Long before Pandavas were into the picture, Draupadi sought Krishna. She wanted to marry him as Krishna was known to be the finest among all Aryaputras.
Draupadi had a servant named Nitambini. She used to bring all the news of Krishna to her and Krishna was himself aware that Draupadi longs for him.
When Krishna met Draupadi, he told her
I am aware that you long for me. But I cannot marry you. This is because your are here for a mission. Your birth was followed by a prophecy that this woman will lead to the downfall of adharmik khastriyas. You are shrestha, you are here for a purpose, you will establish dharma and save the fate of many many generations. You belong to someone else who is just a part of me.
Draupadi replied
“Who is he who is more worthy of you? I consider you as my soulmate. Now you are denying. Who is he that you consider a part of you?
Krishna said
With the powers of Hari, Brahmna and Indra, a mighty person has taken birth on earth. He is the third Pandava, Arjuna, son of my father’s sister. He is a year younger than me. It is from a part of me Arjuna has taken birth. We are the same soul residing in different bodies.
Arjuna’s heroism is not hidden from you. It is Arjuna who had made your father captive years ago which is why your father did that yagna and you were born. Now it is your dharma to marry Arjuna and repay the debt to your father. This is because it is you who will establish Dharma through the hands of Arjuna. Without you in the picture, Arjuna and the other 4 men will deviate from Dharma
Draupadi said
But what about me? The garland I have been weaving for you, what should I do about that?
Krishna replied
My relationship with you is immortal. You are the lakshmi, you are forever mine. But in this birth, we cannot romance together. I have Satyabhama, Rukmini and 16000 other wives. We practice celibacy but are deeply in love. You should realize your bigger purpose and marry Arjuna. He is the only man who is a perfect suitor for you from every regard.
Draupadi then starts considering Arjuna as his soulmate because she seeks Krishna’s soul from Arjuna’s body. Draupadi understands her mission, the challenges that lies ahead and that she is here for a reason. She lets go of Krishna but continues to devote and shower her love towards him.
Draupadi would always consider Krishna for advice and help. One other name of Draupadi was “Krishnaa”