My trials, tribulations, triumphs and more... - Arjuna.

Chapter 31: Swayamvar (Part 2):

As we neared the court of Kampilya, we were stunned to see the magnificent pavilion that was erected to accommodate the numerous people gathered from all over the Aryavarth to have a glimpse of the Swayamvar of the most beautiful woman of Aryavarth. The city was immersed in a wonderful festive mood for the past fifteen days and today the sixteenth day was the culmination of the much anticipated Swayamvar of the princess of Panchal.

It was a dazzling spectacle the kind of which we hadn't witnessed earlier, the arena was grandly decorated with fragrant flowers and the auditorium was scented with rare perfumes, we could smell a unique mixture of sandalwood, jasmine, lily and other rare flowers, actually very difficult to describe the pleasant smell that engulfed the atmosphere. The palace and the auditorium were a wonder to the eye, and the pleasant smell emanating from the auditorium could be smelt from far off. The nearby music hall was filled with beautiful dancers and excellent musicians and their brilliant performance was enthralling one and all. In between all of this, numerous servants were serving delicious refreshments to the assembled kings and dignitaries.

The hall was majestic and very huge with several different layers of seating built in a semi-circular fashion, wherein the kings and princes of various kingdoms of Aryavarth were seated on the grand seats embellished with precious gems and jewels. This ceremony I thought was to showcase the lustre and grandeur of the Panchal kingdom and Maharaj Drupad dearly wanted all the assembled royals from various kingdoms be spellbound in wonder of his riches and have this event imprinted in their hearts for eternity.

As I was gazing through the hall, I could see some familiar faces like Maharaj Jarasandh, Maharaj Shalya, our cousins Duryodhan, Dushshasan, Vikarna, uncle Shakuni, acharya Dron, guru bhai Ashwathama, Karna and others. I wondered, even at this age how Maharaj Jarasandh kept himself so fit and agile, he looked terrific for his age and still had strong muscular body to show for, looked like he was practicing his favourite past time of wresting regularly even at this age. He looked pretty confident and proudly seated in his place. Maharaj Shalya had been a great warrior all through his life and his physique was a testament to that but was looking a bit anxious, not sure why though. Our cousin Duryodhan as usual was his arrogant self and was looking carefree and looked like he declared himself to be the winner of the contest already and was seen to crack jokes with his dear friend Karna and uncle Shakuni who were seated to his left and right respectively. Duryodhan's roaring laughter did earn a deadly glare from Bhim bhai who was not willing to forget nor forgive Duryodhan to what he subjected us and I had a hard time in calming Bhim bhai.

Karna looked calm and composed and was purveying the hall with his sharp eyes and probably was looking for his rival somewhere in the crowd, I think in his heart he also believed that we Pandavas would not perish in a fire incident. Shakuni mama too was looking at every corner of the hall and minutely checking the happenings and I think he was looking for the signs where the 'dead' Pandavas suddenly somehow come alive by miracle.

We brothers were seated in the arena meant for the common people and were seated near a group of brahmanas. We split ourselves into two groups, Bhim bhai and me were seated in a corner on the right side, whereas Yudhi bhai, Nakul and Sahadev were seated at the back. It was to ensure no one would identify us five individuals sitting together as Pandavas. Already, it was becoming difficult to hide our physique which was a result of years of strenuous practice and warriorship and to mix in the group as common brahmanas. It was difficult to ignore the looks some of the brahmanas in the group gave us, it was not lost on us that they were shocked and surprised to see such athletic, well fed and warrior like individuals pose as brahmanas.

During this time to help in disguise, I had grown a thick beard to cover my jawline which was supposed to be one of my distinctive facial traits, tied the thick curly dark hair with great difficulty in top knot and smeared body with ash. But, still all these outward cover-ups helped only a little to avoid the glares or shocked look from the people whenever we were roaming around in public places. As we were checking out the arena, a loud announcement was made declaring that Maharaj Drupad, along with valiant Vrishni heroes Balaram and Krishna, prince Dhristadyumn and the beautiful princess Draupadi were about to grace the majestic hall. I could guess by looking at the people that everyone in the auditorium were having their hearts beat faster and faster on this announcement, the gathered kings, princes and the people looked super excited to have the glimpse of the most beautiful princess. Of course, we brothers were also excited for that, but my heart was excited for not only the beautiful princess Draupadi but also to see my cousin Krishna whose tales of valour, intelligence and political astuteness was spreading rapidly all over Aryavarth. I was longing for this cherished moment so desperately to finally see my cousin and talk to him.