The Fateful Evening part 2

Part17

The  next day is the Commence ment of Rajasuya. The Yajnavedi got ready. Vedvyas briefed the procedure to Ritviks and other Hotas of the sacrifice. He told the king that he has to take YajnaDiksha on that day. Draupadi also has to take Diksha but she will be required on specifically mentioned days to sit at the Sacrificial Fire. Along with them the brothers also should follow rules in food and other formalities. Kunti told Ved Vyas.' I want all my sons to be the participants wherever it is possible even though my Eldest is the Principle Sacrificer. They also should be present at all important oblations. Panchali prepared herself for the rigorous  ordeal. She is worried more about Kirti than Pragati as he can not stay without her at any moment. Especially he won't eat unless she is there to spoon feed him. Arjun understood her dilemma. He knew this situation will arise. That is why he always dissuaded her from pampering him that much. Now there is no other way left except to face the situation. Krishna assured him. Let us take his responsibility  . I am sure we will be able to handle him. Arjun still is doubtful. Kirti is too obsessed with his mother. But he assured Panchali he will handle him. Arjun met her as usual at his usual time,just after midnight. He took her close and said in his soft voice.' I know it is tedious to go through the ceremonies and rituals but I am confident you have the will power to withstand. Our hard work will bear fruits if we succeed in performing the sacrifice. You will be called Empress and Eldest The Emperor." Panchali who is listening patiently got up from his arms after listening to his last line. She directly asked him. ' you still think I care for power and position. I am hurt Arjun. You know why I kept quiet when that crucial decision of my life was taken without even consulting me. I did not want to lose you. To posess you I became ready to face the most demanding lifestyle that was not experienced by anyone before. You know why I will sit there in the Yajnamandap? I don't want to make your hard earned success and victory go futile. I know how much you wish to fulfill your father's dream.So I will do my best to cope up with pressure even at the cost of causing inconvenience to my children. But please.I don't want  to hear from you 'The Empress" Never again.As she finished she has tears in her eyes. Arjun regretted and hugged her close. He wiped her tears with his lips and said in a choked voice. ' forgive me once again. I will never hurt you . But you are ' The Empress " for sure. Panchali 's angry look turned into besotted look as he added,'Of Arjun's Heart." Arjun selected simple and light but nicely worked up sarees for her to wear at the YajnaMandap. Don't wear too many ornaments. He advised.Now go to sleep. You have so much to go through tomorrow. Panchali closed her eyes,keeping her head on his heart and went into sleep immediately. Arjun placed his hand on her head and prayed to Sankar Siv to keep her strong and spirited throughout the sacrifice. ...The Yajnavedi was worshipped. Vedvyas and other Ritwiks lit up the fire. The fire rose higher indicating the grace of Agnidev . The faces of the sages beamed on seeing the positive sign. The way the Fire sprang higher as if to reach heaven made Krishna and Arjun smile to each other with great relief. The conches signalled the commencement of the Yajn with joyous blasts. The Brahmin sages singing the hymns in perfect rythym made the earth and sky reverberate with the auspicious sounds. Their precise pronunciation  of the syllables that are present in the mantras made Arjun wonder . How could they be so perfect Madhav?He asked. Just like you are perfect in hitting target they are perfect in their craft. As simple as that. Krishna declared. Bheem was made to sit at the left of Yuthihtir while Arjun was stationed to the left of Panchali. As the first phase was completed Panchali was allowed to take respite in the rest room specially arranged for her. As soon as she went there Malini gave Pragati to her. Where is Kirti? She asked.Malini showed him pointing to where Krishna and Arjun are standing holding Kirti in their hands.

There was a special arrangement made by Arjun and Sahadev to notify the number of guests fed daily from the day the sacrifice started. After every One thousand guests ate conch shells deliver a particular note that indicate that thousand have eaten by that time. On the first day the conch was blown fifty times to indicate Fifty thousand. And the number increased day by day. Whenever the sound is heard It pierced Duryothan's heart.
The sacrifice went on with great splendour without any kind of hindrance from any side. Satya  doted on Panchali mostly being by her side and attending to her needs. All the Bahus did their best sharing the work ,attending the guests and taking care of children . Panchali shone with a different glow though she became thin due to untimely eating and lack of proper sleep. Arjun followed her every movement and fulfilled her needs within minutes .
On the sixth day of the sacrifice she was given respite to relax as she is not required . Panchali went off to her rest room and sat leaning back with Pragati in her lap. She felt her knees and feet ache severely due to continuous sitting . Her back pain increased and still she has to bear that for ten more days. Suddenly her legs were stretched down and her feet were put in a basin filled with warm water. Malini started massaging her feet slowly.

Panchali questioned through her eyes and Malini showed Arjun who stood crossing his hands against his chest. I already told you to do this but looks like you are not obliging Malini. Now I won't move till you are done with.Arjun said precisely. He took Pragati and asked Malini to continue her massage. He left signalling Malini to continue with her work... On the Sixteenth day Ved Vyas informed Yudhishtir that he has to chose a person to be honoured at the end of the sacrifice that is within two days. He should be worshipped as the one who is equal to God . He should be great. He should be famous.He can be a Rutvik. He can be a Sadguru,he can be a king.He can be a scholar.Yudhishtir is in dilemma . Whom shall he select? Who is fit to be worshipped? Is it Grand Father? Guru Dron? Sage Narad? Who else? He sought the opinion of Grandfather.
Bhishm instantly suggested. Govind. Krishna Vaasudev. He  went into a trance and continued. Like the Sun who lightens up the sky,The moon who oozes moonlight with nectar in his Rays,The lotus Eyed Krishna who lightens up the hearts of noble people,Who is said to be an incarnation of Vishnu ,who is the soulmate of your brother Jishnu,That Govind only is to be worshipped on this auspicious occasion. On hearing his words Bheem is pleased. Arjun smiled in approval,Nakul and Sahadev clapped and Panchali  expressed her excitement.
Govind! I would wait for the moment. Let us worship our Friend,Philosopher and Guide and show our gratitude for what he had done for us. Arjun appreciated her with his loving glance that conveyed his line ' Well said Krishnaa."