Story of Pratikami
Pratikami is a title meaning “attendant” or “messenger”. Pratikami was servant of Duryodhan and is sent to summon Draupadi to the assembly after Yudhishthir loses her in the gambling match. Pratikami hesitates and faithfully conveys Draupadi’s question back to the assembly: whether Yudhishthir lost himself first or her. Though obedient, he is clearly reluctant and afraid of Draupadi’s wrath, as well as of Bheem’s fury. Duryodhan, annoyed by his hesitation, sends Duhshasan to drag Draupadi instead. Pratikami plays a small but crucial intermediary role in this tense and pivotal episode, embodying the silent conflict between duty and morality.