•|| Arjun~ Becoming the Peerless One ||• (II) ✔

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝟸𝟼

Hastinapur, Guru Dron's Ashram

Arjun's POV

I rushed inside the armory, and my sight adjusted against the dim light. All sorts of weapons, beginning from javelin to daggers, from chakrams to spears, lances and maces were meticulously arranged back in their positions after their usage. The neighs of the stallions were echoing in the silent atmosphere, for the stables were located just at a distance from there. Fortunately, the attendants acceded to my request of entering the armory at this hour, after a plead. 

My eyes lingered upon the long and sleek bows of various designs, curvatures and height; each of them created to suite our needs. Weapons, exported from Hastinapur and indeed, quite a load of expense was spent for our convenience. From setting up the ashram in Varanasahrya to guards, Pitamah didn't spare an ounce for the lack of any sources. He was indeed joyous to assist Guru Dron and was even willing to expend more so that more students could be exposed to his teachings. 

A smile spread on my lips as my fingers gripped the curvy body of the bow; sleek, long and almost five and a half foot, very appropriate for my usage and complemented my height. Stacks of arrows, polished and pointy with feathers attached towards the end caught my attention, and grabbing the quiver I rushed out of the chamber. 

There was darkness all around, with the only source of light being the moon. Since all the students had retired to their quarters including my brothers, it was rather tranquil. The clouds that had gathered a few moments ago, appeared to be drifted away. I noticed a huge tree at our practice arena, where our targets were already set. There were pots already hanging for the shabdhavedi form of archery, dummies made of hay, long poles which had only one target attached and of course, the regular targets. 

I settled my target for shooting, adjusting it thoroughly. Stepping behind to maintain the apt distance, I collected my bow and strung it till it was satisfactorily taught. There was a booming twang that reverberated, and at once my heart fluttered. I always recalled how I used to rush out of our cottage back in Shatasringa hearing Pitashree's twang of the bow, and oh it sent such an unexplainable thrill down my spine!

Adjusting myself carefully, my fingers circled around the arrow which I collected from the quiver and settled it against the body of the bow with the other set of digits encircled around the curved surface of the weapon, I stretched the arrow right up to my ear and shoulder to maintain the stretch and taught. It was true, my eyes were still in the verge of adjusting in the dark environment—but it would, I comforted myself.

The target was mingling with the bark of the tree and the foliage around, and with the lack of light just appeared as a huge set of circular disk. The fine lines weren't visible accurately nor the bull's eye. I shifted a bit right, the aim was visible but alas not clear. I realized I won't be hitting the target properly, but nevertheless shot it.

Heck, it swished through the air and hit somewhere in the middle. I rushed up towards the target, and dejectedness crept over me realizing that I had missed the aim by almost four inches towards the left. Reason being the darkness of course...

I pulled away the arrow and rushed back, my jaws clenching slightly.

Settling it again, I began to concentrate myself on the target; the fact that I had calculated a bit there were the bull's eye was supposed to be was etched in my mind. Though I new the fact very well that if I had to—though it was against the Kshatriya norms to fight after sunset—then I wouldn't be having much time to assess my opponents. But, it was just the beginning and all I needed was to adjust my mind and eyesight. 

I rested the arrow back and projected it again.

Rushed forward, again—I had missed it by three inches. Determination now swept over me, I did not want to return to my quarters unless I had atleast hit three—or even two arrows right at the aim. To the hell with sleep!