•|KrishnaKusum|• : A Saga of Uragapataka

•|24|• : New member?

The announcement of Gandhari's arrival startled Bhanumati and pulled her out from her chain of thoughts. He rose up from her couch which was placed near the window and approached the door to greet her mother in law.

Gandhari made her way into her daughter in law's chamber with her left hand resting on the shoulder of the maid who was leading her.

" Pranipat Maata " Bhanumati greeted her and touched her feet.

" Sukhibhava " Gandhari blessed caressing her hairs gently but her voice echoed the emptiness behind it.

" What's the matter maata? You could have sent a word, I would have arrived at your feet within no time. Why do you stress yourself by walking up to here" Bhanumati asked with a smile gently taking Gandhari's hand in hers and leading her to a couch to be seated.

Gandhari smiled as she sat on the couch listening to her. Bhanumati herself sat near her feet with comfort and gently started to press her feet. Gandhari always loved this eldest daughter in law of hers, ever gentle and calm Bhanumati's actions never failed to impress her.

" What's the matter maata?" Bhanumati asked softly.

Gandhari touched her face trying to read her feelings in her own way. She caressed her head to find her hairs undressed. She wore a pale smile and cupped her cheek.

" You are at present not happy I know. Because of Subhadra Swayamvara " Gandhari started. Bhanumati placed her head on her laps and hummed.

" I am not sad because of her swayamvara, I cannot digest the fact that he is present there. Is that because I haven't given him a heir yet?" Bhanumati's question pierced Gandhari straight in her heart.

" No no Bhanu, Suyodhana is not that heartless one. Trust my son, he loves you soo much " Gandhari pacified Bhanumati.

" I agree it's not a new thing that Kings having heirs from women other then their consorts. You can see Yuyutsu as the example " her voice became heavy this time, yet Gandhari maintained her composure and continued. The rare and essential quality to sit on the throne of Hastinapura as a Queen it was. Gandhari possessed it in tons.

" But my son is not one among them. His journey to Dwaraka definitely for gaining Krishna's friendship. Subhadra is just a reason " Gandhari caressed her head. Bhanumati held Gandhari's hand tightly.

Gandhari now started the most important thing she actually wanted to share.

" Putri, Will you take a word of mine now?" She started gently. Bhanumati looked up with questioning look.

" Go ahead maata, I will do it" She assured.

" You might heard your husband's birth story, it's all true. He is the fruit of my long-lasting wish. It's true that I cannot abandon him, he is my son. But at the same time I cannot justify his deeds too. I remember my little Suyodhana who ran behind me always but I failed to figure when my son grew up with this much hate in his heart towards his cousin. I don't know how he became that much cruel to burn alive his Aunt and cousins. With in a snap things went away from my hands. I can't do anything now " Gandhari said and a tear drop rolled from her eyes.

Bhanumati pressed her hand gently giving the sense of support and assurance to her mother in law.

" Pandavas might have left to Indraprastha. But now Arjuna is back. I know and I am sure my son won't sit quietly. Bhanu, when man goes out from mother's hand, the last way to control him is his wife. Please be careful on this matter. Let no blunder befall on anybody " She requested.

" I can understand Maata. But I don't think he would listen to me. He has already cleared from his side that I should never ever interfere in this matter. In a way, I am helpless too " Bhanumati sighed.