Dhi

The Inevitable Union

"Pranipaat Mata," Abhijishya said touching Kunti's feet.

"Kalyan ho, putri," Kunti blessed her with a smile. Then she took a red satin cloth covered copper plate which was kept on a table and handed it to Abhijishya.

Abhijishya was confused. It was almost time for the beginning of the ceremony but Mata Kunti had called her to her chambers. "What is this Mata?" she asked.

"This plate contains sweets for Kansar Bhojan ritual. I am giving you your first duty as my daughter-in-law, putri. As the only married woman present of Kuru clan, I wish you offer this plate of sweets to Draupadi and my sons for their Kansar Bhojan," Kunti said.

"Of course Mata. As you wish," Abhijishya smiled. "Won't you come with me Mata? It is time for the wedding ceremony to begin."

Kunti put a hand on Abhijishya's shoulder and said,"Putri, I don't know what to tell you. My one mistake caused a lifetime of strife for Draupadi and my sons. But how could I forget about you?" She said with watering eyes.

"You didn't utter a word against the unfairness towards you. Even when we were too busy trying to solve the Dharamsankat we were in, you didn't complain about your situation. I know what it feels like to welcome another wife of a Ksatriya husband. Yet here you are, taking the responsibility of Kansar Bhojan of your husband and co-wife without a crease on your forehead, just five days after marriage," Kunti said cupping her cheek.

"Mata, it would be a lie if I said I am elated that my husband is marrying another woman. Personally I do not agree with polygamy or polyandry but we all know this is a rather unique situation. I cannot bring myself to be displeased with Draupadi over this," Abhijishya smiled. "Also I really want a female friend to chat with. I feel like a third wheel once Sakha Gopal and Bhratashree Arjun start talking." She fake pouted.

Kunti smiled. "I feel at peace that you have accepted Draupadi in our family so readily. Now come along, we must hurry or else we will be late."

Abhijishya nodded and sighed inaudibly. Whatever progress she thought she and Draupadi had made on her wedding seemed lost when she accompanied Draupadi to the Gauri Temple today. She remained painfully polite and aloof. Abhijishya smiled and followed Kunti towards the Mandap. Her smile felt too brittle for Kunti's liking but she didn't mention it.

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The wedding premises was once again decorated but Abhijishya noted it was completely different from the decorations of the day Draupadi's wedding put on hold. It was most probable Maharaj Drupad threw everything away from that day due to the inauspicious rays of the solar eclipse.

The air was full of the fragrance of incense and flowers. The chants of various mantras created a solemn atmosphere. The Pandavs were already present. Abhijishya and Kunti arrived in time for Ganesh Pujan.