That Time I Got Reincarnated With Gacha System In Mahabharata

[Aditya's POV]

Chirp~ Chirp~

The soft sounds of chirping birds gradually pulled me from the depths of sleep, their melodies mingling with the warm rays of sunlight filtering through the window. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the brightness that illuminated my room, and took a moment to gather my thoughts.

'So, This really isn't a dream. I have really been reincarnated in Mahabharata! Especially not even a day in and I am going to marry Draupadi—the woman destined to marry all five Pandavas—who would soon become my wife.'

The weight of that reality settled upon me like a heavy mantle. I lay there for a moment longer, allowing the significance of the day to wash over me. The early morning light painted my room in hues of gold and soft pastel colours, setting a tone of optimism that matched my heart's fluttering anticipation.

Finally, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor beneath my feet grounding me as I stood.

Knock! Knock!

"My Lord?"

The soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, grounding me in the present moment. I straightened up, shaking off the remnants of sleep and the dreams of grandeur that lingered in my mind. The voice that called from the other side was familiar, yet it was tinged with a formality that reminded me of the role I was stepping into.

"Come in," I replied, brushing my hair back and straightening my posture as the door creaked open.

A young servant girl stepped inside, her head down with many servants following her with several plates in hand.

"My lord, your breakfast is ready," she said, her voice soft and respectful. She stepped aside, allowing the other servants to bring in an impressive spread of food—fruits, flatbreads, spiced lentils, and a sweetened rice pudding that made my mouth water.

"Thank you," I said, appreciating the effort they put into the morning meal. The aroma wafting from the plates filled the room with a comforting warmth, coaxing my stomach to rumble in agreement.

As I took a seat at the small dining table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of surrealism wash over me. Just before yesterday, I was a mere orphan from Kaliyug. Now I am still an orphan but a Prince of the Sindhu kingdom, and after marriage, I will crowned the King,

Actually, it was the condition put forward by my foster father and also Mahamantri of my kingdom. Only after marriage would I be eligible for the throne. And that was the reason why yesterday when I regained my past life memories, I found myself here in Panchala for Draupadi Swayamvara trying 'my' luck.

Chuckles~

The thought brought a smile to my face, an exhilarating mix of anxiety and excitement churning within me. I was not just any prince; I was an unexpected contender in the grand tale of the Mahabharata.

As I savoured my breakfast, each bite was a reminder of how far I had come. The sweet rice pudding melted on my tongue, and the spices of the lentils ignited my senses. I could feel the energy coursing through me, fueling my determination for the day ahead.

"Do you need anything else, my lord?" the servant girl asked hesitantly, her eyes still lowered.

I shook my head, grateful for her presence. "No, this is perfect. Thank you."

After finishing my meal, I stood up, walked into the bathhouse to change my clothes—

"My lord, Let me do it for you~"

I paused, turning to see the servant girl looking at me with wide eyes, her hands slightly trembling at her sides. There was a hint of eagerness in her demeanour as if she wanted to assist me in any way possible. It was a common practice for noble families to have servants assist with dressing, but the idea felt strangely foreign to me, especially considering my past life.

"No, it's alright. I can manage," I replied, offering her a reassuring smile. "Thank you for your kindness, but I would prefer to do it myself."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she nodded, still standing by the door. "As you wish, my lord. I'll be outside if you need anything."

Once she left, I took a moment to gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. I rummaged through the clothing laid out on a nearby table. It was an elaborate outfit—richly woven fabrics in deep hues of blue and gold that echoed the royal colours of my newfound identity.

As I adorned myself in the vibrant attire, I couldn't help but marvel at how drastically my life had changed overnight. The deep blue silk clung to my form, accentuated by intricate gold embroidery that shimmered with each subtle movement. This was no longer just clothing; it was an emblem of my new identity and the responsibilities that came with it.

Stepping out of the room, I was greeted by the servant girl, her eyes lighting up with a mixture of admiration and respect as she beheld my appearance.

"My lord, you look splendid!" she exclaimed, a hint of awe evident in her voice.

"Thank you," I replied, a slight blush creeping onto my cheeks. "Lead me to the royal garden."

With a nod, she turned gracefully and walked ahead, guiding me through the opulent corridors of the palace. The walls were adorned with murals depicting legendary tales, their vibrant colours bringing the stories to life. Each step echoed softly in the stillness of the morning, and I felt a growing excitement thrumming within me.

As we reached the entrance to the royal garden, the fragrant scent of blooming flowers wafted toward me, the air filled with the sweet melodies of birds singing in the treetops. Pushing open the large ornate doors, I was met with a breathtaking scene.

The garden was a veritable paradise, a vast expanse of vibrant flowers and lush greenery, with pathways winding through the blossoms. Statues of ancient warriors and sages dotted the landscape, adding an air of mystique to the serene setting. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a golden hue over everything, and I felt as if I had stepped into a painting.

"Isn't it beautiful, my lord?" the servant girl said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It truly is," I replied, my gaze sweeping across the garden. "Thank you for bringing me here."

I swept my golden hair back with my fingers, feeling a surge of confidence as I took in the beauty around me. The sun bathed everything in a warm glow, and the chirping of birds seemed to celebrate the new chapter I was about to embrace.

"Have you been working here long?" I asked the servant girl, intrigued by her dedication to the palace.

"Yes, my lord," she replied, her cheeks flushing with a hint of pride. "I've served here for three years now. I take care of the flowers and help maintain the garden. It's one of my favourite places."

"It's a wonderful responsibility," I said, appreciating her connection to this beautiful space. "It seems like you have a special touch."

She smiled, her demeanour brightening at the compliment. "Thank you, my lord! I do my best to make sure the garden stays vibrant and healthy. It's a reflection of our kingdom's beauty."

As we walked through the winding paths, I noticed a large pond in the center of the garden, shimmering like a thousand diamonds in the sunlight. Lotus flowers floated gracefully on its surface, their delicate petals unfolding to greet the day. I felt a sense of tranquillity wash over me as I approached the water's edge, captivated by the sight.

Suddenly, a voice broke the calmness of the moment. "Ah, Brother-in-law! I finally found you!"

I turned to see a bronze-skinned young man with a wide smile on his face, his dark hair cascading down to his shoulders in loose waves. He wore a simple yet elegant doti and an ornate necklace that gleamed in the sunlight. His demeanour radiated warmth, and I instinctively recognized him as Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi's brother, who would soon become my brother-in-law.

"Brother-in-law, I am delighted to meet you before the ceremony!" he said, approaching with an outstretched hand. "Draupadi speaks highly of you."

I grasped his hand firmly, the warmth of his grip reassuring. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Dhrishtadyumna. I've heard wonderful things about you as well."

He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's hope I live up to the expectations! But enough of formalities; you must be excited about today!"

"Excited is an understatement," I admitted, feeling the butterflies in my stomach flutter even more at the thought of marrying Draupadi. "This is a monumental day for all of us."

Dhrishtadyumna's smile widened. "It truly is! Draupadi has been looking forward to this moment. But do tell me, how did you manage to win the contest? I must admit, not many can compete with Arjuna."

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating how to explain my recent journey without revealing too much about the system that guided me. "Let's just say I had a bit of luck on my side and a great aim..." I finished with a smile, hoping my vague answer would suffice. Dhrishtadyumna raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but willing to let it slide for now.

"Luck indeed! Arjuna is a master archer, but I believe Draupadi's heart is won through more than just skill in archery," he said, a knowing smile on his face. "It takes a special kind of person to capture her attention."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at his words, realizing that I was already being welcomed into the family. "I hope to be worthy of that attention," I replied, my voice filled with determination.

Dhrishtadyumna clapped me on the shoulder, the gesture friendly and encouraging. "With that spirit, I have no doubt you will be. Draupadi is a woman of strength and intellect. She seeks a partner who can match her in more than just abilities but also in heart."

His words resonated with me. I knew that winning the Swayamvara was just the beginning. Being Draupadi's husband would require me to be more than just a figurehead; I needed to support her and navigate the complexities that came with marrying a woman who would be shared among five husbands.

"Have you met her yet today?" Dhrishtadyumna asked, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "I would not want you to miss the chance before the ceremony begins."

"Not yet," I admitted, feeling a rush of anticipation at the thought. "I wanted to take a moment to gather my thoughts before facing her."

Dhrishtadyumna chuckled, his expression turning more serious. "Wise choice. Draupadi may seem confident, but she has her own anxieties about the Swayamvara. She values honesty and integrity above all. If you wish to win her heart, you must show her your true self."

I nodded, understanding the weight of his advice. "Thank you for that insight. I'll keep it in mind."

"Come on, then! Let us not keep her waiting," he urged, motioning for me to follow him back through the garden. As we walked side by side, I felt a growing sense of camaraderie with Dhrishtadyumna, his easy nature putting me at ease.

Soon, we approached a beautiful pavilion adorned with colourful drapes and delicate floral arrangements. The sound of laughter and chatter reached my ears, hinting at the festivities taking place within.

"Are you ready?" Dhrishtadyumna asked, stopping just outside the entrance.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my heart racing in anticipation.

"Good! Just remember—be yourself, and you'll do fine," he encouraged, giving me an encouraging pat on the back. "Now, let's make a grand entrance."

With that, he pushed the curtains aside, and we stepped into the lively gathering.

The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the rich scents of food and flowers, and the room buzzed with the energy of noble families and guests dressed in their finest attire.

As I scanned the room, my breath caught in my throat at the sight of Draupadi. She stood gracefully among the guests, a radiant figure enveloped in a rich red saree that clung to her curves and highlighted her flawless complexion. The fabric flowed like liquid silk, adorned with intricate gold patterns that glimmered in the light. Her long, dark hair was elegantly braided, and adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers that added to her allure.

What struck me the most, however, was her expression. She radiated confidence, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and determination, drawing everyone's attention. Yet, beneath that exterior lay a depth of emotion that I could sense even from across the room. It was a complex mix of hope and anxiety, the pressure of the day evident in the slight furrow of her brow.

"Brother-in-law, there she is," Dhrishtadyumna whispered, his voice barely audible over the festivities. "Go on. I'll be nearby if you need me."

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding as I approached Draupadi. The crowd parted like a wave, and I could feel the gazes of countless eyes upon me, curious and expectant. With each step, my mind raced with thoughts of what I might say to her.

"Draupadi," I called out, my voice steady despite the nerves bubbling within me. Her gaze flicked toward me, and the world around us seemed to fade away. It was as if time stood still, and the air grew thick with anticipation.

Her lips curved into a soft smile, and my heart swelled. "Aditya," she replied, her voice melodic and warm, sending a thrill through me. "I've been waiting to meet you."

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," I said, stepping closer, feeling the warmth radiating from her presence. "I wanted to gather my thoughts before the ceremony."

"You're thoughtful, I appreciate that," she said, tilting her head slightly, her dark eyes searching mine with an intensity that made me feel exposed. "But you need not worry. Today is about celebration. We are to embark on a new journey together."

The weight of her words resonated with me, a reminder of the importance of this day. I was not merely participating in a ceremony; I was entering a bond that would intertwine our destinies. "I feel honoured to be chosen as your husband," I replied, sincerity pouring from my heart. "You are a remarkable woman, Draupadi. The stories of your strength and wisdom precede you."

A flicker of surprise crossed her features before she composed herself, her smile widening. "Flattery will get you far, but I hope you will show me who you truly are," she said playfully, a hint of challenge in her tone.

"I assure you, I am an open book," I responded, trying to match her playful spirit. "What you see is what you get."

Her laughter was like music, light and joyful. "Then I look forward to reading every page."

Just then, the atmosphere shifted as the chief brahmin stepped forward, signalling that the ceremony was about to begin. The guests quieted, all eyes turning toward Draupadi and me, a hushed anticipation hanging in the air.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, Today is the momentous day for the kingdom of Panchala. My beloved daughter Draupadi is going to marry Aditya—The prince of the Sindhu kingdom," King Drupada stood from his seat, his voice resonating throughout the hall, infused with pride and authority. "This union symbolizes not only love but also the bond between our kingdoms, one that will strengthen our alliance and ensure prosperity."

As the king spoke, I could feel the collective gaze of the audience resting on us, their curiosity palpable. Draupadi stood beside me, her posture regal and composed, yet I could sense the electric energy coursing through her. She was not just the daughter of King Drupada; she was a force to be reckoned with, destined to shape the course of history.

Dhrishtadyumna stepped forward, taking a place beside us. "Let the ceremony begin!" he announced, his enthusiasm contagious.

At that moment, everything shifted. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the rituals commenced. Flowers were scattered at our feet, and the sacred fire was lit, its flames dancing in the cool morning breeze. The warmth enveloped me, filling me with a sense of purpose.

The chief priest began chanting mantras, his voice steady and powerful. Draupadi and I exchanged glances, and in that instant, I saw something deeper in her eyes—an intensity that hinted at her fierce loyalty and the unwavering commitment she sought in a partner.

.

..

...

[To Be Continue]

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