Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's
DRAUPADI - XLVII
The stars around the crescent moon
blinked in disbelief of what they saw
a lamplit kingdom like billion stars
shone below dispelling
the shamed night
star garlands around humans, animals
houses, trees and pre harvest fields
made them dim in restive delight.
Draupadi in full moon radiance
moved from hall to
hall asking kings
ministers courtiers soldiers
cartmen horsemen and everyone
what to serve on their plates
already thrice filled and emptied
satiating palate belly and mind.
She stopped at the Hastinapur crowd
overloaded them with words and sweets
till they threatened to rise up although
they were too heavy to rise on their own.
Duryodhan in spiteful jest said, what
is Queen Draupadi so
niggardly
not to serve Dew kheer for desert -
Draupadi faking
humility,
folded her hands - sorry brother
I don't know how it tastes
give me a taste of it in Hastinapur
and I'll cook it for you -
others laughed except Karna
who taunted come Draupadi
I have Dew Kheer a plenty;
the queen moved on saying Thank you.
Krishna watched everything standing
outside the dining halls amused
by the sweet banter looking ahead
for the morrow, the final ceremony.
He had no apprehension yet he was
all eyes and ears hoping for happy
ending of the long
anticipated day.
Draupadi while returning saw him
in wonder and amazement - Sakha
what are you doing here at this hour
have you eaten yet - Krishna faked
a hungry look which did not escape
Panchali's eyes in that visible darkness
when my Sakhi is busy playing hostess
who will feed me, the star gazer?
Come Sakha the stars will share
our fare when we eat together.
Krishna held her hands and walked
around the dining halls to a corner
the Kaurav's jealousy
said Krishna,
Is our strength never weaken it
by unbecoming humility, let them
throw tantrums let Duryodhan
show off and squander away wealth
provisions trying to empty the treasures
tell him give more don't be niggardly
but don't let your guard down on prestige.
Yes Sakhi I wanted to inform you
Hanuman is here,
arrived before evening lamps,
though late go to him and greet him
and remember the great Ram devotee
should not feel ignored at any moment.
Now Sakhi let me see whether the queen
the jewel of Pandav eyes has anything
left for me in her thousand kitchens.
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