At Skand's House
Skand returned home just as the sun was setting. The atmosphere in the house felt tense—something was clearly wrong. As he stepped inside, Utkarsh rushed toward him, visibly agitated.
Utkarsh (worriedly):"Skand! Tell me honestly—have you had some kind of falling out with Emperor Ashoka?"
Skand (puzzled):"What? No, not at all. Why would you ask that?"
Utkarsh (lowering his voice):"Because… someone came from the palace today. He brought a message sealed with the Emperor's crest. It states that you are to present yourself before Emperor Ashoka tomorrow morning."
Skand (serious, thinking to himself):The Emperor wants to meet me? But why? What could be so urgent…?
Skand (aloud):"All right. Then I should get some rest now—I'll need a clear head tomorrow."
Utkarsh (still uneasy, thinking):I don't know why, but I have a very bad feeling about this. Why would the Emperor summon Skand so suddenly?
At Suvana's Residence
Suvana was sitting calmly in the courtyard when Draupadi returned home, a bright look on her face.
Suvana (teasingly):"So… how did your meeting with Skand go today?"
Draupadi (smiling):"It was wonderful. He's a kind and thoughtful person—much more than I expected."
Suvana (grinning):"Then shall I consider your marriage decided?"
Draupadi (softly):"Yes… but there's something I want to tell you first. Skand asked me something important."
Suvana (instantly serious):"What did he say?"
Draupadi:"It's nothing dangerous or strange… just unexpected.He asked if I would stay at his home for a few days—so I could get to know him and his work better.He said it would help both of us make a better decision, with full understanding."
Suvana (thoughtful, staring into the distance):Skand... The more I try to understand you, the more complex you seem. What kind of man are you really?
Suvana (after a long pause):"In my opinion... you should seriously consider accepting his request."
To Be Continued…