THE UNSPOKEN STORY

3. The queen of Savyasachi's heart

'One step closer '......thought the great archer, Gandivadari Arjuna as he sat resting his back leaning on a tree witnessing the sunset. The great prince who was once claded in the purest of silks and jewels was now wearing a simple rugged outfit of a forest dweller. The Pandavaas and Paanchali were in their sixth year of exile. Dhristadyumna had visited them in the morning. He informed them the well-being of their children. 

Arjuna's POV:  

       I was a little hesitant to ask him about Pragati, youngest of the Upapandavas, my little daughter. I somehow managed to ask him with the courage I could muster. 

"How is Pragati? "- I asked. 

I could see his smile fading. 

He replied - " She is fine. She holds a special place in everyone's heart. She is joyful, naughty, caring and helpful. In simple words,  she is the epitome of female form with her long soft locks and pleasing smile. She knows about the Dyut sabha. We tried to hide it a lot but she found out. Since then, she is afraid of being alone in dark and has continuous nightmares. But she manages to hide everything behind her smile. "    

He concluded with a faint smile. 

I looked at my wife and turned my head away unable to meet her fury gaze. Then looked at my brothers imagining their emotions. Even though she was very young  she had all of us wrapped around her fingers. She was Dhramaraja's dharma, Bhima's strength, Sahadeva's wisdom, Nakul's doll, Paanchali's friend and a lovely sister of the Upapandavas. But she was my queen, the queen of my heart. 

I couldn't focus on my tasks, as I was continuously worrying about my Pragati. I used to cradle her in my arms ,lift and circle her and she used to give me a toothless smile, which made my day. The hair on my skin rose hearing she was not able to sleep and was having nightmares. I feel guilty about not being near her during nights, to calm her down from those horrifying dreams, to hide her in my embrace and to shower her with all my fatherly love. I was in exile when Suthanu was born and hence I missed her childhood and now Pragati's too. 

"What horrible sin did I do in my past that I am not able to witness my daughter's childhoods, Oh Lord? "   - I almost shouted as tears made their way down. 

'Fathering a daughter ' was something I dreamt of. King Dhristarastra, Brother Yudhishtira,Krishna and Prince Duryodhana were blessed with daughters. By the divine grace of Lord, I too got an opportunity but failed to do so. 

"Madhava, you told me that I would get an incredible daughter. Time changed and me and my daughter are separated. Wouldn't she hate me for not being there with her? " - l cried my heart out in a forest clearing as no one could hear me. 

"Paarth" - I heard a calm voice that echoed from nowhere.  It continued. 

"Whatever I say is sure to happen.  You will get an incredible daughter.  The Dyuth  Sabha will teach her many things. Firstly, the most  important  jewellery of a woman is her self respect,  once broken is broken.  Secondly, never to blindly believe anyone.  Thirdly, this separation  will help her control her emotions and be strong. And never say that she hates you.... Never ever.  Pragati holds a special place  in her heart for her father.  She is eager to listen to your valour stories. She remembers you in her every breath. You have an incredible  daughter Paarth."

His words actually  calmed me down. Then I heard a soft voice.

"It is  time to  sleep, brother." -Sahadev informed me. 

I nodded  my head in affirmation and went inside the hut. 

Everyone  were quiet. I knew they were affected by Pragati's situation. I was too affected but somehow Krishna's words of assurance relaxed me. But still I prayed to Almighty to protect my daughter. Gently laying on the ground , I whispered " Please forgive this vulnerable  father, .... daughter. Please wait for the sunrise we yearned for... "

.........End of chapter -3..........