The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 34

Arjun doesn't know how much time he spent in meditation but when he opened his eyes, he saw an old Brahmin looking at him curiously. But  there is a strange glint of affection in his eyes that reminded him of the caressing glance of his father Pandu that enveloped him in his childhood.
The Brahmin addressed him.' From where did you come here? This place is owned by monks and sages.Why did you come here with sword and bow? Get rid of your weapons. Then only you can stay here." Arjun introduced himself and said that he won't throw his weapons away come what may.To his surprise the old Brahmin changed into his Devine father Indra. He  tempted Arjun with the boons like divinity and accessibility to all Devine places. Arjun replied with a sad voice.' God of heaven! I want divine Astras only. My brothers are suffering in the forest.My wife got insulted like no one else before. She should be avenged.I would never leave her offenders roam free on this earth. I don't have any other wish." Indra smiled happily.' Arjun,you will get all the Astras.First win the grace of Mahadev. Then you will come to my abode. My son,you will get every Astra you want.My blessings are always with you."

Indra disappeared and Arjun wondered whether he was going in the correct path to reach Mahadev. He then determined to intensify his penance. He stopped eating food. He renounced milk and fruits also. He made Mrittika Ling with his own hands daily and worshipped it with flowers and Vibhuti.( Clay Siv Ling) days and months passed by. Arjun stopped drinking water also. In his inherent vision he saw only Chandra Mauliswar but no one else. The snow peaks of Himalayas started heating up with the undeterred concentration of Arjun.
Om Namah Sivaya reverberated all around. The sages,Yakshas and Siddhas got tensed up.What would Arjun's penance result in? The danger threatened the great Himalayas also. Himavan anxiously looked at Girija,Uma Parvati his dearest daughter...
Yudhishtir looked at Panchali who stood before him . First he thought that as usual she will taunt him for his patience and Passive ness as it became a habit with her and Bheem to do so. But she is looking different  like she  had her heart tugged up inside . Her eyes has moisture and her lower lip is trembling indicating the extent of her torment. Bheem could not bear to see her thus,Nakul and Sahadev had an agitated look on their faces. It was mid afternoon but since it is winter,the sun did not show his face on that day as usual. Panchali  started in her broken voice. 'Maharaj, I can't live here any more This Kamyaka forest  is reminding him wherever I cast my eyes."
Sahadev understood immediately and showed his support. ' Ofcourse Panchali, I am also missing Bhrata so much." Panchali continued leaving her inhibitions.' The blue sky is reminding his complexion. The clouds are just like in the colour of his curls. When I look at the elephants I remember his gait. The lake where he used to practice archery makes me feel as if he is still there, with Gandiv in his hand. I will get lured but when I go nearer I can't find him there. I will return back depressed without even filling up the pot."
Panchali abruptly stopped as if to get back her control over her mind. Bheem expressed his solidarity. ' Eldest,I am also finding it too difficult to survive without our dear brother.You know the lives of Yadavas and Panchalas depended on him. We trusted his valour as our meansI  to overcome our sufferings. Please tell Kanha to bring Arjun back. We both are enough to teach Duryothan a lesson."
As Bheem completed his sentenceDraupadi rushed out and reached the mango grove. What she suspected happened already. She may become the cause to disrupt the Unity of Pandavas. What would they think? That she can not survive without him.Panchali closed her eyes and prayed.' Govind,please give me strength. I am struggling to survive without him.Will I be able to welcome him back? I doubt Govind,not many days Your Sakhi will stand firm in his absence." Krishna smiled at her,as if in her dream.' He is in your heart Kalyani.Look inside. He didn't go anywhere." Panchali concentrated her attention within herself. A slight smile blossomed on her face. The lotus eyes twinkled with excitement. Her Arjun is there within her conscience oozing charm and making her feel mesmerised and besotted.