Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's
DRAUPADI - XXIX
Drupad pacified by the wise
convinced and consoled by all
he held in esteem, celebrated
Draupadi's marriage with the Five
Princes who turned their status
from recluse to iconic Princes
heir to Hastinapur's affluence.
Messengers were sent to Dhritrastra
to give them their due recognition,
festivities continued in Kampilya
till appetites sagged to refrain
from delight to practical basics
Drupad was happy to flaunt Pandavs
his pride and glory now has no ebb.
Draupadi didn't know
whether
to wax like the moon or wane
like the lily at dewy sunrise;
she covered her dark innards
with silky smiles and bejewelled glow
but she decided to ask Arjun the victor
not as wife but as woman
why she should be fifth of herself
when she is whole and handsome!
In the winter noon while the court
met informally to discuss further
strategies to meet the Kuru king
and claim Pandav rights
Draupadi searched for a lone moment
to ask Arjun, her true winner
why was he quiet when Yudhistir
rationalised Mother Kunti's casual
routine blessing as the unshakable law?
Did Arjun win me for his brothers?
For Pandavs, for his family name?
Draupadi lowered her head in doubts,
all answers were questions for her
all flowers in Kampilya garden
looked black, colourless and faded
she shook her head in self doubt
all thoughts which seemed to be solutions
became fresh riddles, Draupadi saw
everything as nothing
Arjun appeared in parts
one fifth of his Gandiv
his body and soul solemn
in the middle of the brothers.
Draupadi closed her eyes and walked
at random among the vanishing plants
she stumbled and sat down again
to stumble into her lonely bed.
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