Dancing Flames

~ 20 ~

Shubhangini was upset. She didn't wish to pour her anger on Pandavas but she didn't know why she it.

They were her family and how could she trust an outsider over her family. 

Feeling guilty, she walked towards where Pandavas were working. It was almost evening, and they were doing what they normally do. It seemed like they weren't much affected with her words, but only Shubhangini could see how affected they were.

They worked more harshly and barely gave attention to their wounds, which they normally would clean and band it, because Shubhangini hated seeing them hurt.

Their moist eyes, and threatening to spill tears, or their calm and fake facial expression. She could see it all.

And that hurt her more, how could she be the reason for their misery?

She ran back inside and returned with Sahdev's medical kit, "All of you. Sit here." She commanded like a Queen.

Slowly she aided their wounds and say down next to them, "I am sorry I hurt you all." She confessed making the four gasp.

"It wasn't your fault. It was ours." The eldest Pandav spoke.

Shubhangini was about to deny, she had hurt them not the other way round, but Yudhisthir started speaking again, "I think it is time we tell you about Draupadi. The lifeline of Pandavas.

She was born from the holy fire, to the King of Panchal, Drupad. 

Years ago, our cousin Duryodhan had conspired to kill us. We escaped and after that, we met her. Arjun won her hand in Swayamvar and later we five married.

Our lives turned more bright with her.

But then, one day I did the most stupidest thing.
Hearing my cousin's word, I staked her like a commodity. And that was the day I lost her.

I broke her trust. I became the reason of her miseries.
But Panchali? Even when she was hurt, she never left. She stayed with and supported me.
She was the Supreme Empress and yet she chose to be with me like a forest dweller."

Yudhisthir said, explaining what he could about Draupadi to Shubha.

"Where is she now, you said she never left?" The young girl asked, Yudhisthir sighed, "She is taking a rest."

Shubbhangini listened to his words carefully. She heard it all, the conspiracies of Duryodhan.

"So in two months we have to stay hidden?" She asked to which Yudhisthir nodded.

"Will Arjun return by that time?" She asked softly.

Bheem sighed, "We do no know."

Meanwhile, Arjun spent his days learning vigorously, and spent his night praying to the Supreme Goddess.

Indradev was impressed this as well. 

But he wasn't the only one impressed with Arjun.

The Supreme Goddess, Maa Kaalratri was impressed by penance as well.

Arjun, as he had said before, had left food and water and even breathed with pauses. He only had ten days in hand and he had to complete his penance before that.

It was night of Amavasya, the night without moon.

Arjun, as usual was immersed in his penance when he heard a voice. 

He saw a wild boar running towards with full speed. But he was Swarg, how can any wild animal run like this? Arjun concluded that this boar was an illusory demon.

He took his Gandiv and shot the boar. The animal fell down at instance. Satisfied with his shot, Arjun went ahead to remove his arrow, but to his surprise he saw a woman walking near him, "Oh warrior, this arrow and this hunt is mine. Please step away."

"No Devi. I have shot this demon. And it is my arrow." Arjun replied.

"It is mine." The woman spoke, "You seem like a sage." She added.

"I am Rishi Dron's student, Devi. And you have mistaken my arrow for yours."

The woman looked slightly annoyed, "You can be anyone for all I care. But this is my hunt." 

Arjun was about to reply when she spoke again, "If you are so confident then fight me and prove?"

"But- How can I fight you? You are a woman." Arjun was surprised.

"In war like situations, man and woman both have fought. And it is not Adharma to raise weapon woman who is all set to fight." She spoke clearing his dilemma."

Arjun understood her words. 
She seemed like a woman of great wisdom.

Arjun got ready to fight and so did she.

After a few minutes, Arjun realized she was a great warrior. But neither of them could win.

In the middle of the duel, Arjun kneeled down and kept his Gandiv near her feet, "Forgive me, oh mother of three worlds, for my actions.
How could I not recognize you Maa Kaalratri?"

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I bet you did not expect this 😉😉😉