The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 42

In Dwaitavan life bounced back to normalcy as now they are complete again with the return of Arjun.Messengers brought news that within a short while Krishna Vaasudeva will visit them. Also King Drupad and Dhrisht may also visit. Arjun asked Panchali.' Shall I ask Dhrisht to bring Kirti ? He must be ten years old now. He will feel happy meeting you .I left the option whether to bring Abhi or not to Madhav only." 
Draupadi turned her face away hiding her tears.She silently nodded her head indicating disapproval.Arjun took her into his arms.' Don't trouble yourself that much. It is natural to miss children for mothers.I think we can ask Dhrisht to bring all five." Panchali firmly opposed.' No Arjun,don't call them.They won't be able to see us in this state. Let them survive with our golden memories ,of Indraprasth,of good times.I can't face them as they must have known by now how their mother was dragged  into the court and humiliated."
Arjun felt bad for raising the topic .He assured her. ' I won't call them.They will meet us when we complete our incognito.'  ...That nite all of a sudden,they woke up to the noise of trumpets,violins drums and huge noises mixed with songs and shouts of joy. Which king had come  at this odd hour? Arjun wondered.In the morning Bheem and Nakul  brought the news that it was Duryothan along with his bosom friend Karna who camped nearer to the lake with much pomp. Even the wives also came in  royal splendour.
Bheem muttered under his breath.' I would like to crush Duryothan under my arms.Opportunity came in search of me.I will Kill Dussasan and avenge Draupadi.Nakul supported him.' Yes,let us not waste time. Bhrata Arjun,take your Gandiv. Time has arrived to punish the rivals."
Arjun looked at Yudhishtir who admonished them.' Why do you consider our cousins as our rivals? Let us forget everything and extend a warm welcome to them into Dwaita van." Draupadi is sarcastic.' Yes go and welcome them. I will prepare food as per my capacity to greet your great cousins."
Arjun hesitatingly questioned.' But Eldest,will they accept our friendliness? No I think Duryothan will never change. " The day went on with Duryothan making much hungama by hunting and disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.Yudhishtir and Dhaumya are doing Homa with The brothers sitting and watching the proceedings. Draupadi is busy in her cooking,when they heard the sound of battle cries and clammer of horses.After a while the forest suddenly the noises stopped. After a while the courtiers of Duryothan rushed in and fell at Yudhishtir's feet.They offered obeisance and narrated the fate of Duryodhan in pitiful voices.

It happened that Chitrasena the Gandhrava came there and admonished Duryodhan not to spoil wildlife and disturb the peaceful atmosphere. Duryodhan refused to pay heed to his advice and challenged him for a battle.within no time Chitrasena defeated Duryothan and captured him as his prisoner. The Kuru army was scattered. Arjun asked with surprise.' What happened to his warrior friend Karna? Didn't he save Duryothan? "
The courtier replied.' No Rajkumar Arjun,He fought for a while but was wounded. His chariot was crushed by Chitrasen and he jumped into the chariot of Vikarna and fled from the battlefield." Panchali laughed at that delightfully and Bheem and Nakul celebrated by thumping on the ground.
The courtier informed. Dharmaraj Yudhishtir,Your cousin Duryothan,Dussasan and the Royal ladies were taken prisoners.Show your sense of justice and save your cousins and their wives."Bheem interrupted.' Looks like Chitrasena  did our work and released the burden of Arjun and me.Marvellous. Let them be carried away so long away from Hastinapur. In the meanwhile we can happily claim out right over our property."
But Eldest  is Eldest. He ordered Arjun and Bheem to go and release Duryothan from captivity. Arjun took his Gandiv and tied up his Quivers on his back. Panchali came with the Arti Thali and did Tilak to both of them.She smiled with confidence and that is enough to charge ahead and win the battle,thought Arjun.

Chitrasena did not succumb to Arjun's friendly Banter. He questioned him furiously.' How could I leave this Duryothan who harassed Sati Panchali? Indra ordered me to bring him alive. And I would produce him before The Ruler of Heaven." Arjun tried his best to convince him saying that it is their matter and they should take revenge. But no. Chitrasen is in no mood to listen.The fierce battle started between Gandharvas and Bheem,Arjun.Chitrasen fought with all his powers but could not overpower Arjun.Arjun showered thousands of arrows on them suffocating them relentlessly.
The Gandharvas and Chitrasena along with Prisoner Duryothan flew into the sky.Arjun covered the whole sky with his arrows and made the Gandharvas struck in his arrows.Then Chitrasen started using powerful Astras that were nullified by Phalgun who released Agneyastr on them. The Gandharvas were imprisoned in the middle of fire flames. Chitrasen became desparate and started illusionary battle.
Arjun used Sabdabhedi arrows and wounded Chitrasen severely. He broke all his illusions and stood triumphant.The next moment Chitrasen came down and admitted defeat.' Arjun,being your friend I misbehaved with you. Forgive me friend. I will do whatever you want with Duryothan. "
Arjun smiled endearingly and said.' It is fun to battle with a close friend like you who taught dance to me. Now you must agree I can make even my arrows dance at will." Chitrasen patted him and praised.' Undoubtedly. It is a treat to watch you in the battlefield. You are the Epitome of perfection." 
They took Duryothan to Yudhishtir who showed concern on seeing his plight.' Brother Duryothan,It is your good fortune that we are nearby to help you. Now onwards  don't attempt risky things in life. Go to Hastinapur and enjoy your kingdom." Bheem remarked with sarcasm.' Ofcourse  his hard earned kingdom. It is really hard to play Dice in Sakuni way." Duryothan's face became pale and he left without even accepting the hospitality of Dharma Raj.

Bhanumati who was freed by Chitrasen approached Draupadi and folded her hands.' Forgive my husband Draupadi,Your Arjun brought back life in me by saving him. We are already cursed by the misdeeds of my husband but I pray,Dont curse him further.I beg of you."Panchali   Smiled in a detached manner.
Bhanumati understood the message. She knew it is too late...
Arjun saw the twinkle in Panchali's eyes. She enjoyed Duryothan's miserable state and felt elated. Sometimes fate will favour in adversities. Arjun's superior skills sent a thumping message to every one around indicating The Pandava Victory in the near future. Panchali smiled  her bewitching smile when he accompanied her to the river after sunset ,as she has to bring water.
Some one is too happy today.May I know the reason? " he asked with mischief in his eyes.Panchali bit her lower lip and retorted.' Don't you know ? My husband made our rival shameful by saving his life.I feel on top." Arjun made an innocent face and asked.' So what was the reward you gave him for such heart winning feat? "
Draupadi hid her smile  and  answered.' Whatever he wants ,he will get as reward.But  he is too good and  would never expect anything in return.So I need not give anything." Arjun laughed at her smartness and tried to pull her close but stopped listening to Sahadev's exciting call,' Bhrata Arjun,your Madhav is arriving tomorrow with Satya."  Both Arjun and Draupadi looked at each other with  the same expression of joy.-  Their soulmate is coming to soothen their hearts.