Portfolio Index

For this collection of tales, I wanted to tell the stories about the characters you don't get to see. Most of these are expanded on small parts of the original. I am always fascinated in the "what if" of every story I read. My favorite story was the first one I wrote: The Queen's Maiden. I put the most effort into this story and I love the story of Promilla and the woman she was. I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!

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The Dangerous Flower: When the Pandava brothers couldn't help her, Draupadi takes matters into her own hands.

Draupadi

Draupadi's Escape: We all know how Arjun won Draupadi's hand in marriage, but what if she didn't want to marry him? What if she wanted another life?

Draupadi at her Swayamvar

Ekalavya's Tale: One man's hero is another man's hindrance. We all know Drona helped the Pandava brothers, but who was he before? Was he always looking to help?

Drona with Arjuna and Ekalavya

The River Nymphs: When faced with temptation, how do you respond? When faced with your own pride, how do you change? Look deeper into both these in this short story!

One of the mysterious sisters

The Queen's Maiden : How do you express your devotion to the ones you love? Actions will always speak louder than words. See the journey a devoted wife and maiden take to show the love of friendship and a relationship.

The Maiden with her Queen

Reading: Nine Ideal Indian Women

Uttara
When the Pandava were exiled, they found themselves in the kingdom of Birat. The brothers and Draupadi disguised themselves and served the court. Arjun disguesed himself as a woman and taught Maharajah's only daughter, Uttara. Arjun fell in love with the little girl like his own daughter. When they revieled their true identies, the two kings decided to marry their children. Uttara and Arjun's son, Abhimanyu, married and started their happy life together.
One day, Abhimanyu was called to lead the war against the Kurus. Here on the battle field, he dies, and all Uttara is devestated and wants is to join her husband. Krishna comes to console her and says that he will be born as her child. Uttara decides to remain living to take care of her son, but when he no longer needed her, she was finally free to go to her beloved.

Uttara and Abhimanyu

Bibliography: Nine Ideal Indian Women - Uttara

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Sati
Queen Prasuti wanted a daughter so her and her husband, Daksha, went to the forest to pray. Here, the  goddess Adi-Parashakti promised to become their daughter, but if she was ever insulted, she would return to her godly form and disown them. The king and queen agreed and they recieved their daughter, whom they named Sati.
Sati was destined to marry the god Shiva, and all throughout her life, Sati became fasinated with him. Whenever another sutior was brought to her, she would want Shiva more. Finally, Shiva decended and married Sati. However, King Daksha was so unhappy with the arrangement that he started to yell at Sati. Because she was insulted, Sati took her goddess form of Adi-Parashakti. In this process, she was broken. and Shiva, out of sadness, took his anger on the earth. Vishnu cut her body into 52 body parts and scattered them around the world. After a long time, Adishakti was reborn as Parvati and Shiva got his love once again.

Shiva and Sati

Bibliography: Nine Ideal Indian Women - Sati

Reading: Nine Ideal Indian Women

Savitri
Savitri was a beautiful princess. One day, when she was retreating out in the forest with her family, she came across a handsome young man. She later found that this man was Prince Satyaban, and that he lived in the village with his mother and father, the exiled King of Abani. The two fell deeply in love with each other, but it was foreseen that Prince Satyaban would not live longer than a year. Despite this warning, Savitri wanted to still marry and share a life with him.
They marry and decide to live with his parents in the village. When the dreaded day came, Savitri went into the forest with her husband, and she stayed next to him as he died.
When the god of death came to take him away, she followed behind saying that there is nothing for her in this world without her husband. After a while of convincing, Her husband was returned to her and they lived a long, happy life together.

Savitri begs for her husband's life

Bibliography: Nine Ideal Indian Women - Savitri

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Damayanti
Damayanti was a princess that was in love with Prince Nal of the neighboring kingdom. He came to her swayamvara and won her hand in marriage. However, a demon named Kali wanted to marry her as well. When she didn't choose him, he cursed Nal, saying that his would lose his kingdom.
Eventually, Nal lost his kingdom in a game of dice, so Damayanti and Nal were forced into exile. Nal decides to leave Damayanti to save her from his luck. On his way, Nal gets bit by the Snake King Nāga Karkotaka. This bite turns Nal into an unrecognizable dwarf.
Since she was abandoned, Damayanti returns to her father's kingdom and holds a fake swayamvara to bring Nal to her. Even though he was transformed into a dwarf, Damayanti is able to recognize him and the two unite. This causes Nal to turn back into his human form.

Damayanti and the swan messenger

Bibliography: Nine Ideal Indian Women - Damayanti 

Story: The Hermit's Destiny

I opened my eyes to a beautiful day. My little hut might not be impressive to many, but it is my home, and I will never regret the decisions I’ve made that brought me here. Something felt different about today, but I didn’t think anything of it and got up from my cot to grab clothes that were drying outside. The sun didn’t shine as bright as it usually did and the birds that sang every morning sang a sadder tune. I thought nothing of it and continued on with my daily routine.

I walked over to the river that ran beside my hut and freshened up for the day ahead. A hermit's life was one full of peace and meditation. Not much happened day to day and my primary duty was to teach the children of the nearby village. As I was drying off, I had the sudden urge to meditate because I had a feeling destiny was about to catch up to me, so I chose a quiet spot under a nearby tree. I don’t know how long I sat under that tree but when I felt I had spent enough time, I walked back over to my hut for some breakfast.

As I continued on throughout the morning, I didn’t understand my feelings from earlier but decided not to think anything of it. I checked to make sure I had all my teaching supplies and headed out to the village. When I opened the door, I noticed the sudden shift in the atmosphere. The day had gotten brighter and there was a sweet scent in the air

“Why not take the longer way?” I thought to myself. The longer way wound through the forest and, given the great weather, it would be a shame to not appreciate the beauty of nature. I remember the first time I walked through this forest, the solitude of nature was what convinced me to become a hermit and devote myself to this religious discipline. I was so confident about my path then, and again today, I got the same feeling deep in my soul as I continued to let my feet lead me along the path. The quiet of the forest and the sound of my footsteps were interrupted by sounds of someone sobbing.

“How strange,” I thought. In all the decades I had lived here, I had never known another person to take this way. I assumed I was the only one knew about this path in the forest. I decided to follow the sound, and came across a beautiful woman I had ever met. As a hermit, I had given up all fleshly desires but even gods would recognize this woman as gorgeous. She quickly looked up in fear when she heard me walking towards her.

When she straightened and moved her arms away, I noticed she was pregnant. From the look of it, I guessed she was due any day, but why was she here in the forest then?

“Do not worry. I won’t hurt you. I’m a hermit that lives down the river,” I said.

“I’m sorry to bother you, sir. I was abandoned here by my husband who thinks I have been unfaithful to him. I have never been with anyone else, but he wouldn’t believe me. Now I’m left here with no one to help me or the sons in my womb,” she said with great sadness in her voice.

I reassured her that I would be able to help. I gently helped her stand and supported her arm as we walked to the village. I knew this was the day I met destiny and my purpose. I was to help this woman and her sons.

The hermit teaching Sita's sons

Author's Note: When Rama and Sita come back to their kingdom, they are able to resume their lives. However, although Rama was convinced of Sita's purity, the rest of the kingdom was not. So in his kingly duty of putting his kingdom first, he banished his beloved and pregnant wife into the forest. When she was left there for dead, some holy men found her and helped her through her pregnancy. One hermit in particular stood by the single mother and her twin boys. He taught the boys how to be great men and showed them how to sing praises to Rama.
I always thought this part of Rama and Sita's story was so sad. Since this is my third time experiencing this story, I noticed little details I had missed before. One of the big things that caught my attention was the hermit that helped her. I started to think hwo great it was that he just so happened to be there to help her. It was as if he was meant to be there for her. I wanted to follow through with that idea. I imagine the hours leading up to the moment he saw her was just another day to a normal person, but I think he knew he was about to do something great.

Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues

Reading: Twenty Jātaka Tales Part A

Twenty Jātaka Tales

These are my favorite stories I had the opertunity to read this week. They are all from the Twenty Jataka Tales

The Monkey Bridge
This is the tale of a human king and a monkey king. The Monkey King's kindom was on a treasure tree that has the best fruit. The human king was jealous of the monkeys and wanted to attack them to steal their fruit. However, in the midst of chaos, the Monkey King showed great nobility and his leadership qualities impressed the human king. In the end, the Monkey King sacrificed himself for his kingdom and the humans honored the Monkey King's life.

The Guilty Dogs
Once, in the middle of the night, there was a group of dog that went and set fire to the palace chariots. When the King heard about this, he ordered every dog to be killed. However, a cheif informed him that the guilty ones were the palace dogs and the innocent should be punished for th evil deeds of few.

Banyan
There once was a king that loved hunting Deer. When he came across two Deer kings, he granted them their lives. When the two went back to their herd, they saw that the herd had either died or been injured. The kings decided to start sacrificing their members one by one so that less deaths would occur. One day when a young mother was suppose to go die, the King of the Banyan Deer took her place. When the king saw how the Banyan Deer King would sacrifice himself, he was impressed and promised never to hunt the Deer again.

The Fairy and the Hare
Once there were four furry friends that promised to give whatever food they found to the poor. The jackal, a water-weasel and the monkey found some food and when an old traveler came by, all of them offered their foods. However, when the man came to the hare, the hare had nothing to offer, so he offered himself. However, the old man was actually a fairy in disguise, so when the hare jumped in the flames, it did not burn him.

The Master's Test
Once there was a master that wanted pupils to go steal because the master was poor and weak. One of the two pupils was ready to follow through, but the other hesitated. The master had meant this to be a test of character and the one that refused to follow through passed.


Bibliography: Twenty Jaraka Tales by Noor Inayat (Khan)

Reading: Sita Sings the Blues Part B

0:54 Sita becomes pregnant with Rama
1:00 Rama banishes Sita because Rama's subjects think Sita is unpure
1:03 Sita meets some holy men that help her and she gives birth to twins
1:05 the boys were taught to praise Rama
1:07 Sita continued to pray to Rama and still loved him
1:11 One day, as Rama was walking through the forest and he came across his sons and invites them back to his kingdom
1:13 Sita asks that if she is pure, mother nature should come take her away
1:15 Sita gets what she asks for and she is finally free

Sita's unconditional love for Rama

Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues

Reading: Sita Sings the Blues Part A

0:14 Rama and Sita start their exile into the forest

0:15 Ravana is a good king except for him stealing Sita. He would pray to the right gods and was a good, learned, man. He was the king of Lanka

0:16 Surphanaka, Ravana's sister, convinces Ravana to steal Sita

0:18 Ravana steals Sita away when Rama was distracted

0:20 Sita sings about how much she loves Rama

0:22 Hanuman is the incarnation of Shiva so his sole purpose was to help Rama

0:26 Sita stays true to her love Rama and despite Ravana's andvances, Sita stays true

0:32 Hanuman assembles an army and, under Rama's leadership, they march to save Sita.

0:38 Rama becomes very cold to Sita because Rama thinks Sita was with Rama

0:40 Sita goes into a fire to prove she's innocent and Rama believed her

0:44 the gods sent a flying chariot to take Rama and Sita back to Rama's kingdom

0:46 "if you want the rainbow, you must have the rain"

Sita singing the blues

Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues

Reading: Krishna Part B

One day, Krishna said that before the year ended, he would be able to ride the bull, Hastin. Krishna spent months drawing the bull with sweet straw and playing his flute. Eventually, he was able to ride the bull. Krishna taught his village that kindness was the greatest weapon. When the time came, Krishna wanted to marry Radha. However, the family preist revealed to Krishna his true destiny to be the saviour of Dharma.

The evil king Kamsa invites Krishna to his kingdom to try and attempt to kill him. Despite Akrur's warnings, Krishna still agrees to go meet the king. All the villagers were sad upon hearing this news and they tried to stop him. However, Krishna assured them everything would be alright. On the way, Akrur realized fully who Krishna was and he obediently took Krishna to his new home.

When they arrived at Mathura, Krishna and Balaram were loved by all. Here, Krishna was able to heal a disformed woman with kindness and his fame spread more. Kamsa set up a final plan to destroy Krishna. He had his agressive elephant, Kuvalayapida tied up at the palace enterance to trample Krishna as he came into the palace. However, when Kuvalayapida tried to attack Krishna and Balaram, Krishna was able to overpower the beast and destroy it.

Krishna was went to the center of the court and lifted the bow. When he tried to string it, the bow snapped in half. Kasma, seeing this, ordered his men to go and attack Krishna and Balram. However, the brothers were able to take down all the men with ease. Eventually, they came after the king. After an intense battle, Kasma took his last breath and the crowds cheered for their freedom. Krishna, Akrur, and Balram were able to go free Kasma's old father and Krishna's parents. Krishna and Balram decided to stay in Mathura under the leadership of Kasma's old father.

Krishna and Balaram

Bibliography: Epified videos: Krishna

Reading: Krishna Part A

King Kamsa learns about the baby that will grow up to defeat him. To stop this prophecy, he goes and kills all the children of his sister, except one. Upon the birth of the eighth son, Vasudev took his son and placed him with a woman in a neighboring village and took the little girl the mother had given birth to. When Kamsa tried to kill the little girl, the baby changed into a goddess and told Kamsa that the prophecy still remained.
Kamsa sent a horrible demon, Putana, to take care of Krishna. However, Krishna ended up destroying the demon. One day when Krishna was out, his mother heard that her son was eating mud. When she asked him to open his mouth, she didn't see mud but the entire universe. Krishna learned to play the flute and spent many hours practicing. He used this skill to defeat the giant snake demon that lived in the lake nearby.
Krishna grew up and defeated all the monsters Kamsa sent his way. One day, Krishna convinced the village to pray to the Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. Out of anger, Indra sent a giant storm to get rid of the village. However, Krishna was able to save his people and Indra realized his mistake and came to bow down at Krishna's feet.
Growing up, Krishna and a girl named Radha were inseparable. One day, the other girls told Radha to drink extremely hot milk because Krishna wanted her to. Without thinking, she drank it but it was Krishna who bore the blisters while Radha was left unharmed.

Krishna and Radha

Bibliography: Epified: Krishna

Story: The Dangerous Flower

The court was divided with some favoring the Kurus and others on the side of the Pandava brothers. Duryodhana sat on his throne laughing at the Pandavas' humiliation. Finally, he was able to get his revenge. The crowd turned their attention to Draupadi, who had just been dragged in. So many in the court started spouting insults and some went as far as spitting on her.

“Enough,” Duryodhana’s voice boomed in the giant courtroom. “Yudhishthira sold this woman, so now she is mine. I want her taken to my chambers,” Duryodhana turned to address Draupadi directly. “You will wait for me there. I expect you to be cleaned up and presentable by the time I arrive.”

Draupadi looked up to her husbands for help. However, none of them could muster the courage to meet her gaze. Tears started streaming down Draupadi's face and she dropped her head in sorrow as the guards led her to Duryodhana’s room. When she arrived at the dimly lit room, all she could make out was a giant wooden desk that stood in front of the library that lined the wall. She turned her head and saw the monstrous bed that took up most of the room. As soon as she saw it, fear gripped her heart. The guards left and she ran to look out the window, hoping she could escape, but the only thing on the other side was a great cliff. Draupadi fell to the ground and sobbed. She repeatedly called out to Krishna for help. When she uncovered her eyes, she saw something in the corner of the grand table that looked like a plant she had once heard about. She knew the properties its leaves held and suddenly Draupadi jumped up with a plan ready.

Draupadi in the court

Draupadi went to the door and asked the guard to fetch her some water. A servant returned with a pitcher of water and two gold cups. Draupadi rolled her eyes at the cups thinking they were too over the top, but still thanked the servant and closed the door. She quickly ran to the table and looked at the plant. She had forgotten what it was called, but she remembered encountering one in her garden when she was a little princess in her father’s kingdom. She loved how the flower looked and smelled and remembered her father telling her to be like this flower. This plant looked harmless but if anyone were to ingest its roots, they would immediately die. Her father told her to look harmless on the outside but be a deadly weapon at the core.

Draupadi grabbed it by the stem and uprooted it. She tore off a small section of the root and crushed it with one of the books on the shelf. After it turned into a powder, she gently scooped up the dust and poured it into the pitcher. As she was mixing the contents, the noise that was coming from the courtroom ceased. Draupadi knew it was time and her heart pounded, fearing that this plan would fail. She had just placed the pitcher back on the tray when the chamber door flew open.

Duryodhana drunkenly stumbled in, reeking of alcohol. Draupadi hated the sight of his smirk that he gave her. “Finally! You’re mine,” he slurred.

“Finally! I was getting anxious waiting for you!” Draupadi replied, faking enthusiasm to dispel any suspicion. “Ever since I’ve laid eyes on you, I have only ever desired for this moment.”

“And what would that be, dear?” Duryodhana said with a burp at the end. Duryodhana had found his way to the chair behind his desk and gestured for Draupadi to come share his seat. Draupadi smiled at him and started pouring some water into a glass.

“I have always wanted to be yours. I hate the sight of those awful Pandavas. They are greedy and malicious. They are morons compared to you,” she replied as she walked around the table to him. She went and sat on his lap handing him the drink. Duryodhana took it without thinking and said, “You’ve wanted me?”

“Oh yes, of course! Just look at you! You are so strong and the most handsome man I have ever known,” she said as her hands held his face. “Those Pandavas should be bowing to you. Everyone can see you’re the mighty one.”

Duryodhana chuckled, pressed the glass up to his mouth and drank the cup dry. Draupadi held Duryodhana’s hand and led him away from the table. Halfway to the bed, Duryodhana let go of her hand and fell to the ground.

“What have you done to me?” he choked out. Draupadi just stood in silence as she watched the life go out of him. It was done. Her husbands and she could go live their lives without fear of this monster anymore.

Draupadi and the poison

Author's Note: In the original story, Draupadi is forced into Duryodhana's court after Yudhishthira gambled everything away in a dice game. When she is thrown into the court, she is called names and laughed at. Then, one of the men in Duryodhana's court, Dushasana, claims that she should be put to shame and disrobed. Since her husbands cannot help her, she cries out to Krishna for help. Krishna heard her and extended her cloth so that every time Dushasana tried to remove a layer, he would find another underneath. This continued on until here was a large enough pile to make one hundred saris. With the help of a sage, Draupadi was able to win back all that Yudhishthira lost in the bet. The brothers and Draupadi return to their kingdom to plan their revenge.
Later, the brothers get invited back for another game and to no surprise, they lose again. This forced them into exile. I personally thought it was stupid that the brothers went back so I thought it would be better to end Duryodhana's life earlier. In the video, it kept talking about how powerless the Pandava brothers were so I was wondering what would happen if Draupadi won the battle for them.

Bibliography: Epified: Mahabharata Episode 45 - Draupadi Disrobed

Reading: Mahabharata Part F

 Draupadi prayed out to Krishna for help as Dushasana tries to disrobe her. Krishna extended Draupadi's cloth to where it would never end. The Pandava brothers vowed to get their revenge on Duryodhana. The Pandava brothers left Hastinapur with anger in their heart. The two leaders started planning their acts of revenge. The Pandavas were asked to gamble again. The brothers lost and were forced into exile.  The left the kingdom for twelve years. Some of the people wanted to follow the brothers to the forest, but they told them to return and serve Kunti.

During exile, Krishna met them and promised the brothers support. The brothers were able to overcome a great beast. Becuase of this, the brothers realized they would be able to reclaim their kingdom if they had each other. The Pandavas were able to gain knowledge from all the saints. One sage came to tell them that Arjun would have to obtain weapons to win the war. Arjun sought out solitude to pray.

When Shiva came to visit Arjun, a wild boar came charging at Arjun. Shiva, dressed as a hunter demanded to know who took away his kill. They fought against each other. Whenever Arjun regained consciousness, he called out to Shiva and asked for a garland and aide. The garland appeared around the hunter's crown that Arjun had thrown to the ground. Arjun realized that this hunter was Shiva and asked for a blessing. Shiva gave Arjun a heavenly arrow and blessed him. Arjun had the opportunity to meet different gods. All of them blessed the prince with their weapons. Then suddenly, Indra, Arjun's father, descended and he took Arjun to heaven. Indra trained Arjun on how to use the lightning bolt.

One night, Urvashi, the mother of the Kuru dynasty, came to visit Arjun in the dead of night. She told him she loved him and that she wanted to marry him. Arjun rejected him and cursed him saying that Arjun would never be able to love another woman. Meanwhile, on earth, the Pandavas left the forest and traveled to holy places. One day, Bheem got lost in the forest. Not knowing how to find his way back, he blew his horn and woke up all the animals. Suddenly he was standing in front of a giant monkey, Hanuman. Hanuman told him it was selfish of him to wake up all of the animals. This angered Bheem and he tried to move the monkey. However, he could not move him. The monkey introduced himself as Hanuman, a brother of Bheem. Hanuman told Bheem that he would strike fear into the enemy's hearts when they would go out to war.

Krishna saves Draupadi

Bibliography: Epified: Mahabharata videos

Reading: Mahabharata Part E

When Arjun and Subhadra reached Indraprastha, they were welcomed with open arms except for Draupadi. After a while, Draupadi and Subhadra spent a lot of time together and Draupadi accepted her as Arjun's wife. Arjun and Subhadra were madly in love with each other.

When Subhadra was pregnant with his son Abhimanyu, Arjun would tell her stories of his heroic battles. Unknown to them, their son listened to these stories as well. During the story of how to unlock the seventh circle, Subhadra fell asleep so the story was incomplete to her and her unborn son. Abhimanyu grew up to be a great warrior but the unknown knowledge would later decide his fate.

Yudhisthir was told he needed to slay Jarasandha in order to become the emperor. Bhim fought with Jarasandha, tore him in two, and threw the two pieces in opposite directions. During Yudhisthir's coronation, Yudhisthir chose Krishna to do the honors, and this angered Shishupal and he rose and objected. He dishonored the brothers. Upon this, many other kings joined Shishupal. Krishna became angry and decapitated Shishupal. After this, the ceremony was able to continue.

As Indraprastha rejoiced at their mighty king, Duryodhana burned even more with anger. When he came to the brother's palace, he fell into the pool and it embarrassed Duryodhan. Yudhisthir tried to calm him and fix the problems, but Duryodhana left in anger. Shakuni, Duryodhana's uncle, organized a plan to get rid of the Pandavas. They decided to challenge Yudhisthir to the game of dice because he was awful at the game but Shakuni was great at it. Yudhisthir accepted the challenge, knowing what the evil cousins were planning.

Durning the game, Shakuni kept winning round after round. Yudhisthir lost the Pandava wealth, his army, and all he has. He ended up losing everything he owns, but Shakuni asked to keep gambling. Yudhishthir lost his brothers, some of his men, and even himself. Shakuni said that Yudhisthir could win himself back if he was willing to bet Draupadi. When Draupadi was lost in the court, she cried out Krishna for help.

Draupadi brought to court

Bibliography: Epified: Mahabharata videos

Reading: Mahabharata Part D

Draupadi's father sets up a contest for every prince to come and try to win his daughter's hand. The Pandavas came as well. No one could string the bow except for Arjun. He lifted the bow and hit the target directly. Among the ones who came to this event was Karna. When he came to string the bow, Draupadi told him that he was not able to win the hand of a princess. Krishna was also there but he came just to view the events.

Kunti accidently told the sons that they had to share Draupadi. It was said that in a past life, she prayed for a husband with five virtues and in this life, she was to marry five husbands. When the marriages took place, Draupadi's brother witnessed this and took the news back home to his kingdom, and this news of the marriages spread everywhere, even to the people of Hastinapur (much to Duryodhana's disappointment). Upon return to the kingdom, the brothers are given certain areas of land. The Pandava brothers create the land of Indraprastha, and they moved there. Here, Krishna asked to set fire to the land. Among the ashes, a great kingdom rose. The brothers named it Indraprastha. Upon hearing this news, Duryodhana set to work to plot against the Pandava brothers.

Narad came to visit the brothers and when he saw Draupadi, he was worried because he was reminded him of two brothers killing each other over a woman. Narad told the brothers that every brother should keep Draupadi as a wife for one year and if any of the others interrupts, that brother will be exiled for 12 years.

It worked well but one day, Arjun went to Yudhishthira's chambers to get his weapons. Since Arjun disrupted Yudhishthira's time with Draupadi, Arjun was forced to exile. During this time of exile, Arjun went to reside in the Himalayas. One day when Arjun was bathing, a force pulled him down and he later found that it was a woman that had fallen in love with him. Arjun spent many months with her and then decided to leave to a kingdom. Arjun was married to another princess and after she bore him a child, he snuck out to return to Indraprastha.

Arjun found himself in Krishna's kingdom, and they shared many days together. Arjun asked to marry Krishna's sister and according to tradition, Arjun went to abduct her. When he went to visit her, she fell in love with him as well. Arjun mounted a chariot, grabbed his love and raced out of the kingdom.

Arjun racing out of the kingdom

Bibliography: Epified: Mahabharata Videos

Story: Draupadi's Escape

Vaisakha 19^th

Sunrise

Two days from now is the end of my peaceful life. I have been dreading my Swayamvar for the past few months because I do not understand why I’m not allowed to choose who I spend the rest of my life with. This old world thinking does not sit well with me, and I don’t know what to do. I love him. He is everything I have ever wanted in a husband. Ever since the first day, he’s cared for me unlike anyone has ever done before. I love being able to talk to him, and I feel as if I could talk to him for the rest of my life. He’s different than all the suitors that come to buy my love. Everyone just comments on my looks, and they tell me how pretty I am. It’s as if beauty is all I can offer if I become a wife. What about my thoughts and opinions? I’m a princess! I could run a country on my own, if I wanted to.  That’s why he is so great. He listens to what I say, and he engages me in stimulating conversations. Whenever I need a break from faking my interest in the latest sari designs or sweetest perfumes, I go find him. He’s one of the palace guards, so he never stays in one spot. I don’t mind seeking him out, though. His company is always worth the effort and he is who I want to marry.

Vaisakha 20^th

Sunrise

I sought him out yesterday. As we walked through the gardens, he said something I never expected. He told me he was in love with me. What do I do? This is the best news because I return his feelings and love him deeply, but I can only marry the one that wins my father’s challenge tomorrow. I have seen the loveless marriages royals are forced into, and I know that is not what I want in my life. I have to think of a way to make him my husband.

Sunset

The day passed so quickly. I wasn’t aware of anything I did today. I remember having my hair conditioned and brushed. I remember blankly staring on as my maidens dressed me in tomorrow’s dress to check if final alterations were needed. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He loved me. He did not say these words like the other suitors had. He said them with passion, filled with love for me. Life with him would be incredible. He would be loving and romantic, and he would care for all my needs. Even if we were living in a small hut by the river, I know in my heart I would be happy.

Vaisakha 21^st

Before dawn

This will me my last entry in this book. I leave the kingdom tonight. I have decided that I would rather have a life full of love than an unhappy marriage. We’re going to do it. My love and I are escaping tonight. Escaping seems like the perfect word for this journey. I’m leaving behind this life where I am only respected because of my status, not for my thoughts or ideas. I am finally going to be free! I leave this book behind for anyone to find. May you be encouraged to follow your own desires, and never settle for the life others choose for you.

Draupadi

Author's Note: The original story speaks about how King Drupada had a beautiful daughter named Draupadi. When she was old enough to be wed, the king asked every prince in the nearby kingdoms to come and fight for his daughter. The king had a challenge and whoever could complete the task would get Draupadi. Everyone had heard about Draupadi's great beauty, so they all came to win her hand. Many tried to finish the tasks, but none of them could even lift the special bow. In the end, Arjun was the victor. He was able to string a special bow and hit the desired target. As his prize, he was able to take Draupadi home. 

This story always stuck out to me because this idea of the guy winning the princess seems to come up in many cultures. At first, I wanted to write about the love between Draupadi and Arjun, but then I wondered what would happen if she didn't love him. I took it one step further and completely removed her from the scene to where she runs away before the challenge could even take place. Having read more about her life with the Pandava brothers, I got the feeling she was more than just the pretty face everyone saw. I wanted to show off her heroic side.

Bibliography: Epified: Mahabharata Videos: Draupadi's Swayamwara