The fateful evening part 3

Part 15

Princess of Panchal ...Wife Of Pandavas...Queen of Indraprasth...mother of Upa Pandavas...and Abhi...Sakhi Of Vasudev Krishn...daughter in law of Kurus sat in meditation in the spacious worship chamber of her own mansion.
Panchali has a personal worship chamber of her own apart from that common worship place that looks like a temple of sorts where Kunti used to do Puja.
At Hastinapur also Panchali got that rather small room inside her chamber that she frequently spends time at present.
She is finding peace within herself ,meditating on her Govind and Mata Sakti.
Once she expressed her confusion over her mind not being able to get fixed on the goddess..Krishna explained her in his soothing voice..
Don't ever feel disturbed by that...Leave your mind and soul free to wander wherever it wants to. After a point it will standstill and get concentration.
Since then Panchali never tried to stop herself and bring back from her memories.
On this day also she found herself immersed in her past..
The day when Arjun arrived with Subhadra,her sulking welcome Aarti...Her reluctance to listen to him..when he tried to convince her about her place in his life.
She could not forget the way he touched her hand on the pretext of stopping her from serving more..
The day did not end there...
Arjun purposely found the opportunity to meet her after dinner alone in the chamber adjacent to the spacious dining place.
Every one left but he waited for her..the next day being significant as a banquet has been thrown by Royal Pandavas in honour of the newly weds..and the prominent Yadavas who arrived close on the heels of Arjun and Subhadra.
Panchali who has the habit of staying there and reminding herself of the things done..and not done..did not expect him there.
He was lying on the large Asan with half closed eyes..her blue lotus fragrance must have alerted him of her arrival..
Panchali said in a low voice not to be heard by others..
You can go to Subhadra..she must be waiting for you.
Arjun got up and caught hold of her hand..
He asked her keenly observing her expression..
You are not waiting for me?
Panchali replied without mincing words..not any more.
Arjun pulled her close..his jaw tightened she turned her face away..
I don't think so..You will always wait for me Yajnaseni..his deep magnificent voice reached her ears,and soul...
Panchali forcefully pulled herself from the past...He is right.even after all these years..she found herself waiting for his footfall always.

Arjun stood at the entrance of Gurukul. It has been one month since gurumata Kripi left the place and went on a long journey to be with GuruDron. Yes she was no more.
Arjun did the last rites since Aswathama was not seen after the day he was cursed by Krishna.
Gurumata's last words brought tears in Arjun's eyes.
Tell him Arjun to redeem himself from his sin by touching the feet of Draupadi...Otherwise he can't have liberation.
Kripi blessed him by placing her hand on his head.
Like Gandhari I also want you as my son Arjun..I envy Kunti..she said.
I am your son Gurumata ..Arjun stammered with tears flowing down and wetting her hand that is in his grip.
Be with Panchali..Arjun...make her happy....That was her last line.
Arjun wiped his tears and walked to the ashram where his Gurumata lived.....he lied down on the floor ..reminiscing past..that left sweet and bitter memories.
Where is Arjun..Bhima asked Sahadev..It was dinner time and there is no trace of Arjun.
Subhadra,Chitra And Alli repeated the question. Ulupi waited silently.
Draupadi who is serving the king waited with bated breath. She knew he was sad over the demise of his Gurumata.
Her conscience could see him not with eyes but with heart.
Yudhishtir asked the same question.
Sahadev answered with a detached tone..He went to Gurukul..
Bhim scolded him...Why didn't you inform me? I would have stoppped him.
Nakul tried to see reason...Bharata Bhim he won't stop ..you know him.
Yudhishtir looked at Sahadev and said...you go tomorrow and bring him back. Suddenly we got news that Vedavyasji is arriving ..day after tomorrow.
First time he is coming to see us after The mishap that happened with Jyestpita,Gandhari Nata And mata Kunti..Arjun should be here to receive him...Yudhishtir got up and walked off.
Chitra nodded her head and protested..he didn't even tell me that he is going. Did he tell you? She asked Subhadra who instantly replied...No I didn't know..yesterday I was busy with Uttara. We both arranged his chamber properly..as he messed up everything and did not allow maids to do the work.
Panchali knew that all of them have their questioning gaze on her.She did not bother. She walked off and asked Vijaya to bring Sahadeva to her.
After a while a chariot started from royal palace with Sahadev,Vijaya and Draupadi occupying that..silently while all others retired to sleep.
The midnight in Gurukul was calm,soothening and silent. Arjun rolled towards his right side and inhaled the blue lotus fragrance. He opened his eyes and felt the warmth ..of his fireborn..He thought he is dreaming. He closed his eyes again.
He felt his head lying on her lap and opened his eyes...she smiled with concern..
When did you come here? Even after all these years you take pleasure in escaping from your Krishnaa.
Her words made him realise that it is not a dream...How did you come at this hour? He is anxious and agitated.
Your brother Sahadev and Vijaya came with me. They are at riverside..
She answered throwing back his curls.
Arjun hid his face in her lap...Krishnaa ..Gurumata...
Panchali took his face in her hands and said in her soft voice..
She is watching us now...her touch slowly I made him recover from his gloom

***Three days after there was an informal gathering after dinner to decide the venue of Babhru's marriage with Malavika,the princess of Videha.***
Obviously we celebrate it here in Hastinapur. Let bride's people come over here. We will look after everything ..Chitra decisively expressed her wish.
Others nodded in ascent. Subhadra agreed..She doesn't want to take Pari out of the city. He will get excited and his training sessions will get disturbed.
Sahadev said..I will make a list of duties that should be slotted to us ..Nakul you look after garments and dresses.
Obviously I will..Nakul said with attitude. Karenu pretended helplessness. Every one laughed in seeing her expression.
Bhima raised his hand and said Me and Panchali will take care of food.
Nakul teased him. You need to tell that? Where else you will be?
Bhim knitted his brows and turned to Arjun..***Why are you silent?****** ***
Arjun raised his eyes and said in a low voice as if measuring his own words." Let us go to bride's place and celebrate marriage.Not here.
Every one looked at him in shock...Chitra immediately protested..Why should we? Let them come.
Sahadev asked Arjun..Bhrata Eldest can not come then..How is it possible?
Arjun answered nonchalantly " I asked Yuyutsu. He will stay back and attend to royal matters.
Acharya Kripa won't come..his health is not good. Dhaumya Rishi will come.
All my officers will be on alert till we come back..
***Draupadi could not guess why he decided to go over there. She sideglanced him and found his face cool and composed.***
Chitra sulked..But here it could look grander...
Arjun smiled and got up to leave..You will enjoy your son's wedding irrespective of venue right? He questioned her and left.
***Bhima suddenly turned to Panchali and chided..I told you not to pamper him that much. Why did you go at Such mid night time to Gurukul to bring him back?***
Panchali stood embarrassed while all her co wives could not but stare at her in surprise.
Bhima turned to Sahadev and scolded..You should have asked me to come. I would have easily dragged him back.
Sahadev pretended apologetic and said..Next time I will call you..
Panchali looked at him withgratitude for not revealing the truth. It was she who asked Sahadev to take her to Gurukul. She was miffed with Bhim's outspokenness. He never said the pampering word in presence of her cowives. But now he did.
When only the women folk ( except Panchali)were left Chitra asked Ulupi..Tell me why he changed the venue. I know you know everything. And any one of you knew that she went to Gurukul ?
Ulupi smiled and confessed..I don't know believe me..and we also don't know that she went.
Arya sighed and declared..She did a right thing.Otherwise he wouldn't have come out of gloom.
Alli smirked..Ofcourse only problem is she did not call any of us..She took Vijaya.
That is because Sahadev will have her company. Subhadra said.
And Panchali could spend uninterrupted moments..with him..Chitra did not say it but Ulupi understood and patted her back.
Arjun looked at her questioning eyes ..It was midnight and she waited for him earnestly.
She repeated her question..Why did you change the venue.
Arjun sat in the jhoola and pulled her on his lap. She is thin,she is weak,she is so light to handle.
Because I don't want my Krishna to overburden herself at this point of time. Enough she did for me and my family.
Draupadi gazed at his hazel eyes filled with love and. Concern..She remained silent.
Arjun bent down placed her on the jhoola and hid his face in her heart..
Panchali took him nearer and nearer..Dont pamper him too much...Bhim's voice rang in her ears.
A beautiful smile appeared on her reddish lips, Savyasachi got mesmerised and touched the mole on her lip.