Jayadratha , Duryodhana’s sister Dusshala’s husband took advantage of the occasion when there was nobody else. Only
huge and thick trees were around. Draupadi screamed loudly. “Arjuna!…”
Jayadratha, not to make her raise voice tied her mouth with the shawl and put her into the chariot. He made the charioteer drive the chariot very fast. He was telling the charioteer ‘Quick…Quick…’ As she was struggling hard to let her free from Jayadratha, she thought of Karna. Only Karna knows precisely where we are. Karna has cheated us. One moment. Jayadratha’s flag mast broke apart and fell down on the path. The next arrow struck at the wheel of the chariot…One wheel severed from the chariot and rolled aside to the steep place and rolled down. When the next wheel was also lost, Jayadratha looked around with fear. The horses staggered and stopped not being able to pull the chariot. The next moment the horses and the charioteer were killed. Jayadratha tried to pull her out of the chariot and run along the forest. When he saw a bow-bearer covering his face, all Jayadratha’s courage melted away. The moment he heard the sound of the string pulling the arrow Jayadratha fainted.
While the bow-bearer, the archer , was coming towards her, Panchali looked at him with respect and devotion. As he came with his head lifted up, she thought it was Arjuna. But the sparkling ear-ornaments negated such a thought. The bow- bearer , when he came near, removed the cloth covering his face and smiled at her. It was Karna in front of her. But she thought it was an angel from god. Why did he come disguised as Arjuna? To mislead her that it was Arjuna?
“The duty of a Kshathriya is to kill those who kidnap another man’s wife. I let him free without killing because of Duryodhana.
As Dusshala is his sister. Only because of that…”
Using the arrow for binding, he bound Jayadratha and said. “Duryodhana had sent him for this. Knowing about it I came
after him.”
Gratefully Draupadi looked at Karna. Then she slowly walked to him and touched his feet with her hand and placed it back on her forehead. She was showing obeisance. Karna withdrew his feet and said.
“Great Queen…What is this? I am the son of the charioteer.” Draupadi obstructed him with her hand.
“Don’t ever say that. My First Pandava whom I married in my heart at Gowri Temple.”
Karna seemed retracing the past time for a moment. Without responding he looked closely into her eyes. Then he smiled as if he liked her words and said.
“Before the Pandavas come, I’m going.”
She stood there looking behind Anga-King till he disappeared from her sight. She turned and looked at Jayadratha. Dusshala’s husband. She is beautiful and has good character. She is very loving also. She doesn’t have the crookedness of Duryodhana and others. It’s sad that her husband has become so low-minded.
How could Duryodhana put his own sister in trouble?
As the Pandavas were not seen, she was about to turn and walk back and then Arjuna and the other Pandavas came. When they saw Jayadratha as a captive, the Pandavas asked anxiously.
“What is this Draupadi? What has happened?”
Draupadi did not say anything. She had nothing to say. The Pandavas were never available for my safety. Then why should I?
“One sage told us that Jayadratha had kidnapped Panchali. But who has bound him?”
Though they asked her many times, Draupadi did not like to say it. The man who was supposed to have saved me, saved me. He made the wicked Jayadratha captive also. Why should they know who that person was?
But the Pandavas’ curiosity increased.
“Tell us, Panchali, Who has punished him in this way?”
Draupadi looked at the Pandavas. Then without changing her expression she said.
“A Gandharva—a celestial musician! He destroyed the chariot, killed the charioteer and horses and saved me. He saved the Pandavas from humiliation as well.”
Believing what she said Dharmaputra freed Jayadratha from his captivity. Using the crescent-shaped arrow half of Jayadratha’s moustache was shaved away and five tufts of hair were made on the head and he was let go. When he was about to go Bhima told him.
“Go and tell Duryodhana that his destruction is near….” Shamefully Jayadratha walked away.
When they came back to their dwelling place, Draupadi did not feel like doing anything. Her mind was perturbed. Now on two occasions Karna has come to save me in the forest. That means, Duryodhana and others have started their attempts to put the Pandavas in danger. Only days ahead for finishing the anonymous life. How to lead the anonymous kind of life? Hasn’t Krishna said that even if we lead the anonymous kind of life, Duryodhana’s mind would not change? Why didn’t Krishna tell his friend Arjuna about it? Draupadi was torn more with the thoughts of Karna thanwith the bodily pain she incurred during Jayadratha’s attack. In the strings of her heart, the notes ‘Karna…Karna’ were making resonance. On that day of Swayamvara if Sister Shikhandi had not become Karna’s enemy, Panchali would not have experienced these hardships. Krishna, if you were not to support me…?He comes to the forest occasionally to see Panchali! Krishna… I love you through my piety. Like the Gopikas I love you. Please don’t laugh at me.
Outside the tent the brothers are talking. Duryodhana and others with Jayadratha have started coming to the forest. First they have to find out a country for their anonymous life. Before getting captured by Duryodhana and others they should get into that country. What are the ways? Each one should get ready for impersonation according to his tastes.
Dharmabrother after leaving the subject to others to ponder on it, got inside the tent and said.
“Panchali should also find out a role. You have to live in that country in that costume.” No amount of thinking helped her in finding out any suitable role for her. Giving her another sleepless night, Dharmabrother slept well.
(Cont’d)
