King Drupada stood up with folded hands and he greeted everyone present .He paid his respects to my lord .Then Draupadi's name was being announced as she entered the place .All the commotion stopped .People who were chitchatting among each other ,stopped and rushed to see the Princess .Warriors who were going to participate ,became eager to see her .I too leaned forward to see her ,with at most joy .Looking at my curiosity ,Krishna laughed .
"Princess of Panchala ,the fire born maiden ,and the beloved daughter of King Drupada ,Princess Draupadi is entering the arena !!!"
As the announcement was made ,Draupadi along with her maids entered .
She was absolutely stunning ! Her complexion was dark ,and all the golden jewellery looked beautiful on her .She was draped in rich silks ,her braid was decorated with a variety of flowers along with a golden crown and her walk was graceful as well as bold .All the eyes kept looking at her .When I saw her entering ,my mind started to play the entry theme song of Draupadi in Mahabharata (2013) .
She was accompanied by Shikandi ,and was lead by her brother Dhrishtadyumna .
I observed Duryodhana ,who hardly blinked his eyes ...even for once .He was attracted by Draupadi and kept on staring at her .
Before ascending to her throne ,she touched her father's feet and also touched the feet of my lord and paid her obeisance .
She folded her hands towards everyone present there and took her seat .But she was extremely troubled and tensed .
"Why does she look so worried ? She is so beautiful and regal .Princes of the most prominent and famous dynasties are present here,trying to win her hand .She should feel proud instead of being worried ......" I said .
"All the Princes and Kings are here ,but ofcourse nobody present here can win her heart ! Draupadi is born to marry Arjuna ." Krishna replied
"But Karna is also equally good .Krishna ,at least you can stop Draupadi from insulting Karna about his caste ." I asked
"My dear ! Everything is happening here for a reason .I could have stopped Draupadi from even insulting Duryodhana ,but it is meant to happen .Everyone's life is according to his/her destiny and karma .I cannot do anything about it .I am myself bound by Karma !" He replied.
Krishna was right ,but I really wished to warn Draupadi about everything .
"I welcome all the great warriors and princes of Bharatvarsha present today ,with much pleasure ! It's an honour to have you all here .The warrior who perfectly shoots the eye of the fish revolving above ,by looking at it's reflection in the water ,shall win the hand of my precious and beautiful daughter ,Draupadi !" Drupada spoke up and finally he ordered to start the event .
Drums were beaten .Conchshells were blown .Krishna too blew his conch shell ,to mark the beginning of the swayamvara .
Then I saw a Prince getting up from his seat and briskly walking towards the great bow .I really didn't know of which kingdom he was .He came forward ,folded his hands before the king and the bow ,glanced at Draupadi once and got hold of the bow .He struggled badly to hold the bow ,because it was so heavy that he got exhausted after a few minutes .The whole arena burst out laughing .After several attempts the Prince returned to his seat ,fully dejected .Likewise ,all the princes came forward with at most hope and confidence ,and afterwards left back to their respective seats disappointed .The bow was indeed very powerful .Duryodhana kept on laughing at every person ,without a stop .But in reality ,he didn't participate the event because he was already married to the Princess of Kalinga ,Bhanumati .
I saw Krishna ,who was sitting without a single emotion on his face .As usual he was calm ,gentle and neutral ,having a little smile on his face .At times he would look at a tensed Draupadi like a compassionate brother and sometimes he would look at me lovingly .
It was Karna's turn now .He stood up and walked towards the mighty bow .Draupadi ,who was okay all this while now had a serious dilemma .She knew that if someone could win this tournament ,it was Arjuna as well as Karna .They both were equally well versed in archery .She kept on staring at Karna and suddenly turned her face towards my lord ,with a worried look .In reply Krishna only smiled ,which had actually soothed her for sometime .
As Karna was going to touch the bow ,Draupadi stood up "Hold on ! I shall not marry the son of a charioteer !!".
Karna was shocked as well hurt ,as she had insulted him in front of everyone .He didn't say a word or protest ,but silently went towards his seat .Duryodhana never liked the way Draupadi had spoken to his best friend .
At that time ,a group of brahmanas entered the place .
"Arjuna has come !" Krishna exclaimed as he spotted him among the group .The rest of the Pandavas were also there .Duryodhana never identified them .
Majority of the kings and princes had failed completely. The king became worried ,as there was no suitable suitor for his daughter .Looking at the continuous failures ,Drupada asked the brahmanas to come and participate .
Arjuna slowly came forward ,looking at Krishna .Krishna gave him an assuring smile .Draupadi who was not interested in anyone till now ,now somehow became happy after seeing him .
Arjuna humbly bowed towards the bow and the king ,and towards Krishna .He went towards the bow and was successful in holding it firmly .Everybody who were laughing,now became shocked at the scene .
"Why does he look so familiar to me ? Have I seen him before !?" Shakuni was suspicious.
Arjuna focused the eye of the fish in the reflection of water .Krishna too stared at the water ,and his vision had made the water so still as if it was a clean mirror .And Arjuna shot the arrow so perfectly ,that it went straight up and pierced the eye of the fish ,without any hindrance .
Cheers ,claps ,and a great round of applause came from everywhere .Draupadi's smile broadened and Drupada was overwhelmed with joy .
Duryodhana and the others were shocked to see that a sage could achieve something ,which they were not able to .
"I can recognise him very well .He is Arjuna !" Karna concluded
"Bu...but how !? This is not possible. They died already in Varnavrata ." Duryodhana said.
"Do you think that any ordinary Brahman can easily win this event .Not even brave warriors could achieve this ,so how can he ? And anyways ,by looking at his archery skills ,I am very well sure he is Arjuna . Even his brothers are here ,look!" Saying this ,Karna pointed out towards the 4 Pandavas who were standing amongst the crowd .Bhima was easily identifiable by his physique .Duryodhana growled in anger and rage "How dare they ! How did they escape ! Uncle what is this !!"
Shakuni was speechless . "Something is fishy ......They should have died !" He said by staring at Krishna Cunningly .Krishna noticed him and gave him a hearty smile .He was never bothered by his stare and all .
Draupadi came towards Arjuna with a big ,beautiful garland in her hands .She garlanded him and Arjuna too was happy .Flowers and colours were showered .All the princes looked very jealous .
Duryodhana and the others left angrily from there ,as I saw them .For Duryodhana ,Bheema was the main target and for Karna ,it was Arjuna .
The couple took blessings from King Drupada and my Lord .Draupadi smiled at Krishna with full content .
"I told you that he'll come .Look Panchali ,your wish has been fulfilled now !" Shikandi came and hugged Draupadi .Draupadi's joy knew no bounds .She was extremely happy ,that she couldn't even speak .
She went and touched her brother's feet ,and finally came to Krishna .
"Oh Krishna ! It's because of you that today my dream has been fulfilled .How can I ever thank you !" Draupadi touched his feet ,with tears of happiness filled in her eyes .
"Sister ! Your happiness is my happiness .I'm very glad that Arjuna has won your hand and well as your heart .Always remember ,be patient and calm during tough situations .I am always there for you ,whenever you need me .May you be blessed with all the prosperities and happiness in life ."
Krishna blessed her .He then went towards Arjuna and hugged him .
"Partha ! I'm very happy for your success today .Your aim and skill is indeed very impressive."
"I must thank you first ,Krishna .Your vision had magically made the water so still that it was extremely easy for me to aim and shoot !!" Both of them embraced tightly ,and they looked like very close brothers .
Now it was time for departure .Draupadi hugged her father with tears in her eyes .
She bid farewell to her brother and Shikandi ,and slowly departed along with the Pandavas.
For once she turned back and looked at Krishna ,who smiled at her sweetly by waving his hand .Draupadi was indeed grateful for having lord of the three worlds ,as her brother and mentor .
As I thought ,my stomach started to make noises .I was indeed very hungry .
"What was that sound " Krishna turned around towards me .
"It came from my sto..stomach" I told him shyly .
"Ha Ha .....and that's why we both are going to have lunch now !" Krishna laughed
"Really ! It would be a great pleasure for me .Come Come Come !" I was very much excited .Having food with Krishna was not only a great experience ,but also a divine blessing for me ! I literally pulled his hands and started to run .I didn't even know where to go ,but still I ran .
"Whoa whoa ! slowly ,Godha .You're going the wrong way !"Krishna couldn't control his laughter after seeing my restlessness .
"I'm sorry !" I had to stop .
We went inside a chamber ,especially made for Krishna .A big ,golden plate was being kept ready on the table ,with jars and glasses . Before going to eat ,we washed our hands and legs .
Krishna sat down ,and he asked me as well to sit beside him .
Ofcourse the people who served him ,could not see me . Slowly ,they came in and started serving him a variety of dishes .Sweets ,vegetables ,fruits ,and fruit juices were kept for him .Also there was butter and buttermilk (Krishna's major requirements) .Maidservants started to fan him from both sides .
Before eating food ,he folded his hands as a respect and I too did the same
"Why aren't you eating ? Is there something missing ?" Krishna asked
"My Lord ,you eat first then I shall eat ." I said
"Why so ?" Krishna asked with his eyebrows raised .
"Because now it's just a normal food .But when you eat it becomes Maha Prasad which is good for me! Oh Krishna ! My soul shall be liberated from all sins if I have your Maha Prasad." I replied .
"I knew it ,my dear ! And ,today I shall feed you myself !"
After hearing this statement ,my heart started to dance in ecstasy .Krishna himself was going to feed me ! I felt again that what good deed I had done in my previous birth ,that now my lotus eyed Govinda himself came and loved me .
I nodded and Krishna started to feed me .The taste of food was more brilliant ,after it was being touched by the lotus hand of my Lord .Tears of love were flowing my eyes unlimitedly ,as I ate .
"If you don't mind ,can I also feed you ?" I asked
"Is this a question to ask ? You have all rights !" Krishna accepted happily .
He opened his mouth and I too gave him food .
"First give me the butter .Then only the others !" He demanded
I started to remember his pastimes ,when Yashoda saw the whole universe in his little mouth and how she used to feed him butter and buttermilk .
Krishna would look at me while eating ,which would sometimes make me blush .While I was eating ,I got choked and started to cough .He patted me and gave me water .
Krishna was now indeed like a loving parent to me .As he fed me ,it was like all pains of my life were being removed once for all .And like this ,we both had a quality time together .
(Credits to the creator ð)