That night, Draupadi lay on the ground beside the Pandavas, her head gently resting at their feet on a bed of kusa grass. She felt no sorrow in her heart, nor did she look down upon the sons of Pandu, those foremost of the Kuru line. As they settled together, the heroes began to share wondrous tales—stories alive with the thunder of battles, the gleam of celestial weapons, the rumble of chariots and elephants, and the clash of swords, maces, and axes. Their voices rose and fell, filling the night with memories of valor and the art of war. It was then that Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of King Drupada, overheard their conversation and saw Krishna—Draupadi—sitting among them. The people nearby also witnessed this scene. Hearing all that had transpired, Dhṛṣṭadyumna quickly went to his father, King Drupada, eager to relay every detail. King Drupada, anxious and uncertain about the true identity of the Pandavas, questioned his son with a troubled heart: “Where has Krishna gone, my son, and by whom has she been taken? Surely she has not been carried away by a Shudra, a man of low birth, or a tax-paying Vaishya? Surely her foot has not stepped in mud, nor has her garland fallen in a cremation ground? Surely the man who has taken her is of the highest class, even if his appearance is unusual? Has my daughter’s foot touched my head today because of Krishna’s embrace? Surely I will not be forced to undertake severe penance for uniting my daughter with Partha, the best of men? Tell me truly, who is the victor who has won my daughter? Are the sons of Vichitravirya—the mighty Kurus—still alive? Was the target struck down today by the younger Partha, bow in hand?” Thus addressed, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, chief among the Somakas, joyfully recounted all that had happened and how Krishna had been won. He described the young man with wide, red eyes, clad in a black antelope skin and godlike in form, who had strung the mighty bow and struck down the target with unerring aim. Swift and resolute, honored by the foremost Brahmanas, he stood among them like Indra among the sons of Diti, surrounded by all the gods and sages. Dhṛṣṭadyumna continued, “Krishna joyfully followed him, taking up the black antelope skin, just as a delighted elephant-cow follows the mighty elephant. Dark and youthful, moving with the grace of a proud elephant, he accomplished that great and difficult feat. He who fought with the son of the charioteer—I believe him to be Arjuna, possessing the strength of the lord of the gods—while the assembled kings, unable to bear it, closed in upon him in anger. “In the midst of the assembly, Bhima mounted a great, flourishing tree and, wielding it like Death itself, struck down the gathered kings before him. Outside the city lay the workshop of the Bhargava. There, seated like a blazing flame, was a woman whom I guessed to be their mother, with three foremost men by her side, each radiant as fire. “After respectfully greeting her feet and announcing Krishna’s presence, these noble men stood before her and then went out to beg for alms. Krishna received their alms, offered a portion as an oblation to the Brahmanas, served the elderly woman, and then ate with those noble men. “That night, all the princes lay down to sleep, and Krishna placed herself at their feet as a pillow. Their simple bed was made of darbha grass and animal skins. They spoke together, their voices resounding like thunderclouds, telling tales not fit for merchants or laborers, nor did they discuss matters of the Brahmanas. Without doubt, O King, these were foremost Kshatriyas, speaking as only warriors do of battle. Our hope is fulfilled, for we hear that the Parthas have escaped the fire. “Their actions—striking the target and stringing the bow—were done with force and skill. The way they spoke with each other reveals that the Parthas are surely moving about in disguise.” Hearing this, King Drupada was filled with delight. He sent his priest to the Pandavas, saying, “Go and find out if these truly are the great-souled sons of Pandu.” The priest, having received the king’s command, went to them, offered respectful praise, and conveyed the king’s message in proper form: “The lord of the land, King Drupada, wishes to know who you are, O worthy ones. Seeing this one who struck the target, he cannot contain his joy. Reveal your lineage and ancestry; place your feet upon the heads of your enemies; gladden the hearts of King Drupada and his followers. King Pandu was dear to Drupada, his friend and equal; it is his wish that my daughter might become the daughter-in-law of the Kaurava line. This is the constant desire in Drupada’s heart: that Arjuna, broad and long-armed, might win my daughter in righteousness. If this is accomplished, it will bring great fame, merit, and benefit.” After the priest had spoken, the king, seeing him standing humbly, addressed him further. He instructed Bhima, “Bring water for washing the feet and the best seat for him; the priest of King Drupada deserves the highest honor.” Bhima did as he was told, and the priest, delighted, accepted the hospitality. Once comfortably seated, Yudhishthira spoke to him: “The daughter was given by the king of the Panchalas in accordance with his duty, not out of personal desire. The bride-price was set by King Drupada, and she was bestowed upon the hero who fulfilled the condition. There was no consideration of caste, character, family, or lineage; she was given to the one who, having strung the bow and struck the target, met the challenge. Thus, Krishna was won by this great-souled one in the midst of the assembly of kings. Therefore, O Saumaki, the king need not feel distress or concern for his own comfort. The desire which King Drupada held will also be fulfilled, for having obtained such a princess, this is truly a great good. “That bow could not be strung by one of weak strength, nor could the target be struck by one unskilled in weapons or inferior in prowess. Therefore, the king of the Panchalas should not feel sorrow for his daughter, for no other man on earth could have brought down the target as it was.” As Yudhishthira was speaking, another man approached swiftly from King Drupada’s side, announcing that the food was ready. “Food has been prepared by King Drupada for the guests and for the wedding. Now that all tasks are complete, receive it, and let Krishna come without delay.” Thus, the night unfolded in joy and anticipation, as the hearts of the Pandavas, Draupadi, and the king of Panchala were united in hope and fulfillment.