Another Chance for Lives

Swayamvar

KARNA

I sit uncomfortably in the swayamvar hall. Aswathama didn't forget to remind me he is older than 'Draupadi'. To which Duryodhan remarked, "To her husband, she will be 'Panchali'." knowing my heart well.

I couldn't be fully excited as my morning prayer to Surya Dev left me puzzled. He told me that when the most important decision in my life comes, I should stand up for what I belief. That I should let my heart lead this time. 'What does he mean by this time'?

DRAUPADI

I stood like a statue while my dress is getting fix. I was excited when I fell asleep yesterday but today morning I don't feel so good. They say its because its my marriage but I know its not that. Its from the dream I had, I don't remember anything from it but I know my heart was broken. I broke into a million pieces. I could never recover and I cause it to myself.

Thank God my friend is here, my friend who loves peacock feather so much, he always wear one.

"Sakhi!?" He called out.
"Govind! I am scared." I look at him hoping he would give me solution. I tell him about the dream.
"It seems you should listen to your heart this time. What should happen, will happen. But if we all follow our heart once, it will bring a great change." Krishna says looking at me with the most empathetic eyes I have ever seen.

"Draupadi, its time sister." My brother Dhristadumn and Shikhandini jiji comes to get me for the Swayamvar.

I enter the swayamvar holding myself up as much as I can. I notice many Kings and Princes are here but my eyes search for just one. I found him in a corner , wouldn't have been easy if he doesn't glow. As I walk near him and meet his eyes I remember my dream. In my dream Anga Raj Karna won me but he was insulted because I didn't lika a 'suta putra' and I marry someone else. I don't know what happened or who won but I lead a life wondering What would have happened if I didn't say it.
I met his eyes again as I walk past me, those eyes wouldn't look at me like that for a long time.

Shikhandini jiji sat me down and my brother Dhristadumn starts speaking, and I try to gasp reality.

KARNA

Mama Sakunee shook me a little as calls me "where are you lost Anga Raj? You have do win her for Duryodhaan."
"No Mama shree, Karna will win her for himself." Duryodhaan stops him from saying more.
Mama Shree looks surprise, "I didn't know Anga Raj was interested in marrying."
"Who wouldn't! Look at her." says Dusassan looking a Draupadi with a chuckle.

"Remember Dussasan, if I win her she will be your 'Bhabhishree'. I am like your elder brother." I snap and felt like I said something I always wanted to.

DRAUPADI

I didn't realise how many Kings and Princes tried and got defeated against a single bow. I can see my father's worried face. And its finally his turn. As he stood my father say, "What if he wins? I don't want my precious daughter to marry a suta. I won't be able to face anyone."
And he did what everyone failed to do.

He picked up the bow and gets into his position. My heart starts racing fast, I can remember my dream vividly. And my father and brother worried, my father asking my brother how would he come visit me in a house of suta. I worried my father will be embarrassed, a word is rolling up my mouth. Just like in the dream. I look at Krishna and he's just smiling at me.
But in the dream he shakes his head. I remember him telling me whatever needs to happen will happen but to try and follow my heart. And my heart says Karna. So I gulp down the word, hoping my father will visit me in Anga.

AngaRaj Karna looked at me with a determine eyes, his Surya Tilak shining. And he place an arrow in the bow, looking down the refection on the fish.