Realizing these were the Pandava brethren and knowing of the great role that their whole family played in the life of so many he knew he had to raise their spirits.

“Oh my! Yudhishthira, I know you are full of sorrow over the loss of your kingdom and the error in your ways,” said Vyasa. “And Draupadi, in many ways, you have suffered alongside the Pandavas, but did you know that you are not the first nobles to be exiled from their kingdom because of a game of dice?”

Draupadi and Yudhishthira looked up at Vyasa with curiosity. “Really?”

“Yes, my cherished ones,” he calmly replied.

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Vyasa could tell that Yudhishthira and Draupadi were in tumults with themselves. Yudhishthira was angry that he had wagered so much and lost his kingdom twice; he was unable to look past his mistakes and towards the future.

Since Yudhishthira wagered Draupadi in the dice game, she no longer felt that he loved her as much as she loved him. It weighed so heavy on her heart that she could no longer sleep. Although the Pandavas claimed to love her completely, she didn’t feel as safe knowing they still followed Yudhishthira after his recent bad decisions.

Vyasa understood why Yudhishthira felt guilty and was having great difficulties moving beyond his mistakes; nevertheless, he needed him to forgive himself. He also knew that Draupadi’s love and support were a key to accomplishing this. Draupadi needed to believe in the Pandava brothers and their love for her once again. Without this, they were destined to fail in the war with the Kauravas. It was time to tell them a great love story about conquering the demons inside and defeating the odds.

************************************

“Once there were two lovers, a great King named Nala and a fair Princess called Damayanti. Damayanti was much like you, Draupadi. Her father was childless for a long time, and she was born after many prayers. Like you, she was resourceful, strong-willed, and beautiful. Their love came to be with the help of a golden-winged Hamsa that could speak. It would fly from garden to garden to tell them each of the beauty and kindness of the other. They fell in love even before they met.”

Draupadi thought to herself how romantic that was, yet so unrealistic. Yudhishthira was barely listening, his mind still reeling over his mistakes.

“Although they were already in love, there were troubles to overcome from the very beginning,” Vyasa said somberly.

“Aha! I figured as much; nothing can be easy. Love is a joke and never works out!” Draupadi wailed.

“Patience, child, and listen. I will tell you and Yudhishthira the tale of the great love of Nala and Damayanti,” Vyasa said with a smile. “This will show you both that love conquers all. Loaded dice and poor decisions do not mean that all is truly lost. Now please, let us sit.”

Yudhishthira and Draupadi both sat on the ground, much closer than they had in days. They gave their full attention to Vyasa. Hope and wonder in their eyes, in unison, they spoke. “Please, tell us more.”

Vyasa looked to the Gods and back to them. Knowing they were ready, he began Nala and Damayanti’s story.