**Mahabharti Draupadi - Pooja Sharma's AT**#7 - Page 76

Even to this day I am unable to unriddle her mind fully. She never gave me any opportunity to do so. Dear companion mine, you are an obstinate one, and you let me burn in your obstinacy. We haven't been able to get together to sort this issue of your obstinacy and settle the matters.

You know, you have to believe me, all the enthusiasm with which I started out with Subhadara from Dwaraka evaporated by the time we were two days away from Indraprastha. You know that in the space where your force dominates, how can anyone else intrude and establish herself?

When with depressed spirit, I entered the city and presented her to you as your sister and asked you to accept her, with what coolness and yet pride you embraced her Didn't cry. Didn't get angry. Didn't show indifference. And with subtle pride you demonstrated that the new marriage had no effect on you. Dear Companion, that is why you were able to tame me.

Now I can see things better, have a clearer understanding of them. The next day when I met with you alone, with what exemplary self-control you asked, 'Well. didn't you finally realize your obstinate will? At least you be happy.'

Do you think I was taken in by your outward calm? Do you think that I didn't sense that your voice cracked beneath, despite its outward texture and that your eyes had dried up after being wet?

From Parva (Bhyrappa)