The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 33

Arjun stood before the Gandhamadhan Parvat that always enthralled him and mesmerised him.He visited that twice before.Once during his pilgrimage and then during Rajasuya conquest. The mountain seemed to extend warm welcome to him by means of twittering and singing birds He always liked climbing mountains and never felt exhausted towards the hardships of mountaineering. As he climbed up it looked as if he can touch the sky with his hand, The sky was in sapphire blue ,the rocks on both sides are shining with silver hue,the lakes on both sides have blooming lotuses that resembled the eyes of his beloved Wife  who wins hands down if she competes with them.

Arjun reached the highest peaks of Himalayas and  looked around to see the beauty around.He inhaled the fresh air that carried the herbal fragrance making him infused with new vigour and energy. He could see a couple of shepherds on his way up,staring at him with wonder what made this warrior like man come to this dangerous secluded place. One of them addressed him in Pahadi language which Arjun learnt when he visited previously.' Leave this place before nightfall. Otherwise you won't survive the chilled winds. We also go down at night time.Dont stay here."

Arjun smiled at him and replied.' I came here to spend day and night in this place . Don't worry. I will take care. " the shepherd threw his hands in despair and accompanied his companion.Arjun spent the night  in the mountain cave desparately trying to fight the chilled winds that are piercing the skin and freezing the blood. Arjun sat before the fire that was lit up by him but in no way a match to the cool winds.He thought of his fire born,the warmth in her embrace and prayed to his Madhav.' Please be with her and give her solace and strength.Dont let her feel my absence."
Arjun could not sleep due to the weather that is alien to him and early in the morning took his Gandiv and came out of the cave. With much effort he was able to bend his fingers and slowly got into his element.
After he is done with the practice,he took bath in the lake where water freezed his body and sent ripples through . He came out and observed the sun covered by clouds He knew he can not expect to see the rising sun every day. If he is lucky he may see it by mid noon. Arjun selected a place where he should practice Yoga that takes him through his Path to please the three eyed Lord.He sat on a triangular rock and closed his eyes and concentrated.

He first saw his Madhav,then his Krishnaa and then both vanished . He chanted Omkara with dedication and then Om Namah Sivaya.

..Umaparvati  smiled in delight.' Swami,your devotee came nearer to you. When will you grace him?" Sankar Shiv smiled at her curiosity.' Arjun started just now Parvati. He should ascend to the level where he will pull his Aradhya with his devotional power. I am sure the day will arrive soon. " Parvati asked. ' swami,Pasupat is held by only Shiv and Sakti till now.I used Pasupat to kill Bhandasur. Will Arjun posess the discretion to use Pasupat only when the situation commands? "
Mahadev stated with confidence. ' Uma,none other than Arjun could posess the Pasupat. He has the ability ,discretion and will power to hold it use it only when required." Parvati  requested him.' Swami,please grace him soon. I can't bear to see the pain of Panchali back in Kamyaka van. Let Arjun go back as early as possible." Mahadev replied with a certainty.' He can not go back till five years. He should go to heaven for further training.Panchali should wait for five years Parvati. " having said so Mahadev closed his eyes leaving Umaparvati who is filled with compassion towards Panchali...
Yajnaseni sat on the bank of the lake keeping the water pots beside her. It is pradosha samay. Just then the sunset happened making the sky shine in golden orange colour. She spent one month already without Arjun leading a routine life attending to the needs of the brothers. Life seemed to standstill after Arjun left. When will he return back? How will he survive the cold weather? She blamed the fate that changed their life so mercilessly . The beautiful life they spent in Indraprasth appeared like a dream. The moment she spent with Arjun made her think that life is but a Devine song of love. She felt the cool winds blow over her and reminisced the passionate times of their togetherness...
It was one of the coolest nights at Indraprasth making every one shiver with cold. In the conference room,that night a discussion is happening about the arrangements of Rajasuya. All of them sat in a circle ,the campfire is burning in the middle. Yudhishtir And Bheem left just then and Arjun along with Sahadev and Madhav is finalising the events that are planned to entertain the guests.Satya also was present as she is also a member of organising committee to plan events. Panchali felt like shivering with cold and covered herself closely with the shawl. Satya smirked.' Arjun let us stop here. We will continue tomorrow. It is too cold." Sahadev bid adieu and went off. Arjun is adamant that the list should be finalised that night only. Satya showed Panchali.Arjun sideglanced his wife and assured Satya.' Don't worry. She is Fireborn. She won't be effected by cold." So saying he took Panchali's hand and said.' See how warm she is. Obviously I will be at advantage with her being the Fireborn." Krishna  immediately understood his inner meaning and laughed loudly patting Arjun's back. Satya and Panchali understood a little late and turned red in face. Satya pulled Krishna up and teased Arjun. ' now finish your work in the company of your Fireborn wife. We won't disturb you. " So saying she left with Madhav who winked at Arjun. Panchali blushed and pretended anger. ' why do you say such things before others ? See how Satya will tease tomorrow." Arjun pulled her closer and said in his husky voice. ' let her tease. But first let me imbibe your warmth."  ...Panchali closed her eyes feeling his touch all over her,desparately chanting,' come back to me Arjun..."