For this reading, I chose to read a little more about Arjuna's wife, Subhadra, sister of Balarama and Krishna. Subhadra was originally supposed to marry Duryodhana, who was Balarama's star pupil and the evil cousin of the Pandavas. Balarama also planned to marry Subhadra to Duryodhana.
Arjuna happened to be near Dwaraka at the time. This was during a self-imposed period of exile, which occurred because he intruded on Yudhisthira and Draupadi during the year that Draupadi was Yudhisthira's wife. During his exile, Arjuna disguised himself as a sanyasi (holy man) came across Dwaraka and fell in love with Subhadra. After overhearing Subhadra saying that she preferred the sanyasi over Duryodhana, Arjuna decided that he wished to marry her.
Krishna actually suggested to Arjuna that he kidnap Subhadra since it would be viewed as praiseworthy, given that Arjuna was a Kshatriya. Arjuna then grabbed Subhadra on her way home from the temple. While Balarama prepared his warriors to pursue Arjuna, Krishna revealed Arjuna's identity and how Subhadra and Arjuna had mutual feelings toward each other. Then, Balarama agreed for Arjuna and Subhadra to marry.
It is assumed that the five brothers - Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva - all had several wives in addition to Draupadi (the wife they all shared). However, they all agreed that only Draupadi would be allowed to stay in their palace - all of the other wives were not allowed to live in the palace. However, Arjuna brings Subhadra back to the palace. Draupadi is enraged by this, and to save Arjuna from Draupadi's rage, Subhadra actually went to her and fell down at her feet. She stated that she had come to serve Draupadi, and she did not want to replace her. After this, Draupadi accepted Subhadra as her younger sister, moved by her humility.
I think the last part with Subhadra showing her humility to Draupadi tells a lot about her character. She only wished to be with Arjuna and did not desire to be queen or be regarded as higher than Draupadi. She respected Draupadi and treated herself as inferior to Draupadi to protect her husband from Draupadi's wrath. I think Draupadi recognized Subhadra's good heart and thus accepted her wholeheartedly. This was my favorite part of the story: I am so glad that Draupadi and Subhadra ended up treating each other as sisters; what a wonderful relationship!
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