The fateful evening part 3

Part 16

The bride of Babhruvahana is beautiful and regal. She has the similar aura that Chitra has and carried herself with confidence.
The Kekaya royal family welcomed Pandava parivar with great pomp and grandeur.The present king Jayatsena was the father of the bride..Yamini Purna Tilaka..His father and his brothers fought on Pandava side in Kurukshetra war and died.
Babhru looked at the princess and muttered under the breath..Such a long name...strange..
Arjun who just stood behind heard and smiled. He bent forward and quipped..You have three options to address her..advantage my son!
Babhru blushed and nodded..yes the three names can be used at different times..
Parikshit gushed and exclaimed..,I liked this city..It has long sea shore ..When shall I go ?
Uttara tried to fix him with her eyes and Subhadra signalled  to control Pari..Arjun shrugged his shoulders and said...You can have your fill in the afternoon..
Panchali who stood beside Bhima bit her lip..She sideglanced him She knew he must be equally fascinated with the natural beauty of the Kekaya capital.
Yamini could not take her eyes of Panchali who looked younger,fresher and more beautiful than all the queens of Pandavas.How could she have such luscious hair? She wondered.
Chitra understood the awe struck expression of the princess and remarked ,Now it is my daughter in law's turn to get desparate seeing his queen....Ulupi only heard her and pressed her hand..Leave it Chitra..See how cute they both look together..bless them now...

The bride's father was overwhelmed to see the Emperor in his palace...Surely I am fortunate that you considered us good enough to offer our daughter..he told Yudhishtir humbly folding his hands.
Dharmaraj took his hands and assured..Your daughter will live like our daughter ..Let us celebrate the marriage with pleasure...
Bhima appreciated the efforts of the king for the arrangements he made and the tasty food served with utmost care and respect.
Arjun stood ,watching Pari playing in water..As the marriage is going to happen next day the Pandava royal family relaxed and enjoyed the hospitality of the bride's family..
After lunch Arjun,Nakul,Sahadev and Pari walked towards the seashore that is nearer to the mansion they occupied ..Chitra,Ulupi Alli Arya went to meet the royal ladies..
Subhadra,Karenu,Vijaya,Uttara accompanied Pari to sea shore.
Panchali wanted to stay back but then was forcefully dragged by Pragati who did not want to leave her mother alone.
Arjun felt relieved...on seeing her relax..his attempt to keep her stress free by shifting the marriage venue to bride's place..definitely correct..
On the sea shore many arrangements were done to make them enjoy ....Panchali sat in the Asan away from the waterline and Pragati reached Pari..
Subhadra warned Pari not to spend much time in water and approached Panchali...It is a futile attempt ..he won't listen to me. Pari is obsessed with water..she showed Nakul and Sahadev who are with Pari in water..guarding him.

Do you know why he is so lost in himself? Subhadra asked pointing at Arjun..who is seriously absorbed in thoughts.
Panchali stared at him. What else? He wanted Govind to come but he might not oblige this time..she said.
Subhadra nodded ..I know.,father is unwell..
Suddenly the sound of chariot wheels disturbed them..Next moment they saw Arjun running towards the chariot..It was driven by Daruka., And the peacock feather,Vyjayantimala Mala,yellow garment ..clearly seen...alighting from the chariot..It is Krishna Vaasudev with Satya waving her hand to Panchali..
Next moment Arjun almost threw his Madhav down with excitement ..exclaiming..you want to give me surprise?
And how is it? Krishna winked at his soulmate.
Krishna's arrival lighted up the whole atmosphere. Bride's father fell down and touched his feet. I was blessed with your presence..Swayam Bhagavan arrived..What more do I want? He expressed his gratitude again and again.
Krishna smiled and added..It is the marriage of Parth's son. How could I stay back?

When they are alone Arjun asked him...Is everything well back home? Satyaki said Yadava youth had gone out of control.
Krishna nodded in approval ..It is true. Sometimes we have to let things happen as they ought to be.I am trying my best though to keep things in control..
Arjun sighed and pressed his hand assuringly.
Why are you so serious looking? Satya who entered with Draupadi demanded answer.
Arjun shrugged his shoulders and Krishna quipped..Sakhi I am happy that finally Parth understood how to keep you free from burdens.
Panchali sideglanced her husband and Satya asked..what did he do for her?
Arjun said tongue in cheek..That is for you to guess..use your brain.
Satya pouted and asked Panchali in a low voice..Did he gift you anything special like he gave you that mang Ka tika And waistband?
Panchali's face flushed in red..she answered with a pause..Those were the days Satya..now I don't want any ornaments..
Satya nodded with understanding. She looked at Panchali who wore a simple majanta colour sari with gold border. She had the black beeds chain round her neck and the bracelet on hand given by Kunti..She wore glass bangles that are plain with little design. Her hair is tied up on her back without being arranged in a plait.
She did not even wore mang Ka tika..her center parting is filled with Sindhur making her look pious and calm.
Her nose ring is shining as usual and the glow on her face did not diminish.
Satya hugged her close and confessed..You dominate every one still...how did you manage?
Subhadra who entered with Chitra and Alli ..called up..Satya Bhabhi.that was the eternal puzzle which won't have an answer.
while Krishna and Arjun laughed Panchali looked embarrassed..
Chitra muttered under her breath....Even my daughter in law got mesmerised..what to say..
Alli nodded her head and smiled.

Chitra folded her hands and requested Krishna.. Please come to the special chamber where the marriage formalities will start. The bride and bridegroom are waiting for you both..
Krishna nodded and walked off with Parth.
Both the families have assembled to formally announce the alliance..the priests on both sides are taking the names of the clan ..and the ancestors.
Chitra's father was no more but still because of Arjun's word to him,Babhruvahana was termed as the grandson of King Of Manipur.
Arjun did not get perturbed. Babhru belonged more to his father-in-law he thought.
Neither did the other Pandavas. For them Parikshit only is their successor..
Chitra suddenly got up and asked the priest to tag Babhru as the son of Arjun..
Arjun became serious..not necessary Chitra.,I have given my word..he said.
Chitra looked at Yudhishtir.." We don't have a problem ..let your father's clan acknowledged through Babhru" Yudhishtir said....Babhru felt uncomfortable..Why is his mother making an issue of it? Just because his grandfather is not alive his word should not be disrespected.

Chitra got hurt..she understood how her son lost the credit of being tagged as the son of the greatest warrior of Aryavarth.
Krishna stood and raised his hand. ***Nothing wrong if Babhru 's real lineage is mentioned . This is marriage ceremony. By doing so the ancestors of Kurus will be gratified. Do it...He signalled the priest to proceed.***
Babhruvahan sighed with relief.He knew his mother will feel happy now and his prime concern is his mother only.
After the dinner...Arjun took Krishna to the sea shore..which is too nearer..Satya pulled Panchali and followed them.
Next day being the marriage every one retired to their chambers...
Satya liked the ambience so much.She stood in water but Panchali stayed back.
Tadiya moon is looking beautiful occasionally hiding under white clouds.
The minister of the state came there in search of Arjun to enquire whether the arrangements done are sufficient ..He touched Krishna's feet with devotion.Krishna patted his back and moved towards Panchali and Satya.

How are you Sakhi? Looking peaceful and...lost out..Krishna gazed into her eyes.
Draupadi replied with caution. Nothing like that I am fine Govind..
Satya moved further waving her hand to Krishna..who rushed fast..towards her.. Panchali got a smile on her face. His concern for her  is everlasting.. but he is ***Govind..he treats every one with concern. SO is Satya special for him or not?***
Panchali wondered.Suddenly the tide struck her with force and she lost balance but next moment she found herself safe in his arms. Arjun held her tight and pushed her curls back. Time stopped for both of them.