Prakriti (Mahabharata)

Chapter 24

Prakriti P.O.V

As we left the city, Brother Krishna was standing on the outskirts of Hastinapur with Abhimanyu in his arms, my eyes teared up as I looked at my little warrior who was looking at us in confusion. I quicken my speed and engulfed my little warrior into a hug, sighing in relief. He put both of his small arms around my neck. I broke the hug and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "Mother, where are we going?" he asked in his innocent voice, my heart broke at the moment looking at my son, he has to live without parents for thirteen years. He doesn't like to stay away from us for even small amount of time, how come he is going to live away for that long. "Abhimanyu, your parents are going away for some important task until then you are going to live with me in Dwarka and getting ready to be a warrior" Brother Krishna said putting his hand on Abhimanyu head, he looked at his uncle in confusion "Why can't I go with them?" he said frowning, I sighed but put a smile on my face for his sake. "Son" I called, he turned his gaze towards me, his eyes getting teary. "My little warrior, you have to stay with Uncle Krishna so that you can train and become capable to protect your Mother" I said in cheerful voice, his lips quivered and suddenly he started crying. My own eyes filled with tears and I hugged my son to my chest. "Sssh, my boy, we will be back soon" I said trying to reassure him, but how can I make a little kid understand that both of his parents are leaving him for his entire childhood.

Arya came forward and touched Abhimanyu head softly "Son, you are my brave boy, I know when we come back, you will be better archer than your father" he said with a smile on his face, Abhimanyu looked at me and I nodded my head. "Of course, our Abhimanyu will succeed his father" I said which put a smile on his little face and slowly he nodded his head. I wiped his tears away, "I will wait for you" he said finally and I hugged him again tightly one last time, giving his forehead a kiss. Then he moved towards his father and I walked to Brother Krishna who were looking at me in determination. "Time has come for you to accept yourself fully, Prakriti" he started saying, I nodded my head, "Find yourself in those years and prepare for the war" he said putting his hand on my head and gave me a soft smile. I smiled back and turned around to see Abhimanyu saying farewell to his family. Krishne was crying, hugging Abhimanyu as his Uncle and Father surrounded them. "Don't worry about him, he will be a great warrior" Brother said looking towards my son, I know he will be when Narayana himself will train him for war.

Slowly everyone came towards us, Abhimanyu stand beside me, I put his hand in mine. Arya moved towards Brother Krishna and joined his hand together in farewell gesture "Partha, In these twelve years, collect all the divine weapons for the upcoming war, you may need it" he said, Arya nodded his head and stand beside him. Brother Bhima walked to Brother Krishna "Brother Bhima, no one knows about power better than Hanuman, Go to Gandhamadan Parvat and pray to him" he suggested to which Brother Bhima nodded his head with a small smile on his face, next came twins joining their hands, Brother Krishna told them to pray to Ashwini kumara for the power of healing because it will be useful in the war for our army. Finally came Elder Brother and Krishne taking their leave. Brother Krishna asked them to serve sages and saints for the time being to earn dharma. One by one Pandavas and Krishne started moving forward, I joined my hands together one last time to Brother Krishna who nodded his head, I started walking towards my family when I felt a pull from behind. I looked back and saw Abhimanyu grabbing the corner of my saree and looking at me with tears running down his cheeks. I quickly moved towards him and pulled him in a hug. 

I sobbed hugging him, It is the hardest thing in my life to be part away from my son. Duryodhana, I won't forgive you for the pain you have given me and to my family. I broke the hug and looked at my son, wiping his cheeks. "I have to go now, my little Warrior" with that said, I didn't wait for his reply and went away leaving a piece of my heart behind.

***

We moved towards the north, walking in the forest getting away from Hastinapur more and more. We reached at the bank of river, There was an immense banyan tree growing at the water's edge, with a hundred aerial roots, each one thick as a small trunk, spreading down from great branches. "We should rest here for a bit" Elder Brother finally said as he saw the exhausted look on our face, we have been walking for a long time now, everyone nodded their head and slowly took the seat under the tree. "I will bring some water" I said to all of them and moved towards the river, I put my hand in the fresh water and drank some water quenching my thirst. I pulled a leaf from nearby and got some water in them for my family. I went back and help them, everyone got ready to sleep as they laid under the tree. When everyone was asleep, I moved towards the river and sat beside it staring at the clear water which was shining due to stars scattered in the sky.