The fateful evening part 3

Part 14

Panchali felt embarrassed while Chitra questioned sharply...So you didn't mean what you said in praise of us?
Chitra's remark was met by a shrug by Arjun. Ulupi smiled and exclaimed...I agree..the haar I got beautified her whole persona...no..by wearing it Panchal princess enhanced its beauty..
Chitra nodded her head in desperation hearing Panchal princess from Ulupi.
Arjun still did not move away from Panchali while his queen tried to move away in vain. She started removing the haar but as usual it got struck in her hair...
Arjun did not hesitate to do the needful while his wives stood stupefied . Ulupi came forward to help him while an embarrassed Panchali could not do anything but to let her husband have his way.
After a while the haar was brought out from the thick mass of hair..,
Arjun handed it over to Ulupi and walked away...
Panchali stared at his. disappearing form..and wondered..,why is he that forthcoming?
She reminisced the
same incident that happened on her birth day when her black Beed chain got stuck up in her hair..Arjun released it the same way but they were alone then..now he did it before all his wives...
Panchali signalled Ulupi with her eyes and left..
Chitra couldn't control herself but comment...What is he trying to prove at this point of time? That she is way ahead of us in beauty?
Subhadra tried to explain...Not at all. He just said what he felt...don't draw other meanings...
Ulupi appreciated Subhadra...Exactly...Even I felt the haar looked so beautiful on her. He also said the same.
Alli retorted...But I observed a change of attitude of our husband towards her..
Rekha said...Let us not think too much about this...after all she is his first wife.
Arya agreed...Nothing strange..,let us move on to other work..
Panchali searched for Pragati everywhere..It has been a week since Pragati artived from Dwarika.She was worried on seeing her aloof,detached and thoughtful. She was not taking interest in the upcoming wedding preparations.,
Panchali wanted to tell Arjun but he was too busy with his commitments.
Arjun returned late at night from Gurukul. He went there in the morning to attend on Guru Mata Who is counting her days.. He took Rajavaidya but she refused to let her check.
Arjun..I am waiting for his call. Don't try to pull me back..she said in her feeble voice.
Arjun got tears in his eyes. She is equal to Kunti and Gandhari for him..How could he leave her without medication?
After two hours he succeeded in making her oblige..she took aushadhi and drank milk. By evening she recovered a bit.
Don't stay here Arjun! You have to go and look after Babhru's marriage preparations.she said.
Arjun took promise from her that she will take medicine without fail. You should bless Babhru and his wife..he pleaded with her.
Arjun did not want to disturb her...of late his queen is unable to wake up in midnight hours to welcome him. She is indisposed..very frequently she is getting fever these days.

Sahadev told him...Years of hardships took toll on her. Mentally and physically she is exhausted...she needs rest..
But how could she take rest? Impossible for her..thought Arjun.
He slowly walked towards her couch..she is in deep sleep. Arjun sat beside her without disturbing her sleep. Suddenly her lips parted and she stammered...Pragati....Pragati..
Arjun understood her anxiety. His little princess nowadays is scaring her mother with her detached behaviour...he should take care of her...Arjun took Panchali's hand in between both his hands.
He gazed at her beautiful face..the lines on her forehead is indicating her unrest.
Suddenly cool breeze forcefully intruded and blew off her Pallu making her mole on heart greet Arjun.
Arjun smiled to himself. Years passed but still he is blown off his feet by her beauty.iit ignites passion specially the mole. Arjun bent down to caress it with his lips..
Panchali turned sideways suddenly and Arjun drew nearer in response..
She half opened her eyes and felt his warmth so nearer....She stammered instantly...Arjun....Pragati..
Arjun placed his forefinger on her lips and stopped her from saying more...I will deal with my daughter..he said confidently.
Panchali pouted and repeated..your daughter?
Arjun smiled with his irresistible charm...without doubt..he said.
Panchali bit her lip...yes his daughter only..that is why such thoughts....his detached persona mirrors in his daughter.
Arjun observed her thoughts...and assured. She won't be an ascetic. Leave your fears. Could Pragati's father restrains himself from worshipping her mother's beauty? He is enslaved to his queen.
Panchali tried to get up but Parth did not allow..her..She is imprisoned in his strong arms..willingly..

It was evening time..pradosha ...Sunset happened but still the orange hue did not let darkness take charge.
Arjun worshipped Shiv Ling with bilwa patr. The priest wondered at his undeterrred concentration.
Years passed since the Pandavas became the rulers of Kuru kingdom. But not even once he found the prince not attend and worship Mahadev ...two times a day.
Arjun finished his Puja and bowed ,signalling his intention to leave.
As he walked towards the place where he usually spend time to relax,the lakeside at the end of royal garden,he observed someone sitting in deep thought. ..She is none other than Pragati.
Arjun keenly checked her face...it is beautiful like her mother's but her eyes are hazel eyes..his eyes.. She is in deep thought. What must she be thinking?
Arjun approached her and placed his hand on her head. Pragati looked up and clasped his waist tightly..Pitashri...she uttered the word in a whisper.
Ask mother to be strong enough to bear with my separation. I would like to go to the ashram of Sage Veda Vyas and live there.
Pragati said in a decisive tone. Arjun expected something like that but he was unsure of it..he thought Pragati won't take such step..
Why do you wish to live there,my pr8ncess? He took her on his lap like always does when he wants to convince her of some matter.
Pragati placed her hands round his neck and replied..Pitashri..I am not interested in worldly pleasures. I want to pursue spiritual path.
Arjun smiled and said...I appreciate your decision..I also thought the same years back..
Pragati heaved a sigh of relief. Her father will understand . He will convince her mother.
Arjun silently watched her expressions. He knew how delicate the matter is. Pragati needs to be tackled with utmost care.
Arjun brushed off his thoughts and patted her cheek. But right now we all should work for Babhru's marriage. As a sister,you should take responsibility and help your mother ...you know she is not doing well nowadays..
Pragati nodded her head. She knew her mother is not fit to carry the burden anymore. But as a queen she should be in the front for every occasion.
Draupadi stared at the father and daughter coming together hand in hand ,to the dining place. She saw a spark in Pragati's eyes...that was missing since Kunti's demise.
When Arjun went to the washing place Draupadi followed him and asked...what did you do to Pragati? She looks happy and relaxed?
Parth smiled and touched her head..with concern..Don't be stressed up ..nothing to worry. I promise Pragati is my responsibility..
Panchali nodded her head..she knew he is a winner and he started the process to appease his daughter.
Secrets shared ? Chitra's teasing voice is heard from behind.