The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 198

May be the effect of your love...Arjun said mischievously.
Draupadi turned her face away. He is too smart at words.
Arjun got up and placed his head in her lap. He clapped her waist and. Pretended sleep with closed eyes.
Panchali adjusted his hair that still is as thick and curly. Pari inherited his hair. She thought.
Arjun opened his eyes and confessed. You have magic in your fingers.. how soothing it is..These days you became too busy to attend on me...He said with a serious face.
Panchali taunted him...Why..you have all your wives with you now. They will do everything..Why should I interfere?
Arjun declared ... Let them be with me but I can't free you my services as of now..You feel only you are possessive. But I am also too possessive to let you go..
Panchali smiled with immense satisfaction. He is her Arjun..and remains so...forever..

The darkness still is thick..It is not even the fourth quarter of night. But Arjun is walking alone towards Ganga teer. He is feeling passive,cool,but why he can not fathom.
Hours before he and his Krishnaa celebrated the day in each other's arms..they became one in soul and body...She is in deep sleep.
He came out. The cool breeze,the stars in the sky ,the moon nothing is offering him any thing he wondered why.
Arjun Who always lived in present,who tried his best to keep his family happy despite the loss of children...
Arjun Who extended his warmth to all his wives..by spending time..by being with them when they need..
Arjun crossed the mango grove...Why is he so dull..so aloof so different..
Suddenly he felt the warm touch of his Madhav on his shoulder.
Arjun breathed heavily...Will he leave again..not to come again into his life?
Arjun understood why he is feeling depressed. His Madhav is leaving for Dwarika day after tomorrow.

Krishna hugged him and pulled him to the river and into the waters.
Both are deep inside the flow of the river..the tides are swinging them upside down..
Arjun remembered their first swim together at Prabhas tirth before his marriage with Subhadra.
They played in water exactly the same way.. Arjun laughed heartfully..Krishna joined him.
They swam and swam for one hour and reached the shore.
They both lied on the sand...the stars are laughing in glee
Krishna asked raising on his elbow...So why is your mood off? Is this treatment enough to rejuvenate your spirits or another session of swimming is needed?
Arjun smiled with contentment...He is back to his own self. Vibrant..energetic..
He said.. I am back..and thanks for the remedy...And one more thing..you may expect me in Dwarika whenever I feel like...Krishna smiled back..I will be more than happy. Don't be  dull ..You have Pari to groom and it is a full time job for you..Arjun nodded..You are right. I should concentrate on him..
Krishna teased..and on your fireborn also. Nice to see you both enjoy the day Sorry night together.
Arjun smiled...She deserves..rather we deserve to enjoy atleast at this point of time..

The fourth quarter of the night gave way to fifth one...
Veda Vyasa Who came to the river bowed to Krishna and winked at Arjun...I told you I am jealous..
Krishna and Arjuna laughed and walked towards the hermitages.
Just then Panchali entered the kitchen and lighted up the Diya. Rukmini Who is arranging flowers to Annapurna Devi raised her eyes on seeing the friends walk in with wet hair. They changed their dhotis but the hair?
Satya Subhadra Alli Chitra Ulupi together rushed in and exclaimed..Where did you go early in the morning or you were out in the night itself?
Panchali sideglanced Arjun with surprise...She saw the mischievous glint in his eyes.

It was a hectic day for every one at Hastinapur. The royal family returned just two days back much to the relief of citizens. The extended stay at Gangateer made Hastinapur people anxious and impatient.
For two days no royal formalities started in routine. But the third day became eventful as it started with royal assembly gathering in the morning at 11'o clock.

Panchali also attended the assembly reluctantly. She has lot of things to attend at Antahpur...She has to check the maids who stayed back and attended the harem duties.
Sahadev informed her in the morning at breakfast the order of Yudhishtir,who left before every one gathered at the dining hall. He has a meeting with Yuyutsu and ministers.