The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 188

Chitra sraightly asked Arjun who looked absent minded. They all are enjoying the beautiful scenario of waterfalls from the hilly ranges.. The luscious green forest offered them shelter with the shades of trees not allowing Sunrays inside.
Arjun looked at her and she frowned on seeing his indifference. Alli,Ulupi and Satya are still there at the water falls with Subhadra and Uttara trying to control Pari from drenching himself repeatedly.

Rekha stayed back with Rukmini as she is not feeling well. Satya and Krishna walked towards the other direction. where the cooks are preparing afternoon lunch for all
Arjun is lying on the grass bed immersed in his thoughts. He is trying to guess the outcome of his mother's desparate final attempt.How would his fireborn react..he is worried..
Chitra repeated her question. Are you thinking of your Krishnaa who stayed back with your mother? She is blunt. She is frank.
Arjun raised on his elbow and smiled. Why do you always think of her? Enjoy your moments. See how nice this place is..
Chitra cooled down. She looked at him endearingly and ruffled his hair. Too smart and clever. Never get trapped by any one...
But you trapped me long back by showing your warrior side.. Arjun retorted by patting on her cheek.
Chitra reminisced the past. She clasped his neck and admitted. You still look the same..even now. How could you manage to look so youthful.. and your Krishnaa she stopped aging.
Arjun laughed and teased..You are obsessed with Krishnaa why? Always she stays in your words.
Chitra agreed. Cant help it. I am totally insecure of her. I feel she captivated you like none of us did.
Arjun kissed her and confessed..Nothing like that. I love all my wives..

Kunti stood and walked out followed by a dazed Draupadi.
She turned back and said..Panchali..if you understand my genuine concern about you please taking that into account forgive me for not bothering about your choice and your priority.
I sincerely ask you..answer my question. Are my sons in any way dissatisfied you? I am not talking of Phalgun.

Panchali stopped and answered back. No. They are very much devoted to me,took care of me and loved me..I won't blame them..except ...she did not continue.
Kunti took her hand and said in a soft voice..Even I did not forgive my Eldest for the dice hall incident.And I won't ask you to...
Panchali added..I won't blame him either at this point of time. I blame my destiny.
Draupadi sighed deeply. She is at the end of her journey of life. Why should she hurt her?

Kunti confessed in a shivering voice. Kanha unveiled the mythical glasses that obstructed my vision. The fact that I refused to swallow or recognise. glaringly stared in my face. Love can not be curbed by imposing conditions and rules. Love is Devine. It's divinity makes it immortal. I now realise why your whole being blossoms when you see a glimpse of my third son.. I knew you loved him but I refused to accept it..I thought if I overlook it and discourage you in feeling your love you will learn..I felt you will do injustice to my other sons if you are allowed to shower your love on Phalgun..
I am wrong. Rules and norms don't curb real love. I also understood my son's love for you. He sacrificed for unity..for my word and for my Eldest..

You lost your moments being imprisoned by means of your duties towards my other sons. But still you never underperformed. You did your duty as a wife and as a queen and as a mother in the best way possible.
Yajnaseni! I should be indebted to my Phalgun for bringing you into my family. Our whole race is purified by your blemishless character. When I go to meet my husband I will tell him how his Eldest Bahu glorified our whole clan . I will also enlighten him how much she loved my third son..

Panchali bent her face to hide her tears. How relieving it is to her heart to see her mother in law acknowledge her love and pain ? She couldn't thank her Govind more and Ofcourse her beloved Arjun for making this possible.
Panchali folded her hands and said. Mata all my life I struggled hard to live up to your expectations. Today I feel gratified..I can't say more...her voice broke abruptly..
Kunti hugged her close and kissed on her forehead. I bless you Bahu. Live life with happiness and contentment. Live your moments which you lost with your ...Arjun..
Panchali placed her head on her shoulder and watched him standing at a distance..
He is smiling on seeing them both.. His wish is fulfilled..
The two women he loved the most made truce with each other.

The night brought so much solace to them who got tired roaming all the day. They slept in the hermitages ..but only one is there who could not sleep ..Yajnaseni..
She is standing in the mango grove immersed in her own thoughts. She felt so light at heart after her interaction with Kunti. What happened to her that she changed her stand...any way after that her pain her anger her frustration disappeared..
Panchali smiled ...finally she could feel relaxed,,not answerable to any one ...the one who always checked her every move understood her heartfelt love,pain..
Suddenly she felt his hands round her waist..She tried to question him when he lead her towards the river but he did not let her speak..
Panchali walked with him as if in dream..into the boat which is waiting for her. And to her surprise she saw Krishna and Satya..
Krishna got up and winked at her. Arjun went to the topside of the boat to rotate the wheel.
Satya could not suppress her excitement. Panchali...see the full moon. We are in the middle of the river. She pulled her to the outlet..Then Satya ascended the steps to see the moon from the top roof.
Krishna asked her from behind. Looking good. Relieved. Finally you won Kalyani..
Panchali smiled and turned back.. I doubt your magic must have worked..
Krishna replied with a smile. Stop making me responsible for every thing. Why do you underestimate the power of your love,sacrifice...
Panchali sighed heavily..Govind..life has given me this at this point of my life where I stand at the end..almost..
Krishna placed his hand on her head. Time rules the roost.. There is nothing that could overpower time. Everything will happen only at the destined time.You should feel happy that atleast it happened. You can lead your life with contentment.No one will point out a finger at you .for your preferential l9ve..
Panchali blushed and admitted. Ofcourse I understood Govind. After taking away so much from me god had given me this boon.
And you should have felt Parth's happiness.. He just can not control himself..hugged me and wept. The two important women in his life reconciled made truce.
Panchali nodded her head..She knew..her Arjun loves his mother the most..
Arjun and Satya got down from the top and Satya complained. Swami.. Arjun is halting the boat in that island. I want to still go further in the moonlight.
Krishna looked into her eyes and said..as you wish..Satya dear.
Arjun taunted her..How many full moon nites you roamed with Madhav..still not satisfied..
Satya smiled with excitement.. Arjun..my love and passion will never get fulfilled in this life. Take it for granted.
Suddenly the boat stopped and Arjun told Krishna..We will get down here. Pick us when you had your fill..Krishna teased him in a low voice..your fill?
Arjun smiled and waved his hand.
Panchali asked him with surprise..why did you get down here? We would have gone with them. It is too cold here...she took the end of her Pallu and covered herself..
Arjun did not say anything. He is happy. He is relieved..His mother and his Krishnaa both will now lead peaceful lives.no suffocation ,no frustration..
The strong wind that blew over them made her Pallu rise high..Arjun held that in his hand and smiled.
Yajnaseni stood mesmarised...