The fateful evening part 3

Part 3

Panchali repeated her question " Answer me first..she demanded.
Arjun turned her to face him and replied. " Madhav sent message. He is sending her with Satyaki within a week.
Panchali sulked. You know everything but you won't tell me till I ask.
Arjun pulled het on to the couch and lied down on her lap...I want to surprise you. If Pragati suddenly arrives how would you feel? You made me tell and I missed the chance.
Panchali said in a low voice..There is no strength left in me to bear with surprises good or bad.Nowadays I feel too exhausted mentally and physically.

Arjun silently watched her and realised the truth of her words. He got up and made her lie on the coach ..He made space for himself and asked with concern. Krishnaa Let Sahadev check you properly and give aushadhis.You need them. Sahadev said you did not allow him to check.
Panchali tried to change the topic. Arjun..how do you plan to celebrate Pari birthday? Will Govind and Satya come here?she asked.
Arjun nodded his head. They won't come. Subhadra's father is unwell.He may not come.
Panchali placed her head on his heart.She felt a strange urge to merge in him totally. What else is left in life? Better to end the journey here..but Pragati?
Panchali looked up and asked...Dont you think we should get Pragati married as soon as possible?I fear she will become an ascetic in life like her father.
Arjun smiled. If her father is an ascetic he won't be lying beside his most beautiful wife..That too afterbecoming Pitamah.
Panchali laughed heartfully..This Pitamah is ever young with no grey hair even at this age..she said and ruffled his hair..
Parth hugged her closer and said passionately. Your love that is eternal is keeping me young.If you stop loving I will instantly grow old.
Panchali closed his lips and stated..Till my last breath I keep loving you Dhananjay..

Arjun got tears in his eyes. He rewarded her not with words but with his deeds.

Chitra told Ulupi. I want to get Babhru married. It is high time he start familylife.
Ulupi Agreed. Do you have any princesses in mind? She asked.
Chitra answered..No. but  I want to check the portraits of girls and send some good ones to him. He will select himself.
Alli Who came there supported the idea. My children are still young. But Babhru should marry now. She said
Subhadra upheld their plan. Let us tell our husband to collect portraits.

Hastinapur wore a festive look. Future empower Pari's birth day falls after five days.. after a long time an event to enjoy and celebrate..
There was no message from Kunti and others.Those Who went to give them invite came back and informed them. The Elders were seriously immersed in penance all through the day. They did not receive the message.
Sanjaya told them he will inform when they come out of their trance.
Sahadev fumed at them. Why did you return back? You could have waited till they meet you..

Arjuna became dull. What does this indicate? He remembered Gita verses..Madhav give me strength to face the obvious..he closed his eyes and found him with his Devine smile.
Yudhishtir ordered them to go again but Arjuna prevented him. Eldest.let us not disturb them. They are trying hard to reach their ultimate destination..
Yudhishtir nodded. I also thought that way but Sahadev can not be controlled if I won't send them again. Sahadev come here...he called his youngest brother and hugged him close. Sahadev got tears in his eyes. His Eldest never expressed himself...so..
Bheem and Nakul also hugged Sahadev and called  Arjun also. All the five stayed clasping each other with tears. Every one knew what is going to happen..
Arjun took Sahadev with him to the garden and told him ..Be strong and try to control yourself. Feel mother's touch on your head...
Sahadev wept like a small child clasping Arjun's neck.

Pari seriously asked Uttara..What do you give me As my birthday present?
Uttara smiled and pretended to pat him on his cheek. Still ten days to go. Why are you asking me now? Last year I gave you beautiful ear rings.
Pari stopped her. I don't want any ornaments. He said with clarity.
Uttara raised her eyebrows. What do you want? She asked with suspicion.
Pari said..I want you and my Pitamah to tell me everything about my father. Everything.
Uttara closed her eyes. She could see Abhi smile at her.. What could she tell about him? How short the period they spent..but those days only were golden days for her..
Uttara took Pari closer and promised.. I will tell your Pitamah.
All the queens are sitting in a circle. They have the portraits of girls of  royal families in the middle placed on a silky mat .
Chitra is too excited.She said..I am grateful to Nakul he got all these for me. If I depended on my husband he wouldn't have responded.
Ulupi smiled and said.. Yes he did not marry in a traditional way. So he would expect his son also to do some adventure and get a girl.

Chitra said instantly..He got the opportunities. Now children won't get such. He came to me did not tell who he was. Challenged he will marry me by next day and teach archery. He was Arjun.so it was possible for him. My father instantly said yes to his proposal.
Subhadra Agreed. You are right. He abducted me Ofcourse with my brother's guidance.Who will allow now? She said..
Rekha said..I loved him and he came to me due to Mata Rani's grace.He defeated my brother and accepted me. When I think about it I feel it was like a miracle.

Ulupi nodded..I took him by illusion. I was so tensed up as to whether he would agree or not. He was so serious.I was so anxious but he obliged. I will always be grateful to him.
Panchali could not listen more. She got up ..I have work I will finish it.she said.
Ulupi also got up and whispered in her ear. If you go I think you did not pardon me for my act. Princess your wish..
Panchali got embarrassed. Chitra stressed What is that secret?
Ulupi answered. I am telling her she should stay otherwise we all will go with her..
Panchali sat down again.
Alli started..It was Arjun who adopted such a way .if it was some one else he would have been punished. I still remember the beautiful snake..the eyes his eyes..
I never said it before you all but that snake electrified my whole being. I shiver when I think about it.
Arya smiled with understanding..It was Minakshi Mata who brought him to you. It was destiny just like he came to our kingdom and blessed me with his approval. Katyayini showed him to me in my dream.
Ulupi took Panchali's hand and asked How did you feel when he hit the target.

Panchali closed her eyes and felt the handsome brahmin youth smile at her.

Panchali tried to brush off their pressure. Some other time..she requested earnestly.
To her good fortune she received a message from Bheema to meet him at the Annapurna chamber. She got up smiled at her co wives and left.

Chitra remarked. Escaped again. She won't open up before us..

Ulupi explained. She would have ..but she was needed elsewhere.

Chitra shrugged her shoulders.

Uttara told Arjun about Pari's request.or rather demand.

Arjun became thoughtful. His grandson is growing up fast. He is feeling for his father. Atjun's Face turned pale. Did he do injustice to him by playing his part with rigidity? Is he too strict?

Uttara looked at him in confusion.What is going on in his mind? She said in a low tone...I am admitting before you. I spent too short a time with your son. Whatever memories I collected I can not share them with my son even. Please tackle Pari...Uttara's tears did not stop.
Arjun placed his hand on her head. He assured..Uttara..I will manage Pari. Don't worry..

Evening when Pari finished his music class he found his Pitamah waiting for him outside his chamber.
Arjun patted his cheek and said...You learnt so fast. Mohana rag in your voice..really sounded great.
Pari's eyes twinkled..

Arjun took Pari with him to the lake side which he often visits. He let him enjoy in every way. To Pari's surprise thereare boys waiting for him to play with him. Arjun told him that they are the sons of his soldiers.

Pari ran with them played different games designed by Arjun. He was not allowed to come our Of the Royal palace premises. He used to play only winthin that place mostly with Pragati and sometimes with relatives who used to visit the palace.
After two hours Pari got exhausted and let the boys go.
Arjun felt so relieved on seeing the glow in his eyes. He gave him fruits to eat and handed them over with his own hands.
Pari is all smiles seeing Arjun do things specially for him. He clasped his neck and hugged him closer.

Arjun closed his eyes . He has to get rid of his feeling of sorrow and tell Pari all about Abhi. Pari has every right to know about his father.
Arjun gave a peck on his cheek and said...Abhi also used to hug me after playing games. He enjoyed outside games so much. I have to invent new games for him every day.

Pari widened his eyes. First time his Pitamah is talking about his father. He questioned with hesitation. How did he look? I saw his portrait but he is grown up in that.
Arjun smiledand said.. He is so good looking better than me and you. He inherited Madhav's charm also. That is the reason. You look more like me..
Pari said with pride..And I like it that way.