"What are you doing?" Karna asked with surprise as Subhadra suddenly came and started dragging him to the forest area. He was roaming outside the Palace when she came wearing simple clothing like a commoner and started dragging him without a word. Subhadra took him to a clearing at the forest.

"Vrisha, you only said that I'm a princess who lives in a bubble. So now to get out of that bubble, I've decided to live here in this forest." Subhadra said smiling brightly at him.

"What?" Karna asked in confusion.

"Yes. I can say, I'll have no problem living a simple life with you leaving all the luxuries. I can say, I need nothing except your love. I can say, I will have no problem in adjusting to a commoners life or the struggles of the life. But you won't accept. So I thought to give you demo instead of words. I'll live here in this forest without any luxuries for as long as it takes to convince you." Subhadra said.

"Have you gone mad? What are you saying?" Karna asked looking at her like she was speaking in some foreign language.

"My mind is absolutely fine. But yours need some straightening." Subhadra muttered the last part so he couldn't hear.

"What? Whatever. Leave all this nonsense and return to the Palace right now." Karna said in anger.

"No, I will do no such a thing." Subhadra said shaking her head.

"Fine. I'll inform your bhrata Krishna that you have lost your mind."

"Go, go and call bhrata Balaram too. And when they come I'll inform them how you ditched me after marrying me." Subhadra said crossing her arms looking nonchalant. Karna's eyes widened.

"Nothing of that sort happened and you know it full well." Karna said angrily.

"Really? It wasn't so far from the temple where the royal guards were. If you wanted you could have come to fetch them, but instead you got married to me. And then you told me to forget that marriage. I wasn't the one rejecting you. So, it does seem like that to me." Subhadra said smiling sweetly.

"I didn't wanted to leave you alone among them unprotected." Karna said gritting his teeth.

"But you did fail to protect me when you left me at the temple." Subhadra said.

"You were supposed to stay at the temple with the guards while I went to search." Karna said.

"That I was. But you shouldn't have left me with guards for so long. You knew the area wasn't safe. Still you did it."

"You're twisting the events."

"Maybe."

"I'm not afraid of your brothers."

"Good for you. But think carefully before going to them. If they get to know, whole Dravida will know with them and as most of the Kings of Aryavart are also here, they'll also know that you Maharathi Karna, married me and then refused to accept the marriage. And your righteousness will be questioned unless you accept me." Subhadra said. What she said was indeed truth.

"Do whatever you want. I'm leaving." Karna shouted in anger and proceeded to leave her there.

"Fine. But if I die of a snake bite or bite of some venomous scorpion or some tiger or bear eats me up, then at least do my last rites as my husband." Subhadra shouted after him. Karna stopped listening her. This forest was not safe for her. He couldn't leave her here alone.

"Come back to the Palace. You'll achieve nothing by this." Karna said sternly looking at her.

"I won't return unless my husband asks me to admitting I'm not just a pampered princess unworthy of being his wife." Subhadra said with determination.

"Maharaj, I have a suggestion and request to you. We all have heard of Dravida's women court which is something unheard-of and unbelievable in the whole Aryavart. But now that we're here, why don't you give us the opportunity to witness it with our own eyes?" Shakuni said.

All of them were seated at the royal court of Dravida when Gandharraj Shakuni presented his thought before Maharaj Drishadvat. Yuvraj Dhristyadhymn and Mahabali Balaram had also arrived earlier at Dravida. As per the custom, the royal court was held to welcome all the guests. Maharani Mangalya and Yuvrani Anandini were also present.

"I agree with Gandharraj. After all, we should also know how women address a court and it's procedures." Shishupal supported Gandharraj Shakuni's proposal. There were hushed whispering in the court as all other guests were also interested and curious.

"I respect your suggestion Gandhar Naresh. But first of all, it's not called women court. It's called Kutumbh Nayalay (family court) which is addressed and conducted by women. A Maharani is considered to be the mother of the kingdom. With that thought, we started the family court where anyone of our kingdom can reach their mother for internal conflicts and justice. And for the past years, our women have handled their responsibilities accordingly with expertise. I can understand the curiosity of you all. But decisions regarding the family court is taken by Maharani Mangalya only. I can not insult her by ordering to open the court just for a show when she has taken the decision to keep it suspended for somedays. And also, men are not allowed to enter family court unless permitted by Maharani herself." Maharaj Drishadvat said. His smile polite, but voice firm. He knew Gandharraj Shakuni and Chedi Naresh couldn't be upto any good. They certainly didn't wish to see the proceedings of the court without any hidden motive of theirs. Also by addressing the women court by its official name, he gave clear indication it was to be respected as a justice court and its' importance and glory couldn't be lessened because it was led by women.

"Right. I understand Maharaj and I fully respect it. That's why I would like to request Maharani Mangalya to consider my suggestion if you permit." Shakuni said folding his hands. Maharaj Drishadvat looked at Maharani Mangalya. "Maharani, it'll be an honour to witness the proceedings of your wom- family court for us. Maybe the Kings present here will be able to bring something similar to their Kingdom after witnessing it firsthand. Don't you think it'll be beneficial for everyone?" Shakuni said trying to persuade Maharani Mangalya.

But she wasn't going to be trapped so easily. Maharani Mangalya was going to politely refuse when Gandharraj Shakuni opened his mouth again.

"Maharaj Yudhisthir, what do you think? Am I not right? Seeing the proceedings of the family court of Dravida may help other kingdoms in bringing changes in their system too. Won't you agree?"

Yudhisthir was reluctant to answer. He knew what Gandharraj was trying to do. If Yudhisthir agreed Maharani Mangalya would be unable to decline her daughter's would be in-laws in front of everyone. Arjun shook his head slightly as Yudhisthir glanced at his brothers. Both the royals of Indraprasth and Dravida were tensed. Krishna looked on without any expression or interruption.

"Yes. That's true." Yudhisthir said finally unable to disagree even though he knew he was being used.

"Fine. If you all are so curious and interested, then our family court will be held and I permit for all of you to witness the proceedings as silent spectators." Maharani Mangalya announced stiffly.

"This is not good. They must be planing something." Drisana said frowning as she heard about the opening of family court in presence of everyone.

"Let's see what happens. We'll have to remain careful." Shubhaprada said worrying too.

"You're not coming to the court Drisana." Maharani Mangalya said from behind.

"But why Mata?" Drisana asked looking at her Mata in confusion.

"Because in five days you're going to get married. And I don't want you to appear before everyone in the court now." Maharani Mangalya said grimly.

"But Mata -" Drisana started to protest but Maharani Mangalya stopped her.

"Putri, we don't know what's going to happen in the court today. But we know what happened at Hastinapur's royal court the last time you were there. Gandharraj specially requested this and maybe he's planning to target you somehow. That's why I don't want you to attend."

Drisana understood her mother's concern and relented reluctantly.

The family court opened with a large audience today. Kings and delegates of different kingdoms were seated at the second floor which was a large balcony that circulated the whole court area. The women were all seated in the courtroom itself. Rajmata Kunti, Maharani Devika, Rajkumari Draupadi and other queens who came as guests were also seated at the courtroom. It would be an understatement to say the women were nervous. And why not? This public speculation of their capabilities were not something they wanted to be subjected to. Maharani Mangalya and Yuvrani Anandini were the only one with an expressionless face where the rest were trying hard to subside their nervousness.

The regular proceeding of the court began and instead of solving new issues, the success and effectiveness of the court was bring forth. Describing the areas that fell under the family court and how they had been working towards improving their Kingdom through their contributions. It was all going smoothly until someone hit the justice bell. The justice bell was a large ten foot long bell that hang outside the court. The clapper of the bell was attached to a rope that could be pulled to ring the bell. It was only rang when someone came to seek justice to the court announcing their arrival. But today no one was supposed to come. Anandini gave a look to the guards who were also confused. And then through the gates came Shishupal.

"Chedi Naresh? You were supposed to see the proceedings of the court. What spurred you on to ring the justice bell?" Maharani Mangalya asked hiding her surprise.

"Maharani Mangalya, I was going to silently sit and watch your proceedings. But then I thought since you've started the court, why not give an opportunity to everyone present here to see how you do justice? And also in this excuse, some poor soul will get justice too." Shishupal said with a wicked smile.

"How did he reach there?" Dhikshit asked to Daiwik.

"Aapne pairo pe calke gaya hoga. (He must have reached by walking on his feet.)" Daiwik replied. The brothers glared at him simultaneously.

"Main uska daai thori na hu jo use godh mei liye firu. (I'm not his nanny that I'll keep him in my lap.)" Daiwik said looking at them.

"Daiwikkkk!!!" Dwijendra gritted out. This wasn't good. Something was brewing there that shouldn't happen.

"Chedi Naresh, to whom you want to give justice to?" Yuvrani Anandini asked after glancing at Maharani Mangalya and others.

"Come inside. Justice will be served here." Shishupal's voice boomed through the court. A man and woman entered the court then.

"Maharani, this is Rameswara and his wife Renuka. When I was on my way to Dravida, I met this couple. Rameswara wanted to complain against his wife. So I gave them reassurance that he'll be heard and his problem will be solved too. He was going to come to my court after I returned to Chedi. But since you've held your women-not women, , family court, so I called them here assuring him he'll be given justice. I hope you won't let my promise be untrue." Shishupal said smirking.

"Of course. Anyone who comes to Dravida gets only justice here. State your problem." Maharani Mangalya said with dread. She knew Shishupal was here to create trouble. But her face showed nothing.

"Maharani, I keep travelling a lot. Two weeks ago, I went away for somedays. When I returned, my neighbours told me that at night a man visited my wife and when my wife got to know that my neighbour was watching, she started screaming calling the man a thief. That man escaped before villagers could catch him. But Maharani, I have doubts that my wife is lying. She's a characterless woman and that man was her lover." Rameswara said.

"This is not true Maharani. That night I was not feeling well. So I went to sleep early. But when my neighbour came calling me, I woke up and saw that thief. I started screaming and that thief escaped. The villagers didn't believe me and started pointing fingers at me. I hoped when my husband comes he will support me. But he also blamed me calling me characterless. Trust me Maharani. I have done nothing wrong." Renuka said crying vigorously.

"I do not trust this lying woman. I want to leave her. I can not live with such a characterless woman. But she refused to leave my house. Give me justice Maharani. Give this woman punishment." Rameswara said angrily.

"Rameswara, you cannot blame your wife like that. You cannot point finger at your wife based on people's talks." Yuvrani Anandini said firmly.

"And why not, Yuvrani?" Shishupal asked with a smug expression. "Rameswara have to live between those people only. We have to abide by social rules and we cannot go against society and society has deemed this woman as characterless." Shishupal said pointing his finger at Renuka's direction.

Maharaj Drishadvat's hand tightened on the handle of the throne he was seating on. He could predict in which direction this was going. Yuvraj Dwijendra gritted his teeth while rest of his brothers looked only irritated unaware of the upcoming storm. Pandavs were confused with Arjun trying hard to figure out what was Shishupal's motive. He looked at Krishna to see an expressionless mask on his face sitting as a statue only. Gandharraj Shakuni was seated with a smug expression looking forward.

"A woman's character cannot be defined by society Chedi Naresh. Renuka has no fault in it. Why should she be punished?" Rajkumari Priyala said standing up.

"Mata Sita also had no fault Rajkumari. But still she gave agnipariksha (fire test)" Shishupal said looking at her. "She did it because society raised finger at her. If Mata Sita can give agnipariksha then this woman should also give agnipariksha to prove her chastity."

"What are you saying Chedi Naresh?" Rajkumari Himani asked in shock. She wasn't the only one, the whole court was speechless at his suggestion.

"Why not? If this woman is pure, then she should give agnipariksha to prove it." Shishupal said.

"Do you even know what you're saying Chedi Naresh? A thief entered her house at her husband's absence. Society unnecessarily blamed her and her husband believed them instead of her. And you're suggesting that she should give agnipariksha?" Rajkumari Shubhaprada said aghast at the ridiculousness of the situation.

"Of course. I'm saying that exactly. After all, maryada purusshottam Raja Ram also left Sita Mata at forest based on people's talk only. He also took agnipariksha of Mata Sita to prove her chastity. Then why this woman can not be blamed? Why she shouldn't give agnipariksha?" Shishupal asked.

"Chedi Naresh, these two topics are different. Don't try to connect them." Rajkumari Priyala said grimly.

"How? That was question of a woman's chastity and this too is about that only. A woman should stay in her limits, she should protect herself, she should not flaunt her beauty in front of the whole world. A woman's place is inside the four walls of her house and whenever she crosses that she will get the results just like Mata Sita got for crossing Lakshman rekha (line drew by Lakshman). This woman should have been extra careful when her husband was not home. But instead of protecting herself, she became careless. Who knows maybe the villagers are saying truth only? Maybe she is a characterless woman who called her lover at the absence of her husband. Why would that thief go into her house only?" Shishupal's voice boomed through the whole court. Standing in a court full of women, he was insulting not only Renuka but all the women present there. He was insulting the family court of Dravida stating indirectly that they should not sit here, but stay in their limits, in the Queens quarters.

"Keep your words in check Chedi Naresh. Renuka did not cross any line. Lines are crossed by those who put baseless blames on a woman." Rajkumari Shubhaprada's voice rang out in anger. She wasn't the only one whose anger rose. This was Shishupal's way to degrade the women court by pointing out woman's limits and place.

Rajmata Kunti closed her eyes in pain. Why women had to sacrifice themselves to prove themselves? Why always women were asked to prove themselves? Why women's honour was even more fragile than glass? She was reminded once again why she had to float her first child at the river.

Draupadi's eyes were red in anger. How dare a man point finger at a woman so easily? Anyone could say anything to a woman and woman's mouth got shut giving the reference of Mata Sita. That, woman should be the one to prove herself no matter whoever pointed finger at her.

Devika's eyes were downcast. Woman. A woman is a daughter that her father welcomed as the form of Lakshmi. A woman entered her husband's house leaving her family, everything that was hers, everything that she held close to, everyone who was dear to her and that same husband expected her to entertain him, to take care of his family, to bear his moods and make his home a heaven in whatever he provided. A woman grew her child inside her womb little by little with her blood and flesh. Bearing all pains and sufferings, she gave birth to her child risking her life. But society? No matter how many sacrifices she made, she was a woman and it was her duty in society's eyes. She did nothing praiseworthy by all that. Society would not think twice before raising allegations against her.

Maharaj Drishadvat, Dravida princes, Pandavs all were watching in anger. Dhikshit stood up from his seat to go down and teach that Shishupal a lesson he would never forget. But Dwijendra's hand stopped him. He only uttered one sentence.

"Atithi hai. (He is guest.)"

Shishupal was a guest and his questions were for women court. They could not interfere. That would deem the women court as unworthy that needed men's protection. And who would respect or accept a court that needed others protection themselves?

"If those blames are so baseless, then why don't she give agnipariksha and prove herself? She shouldn't be afraid if she did nothing wrong. And if she can't, then this woman has no right to stay in our society." Shishupal said in agitation. His loud voice gave goosebumps to every women present their. "A woman should never cross her limit, never forget her place and always be careful to protect her honour, otherwise what happens to that women, even Dravida's Maharani herself has firsthand experience of that." Shishupal said those in a clear and firm voice, so no one could misinterpret him.