Scene: At the Temple
The temple courtyard glows under the rising sun. A graceful girl waits near the stairs—Draupadi.Her long black hair flows like silk, adorned with gold jewelry. She wears a deep blue blouse, a cream-white lehenga with intricate golden designs, and a dual-toned dupatta of orange and blue, bordered in gold. Her warm skin glows with elegance. Her eyes—expressive and curious.
And then...
Skand walks toward her—A strong, divine presence. Spiky black hair, a calm regal expression. He wears a white dhoti and an orange-gold sash across his shoulder. His muscular build, radiant skin, and fine jewelry make him appear like a warrior from the heavens.
Skand (gently, with a soft smile):"Are you Shri Draupadi? I'm Skand."
Draupadi (blushing slightly):"Yes... I'm Draupadi."
Draupadi (thinking, admiring):"He really is handsome... but I must see if he's as wise as Father says he is."
They enter the serene temple together. Inside, a puja for Lord Shiva is taking place. They sit among the crowd, folding their hands in devotion.
After the prayer, both bow to the deity and touch the feet of the Pandit.
Panditji (blessing them):"Stay blessed, children. May Lord Shiva guide you both."
They receive prasad and walk outside.
Conversation Begins...
Draupadi (curiously):"In your eyes, what is the true definition of Dharma?"
Draupadi (thinking):"If someone wants to marry me, they should first win my mind—not just my hand."
Skand (thoughtful):"To me, Dharma means… never initiating violence, helping those in need, avoiding wrong actions.But if someone is doing injustice—then we must stop them.And if someone dares to trouble us... we must teach them a lesson, so they don't repeat it."
Draupadi (impressed):"Hmm... good answer.But tell me this—why did you ask my father that we should meet first?You could've directly agreed to the marriage too."
Skand (looking up at the sky):"Honestly... I believe we should know each other first.You deserve to marry someone you understand and trust, not a stranger.And if we understand each other... we'll know if our future together will be peaceful or not."
Draupadi's eyes soften.
They walk toward a juice stall.
Skand (offering juice):"Here, drink this. The heat is strong today. This will make you feel better."
Draupadi (sipping and smiling, thinking):"Skand is truly different from other men... thoughtful and grounded."
They continue chatting—light questions, playful banter. Draupadi tests his views, and Skand answers every question with clarity and grace.
Scene: At the Royal Court
Minister 1:"Samrat, we should annex Kalinga strategically, without major loss of life."
Minister 2:"Yes, Your Majesty. A treaty might work instead of war... but who will deliver it? All past attempts failed."
Ashoka (thinking deeply):"Skand... he convinced Suvana to support him, even being of lower status.If he could make a proud merchant bow, perhaps he can make Kalinga bend too."
Ashoka (aloud):"I have someone in mind.If he fails, we march to war."
Scene: At a Local Eatery
Skand and Draupadi are now seated, enjoying a meal together.
Draupadi (playfully):"Can I ask you something—if you don't mind?"
Skand (smiling while chewing):"Of course. Ask me anything."
Draupadi (curious):"Father and I have one burning question…How did you convince the Maharani to support you?"
Skand (leaning back casually):"Oh! That happened like this..."
To Be Continued...