Vadha: The Dance of Death

Bhima kills Kichaka at midnight

Draupadi becomes bait in a deadly trap. She tells Kichaka she has reconsidered, that she will meet him secretly in the dance hall at midnight. But in the darkness, it is not Draupadi who waits. Bhima, the cook who crushes wrestling opponents for sport, will finally release his rage. The commander of Matsya's armies is about to discover what it means to face a Pandava in the dark.

The Trap is Set

The day after her public humiliation, Draupadi found Kichaka.

She had spent the night planning with Bhima. The strategy was simple but required perfect execution, and required Draupadi to face her tormentor one more time.

"Kichaka," she said, approaching him in the palace corridors. Her voice was different now, softer, more yielding.

The commander turned, surprised. Yesterday she had fled from him. Today she sought him out.

"Sairandhri. Have you come to accept what you cannot refuse?"

Draupadi lowered her eyes, the gesture of submission he expected. "I have... reconsidered. You are right. My gandharva husbands have not protected me. Perhaps they cannot. Perhaps... a powerful man like you would be a better protector."

Kichaka's eyes gleamed with triumph. "I knew you would see reason. Come to my quarters, "

"No." Draupadi shook her head. "Too many eyes. The queen suspects. If we are to meet, it must be in secret."

"Where?"

"The dance pavilion. At midnight. It will be empty. No one goes there after dark." She paused. "Come alone. And tell no one."

Kichaka smiled, the smile of a predator who believes his prey has surrendered. "Tonight, then. I will wait for you."

"No," Draupadi said. "I will wait for you. Come when the moon is highest."

She walked away, her heart pounding. She had done it. Kichaka would come. And Bhima would be waiting.

The Dance Hall

The nritya-shala, the dance pavilion, stood empty in the moonlight. It was where Arjuna, disguised as Brihannala, taught the princess Uttara. During the day, it echoed with music and the rhythm of dancing feet. At night, it was silent as a tomb.

Bhima arrived first. He had slipped away from the kitchens claiming illness. Now he waited in the darkness, hidden behind a pillar.