The calm before the storm: The sanguine Krishna-Arjun journey

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟟: 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕕𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕥

Arjun's pov

Madhav sent ahead word that his negotiation had failed. Duryodhan had refused to give them five villages, and the war was finalized. There was an addition to the message: 'Duryodhan planned to capture your envoy but luckily Satyaki tends to stay one step ahead of everyone.'

"Does he mean it literally?" said Arjun in disbelief, when the messenger related it in King Virata's court.

"Yes, there was quite a scene in the court," said the messenger. "The High Minister Vidur informed the court of King Duryodhan's disgraceful plot, and there was great outrage."

Arjun felt light-headed with fury.

"If Satyaki hadn't found out--"

"Come on, even if Satyaki wasn't a step ahead, they would never have been able to capture Govind," said Draupadi. 

Arjun knew that; yet the idea of someone daring to plot against Madhav drove reason out of his system. The others were deriding Duryodhan's attempt; he hardly registered the rest of the conversation in the court.

Afterwards, when most people had left, King Virata approached him.

"You know, Arjun," he said thoughtfully. "Your relationship with Krishna has always intrigued me. And I probably speak from the whole of the Aryan Kingdom. He is the ultimate Lord—it is on his schemes that the universe is running. Do you think it is possible he cares for you? He actually cares what you think?"

"Of course—" said Arjun, disconcerted. "Madhav is not the Lord of Creation to me. He is my dearest friend, my dearest companion."

"I do not doubt that. I do not doubt, either, that he considers you his dearest friend on earth, too. But the grand scheme of things is so much bigger than the earth, and our present time, you know? Do you trust he would place you above it?"

"Madhav is my family," said Arjun. "Do you not trust your family blindly, King Virata?"

The King wore a wry smile. "Yes, indeed I do. But I cannot quite imagine one of them being celestial. Not just celestial, but the Lord of Creation."

Arjun looked away.

"I am sorry if I upset you, Arjun." King Virata sounded genuine. "My intention was simply to know your views on the matter—I am sorry if I overstepped—"

"No, it's all right, Your Highness," said Arjun. "I guess I just do not have any views on the matter at all."

***

Arjun couldn't help the nagging voice at the back of his head long afterwards as he waited for Madhav with Abhimanyu and Srutakarma at the gates of the palace. Panchali flitted in and out of the palace; going in to work, coming out to check if Madhav was back.

His sons were engaged in conversation, frequently calling upon his opinions.

Normally Arjun cherished the moments he got with his sons. Today it was tinged with worry. Iravan, his oldest son, was to arrive that day. It was also going to be the first time he met his oldest son.

Add to that what King Virata had said.  

"You look bothered," Panchali commented to Arjun, one of the times she'd come out.

Abhimanyu perked up at once. "Are you bothered, Father?

Srutakarma, who was less expressive, looked around too.

"No," said Arjun. "You two wait here for Uncle Madhav, I need to have a word with Uncle Yudhishthir."

***