The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 23

Panchali could not control her irritation. ' I would definitely sense something crooked planned against us . Otherwise why would Kakasri come all of a sudden? And why should we obey their word if we are not comfortable with it? Ridiculous." Bheem immediately supported her. ' Eldest ,Panchali is good at counciling and judging things. We should  not discard her words." Yudhishtir's face turned grim . He said firmly .' Bheem, We became the Emperors of Aryavarth ,that does not mean we should forget our roots. We are indebted to Hastinapur. After father passed away they took us under their wings and protected us. Arjun controlled himself from retorting.Why should his Eldest deceive himself and deceive them also by ignoring the hostility with which they were treated in Hastinapur.As he came out of his thoughts a verbal dual is going on between Bheem and Yudhishtir. Arjun prevented Bheem from saying more. ' Let us first see what message we get from them. Then we can think over it. Kunti sighed in relief. Her Phalgun  got the presence of mind. He would help Yudhishtir see reason while taking decision. But she is still afraid for Yudhishtir's obsession for his Elders. He may not listen even to Phalgun.Panchali took Pragati from Kunti and moved away. Her dissent and displeasure is quite visible in her expressions.Arjun understood her feelings. Surely she is reasonable in every word she spoke. But who will accept her advice? Eldest? Never. Arjun  became busy making arrangements for Vidur's stay at Indraprasth. During dinner time he observed Panchali calm and withdrawn not her usual cheerful self at all. Bheem is trying hard to change her mood desparately. But his Fireborn is adamant. She definitely is not in a mood to entertain the wild ways of Duryothan. Arjun purposely stayed back till she finished her work and accompanied her to her chamber. He waited patiently till his children  slept peacefully..Then he took Panchali's hand and said. Let us go.Panchali  questioned with her eyes. Arjun assured her . We will return in a while. Any way they won't get up that soon. Malini will take care. " panchali followed him as she knew the unpredictable ways of her husband. Any way she also wants to relax as her mood was spoilt by the impending visit of Vidur. Arjun took her to the garden and lead her to his horse which is waiting there.Arjun,where are you taking me?let us sit here.We can't go far. Pragati will get up. ' No she won't.You only told me she will sleep three hours continuously at this time of night." Arjun did not wait for her approval.He got onto the horse and lifted her up,made her sit comfortably in the front. The horse galloped and took a shorter way unknown to Panchali and within fifteen minutes Panchali got wonderstruck on seeing the Yamuna waters shining in moonlight.' Arjun,Yamuna is that nearer to us? I never knew." Arjun laughed heartfully. Yamuna is where she is. Only thing is we should explore newer and shorter ways to reach." He helped her get down and carefully lead her to the shore.The river is shining lustrous with the splendour of moonlit night.The silence is soothing and Panchali felt so relaxed. Arjun took her to the raft stationed near the shore and before she could react lifted her and placed her in that.He took the Pole that is used to drive the boat and skilfully took the boat into the middle of the river. Panchali gazed into his charming face,curly hair falling on his eyes She instantly kept it back and murmured. Am I in dream? Why am I feeling that this is the same day on which we went in this raft in Panchal? Arjun,how nice it is if time stays here. Without moving? I hate to go to Hastinapur. I hate to see their faces. " Arjun got up and took her face in his hands and looked into those lotus eyes. ' Krishnaa, I don't know why but even I wish this moment stops here.I don't want to go to Hastinapur either. But you know I can't resist Eldest.That is my weakness . " Panchali felt depressed. She moved away from him and fixed her gaze on the beautiful Yamuna waters. What will happen in their lives? Will they ever be able to be blissfully happy and contented? What is in store for them tomorrow? " Arjun held her from behind and kept his face on her shoulder. ' Forgive me Krishnaa for everything " he uttered the words reminiscing the past and dreading for the future.

Panchali  continued looking into the Yamuna waters that are flowing without tides . Just the mild sound of the water and nothing else. Everything stood still indicating the calmness before the storm. The white silk Pallu is flying in the air again and again touching Arjun's face. The jasmines in her hair are spreading the fragrance as if vying with the blue lotus fragrance.Arjun clasped her waist tightly and turned her towards him. ' isn't it beautiful,the ambience ,the nature  ? We can not experience this in our closed doors though they are made up,of jewels and diamonds." Panchali wondered at his Prakritiprem. The hero who developed Indraprasth into heaven always prefers nature's lap to his luxurious  bejewelled chambers. He is different from others.She thought so and instantly touched his hair again trying to keep it back. Arjun swallowed her extraordinary beauty with his hazel eyes.He made her lie down on the smooth silk carpet that was there in the raft. Panchali understood the desire in his eyes. She bit her lower lip and  said.' Let us go. Pragati will wake up." Arjun gave a peck on her neck and said with confidence.'She won't.She knew her father has to explore the beauty of her mother and is busy." Panchali's face became red.' Surely you are becoming bold day by day. " she patted on his cheek as if giving a warning.Arjun continued his worship and confessed. ' I am helpless and still trying my best to know the secrets of your beauty." Panchali blushed and tried to get up as the moon was covered by deep black clouds suddenly. There is thunder and lightening in the sky. Arjun,let us go ,it may rain now. We are in the middle of the river." Arjun smiled bewitchingly.' The princess of Panchal is getting afraid? But Arjun's wife should not fear,you know." The drizzle started and they both became wet. Arjun loosened her hair and spread it on her back. ' cover me with your hair Arala Kuntala ( The curly haired one)?He whispered in her ear. Panchali started enjoying the rainshower,the togetherness of her beloved husband.The Fireborn gifted him her warm hug and made him heated up with passion and desire.Arjun rewarded her by making her enjoy the special moment under the chath of the sky,in the midst of water, Panchali shivered with her overflowing love for her Arjun and uniting with him uninhibited,made it a memorable moment for both...

The next morning Kunti observed her daughter in law sneezing continuously and asked. What happened? You have cold it seems. Kunti also observed the corners of her eyes turn reddish. Priyamvada  smiled meaningfully and signalled Kunti not to ask further. Priyamvada knew that the princess is not there in the chamber for three hours previous night.By chance she went to fetch the keys of the ornaments Room nearing midnight as she forgot to take the ornaments of Durga Mata to be decorated early in the morning. She found Malini alone in the chamber and stayed till Arjun and Panchali returned.Panchali felt embarassed and did not say anything...
Vidur arrived in Indraprasth and Arjun went to the outskirts to welcome him.'Kakasri,I know there is some important reason for your visit. It is always a pleasure  to have you here. But I am curious to know it if you don't think otherwise." Arjun's words brought tears in Vidur's eyes. He instantly revealed everything.' Duryothan became mad with envy on seeing your prosperity. He convinced his father to call you all on the pretext of visiting the new Sabha Mandap built there. Sakuni planned to grab you of everything by making your Eldest play the game of Dice.You know Sakuni cheats. His magical power will make Yudhishtir lose everything. I know your Eldest is obsessed with the game.Prevent him Arjun,from accepting the invitation. Don't come to Hastinapur. You will be doomed." Arjun was shocked and stupified. He remembered Sahadev's words. ' A great calamity awaits us Bhrata,I don't know what it is". Now Arjun knew what it is.