Chapter No.22 Foster Father

[Aditya's POV]

"Draupadi," I said, turning to her, "This is Mahamantri Siddharth, my foster father and the most trusted advisor of Sindhu. He's been like a second father to me."

Draupadi's expression softened, and she offered Siddharth a respectful nod, though her eyes never lost that possessive gleam. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mahamantri," she said, her voice calm but holding that underlying intensity. "Thank you for taking care of Aditya all these years."

Siddharth's eyes twinkled with amusement as he looked at her. "I see you have a strong will and fierce devotion, Draupadi. Aditya is fortunate to have someone like you by his side," he said, his gaze shifting briefly to me with a knowing smile. "It seems you've met your match, my boy."

I chuckled, nodding in agreement. "More than my match, I'd say. She's one of a kind."

Draupadi's cheeks flushed with pride at my words, but her grip on my hand tightened slightly, a silent declaration that she would never let anyone come between us. Her possessiveness was both overwhelming and comforting, a reminder that I was no longer alone in my struggles.

"Father, I...kind of...Well, here goes, When we were returning from Panchala to here. We were ambushed by Ashvasena—"

"WHAT!!! HOW DARE HE!!! AFTER TAKSHAKA KILLING YOUR PARENTS NOT ENOUGH THAT HE DARES TO SEND HIS SPAWN AFTER YOU?!" Siddharth's voice boomed through the hall, his usually composed demeanor breaking into a rare moment of fury. The mention of Ashvasena had clearly struck a nerve. His eyes blazed with righteous anger, a reflection of the deep-seated hatred he held for Takshaka, the serpent king responsible for the death of my biological parents.

I placed a calming hand on Siddharth's shoulder. "Father, calm down," I said gently. "I killed him—"

"WHAT?! YOU KILLED HIM!!! HOW?! You don't even have knowledge of Astra and Shastra, Then how did you manage to do that?"

I could see the shock etched in Siddharth's features, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at me. I could understand his surprise—it wasn't every day someone without formal training in the divine weapons of Astra and Shastra claimed to kill someone like Ashvasena.

I mockingly puffed my chest and crossed my hands looking extra proud, "You underestimate your son too much~"

"This is not a subject to joke about! tell me how you managed to accomplish this feat!" Siddharth's tone shifted, a mix of concern and pride brewing in his expression. Draupadi stood by my side, her hand still clasped in mine, her gaze shifting between Siddharth and me, eager to hear the full story.

I took a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. "Well, it all started during our journey back. Our carriage was ambushed by whole lot of bandits, who rained down volly of arrows on the carriage. Our Coachman died before we even could react. Then after safely tucking Draupadi under the seats of carriage, I stepped out to take care of them—"

"Stupid! Careless! Dumb! What were you thinking doing something so reckless like that? You could have gotten killed. I could have lost you!" Siddharth immediately started beating me with his crane, the sound echoing through the hall as I tried to dodge his playful strikes.

"Father, it's not like I went in unprepared!" I protested, ducking away and laughing. "I had Gandiva Dhanush which I got after I defeated Arjuna in Draupadi Swayamvara."

Siddharth paused mid-swing, eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Gandiva? You managed to get your hands on that legendary bow? That's impressive, but how did you know how to wield it?"

...

...

...

(After one hour of explaining.)

"So, Devraj thinks you are the reincarnation of his fallen son Vali, Am I correct?" Siddharth sat on the edge of his chair, his expression thoughtful as he processed everything I had just recounted.

I nodded slowly, my mind still racing from reliving the events of our encounter with Devraj and the revelations that followed. "Yes, Father. It seems he believes I carry the essence or spirit of Vali within me."

Siddharth rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his gaze distant for a moment before refocusing on me with a mix of concern and curiosity. "And he wants you to go to the Kingdom of Kishkindha which is in the state turmoil due to the neglection of the current king who is also the younger brother of Vali, Sugriva. And you have to bring peace and also become the new king of Kishkindha too by marrying the widowed wife of Vali who is in the state of comma since Vali's death."

"I know its a lot to take—"

"THAT GREAT!!!"

"Huh?!"

"Huh?!"

Siddharth's outburst caught both Draupadi and me off guard. He leaned forward, eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is a perfect opportunity, As your coronation for Sindhu Kingdom is going to be held as you have completed the condition of marriage by marrying Draupadi. And if you become the king of Kishkindha too, you will hold significant power in this region. It would unite two kingdoms under one ruler—essentially creating a force to be reckoned with!"

"But—"

"No buts, you are going and that's final!"

The finality in Siddharth's tone left no room for argument, and I felt the weight of his expectations settle heavily on my shoulders. "But I need to prepare. This isn't just a matter of power—it's about people's lives, their futures. I can't just waltz into Kishkindha and assume control. I need to understand what's happening there first."

"And Devraj Indra gave me two months time, before I have to depart for Kishkindha and I want to spend that time with Draupadi as we just got married how could I leave her so soon?"

Draupadi's expression shifted as my words registered. Her gaze softened with understanding, but beneath it lurked that familiar intensity, the flames of her possessiveness igniting. "You don't have to worry about me, Aditya. I'll be right here, supporting you every step of the way," she said, her voice steady yet filled with an underlying urgency that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Father, I am going to my chamber with Draupadi. Send a maid if food get ready," I finished, hoping to escape the growing tension of our conversation. Draupadi nodded, a knowing smile gracing her lips, as if she understood the unspoken words hanging in the air.

Sigh~

"Very well."

***

As we entered my chamber, I closed the door behind us, the solid thud creating a barrier between us and the outside world. The soft glow of the lamps illuminated the space, casting gentle shadows on the intricately carved walls. Draupadi turned to me, her eyes filled with an intensity that made my heart race.

And without any reservation she lept onto me, taking my lips as her own in a fervent kiss. It was a blend of sweetness and desperation, a physical manifestation of the emotions swirling between us. Her hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer as if trying to merge our very beings.

I was taken aback for a moment, but then I surrendered to the kiss, letting the warmth of her affection wash over me. She tasted like honey, a rich, intoxicating flavor that made my heart beat faster. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of us in this moment suspended in time.

When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, my cheeks flushed. Draupadi stared into my eyes, her expression a mix of adoration and something deeper, darker—an almost possessive fervor that sent a thrill down my spine.

"Draupadi," I breathed, trying to catch my breath as I looked into her eyes, which sparkled with a fierce devotion. "That was… intense."

She smiled sweetly, but there was an edge to it, something that made my heart race for reasons I couldn't quite pin down. "I can't help it, Aditya. You're everything to me. You have no idea how much I care for you," she confessed, her voice dropping to a whisper, heavy with emotion.

"I know, and I appreciate it," I replied, placing a hand on her cheek. "But you have to understand that with the responsibilities ahead of us, especially with Kishkindha, things are going to get complicated."

Draupadi's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something darker crossing her features. "Complicated? Or simply another challenge to overcome? I'll do anything for you, Aditya. Anything."

Her intensity sent a chill down my spine, and I couldn't help but admire the fire in her spirit. But there was also a hint of danger lurking beneath the surface, an unsettling feeling that she might go to extremes to protect what she deemed as hers. I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension; Draupadi was fiercely protective, but her yandere tendencies worried and excited me at the same time.

"Anything?" I echoed, my heart pounding as I took a step back to gauge her reaction. Draupadi's fervor was intoxicating, yet I sensed the potential for chaos beneath her devotion.

She stepped closer, her eyes never leaving mine, and I could see the determination etched into her features. "Yes, Aditya. I'd do anything to ensure your safety and happiness. You're mine now, and I won't let anything or anyone take you away from me."

There was a depth to her words that resonated with the primal instincts within me. I admired her fierce loyalty, but the intensity of her gaze held an edge of obsession that made me wary. "I appreciate that, Draupadi, truly. But I need you to promise me that you won't act recklessly if things get tough. The situation in Kishkindha is delicate, and I'll need your support, not just your fierce protection."

Draupadi's smile faltered for a brief moment, but then she nodded, her expression resolute. "I promise, Aditya. I'll stand by your side and help you in whatever way you need. But if anyone dares to threaten you…" She trailed off, her eyes narrowing slightly, and I felt an involuntary shiver run down my spine.

"Anyway, Hubby~ do you want to consummate our marriage?" Her voice low and husky from desire overflowing as she took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of passion and intensity that sent heat rushing through me.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing at the proposition. We were newlyweds, and the thought of consummating our marriage was undeniably enticing.

A growl left my lips as a stupidly huge grin spread across my face, I scooped her off of her feets and walked toward the extra large bed on the middle of the chamber.

"You are gonna scream my name top of your lungs tonight dear Wifey~"

Draupadi's laughter rang through the room, a melody of joy and mischief that filled the air as I laid her gently on the bed. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and the atmosphere shifted, charged with an electric anticipation.

"Hubby~~," she purred, her voice sultry, "you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment."

I felt a rush of warmth spread through me at her words, mingled with a touch of nervousness. The intensity of her gaze made my heart race, a fierce reminder of the depths of her devotion. I leaned over her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as I savored the moment, taking in the beauty of the woman before me.

"Draupadi, I promise I'll do my best to make this unforgettable for both of us," I murmured, my voice low and filled with sincerity.

With that, I leaned down...

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[To Be Continue]

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A/N: Is it too early, please comment your thoughts.

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