryodhana and his brothers are doing, it's the result of misguiding of their parents only. Bind by love for their sons, they practically became blind in every way possible,"
"Mata, what are you saying?" Siyaanshi asks.
"Bheem was only 9 years old, when he was poisoned by Duryodhana. Maharani Gandhari should have punished her son for his deed. But she didn't. She scolded Mata Kunti for acting up unnecessarily. What did that resulted in? Again and again moves to kill the Pandavas were made. Dyutsabha happened,"
Prativindhya and Siyaanshi looks at each other. Suddenly the role of parents is scaring them.
"Prati, you are the father. Sons look up to their father the most, you are their superhero. You know that too. You have been there. And that role comes with a price. You will love your sons. But you must be strict when it's time for punishment. You remember what I told you and your brothers while teaching?"
Prativindhya smiles fondly, "Yes Maa. You said if any of us usees our weapons and education for unrighteous means, you will be the first to raise your sword at our neck, you will be the first to punish us."
Siyaanshi gulps. Lava and Kusha's giggling echos in her heart. How will she say that to her sons? How will she ever raise her weapons against them? Noticing that Draupadi squeezes her hand.
"Putri, each my sons are my body parts. I love them more than anything else. To me, they come before my own life. That's why anyone else pointing their bad glances or weapons against my sons. I can't tolerate it. I understand and can feel Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Maharani Gandhari's agony. Putra, there's nothing more heavier to a father than his son's corpse. That's why I would rather punish my sons for their misdeeds myself than letting anyone else do it. I would never be able to tolerate it,"
Prativindhya places his head on his mother's knees.
"Siyaanshi, mother's love is second to Gods. Noone will blame you for loving your sons. But don't let that love become your weakness. We Ksatriya women have hearts of stone. We bind our hearts to send our father, brother, husband, sons to war and always ready to hear their...death..." Draupadi's voice shook.
Draupadi holds both their hands tightly, "Love can never be a weakness. My life hasn't been an easy one. But no ones is. We fall, we stand, we get lost, we regain. You two aren't married for too long even. Everything is still colorful for you two. But this won't be like this forever,"
Prativindhya and Siyaanshi looks down a bit. A few days ago, they got into a heavy argument. First argument after their marriage. Prativindhya was tired from Rajsabha and didn't handle her tantrums well. Siyaanshi also couldn't understand why her husband is so annoyed with her. Draupadi heard about it and thought to give sometime to both of them to reconnect. She can't always be with them. So they should handle problems like this.
"Prati, when women gives birth, a lot changes in our body. Our hormones, our physique, our moods. We raise a child inside our body. It's tough to keep vomiting when you smell the food, swollen feet, headache, stomach ache and many more. During Menstruation period, our moods are all over the place. It can annoy you sometimes but this change is a must to bring life on earth. And honestly women have no control over this change. So, disregarding this period and finding her annoying when she acts this way, is a very unmanly thing to do. She takes all that pain to nurture and give birth to your blood only. You should be patient and caring towards her in this period even more,"
Prativindhya nods his head understandingly, "I understand Maa. Forgive me, Siyaanshi. I wasn't being sensible."
"Putri, your husband also might not be in his best sometimes. Fire cannot calm the fire. So, when he is angry, you stay quiet and when you are angry he stay quiet. Don't insult him in his worst. Be understanding and give him a shoulder to bear his burdens. Don't welcome him in your chamber with anger or a negative attitude. Your smile will make all his tensions disappear. Be his peace, be his home. Don't add oil in fire. Patience with men will bind them with you,"
Siyaanshi nods understandingly, "I understand Mata. Forgive me, Arya. I was too harsh with you."
Draupadi gives them permission to leave. Before they left, she didn't miss the warm smile both gave to each other. Draupadi smiles in content. After pregnancy, this tough time comes with all couples. They become distant and sometimes this distance keeps on growing.
Though they solved it before with each other, from today onwards they will be more understanding with each other.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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