The fateful evening part 3

Part 20

Hastinapur wore a celebrated look. Babhruvahan and his wife was given royal welcome by the whole city.
Chitrangada Subhadra and Ulupi did Aarti to newly weds.
Draupadi brought Priyamvada out of her chamber. She was ailing. With Kunti,Gandhari and Gurumata gone only she was left in that generation. She could not come out of her sorrow over Kunti's demise.
To Panchali's relief Arjun convinced Krishna to divert their journey to Hastinapur and then leave for Dwaraka.
For the grand reception that followed all the wives of Pandavas got themselves in their best attire and ornaments.
All of them knew that there may not be any other function that would bring them together to celebrate with good spirit.
Once back in Hastinapur,Panchali's schedule got her busy and preoccupied.
She doesn't want to make Chitra feel bad for any lapse.

Satya stayed with her through out.
She is asking Panchali whether she could suggest a right boy for Pragati..
Panchali sighed..Didn't you observe her attitude? She is least interested in worldly matters. She inherited Arjun's detached persona.
Satya remarked...He May be detached but he is a flirt. I told you in the begining itself. Those two pretend to be but when a beautiful damsel throws herself on either of them,they would favour.
Panchali smiled. Satya.,Is this the age for us to think of such things? Seriously you should develop detachment. Learn from my husband. She said in a low voice.
Satya laughed and challenged. I swear. I can prove how obsessed Arjun is for you Even now. He is a very good actor. That's all.
Panchali looked around to see if any of her cowives are present. Thankfully none of them are nearer..all are busy in the reception hall.
Who is such a good actor? Arjun questioned tongue in cheek..Krishna patted on his back and said. You who else? Satya says so.
And I am always right. Satya declared proudly.

Panchali did not want Arjun to be there leaving the reception hall.
What would Chitra say? She is apprehensive..
Arjun nodded his head,trying to look frustrated.
Satya said instantly..now don't act..
Krishna laughed and Panchali controlled her smile.

She asked Arjun..Why are you here? It is time for you to stand with Chitra on stage. Citizens and prominent people will come to wish you all.
Arjun questioned her back..And why are you here gossiping with your friend?
Panchali tried to explain..You know I have to look after dinner arrangements..
Arjun cut her short..Bhrata Bheem said everything is done. Giving you 15 minutes..get ready..I am waiting for you..
Satya cheered Panchali...Go dear..Let us meet there..to gossip more...she pulled Krishna forward..and Arjun smirked.
Panchali took twenty minutes to get ready .,

Malini did it fast..Panchali did not allow her to do it more than what she wanted.
She just wore a sky blue light silk sari with red border.
The red blouse she wore suited her so well with its simple stars on it..Malini made her long hair into one single plait. And the Jasmin's are hanging on her shoulders.
Her red oval shaped bindi made her face look too besutiful. She wore her black Beed chain and got up.
Malini pleaded with her and put the waistband which is simple but suited her slender waist ..
Malini said,,,See Princess,how thin you are looking....Panchali looked at her image for a final time in mirror..
As she walked with Malini towards the Royal corridor,she found Arjun on stage with bride,bride groom,Ulupi and Chitrangada..
Krishna and Satya already got seated themselves in front row.
Yudhishtir,Bhim And Nakul also occupied front seats.
Subhadra Uttara ,Alli And Rekha are sitting in second row..
Chitra is all smiles ,standing beside Arjun whose gaze got fixed on his fireborn walking slowly towards front rows,, Chitra turned her eyes to see where his eyes got stuck..
There stood his first wife as usual, Royal.regal,beautiful,elegant,graceful and ravishing !
Yamini Purna Tilaka could not blink her eyes..Is she real or Divine?
Ulupi smiled at her and answered..Divine born from fire,Yajnaseni Krishnaa won by Prince Arjun
accomplishing a difficult task.

Subhadra signalled Panchali to come forward..she is sitting with Satya..Uttara is on other side of her.
Satya pulled Panchali beside her,asking Subhadra to make space..
You look more like a bride than the bride herself..she quipped in Panchali's ear.
Subhadra who could over hear it nodded in approval..Ofcourse what is new? She said..
Draupadi got embarrassed. She did very little to make it appear simple. Still she is attracting attention. Even the bride is staring at her sheepishly.
Parikshit suddenly appeared on stage and stood behind Arjun. Every one wanted the boy to be with Babhruvahan but he is too inhibited to share the stage..
Arjun pulled him to the front and circled his neck with his arms making him stand still..Pari could not run down now.
Nakul smiled seeing Pari's face and winked.
Krishna waved his hand at Pari.
Subhadra And Uttara are all smiles..

Satya remarked..They both look like father and son..so much resemblance..
Panchali nodded with a smile., As Pari is growing up she can't help but find Kirti in his every gesture and look..
She closed her eyes as her vision blurred..
She got up on the pretext of seeing the arrangements for dinner.
Suddenly she observed Pragati nowhere around..Where did her daughter go leaving the grandeure and celebration..
She doesn't want to disturb Arjun,receiving guests..
Alli,Arya,Rekha they are sitting in third row but Pragati is not there!

Sahadev observed her and aporoached her..they both walked towards the adjacent dining place..
Where is Pragati? Panchali questioned her voice broke and she leaned on the Asan ,trying to compose herself..
She came with Arya ,don't worry she must have gone for some work..Sahadev assured her..
Suddenly Pragati rushed in and clasped her waist...I am here..why are you worrying? I did not become a saint yet..
Pragati said with a glint of miscevousness in her eyes.
Sahadev patted on her cheek and said..Who will let you be? Now don't play pranks with your mother..Take care of her..she became too weak..not caring for herself...
Panchali sat in the Asan and told Pragati to be on the stage...Go now..You should be with your sister in law.and help her if she wants anything..
Sahadev said..Let us go Pragati..Your Maata will come after a while. Let her relax..
Panchali walked inside Annapurna chamber and sat there in meditation..Whenever she got stressed up,she is taking resort to meditation..
Krishna stood at the door and called Kalyani.. are you fine?