The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 197

Panchali folded her hands and said. I beg pardon I just remembered I have to prepare Prasad for Gandhari mata's Siva worship. I will go back and attend on her. "
She asked Sahadeva who just came there to escort her back.
No one felt bad and continued their walk around .
Nakula started playing with Parikshit , It was hide and seek. Slowly everyone joined except Arjuna and Krishna.
Bhima played empire. He enjoyed being so.

Arjuna asked Krishna...Don't you think Krishnaa went back sulking?
Krishna answered. Ofcourse . You should feel odd if she won't sulk. Even after all these years she sulks on your sharing thing.Arjuna laughed. But if she doesn't sulk we feel odd then also.
Krishna patted Arjuna on his back and both laughed together..
Satya ran to them and asked. " What was the joke?

Krishna pulled her nearer and whispered. Just some past memories.. of Indraprasth.
Arjuna smirked.. Satya won't change.. after all these years still keeping an eye on us.
Satya countered. It is necessary. Did you both change? Why should I change?
Arjuna nodded his head and walked towards Bhima.

Bhima asked him..Draupadi lost her sons. She endured a lot. Don't you think we should please her today by doing something?
Arjuna smiled. His Bhrata Bheem is always concerned..But he can't understand. She reached such a position where nothing will impress her.
Sahadeva shot the question. Why did you come all if a sudden?
Draupadi did not say anything. She knew he will guess it. She can't help it.
Sahadev sighed heavily.. I understand and I want you to overcome your bitter feelings.. It is necessary to spend the little span of life  peacefully.

No it is not about that.. Children are nowhere around me at this age. That is my pain She said slowly.
Sahadeva said. I understand. But you saw them that night.All of them got over theirhuman identities.We are fortunate enough to see them as they are in heaven.

Panchali nodded her head. He is right but she is the mother. Her pain is irrevocable.
When they walked to the main hermitage Yudhishtir came forward and wished her..Veda Vyas reminded me. Your entrance in our lives,a boon to us. Let us all feel the bliss today. He said heartfully.
Panchali smiled and observed her mother in law standing at the door of her hermitage looking at her.
She walked to her and touched her feet. Kunti pulled her up and said..What should I say in blessing! Due to my decision you lost so much but we gained so much.

Panchali replied..It is there in my destiny. I would be ungrateful if I say you or your sons didn't keep me happy. As per the traumatic incidents,I can not blame any one..at this point of time. Bless me with mental peace and strength to live without my children. Kunti smiled with tears in her eyes.
Panchali prepared Payasa for Gandhari's Siva worship. It is nearing Pradosha .Hermitage echoed the Vedic chants and mantras .. Every one returned just in time and participated in Sivabhisheka
Gandhari did Puja in her hermitage and offered Prasad. Panchali stood behind her and helped her.
The dinner arrangements are to be done. Gandhari relaxingly reclined on the mat,tired and exhausted. Panchali took leave and started towards kitchen. Gandhari called back. " Come back once.
Gandhari touched her head and said..Today is the auspicious day for Kuru Vansh. You stepped in and gratified us..  where is Phalgun? He did the feat and brought you..By the way what did he give you today?
Panchali blushed and smiled. For her she is his wife.. She won't change her mind.
Gandhari whispered ..Do spend time with your husband..Atleast tonite. His wives are not leaving him I know. Still your right to spend ..don't be inhibited.Panchali smiled and touched her feet.
When she walked back to the kitchen she still has the smile on her face.

The night dinner that day became memorable with Bheema's effort. He made the cooks prepare his special dishes with whatever is awailable for them.
Serving them with pride he declared.. I dedicate this special dinner to Panchali. This is the day she arrived in our life. I can't imagine Pandavas without her...she endured so much. She still became our inspiration. If we are in Hastinapur I would have celebrated the occasion with grandeur. I regret I can't do it now..
Satya whispered in Panchali's ears..Bhimsen loved you so much. He just can't do. Without you. I wish Arjun should have been like that with you..but he has attitude. He won't be likeBhim.