In the grand court of Magadha, Bahubali sat presiding over the daily sabha when a messenger from Hastinapur arrived, bearing a sealed scroll adorned with the Kuru seal. The messenger bowed deeply, his voice resonant. "Pranipat, Maharaj Bahubali, I bring a message from Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari, proposing a royal alliance through the marriage of their daughter, Princess Dushala, to you, to bind Hastinapur and Magadha in eternal kinship."
Bahubali, his heart warmed by the offer, read the scroll, its words extolling his valor and the mutual strength of their kingdoms. He rose, his voice steady and gracious. "Hastinapur's proposal honors me deeply. Princess Dushala is renowned for her grace and virtue, and the Kuru dynasty's trust in Magadha is a bond I cherish. I accept this marriage proposal with humility and gratitude. Inform Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari that I will visit Hastinapur at the earliest, to discuss the union and pay my respects."
The messenger bowed, departing with Bahubali's response, while the sabha buzzed with approval, Magadha's nobles cheering their king's upcoming union.
Meanwhile, in Hastinapur, the palace was alive with preparations for both the Pandavas' return and Dushala's betrothal. When Dushala heard of her proposed marriage to Bahubali, her face lit with joy, her eyes sparkling as she embraced Gandhari. "Mata, is it true? I am to wed Magadha Naresh. Thank you, Mata!"
Gandhari, her veiled eyes softening, clasped her daughter's hands. "Yes, my child. Seeing your joy, my heart is at peace—this union is not forced, unlike mine was long ago. You'll find happiness with a king whose heart mirrors your own."
The royal family mobilized, adorning the city with marigolds and silk banners for the Pandavas' arrival and Dushala's betrothal. Two weeks later, Mahamantri Vidura returned from Kampilya, escorting the Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva—and Draupadi along with Mahrishi Veda Vyas and Lord Sri Krishna in a grand procession. At the palace gates, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, their hundred sons, Dushala, Bhishma, Shakuni, Dronacharya, and Ashwatthama awaited. The Pandavas and Draupadi dismounted their chariots, their faces a mix of relief and tension, while the crowd cheered, "Jai Pandavas! Jai Draupadi!"
Gandhari, holding a silver aarti thali, stepped forward with Bhanumati, who carried a tray of vermilion and rice.
Gandhari's voice was warm but formal. "Welcome, Draupadi, daughter of Panchal, and your husband. Step forward for the aarti, that we may bless your union." But as Draupadi approached, all five Pandavas followed, causing Gandhari to frown. "Draupadi, I called for you and your husband. Why do all five brothers come forward? I was told Arjuna won your hand."
Draupadi, her voice steady yet respectful, replied, "Pranipat, Queen Gandhari. I am wed to all five Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—as per a divine mandate and my mother-in-law Kunti's command. They are all my husbands, bound by dharma."
Those present there gasped, Dhritarashtra's face darkening, Bhishma's eyes narrowing. "This is adharma!" Dhritarashtra exclaimed. "One woman with five husbands? It defies Kuru tradition!" Bhishma added, "Such a union risks chaos—explain this, Dharmaraj!"
Before Draupadi could respond, Maharishi Veda Vyasa appeared, his presence calming the hall. His voice, resonant with wisdom, cut through the tension. "Peace, Maharaj, Gangaputr. Draupadi's marriage to the five Pandavas is no adharma but a divine design. Born of fire, she is destined to unite the Pandavas, strengthening their purpose for Aryavrat's future. Kunti's words, guided by fate, sealed this bond."
Krishna, standing nearby, nodded, his voice serene. "Indeed, Maharaj. Draupadi, my sakhi, is no ordinary woman. Her union with the Pandavas is willed by dharma to fulfill a greater purpose. No adharma exists here—only destiny unfolding."
Reluctantly, Dhritarashtra sighed. "If Maharishi Veda Vyasa and Dwarkadhish vouch for this, we accept. Welcome, Draupadi, and your husbands, to Hastinapur." Gandhari and Bhanumati performed the aarti, circling the lamp before Draupadi and the Pandavas, sprinkling rice for prosperity, though Bhishma's gaze remained stern.
Dhritarashtra raised his voice, addressing the sabha. "To celebrate the Pandavas' return and Draupadi's union, we shall hold a grand feast tonight! Furthermore, I announce the betrothal of my daughter, Princess Dushala, to Magadha Naresh Bahubali, whose alliance will fortify Hastinapur."
The announcement stunned the hall. Vidura's face tightened, his voice low to Bhishma. "Marrying Dushala to a sutaputra, however mighty, risks unrest among the nobles. Bahubali's reforms already stir their discontent."
The Pandavas' faces turned ashen, their anger flaring. Bheem whispered to Arjuna, "Bahubali, that thorn from kalapradarshan, now to wed Dushala?". Arjuna's fists clenched, but he didn't say anything.
Sri Krishna, overhearing, approached with a radiant smile. "Congratulations on Dushala's betrothal to Bahubali Maharaj, a Maharathi whose valor and dharma reshape Aryavrat. Dushala is fortunate to wed such a king." Turning to Dushala, he added, "Princess, may your union with Bahubali bring joy and strength to both kingdoms."
Dushala blushed, bowing. "Pranipat, Dwarkadhish. Your blessings honor me. I'm grateful to wed a man of such virtue."
Dhritarashtra nodded, his voice warm. "Thank you, Dwarakandish, for your kind words."
Veda Vyasa stepped forward, his voice solemn. "This union is auspicious. Bahubali, blessed by Mahadev, is a fitting match for Dushala. Their marriage will bind Hastinapur and Magadha in dharma, a beacon for Aryavrat's future."
The Pandavas' faces soured, their resentment palpable, like they'd bitten into lemons. Bhima muttered, "Krishna praises Bahubali, yet we suffer his shadow. This alliance strengthens our foes." Yudhishthira hushed him, "Hold your anger, Bhima. Fate weaves its own path, as Krishna says."
As the sabha dispersed, the royals retired to their chambers. In their quarters, the Pandavas vented their rage.
Arjuna paced, his voice bitter. "Dushala's marriage to Bahubali is no mere union—it's a strategy to tighten Magadha and Hastinapur's grip, with Karna's Anga in tow! They stood together at Panchal."
Yudhishthira sighed, his voice heavy. "Calm, Arjuna. The fire was an accident, not their doing. Yet this alliance shifts the balance. Krishna sees dharma in Bahubali, as does Veda Vyasa. We must tread carefully, lest we fuel division."
Draupadi, listening, added softly, "My rejection of Bahubali was my choice, but his dignity in leaving showed his strength. Perhaps Krishna's praise is not misplaced. Let us focus on our path, not their alliances."
In Magadha, Bahubali prepared for his journey to Hastinapur, his heart light at the prospect of uniting with Dushala, a union that would bind two kingdoms in dharma's embrace, unaware of the tensions brewing in the Kuru court as fate continued its intricate dance.