By Saumya Lakshman
Yes, I am Dushala.
You probably know me
as the sister of the Kauravas,
but it's time to re-introduce myself.
Growing up, I saw it all -
my father's "blind" love for Duryodhana,
and my mother's love that chose not to see.
The Pandavas escaping a deadly house of wax,
and my brother burning in his flames of fury.
My cousin Bhima being poisoned twice
and Duryodhana consuming the venom of despair.
Dharmaraja Yudhishthira building a house of cards
and ushering his wife into its fragile confines.
But today, Duryodhana, you cannot escape my questions.
Tell me,
If a woman's laughter can instigate a war for you,
aren't you the best judge of a woman's incredible strength?
If the greed for a throne can destroy your scruples,
aren't you the most fragile of all?
If victory for you is a woman disrobed,
am I "fortunate" to have taken birth as your sister?
Yes, I am Dushala,
the only Kaurava sibling of the "weaker" sex.
My soul has wandered past the confines of Kurukshetra,
transcending time and wars and generations -
on to a world where Dushalas now drive chariots,
in a world where Dushalas now rule empires.
And yet, a world where Draupadis are still disrobed.
Duryodhana, it's time for yet another war.