Empire of Righteousness (When it Ends)

Chapter 243 : A Defeated Brother's Letter

Draupadi is humming softly as she brushes Shivaya's hair.

After almost 3 years, Shrutakarma will have his wife completely to himself, fulfilled in every sense. A mother's heart is filled with happiness and content as she herself prepares her daughter in law.

Shivaya's cheeks adore a gorgeous shade of red as she keeps looking down letting her mother in law do her work.

Satyabhama has spread the ornaments on bed.

"Danveer should be you," Satyabhama's voice is hostile.

Draupadi purses her lips.

"I welcome you in my home, I welcome you in my heart," Satyabhama imitates Draupadi, "Shared household, shared household, shared children. Tear yourself in pieces and give them as well!"

"I know a woman married to a man who has 16108 wives," Draupadi comments.

"He isn't an example," Satyabhama rises to her feet not at all happy with her best friend, "Dwarkadesh Krishna's life doesn't teach people to marry 16108 wives. If you to follow him, follow every deed of his. Go in Kurukshetra field. Be the man's charioteer and bear the wheel to change the dynasty."

Draupadi stays quiet. Satyabhama was waiting to tear her into a new one. Satyabhama paces angrily in the chamber.

"Shree Rama taught people no matter how great devotee you are, no matter your strength, your alliance, if you disrespect woman, your doom will follow you," Satyabhama says begrudgingly, "What did men learn? Force woman to perform Sati!"

Draupadi's hands stop. Shivaya is listening between the queens.

"Satya..."

"No you listen to me," Satyabhama yanks Draupadi's arm, "Have you forgotten what they did? Despite having five husbands, even a commoner woman was more secure than you! And at the end! Your sons! Your daughter in laws! Your grandsons! You let them live their life in bliss!"

Satyabhama says angrily, "I get your generosity towards Subhadra. Arya's only sister. Anything related to him and your conscious stops working! Fine, what about the others?"

Draupadi looks down only. Her eyes falling in guilt.

"They are my sons, Satya..." Draupadi says softly, "No matter which part of Aryavarta they stay. I bore the kids. My blood flows in their veins."

"But..." Satyabhama stops finding something in her best friend's eyes, "You... feel guilty.."

Shivaya now stands up looking at the two experienced woman in front of her.

"Why?" Satyabhama whispers genuinely confused, "What do you feel guilty for?"

Draupadi finally opens her mouth, "Society.. has given men the freedom to be partial to his wives..Satya.."

Satyabhama's eyes widen in realization, "You feel guilty...of your husbands love.."

"They are their responsibility as much as I am... They also married them..." Draupadi sighs, "I am familiar with this pain, Satya. The anticipation, the heartbreak, the negligence everything. I had my sons so I couldn't break. Whom do they have?"

Draupadi says more, "Husband wife's relationship isn't tied on intimacy only. Specially at the later years, what they want then is only each other's company, remission of past, looking at their children. I have five husbands! Have you seen me alone ever? One is always by my side. If they cannot extend it to others, let them at least live in fulfillment of knowing that their children are before them."

Draupadi's empathy touches Satyabhama's heart. She keeps looking at Draupadi in awe.

"Many kings and queens have lived before and will live after," Satyabhama says gently, "But none like you. You are the Empress of heart, truly."