The fateful evening part 3

Part 21

Panchali opened her eyes and he walked in. She got up and showed him Asan.

What is your fear? About Pragati? I assure you she won't turn ascetic.

Krishna signalled  her to sit.

Panchali sighed..Govind.I am fed up. All through my life I dreaded on seeing him detached,now Pragati inherited that. You should listen to her words. She speaks philosophy..

She did not have normal childhood, that was why ,,She was alone with my mother in law..she did not have any friends..

Krishna cut her short...Forget all that. Pragati will have a family before our departure..he said as if predicting future.

Panchali looked deep into his eyes and asked in a low voice..Is it nearer?

Krishna knew she asked about departure.

Not before you and my Parth spend quality time together for more seasons..He smiled with a glint in his eyes.

Panchali bent her head and then asked ..how will our...end be? What will happen next? Will I be able to meet him again? She paused and admitted her apprehensions. " You and your friend are claimed as sages Nar and Narayan ..Do you return to your abode? Where will his Krishnaa be? Merge in infinity ?

Krishna understood her confusion.,her worry.,her pain..he placed his hand on her head and quipped....Now I got clarity..You are spoiling your health,thinking all these...right?

Tell me now Where would you want to go?

Panchali had tears in her eyes..Govind..I want to merge in him..at the same time,I also want to be with him for eternity,....I am confused..

Krishna smiled..Take it as a promise..If he becomes Nar again,you who , his Sri will merge in him.

If he becomes Indra again,you will be his Sachi...

Arjun who is listening to the conversation,got a single tear in his eye..he closed his eyes and the tear drop fell.. Satya who just entered called him in whisper..

Arjun nodded his head and entered inside,...he sat beside his wife and gathered her closer..as Krishna got up to leave winking at him.

Panchali tried to get up. Why are you here? They will search for you..Chitra will get upset not finding you there..

Arjun did not bother to answer,,he checked her face with moisture in the corner if her eyes..

He remembered Sahadev's words...She is not healthy,mentally and physically..Do something Bhrata to revive her spirits.

Arjun took her face in his hands and said...Very early I will get Pragati married..I promise..that will be the first in my priority list.

Panchali's face shone with excitement...

She knew if he is bent upon anything,he won't relax till he accomplishes the task...

Arjun helped her get up and proceeded to the stage..As they both ascended the steps together,Ulupi raised her hand and welcomed while Chitra can not help but stare at the awesome twosome Parth and his Panchali.

Evening before Krishna's departure,all the Pandavas assembled in the royal garden along with queens.

Ulupi and Chitra left with Babhru and his bride to Manipur. Chitra persuaded Arjun to accompany them but Arjun did not agree.

Chitra felt bad. Arjun did not have the kind of bond with Babhru that he had with Abhimanyu and his grandson Parikshit.She expressed herself straightly. You never consider him your son. Is he only the grandson of my father,a successor of his clan not more than that?
Arjun kept his cool and  waited for her to blurt out.

Chitra stared at him and regretted her words. Arjun took her hand in his and looked at her with concern. " Years back when your father asked me to leave your son as the flag bearer of his clan I accepted his condition. I know he would get you married to me even if I rejected his word. Still I promised him what he wanted from me. Your father needed Babhru to continue his legacy. You are his only daughter. His plea is justified. From that moment I stopped thinking of our son because it will hurt me more if I connected with him like I did with my other sons. That doesn't mean I don't love him Chitra! He is ultimately Arjun's son only.

My reason for not accompanying you is different.Did you see Priyamvada Maasi? She is counting her last  days. We five brothers are indebted to her for her services. Selflessly she loved all of us,nourished our children like a mother. She has lived like a shadow to my mother. I want to be here,and look after her well.
Also I don't want your people to divert their attention from newly weds. " Arjun smiled and Chitrangada understood. He is right as always she thought and smiled back. Arjun sighed with relief.
He did not tell his other reason ,his Krishnaa who needs him more than anyone else at this point of time.

Satya said to Krishna ..You spent time with your Parth now again don't miss him back in Dwaraka.
Arjun shrugged his shoulders. Krishna quipped That is inevitable .

Sahadev asked Krishna ..With mother gone,I lost interest in everything. Can't I go to Gangateer and do penance,now that peace prevailed around?
Pragati approached him and requested in a low voice. Could you take me along? I also want to practice penance under your guidance. Dadi Mata told me you are so knowledgeable.
Panchali stared at her with anxiety. She looked at Arjun and turned to Krishna who called Pragati and placed her on his lap.