The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 31

After a while,Panchali threw his hands away from her and fumed.' You don't consider me yours. How could you hear my name as stake from him? You didn't protest. I know you always held me as the common property, not your own. So you are inhibited to claim your right over me before your brother. Rather you preferred to be the silent spectator when I was harassed by those beasts. I could not win you completely with my love. You never belonged to me wholeheartedly.'"

Arjun  took her face in his hands.' Ask your conscience if I valued you or not. You can't understand how  worse our. Position is  on that shameful day in our life.We were so dazed at the turn of events,we lost ourselves to Duryothan along with our weapons. My mind stopped working when Eldest started staking us one by one. I never bothered loss of wealth,loss of kingdom but loss of freedom? What made Eldest lose his common sense and continue with the game? Even Bhrata Bheem was stupified at the turn of events. Before we recover from shock we heard Sakuni mentioning your name from his foul mouth. But none of us thought that Eldest will take such drastic step and stake you in the game. We thought that he would atleast consult us and we heard him take your name,Sakuni did not waste time. within the blink of eye he threw  the coins and claimed victory.
Krishnaa,we were at fault I was at fault. I am not upholding my self. Who will sit like that when the love of his life,his sahadharma Charini is being treated like an object or a thing? I deserve punishment. I failed you. More than my brothers I am responsible to keep you safe and secure. I didn't. What is the use of winning battles and suppressing rivals? I am a failure in my personal life.But don't suspect my love for you.That will kill the man you loved.I feel useless and undeserving to continue living on this earth." Arjun stopped gasping for breath.

Panchali said in broken voice.' I hope you understood the reason for my ill treatment. Not once did your mother or your Eldest thought before taking the decision on that FATEFULEVENING. That AngRaj explained elaborately before every one present. That there is nothing wrong in abusing me as I am not a Sati. I have more than one husband. So he asked me to select another...
Arjun stopped her from uttering more. ' Don't talk about that unchaste person. He incurred sin by using such words for a woman who is the most pious of all on this earth. Madhav hinted me when I asked him about your dream that you may get into trouble. He never specified what it is. He always said" I will stand by Krishnaa when you stay helpless."I asked him umpteen times to elaborate but he didn't. He only said he can not change the fate but he can save you in adversity. Try to remember Krishnaa,when we were together I used to deliberate so much silently and you even asked me why my mood suddenly becomes pensive . Day and night I worried about you but when actual situation happened I sat motionless,rigid my only hope being Madhav who I am hundred percent sure will save your dignity. I didn't have one percent of doubt . Thankfully my Madhav saved my life."
Panchali listened to him wide eyed and asked.'Govind knows our future but he didn't try to stop the Dice Game? I believe he is above reason and action.Then why didn't he stop the Dice game?"Arjun reminisced his friend's statement. 'I can not interfere in the plan of the universe decided by the Trinity. I can only stand by my devotees if they call me wholeheartedly.He said so.You submitted before him,I implicitly believed his words. That is why he is able to extend his hand to us. I thanked him from the bottom of my heart. He told me he will be my shadow wherever I go."
Panchali heard him with concern and recovered her composure. To a great extent she now understood  what made him sit through the disgusting event that changed their life forever. But she can not admit it. No. Not yet. Let the fire of revenge burn in his heart and wipe off his rivals completely. He should emerge '. Vijaya" yet again. She has to bear his separation with rock solid heart. But she knew she can not cope Up with it and will lose her intention to live.
Arjun read her heart and gave her solace.' I will try my best to achieve my purpose as fast as I can. Don't lose heart.I promise as Madhav said my arrows won't leave any one of the culprits.I promise you Krishnaa." Arjun took her close and imbibed her warmth. Panchali stayed silent in his arms hearing  his heartbeat that made her feel his love for her...

In the evening Bheem expressed his feelings ' Eldest,why are you sending him that far? I can not survive without him in these circumstances. He gives me moral strength.If you agree I will accompany him to the snowy peaks. " Arjun comforted him.'Bhrata Bheem don't worry I will accomplish our task. If you also come with me who will protect them? Stay back." Nakul added.' Yes.brother.we can not survive without you. Atleast let me accompany you. As it is your outings always end up colourful." Nakul winked at Arjun and continued.' I look handsome when I wear good clothes and ornaments. But you are looking so charming even in the robes of ascetics. So be careful. All those are Devine places. This time for a change a Devine maiden may lose her heart on seeing you.May be an apsara? " Arjun 's hazel eyes locked with the beautiful lotus eyes for a split second. And he saw  the glint of impatience,a sign of possessiveness in them.He sighed in relief.His Krishnaa still loves him.