The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 1

Subhadra  nodded. Yes. Even I heard. Chitra is curious to ask Subhadra the question since the day she met her. ' How is your equation with Panchali? Are you comfortable with each other? How is her equation with her other husbands? " Ulupi tried to stop Chitra but she did not even look at her.
Subhadra is calm and composed. Ulupi tried to explain. Subhadra, don't think bad of Chitra. She can't keep anything inside. There is no compulsion that you should answer her questions. Subhadra smiled. No I don't take it badly.
Chitra 's curiosity I can understand. My equation with Panchali is cordial and amicable. We are neither too close nor too distant. We are happy in our own space. We respect each other and never encroach into each other's space. I find her equation with other husbands warm and respectful.
I entered Indraprasth ever since she belonged to Arjun only. Chitra interrupted.But she has to be one year each with one husband, Isn't it? Subhadra said. Yes. But since she and Arjun lost out on many years due to his pilgrimage, Bua gave them extra years. Satya Bhabhi is too fond of her. She says Panchali complements him in every way. But I feel bad. I say No he is dark. And a fairer one suits him more. I argue on my behalf.
But in my inner conscience, I always think may be Satya Bhabhi is right. I feel depressed. Rukmini Bhabhi tells me not to compare with Panchali Never. She says Panchali is of Devine origin. The Fire Born. So her beauty is Devine.
Subhadra stopped to take breath.chitra persuades.Continue Please.
Subhadra started again. Arjun I feel has a special place for her in his heart. If you hear him call her by the name Krishnaa, you realise what I say. Alli agreed. True.I heard him. Even I felt that way.
Subhadra continued. Her advantage is she never ages with time. Her beauty is timeless I feel. She looks too young to even think that she has that many children.Rekha nodded. Really . She looks like a bride just got married.
Arya said. She is Yajnaseni. That is why she is special. Subhadra confessed. When I see her hair I feel desperate.I never saw any one posess such thick curly shining long hair. Karenu says that long hair gives too much troubles
.Chitra said. Even I heard so.Is she dominating?
Subhadra replied. No. She is not. She never forces her views on any one.She never commands us to do this that. I thought she likes to hold power but my brother opened my eyes.how? Chitra asked.
He said since we all are not that responsible she takes the responsibility and maintains the Finance and every thing. Alone? Chitra asked. No Arjun helps but She says he only does maximum and gives him credit.Is it true that Arya Arjun met her the day before Swayamvar at Siva temple?Arya asked.
Subhadra sighed. There are so many rumours surrounding her swayamvar. I heard they met fell in love but were separated by Bua's word. Arya said. Our people say it is true. They attended her swayamvar and criticised the remaining four for looking odd with her. I told Arya Arjun also.
Subhadra agreed. That is true. Our King looks too elderly to be her husband. She is petite, slim and young. Rekha said. And Bheemsen looks more her bodyguard with his huge built. Alli remarked. The last two the less said the better. They hardly look her husband's
. So who is left? Our husband. Chitra laughed loudly. Ulupi said in her serene voice. Chitra,enough of your grilling Subhadra. Don't think Panchali is walking on flowers. God had given her thorny path to tread.She is trying her best to move along with her life. If we can,we should feel for her,respect her for the woman she is. I dare to admit before you all. She is Arya Arjun's life support. And he her life's hope.
Chitra still is confused. Why can't she come and sit with us? Is she egoistic that she is the queen?
Ulupi replied firmly. She has no ego Chitra. But where does she get time to sit and gossip like us. Being the mother of a baby I never saw her relax even for a minute.
Chitra declared. Subhadra,arrange a get together with her I want to interact with her. Especially after my dear friend Ulupi's declaration that she is Arya Arjun's life. Subhadra smiled and said. One more thing I forgot to tell about her. She loves Abhi more than her own sons. ...

Panchali is changing Pragati's clothes. She is too tired. Kirti slept already. It is nearing midnight. She felt Arjun's hands round her waist. She didn't look at him. Go away. You called me miser and you yourself escaped without giving my gift. She sulked. Arjun whispered in his husky voice. Came to give you the gift not in public. But in our kingdom of love. Don't you accept it?
Panchali felt something round  her waist and looked down. Arjun just finished fitting the waist belt and it is out of the world. The waist belt is very thin and it is made with superb skills. The golden chain is filled with nava Ratnas the nine gems, vajra,vaidhurya,gomedhika Pushyaraga, marakata manikya Neela mutya Pagada .

All are in smaller size and they are shining with such brilliance that Draupadi is awestruck and could not speak instantly. On top of it it has stunning golden side chains attached to it with small hangings that are sounding whenever Panchali moves. Liked it? Arjun asked looking at her face that mirrored her feelings.

Panchali kept Pragati on the couch and turned to him. Where did you get it from? She asked placing her hands round his neck. Not from your Tijori.Arjun smilingly told her. Then? Panchali is too curious to know. Arjun told her. I specified the design to Maya and he made it as per my taste. Arjun checked the waist belt and commented. I am absolutely perfect in measuring your waist. That is why it fitted so well, Panchali blushed and praised the gift.
It is too cute Arjun, It is unique. Arjun observed her blushing cheeks and smiled. Just like the bride with the garland. You know the ornament's beauty can be felt when you have only that one and nothing else. Arjun started his poetic lines. Panchali hid her smile and kept Pragati who went into deep sleep in the Jhoola.

Arjun continued. The beautiful waist belt embellishes your beauty like nothing else does. Arjun moved closer and whispered in her ear. I hope you understood what I meant to say. ...Krishnaa, Panchali closed her eyes intoxicated by his love and passion... ...

Did you see any kind of trouble among the Pandavas regarding Panchali? Duryothan asked his wife Bhanumati when they are alone . Bhanumati replied with a vexed expression. Why would there be animosity between them? They follow a particular code of conduct ,a rule. So no question of any trouble. At present she belongs to Arjun. Duryothan made a face hearing Arjun's name from her. That is the reason for the glow of face. He paused and remarked. Of Draupadi. Bhanumati understood his satire and turned  her face away with disgust. How are his other wives? Subhadra? And that AlliRani? Bhanumati replied curtly. They are all nice. Alli has no bad feelings at all. She is enjoying her premotherhood days so happily . Arya for God's sake don't try to expose your intolerance for Pandavas. They have so much support inside and outside Indra Prasth. Duryothan pretended innocence. Priya Bhanumati? Don't think otherwise. We came here with good intention only . To spend time with our cousins. but not to create trouble. Rest assured. He took a reluctant Bhanumati into his arms ...

Parvati approached Siva and addressed him. Swami, open your eyes. I have a request to make. Mahadev opened his eyes slowly and smiled at his Uma Parvati. Now what happened Uma ? He asked.Parvati sat near him. Your Alli is too happy with Arjun. I told you no? Arjun wins her heart. Mahadev said with a warm touch on her shoulder. Alli is happy swami. But I want Chandra to let Varchas stay on earth for a longer period. Won't you see How he is loved by one and all. What will happen to Subhadra and Panchali when they lose him on his sixteenth year? And your Arjun,how could he bear his separation? Even my brother loves him so dearly. Change the destiny Swami. Let Abhimanyu live full life. Sakti pleaded with Siva. Mahadev nodded his head. Parvati, Destiny can not be changed by me or by you . Chandra will get him back as decided on the thirteenth day of the war. Then only Arjun will use his full mettle to destroy Evil. But Abhimanyu's name will shine as long as the stars, sky ,earth , life remains . His fame will be sung by generations to generations. Mahadev closed his eyes as Uma looked helplessly unable to digest the bitter Truth.