The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 8

Sahadev brought Iravan on stage while Bheem who is waiting there proudly and introduced him to the gathering. Our son Iravan, son of Arjun and Ulupi It is our pleasure to have Arjun's Eldest son among us. I am sure he will glorify the clan of Maharaj Pandu.
Iravan touched his feet and Bheem gave a pat on his back and said. How I wish your Eldest brother Ghatotkach to be here. He would have become the leader of children squad.
Abhi ran to him and started" Call him Jyesht Pita. I want to learn magic from him. Bheem lifted him and assured. You will meet him at a proper time . Krishna and Arjun came and hugged Iravan together.
Dhaumya did Asirvad and gave Akshatas to every one to bless him. My son also will join shortly. Rekha told Alli. And my son takes some months. Alli said with a wink.
Then Yudhishtir gave Asirvad. Keep The fame of your Father flying. He said. I will Jyesht Pita Iravan promised.
Arjun approached Ulupi and asked. Are your doubts cleared or still you have suspicion ?tell frankly. Ulupi replied with a smile. Ofcourse no doubts left. Almost certain of my place in your life. Arjun knitted his eyebrows. Almost? So still you have your own doubts it seems. Ulupi said with an endearing look. Just want to live the same experience same way. Would like to abduct you this time not for a nite.
Arjun laughed and challenged. Try it again. Now I will be fully alert. I won't give a scope for your illusions. Chitra who heard the last part demanded. No illusions entertained because we all are here to stake our claim.
Ulupi folded her hands in fun. Princess Chitrangada, How can I take him from right under your nose? Not done. I beg pardon.Arjun laughed at their comradiarre and moved ahead
. Duryothan who is observing Arjun commented. We should accept it Karn. Arjun became Krishna's replica in managing to win hearts. See so many wives are there. But no sign of displeasure is seen.Dussasan said. Bhrata observe them when they see Panchali with their husband Surely there is envy in their faces
. I observed. Duryothan agreed. Ofcourse they may feel jealous. Just look at The Daughter of Drupad. She is extraordinarily beautiful . I blame on myself for not being able to hit the Fish Target.
Just then Panchali and Subhadra Satya and Rukmini came on stage with Pragati. The baby is looking the cutest ever seen and every one applauded her looks. They did Arti to her and Dhaumya blessed her with sacred mantras. Abhi and Kirti vied with each other to hold her on stage. Krishna and Arjun went on stage and together lifted the baby on their shoulders.
Pragati laughed with delight. Arjun then took her down to his Eldest. Yufhishtir blessed her with long life.
Duryothan came forward and commented. Your daughter is too cute Arjun. Must have taken after her mother. Krishna gave a fitting reply. Daughters always will have mother's influence in them. But can't you observe her eyes exactly are like Parth's eyes
. Karn remarked. Ofcourse Govind, Arjun 's hazel eyes are inherited by all his sons and daughter. In fact I am forced to think if I see hazel eyes anywhere I may certainly feel that particular child may belong to Arjun only. After all he became too famous for his flirtatious nature.
Dussasan laughed loudly while Arjun's face turned red. Krishna laughed and said. Ofcourse flirting can be done by those who can get away with it . And Parth has the charm to win over anyone and every one. Dussasan don't try to flirt with girls ever. It won't suit you. Am I correct AngRaj ? He winked at Karna whose face became pale.
Arjun smiled and extended Pragati to AngRaj. Your blessings for my daughter? Karn couldn't help but take the baby in his arms. Looking at her cute face he wondered. Why would God bestow the Best on Arjun? The Best wife in the form of Panchali,The Bestson in the form of Abhimanyu and The Best Daughter in the form of Pragati.
Panchali who is watching all this got irritated and approached them. She asked Krishna to hand over Pragati to her. Krishna took Pragati from Karn and gave her to Panchali. She said to every one in general. Mata and Gandhari Mata asked for Pragati. I beg pardon. She took her and walked away the musical soumds of her waist belt tinkling with her beautiful gait, the jasmine flowers in her hair nodding in rythym the blue lotus fragrance mesmerising every one and Duryothan and Karn felt the pangs of disappointment.Surely the most beautiful woman alive is the crown jewel of Arjun's achievements. Absolutely unparalleled in beauty and dignity.They felt that in hearts.

The Yajna Sala was completed almost much to the relief of our architect Maya. It looked grand and spacious with mostly wooden work that brought an ethnic feel. Ved Vyas Rishi came and checked every corner of it. Finally he turned to Arjun and expressed his delight. You outdid your job. He praised. But it is the work of Maya not mine. Arjun admitted with humility.
I know the extent of your contribution. Don't be too humble. He said with a smile. He then supervised the Asrams built around Yajnasala to host the Ritviks and chanters. He informed Arjun that within ten days he will come with his chanters far prior to the sacrifice as he needs to demonstrate them the whole process of the sacrifice to avoid any discrepancy or confusion. He said there are delicate points of ceremonial etiquette that is to be discussed before the commencement of the sacrifice.
Arjun grasped every instruction of him and Still he requested Vedvyas. If I forget anything remind me Rishivar. Vedvyas patted his back. You have your soulmate to fall back. Why do you worry? I know you have great memory power.
Arjun then took Bheem and Draupadi to check the enormous dining halls built to provide food for rich as well as poor on the same basis. The halls were wide and long that can make thousand people eat at one time. Bheem is speechless. Draupadi is spellbound.In such short period how is it possible to make such arrangements on that grand scale? Bheem felt proud thinking of the glory that will be attached to The name of The Pandavas once the sacrifice is done.
Draupadi asked Arjun. Do we have enough to proceed with the sacrifice after such expenditure for all this? Arjun smiled and Krishna laughed. Sakhi you are the Finance Minister and you should know the answer. Why are you asking Parth? Panchali could not answer as she knew how she left every thing on Arjun that nite without paying attention to figures and accounts.
Arjun answered sharply. Even after spending for all this we have three forths of our accumulated money left for our purposes. And we still get so much in the form of tributes from the Kings when they attend the sacrifice. The vast treasure they offered me in Hiranyapur and Nagalok was still there . Vasuki Mahasay sent me message that he will come with all that.
Bheem is extremely delighted.He assured Panchali. You need not worry about anything. You just sit at the Yajna Vedi with Eldest. Rest will be done Ofcourse mostly by my perfectionist brother Arjun. I would start appointing new cooks tomorrow onwards as we need more manpower.
Panchali kept silent. Arjun took Bheem to show the store rooms built to keep the groceries and food materials. Krishna sat on a bench and made her sit beside him. Why are you so dull Krishnaa? Are you not happy with all this? Or the forthcoming Rajasuya? Tell me frankly. He asked in a soft tone . Draupadi looked into his eyes and questioned.Don't you know my apprehensions Govind? You still ask me Why? Then listen I am afraid if we perform this with such grandeure we will be the centre of attraction and envy.
You know their cousins. Already I see intolerance in Duryothan so clearly. What will be the outcome of this? I am   worried. Govind how much hard work he is putting up to make things happen! Right from the day we came here  I see his effort in every brick,every corner every where. The Khandav Dahan, The conquests How can I rest in peace Govind seeing him work that hard to make his father happy to make his Eldest The emperor?
Panchali's last words are broken. Krishna placed his hand on her shoulder. Krishnaa, you are getting hyper. He did everything wholeheartedly. Then why do you worry that much? I know you love him too much. But keep aside your love and think for a while. After Jarasandha's death the path has been cleared to establish the Empire of Dharma. Rajasuya is the main step in that direction. Aryavarth should get a righteous Emperor and Parth is doing his best to fulfill that.
Stand by him Krishnaa. Anything may happen tomorrow. Be his inspiration and energy. I promise you I will be with you at every step. I won't let you and Parth get lost in the struggle of survival.
We three should face everything together. He stopped on seeing Arjun comeback with Bheem.
Take Panchali back Parth, Pragati must be waiting for her. Bhrata Bheem and me will come in a while.Krishna told Arjun
. As they got into the chariot Arjun observed her serious face. What is that you are thinking so serious? He asked. Panchali did not answer. She got  nearer to him and placed her head on his shoulder. Her silence spoke as usual. Her Arjun understood. Don't worry. Everything I will manage. Just be with me...always. He said with confidence pulling her nearer. Yajnaseni closed her eyes feeling safe and secure.