The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 38

Along with Romasa,the sage finally Pandavas and Draupadi reached Gandhamadhan where the river Ganga flows in seven parts. There is Mandara giri where Yakshas,Vidyadharas and other gods live. The Kailash is six hundred yards away from the mountain .Romash showed them sacred places and said.' From here only Arjun went to heaven ascending the chariot of Indra,driven by Matali.
The brothers wondered at the good fortune of Arjun who had such easy access to heaven.Nakul said.' Bhrata Bheem.whatever it is he is fortunate. He must be enjoying the company of Rambha,Urvasi,Menaka.." Bheem shouted.' Bas. Bas. Don't go beyond that. Always think of those things only. Panchali looked at the place marked by Romash. She walked there and stood feeling his presence there.' It had been four years and six months since you left Arjun! Govind said that you fulfilled every purpose . Why are you delaying still? Are you not feeling your Krishnaa's  absence? Enough Arjun,I can't survive more. Come back to me."

Just then fierce winds blew over,making them lost their balance and Bheem immediately reached Draupadi to support her. The  tornado like winds separated the brothers,Draupadi and Sage Romasa by blowing them into different directions . Bheem held Draupadi and understood she became unconscious. After the winds calmed down,they gathered round her and looked into her face sadly feeling guilty for causing her such trouble. Sage Romash sprinkled the water from his Kamandalu and Yudhishtir blamed himself.' All this happened because of me. Daughter of Drupad is facing unheard of ordeals due to me. Bheem! We have to reach the peaks where Nara Narayanasram existed in Badari van.As per the message we received,Arjun will meet us there. I will go with Nakul and wait for Arjun. You with Sahadev and Draupadi wait at this place. She can not climb up the steep hill."

Bheem nodded his head. ' I am sure she won't agree. We also can't leave you at this stage. Panchali's condition is pitiful. She still is advancing only with the hope of meeting Arjun. I wonder why our brother,in whom we restored all our hopes did not come yet." Draupadi got back her consciousness and emphasised.' I won't stay here. I will travel there even if I have to face danger to my life.Let my whole body collapse,my soul will reach there. "
So saying she stood up and proceeded with great difficulty. Bheem immediately chanted his son's name.' Ghatotkach,my son. I need your help. Come here at once." Then to their surprise they saw the son of Hidimba in his huge form before them.Bheem embraced him and ordered him. ' carry your Mata and Others on to the top of the mountain. I can come by myself. " Ghatotkach smiled with naughty ness and placed his father also on his shoulder. He delicately handled Draupadi who smiled with motherly affection.
Pandavas visited Mainaka peak,which is covered with gold and Bindusaras Where Mahadev released Ganga waters first time. Then they reached Badarikasram,the hermitage of Nar and Narayan. They want to spend there till Arjun comes. Ghatotkach assured them that he will always respond to their call and help them in need.
The beauty of Badarika van mesmerised Panchali. The soothing breezes, the colour ful flowers the pure Ganga waters  removed her fatigue and depression.She thought she got the message from her husband that he is descending there into her arms rekindling the love and passion they had for each other.She roamed around under the protection of Bheema her beautiful face brightened up by his memories and blooming like Brahma Kamalas,the lotuses which will blossom on Himalayas that too only once in an year on Sravana Suddha Tadiya,that coincides with the Amarnath Shiv ling coming out of snow for the first time.
Panchali placed her feet in chilled water despite Bheem's warning and closed her eyes...Her thoughts got back to Indraprasth..It was a cloudy day in Indraprasth with cool winds indicating the rain that may shower any time. Panchali stood in her balcony waiting for Arjun who is too busy that day attending some important meetings at the Military camp on the outskirts of Indraprasth. He won't change. He will forget every thing when he is with his troops.Just seven days back Panchali reconciled with him forgiving him for bringing Subhadra and also for his other marriages.Both of them are immensely passionate about each other and are enjoying the conjugal bliss.Right then an important military reshuffle is planned by him and he went there to handle the matters. Panchali felt cold as the drizzle that just started sprinkled water drops all over her face. She went back two steps without turning back but was enveloped in her husband's arms his loving whisper making her drool over him.' Let us enjoy the rain together." ...'
Panchali it is turning dark. Let us go to the hermitage. Bheem's voice brought yajnaseni out of her trance and out of her beautiful moments spent with him.

Bheem met Hanuman ,his brother when he went to fetch Saugandhika flowers on the behest of Draupadi. He also killed Jatasur and other demons to prove his might and was scolded by his Eldest for causing damage to Kubera's citizens.But Draupadi felt happy on seeing those beautiful flowers and kept five of them back to show them  to Arjun.
Two months passed since they reached Badarika van.But there is no trace of Arjun . Yudhishtir got worried and asked the sages who are dwelling there since many years to tell the greatness of that place.Romaharshan,one of the sages with great power of penance addressed him benevolently.' Son of Kunti,don't feel depressed.Arjun would definitely  land here. This place is so powerful. Previously,the ancient sages,Nar and Narayan did severe penance here. At that time a demon called Sahasra Kavacha attacked them. He has a boon that whoever pierces his Kavach will die. So he became a trouble maker to every one around and out of arrogance attacked the Devine sages. Then both of them made a plan. According to that Nar started fighting with Sahasra Kavach and Narayan did penance. Nar pierced his Kavach and fell down dead. Narayan then brought him back to life with his power of penance.Then Nar started penance and Narayan continued battling.This way both of them success fully destroyed Nine ninety nine Kavach of the demon who fled out of fear and took shelter with sun god.." 
The sage paused and revealed. ' Krishna is Narayan and Arjun is Nar. They are thus inseparable." The Pandavas got delighted on hearing the reality .Panchali wondered  thinking of her Arjun's greatness. The wait started turning her desparate and  vexed. No message from neither Krishna nor Arjun.Life came to a standstill as the hope with which she is surviving gradually decreasing .' Why is he making delay? Is he not earnest to come down and meet her? How much patience should she cultivate in passing the rigorous ordeals? "

That day Panchali finished her work and sat before the idol of Mata Katyayani that she always kept with her.Suddenly a thunder like noise shook the hermitage. Wind blew with great force.Panchali lost her balance and prostrated before the goddess. Nakul and Bheem ran out in excitement and Sahadev stood at the entrance and pronounced.' He is back." Panchali heard the words and shivered .She did not move an inch. She heard Bheem's voice shout in joy.' Panchali,Arjun is here." Tears rolled from her eyes and Draupadi prayed to Katyayani.' We are blessed Mata,For bringing him back safe."