Soul connection: The first Krishna-Arjun journey

𝔼𝕡𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖

A month after the wedding, there was a solemnity in the air of Panchal as the Pandavas prepared to set off with their mother and wife for Hastinapur. 

They had never meant to return. King Drupad insisted they could consider Panchal their new home, and 'We shall not return till we have reason to,' Yudhishthir used to say.

But Madhav had convinced them to return. The Kuru dynastry's first bride of their generation was a reason, he said. Plus, it was time for Yudhishthir to reclaim his rights. Madhav had faced plenty of resistance to his plan, but he was far too good at persuasion.

When he had finally got Yudhishthir and Kunti convinced, he concluded with, "My best wishes will remain with you as you embark upon this new phase of your life."

Arjun pulled him aside.

"Are you not coming with us, Madhav?" he asked anxiously.

"I must return to Dwaraka, Parth. I have been away for months."

"But--"

Arjun was not good at hiding emotions, in general, and with Madhav, in particular. His disappointment was writ large all over his face. Krishna had a brief struggle with himself before pulling him into a hug.

"I will visit you very soon, I promise."

"In Hastinapur?" asked Arjun.

"If you are in Hastinapur at that point." Madhav winked.

It appeared ages since Arjun had first met Madhav at the swayamvar, but he felt exactly the same. He had never seen someone more exasperating, and yet he would trust him with his life.

They day they left, it was not easy for Arjun saying goodbye to Madhav. He watched as his friend spoke quietly to Draupadi, touched Kunti's feet, exchanged respectful good wishes with Yudhishthir and Bheem, and affectionate ones with Nakul and Sahadev. When he came to Arjun last of all, he caught both his hands with his familiar smirk.

"Why the long face, Parth? Are you nervous about what you will face in Hastinapur?"

"No," said Arjun, hoping his scowl diverted the attention away from his trembling voice. "Farewell, Madhav."

Krishna held back a laugh at the formal tone. "Farewell, cousin."

Then they were on their way.

"I would not be nervous about anything if you were with me," Arjun added to himself under his breath.

When they had crossed the gates, he glanced back. Madhav was gazing after him.

When they caught each other's eyes, Madhav smiled and raised his right hand to touch his left arm. Arjun did the same, and found the armband.

'Keep this to remind yourself I am always with you.'

The strange thing was, Arjun actually believed him.