From Vague To Vivid

Chapter 7

Previously

"Arjun, let's start this new journey by sleeping peacefully in each others arms feeling each others heart beats and warmth."

With this Panchali closed her eyes and Arjun did not even blink for next couple of minutes.

He found himself momentarily stunned. The splendour of the moment dazzled him. His compulsively chattering mind paused and all he now could see was her words, the truth in her words.

Somethig she said instilled an ineffable feeling in Arjun. He was forced to rethink about his beliefs which now seemed absurd beliefs to him. He was forced to rethink about his delusional thoughts about Dharma.

 Dharma what a strange word! Probably he was never clear about it. And surely she was always clear about it.

No doubt he fell in love with this woman. He tried hard not to. Yes he did when she was bethrothed to his brothers but in the depth of his heart he already knew that he fell in love with her the moment he saw her fiery eyes, vibrant smile, childish curiosity and unbending confidence.
And from that moment till now she never stopped surprising him with her kind yet strong, polite yet intellingent, caring yet fiery personality.
Not to mention, her irresistible beauty. But her beauty was not something that he cherished the most. For him she was much more than a beautiful face and gorgeous body.

It is rightly said 'Love cannot be forced, love cannot be coaxed and teased. It comes out of heaven, unasked and unsought.'
 
He was right when he knew that only Draupadi can answer his questions. Only she can fix him.

Draupadi and Madhav.

If it were not for Madhav, she would have been completely broken, broken beyond repair.

He silently thanked Madhav for everything he had been doing for them noticed or unnoticed .

...

He slid his arm beneath her waist to pull her closer and placed a long kiss on her forehead making Draupadi smile in her sleep. That one innocent smile melted the greatest warrior's heart.

Yes he will... he will make another vow... he will punish every single person who insulted his wife... he will help her get justice. And this time he will not fail.

"A... Arjuunn..", his reverie broke when he heard his name from Panchali's sleepy yet sweet voice. Her eyes still closed. Arjun caressed her cheek with his other hand as Panchali said,
"You are not..... not a hypocrite. Never ever call yourself any ill word. I will not listen anything against my Aryaputra Arjun.
Because I love him from the day I know what love is."

Panchali cuddled closer to him and made herself comfortable.

A single tear made its way to Arjun's cheek but he didn't wipe it. Just when he tried to sleep he could hear Panchali's soft giggles.

" Panchali.."

"I just... I just came with a new theory Arjun."

"And that is.."

"That is... I am not your better half...I am your better one fifth."
And she again giggled.
But soon her giggles faded as she drifted into sleep.

Arjun didn't find the situation funny but he couldn't help but smile.

That's it. They were back. They were back as friends. And that's all he wanted.

His fingers fondled with her full lips for some time before he pecked on them. He placed another kiss on her temple and finally slept in pure bliss and true peace.

...

The next morning Panchali woke up early still in the same position, in his arms.

The considerable beauty of orange-yellow rays of the rising sun blanketed by an azure sky amazed her for a moment. Just when a smile came on her lips it disappeared.

They have to leave tomorrow. She was not sad about leaving the luxuries but parting from the citizens... parting from her children... parting from Arjun again.

She made some distance between them and looked at him but he was sleeping peacefully. He was sleeping like... like a child. And childishness is something you will not find on Arjun's face easily.

She flashbacked the whole conversation they had and she was content that Arjun confided his feelings and thoughts to her. Arjun was always her companion somehow the friendship between them was strong and that was the reason she was able to say to Arjun what she said. She could scream, yell and weep in front of him, she could accuse him, blame him and yet love him.
But she was glad that this time she was also his companion.

Arjun was well versed when it comes to hiding emotions but the way he opened up to her was something she always wanted. Now there are no misunderstandings, no accusations, no chaos between them.

She wanted a friend in this time when all her husbands are filled with self pity and shame and she got her best friend back, her only love back.

...

Arjun woke up sensing movement beside him.

Its been years since he slept so peacefully without any self accusations.

He looked at his wife who was contently looking at the ceiling. He used his arm which was still beneath her waist and pulled her making her head and hands hit his chest.

She looked at him with a smile, a smile filled with tensions.

Arjun used his other hand to caress her beautiful locks as he asked "What happened Krishna?"

Panchali stood up to sit on the couch making Arjun do the same.

"Kiriti and Shrutsena are toddlers. I can't...", Panchali closed her eyes and sighed, "what kind of mother would I be Arjun?"
Her eyes were filled with love, care and worry.

"Yes krishnaa this is going to be the most difficult part for us. Madhav and Subhadhra will take care of them Krishnaa. Madhav will help them turn into the best of warriors. They will be safe in Dwarka."

Arjun mind wandered to Subhadra and Abhimanyu as he said those words. Not only the six of them but their whole family have to be strong. Shrutkiriti is the smallest. He is so fond of his father. Leaving kiriti will be the most difficult for him too.

"I need to be with them today Arjun. I need to make them understand the intensity of aur situation. I don't want them to hate their mother..."

"They are our children Krishnaa. They won't hate you for something you don't have control upon."

Panchali nodded but her mind was somewhere else.
"I trust Subhadra and I trust Govind more than anyone else Arjun. But a mother can't stop caring about her children."

She stood up and said, "I want to spend the day with them."

Arjun slowly nodded, "Go Krishnaa I will take care of your belongings and everything you need to arrange for the vanvaas. All 5 of us will join you once we finish with the arrangements."

Panchali nodded and slowly left the room.

...

Ecstacy and sorrow,  contentment and anticipation, Arjun was feeling all these emotions at the same time.

Their coming journey will be arduous and not easy but for him it is definitely going to be simple with Draupadi on his side.

No matter the times he did not stand for her she will always be his backbone and that's what makes their bond the most cherished one for him. Even when back then it was complicated it still was the most cherished one in his heart.

Last night was a turning point in both Arjun and Draupadi's lives. Their relationship went through a transition FROM VAGUE TO VIVID.

And they both couldn't ask for more.

 THE END