The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 43

The arrival of Krishna spelt celebration in Pandava hermitage.The atmosphere became jubilant with the visitors in the vicinity queuing up to have a darsan of the living God Keshav,Krishna Vaasudev. Bheem and Panchali became busy like in good old days and started cooking with the help of Akshaya Patra.
Great sages like Markandeya visited the Ashram and paid their respects to Krishna.After lunch sage Markandeya narrated The Mahishasur Samhar Katha and The story of Kartikeya and his valour.Panchali and Satya went to the river side and spent time together conversing on different topics.
Suddenly Satya asked Panchali. ' I found the peace and tranquility that I rarely experience in Dwaraka here in your hermitage.I am always insecure of my husband. I am not sure of his love for me. I sulk,I get angry ,I use different tricks to make him spend more time with me. But you are different. I never saw any kind of dissatisfaction in any of them regarding you. What trick will you use to achieve their loyalty please tell me."
Panchali answered with clarity.' Satya,get rid of your insecurity first.Be confident of your love for Govind. He is won by love and devotion. I never use any tricks to win them over. I attend to their needs,serve them well and always fulfill the duties of a housewife. Eldest is always obsessed with Dharma and there won't be any day when he wouldn't do a Homa or a sacrifice. He is particular about attending sages who are our regular guests. I  make every arrangement to please his guests.Bheem you know is obsessed of  food and cooking is his hobby. You know how I assisted him and learnt cooking at Indraprasth. Nakul and Sahadev are simple and uncomplicated.I look after them with concern and affection."

Satya questioned with a tinge of mischief .' What about Arjun? How did you win his heart? I saw all his wives at Indraprasth. They all are beautiful in their own way.Still Arjun looks hooked by you.He is clever. He won't commit it but I know he has that for you . What do you say? "
Panchali stared into space.' I  don't know Satya. I feel his love for me but I can't say...He values me so  much. That is why he readily faced the curse of Urvasi but remained loyal . But he may love Subhadra and others also in the same way.I never fail in my duties towards him . His needs are too simple. He is not particular about timings . He can remain without food and sleep you know. But when he went off I found my existence futile on this earth. Satya I lost my zeal to live."
Satya sulked.' Why did you forgive him in the first place for being silent at the Dice Game.? I could never forgive him.He could have raised his voice against his Eldest against making you a stake ." Panchali 's face became pale. ' Before his Eldest,he would  never consider anyone else. That is his weakness.He believed that Govind would definitely save me come what may.I forgave him Satya,it is essential. He is the pillar of Pandavas.Whatever be the task he will offer himself and achieve it for his brothers.Govind asked me to forgive him. My conscience asked me to forgive him.You know Satya if  I don't The pain caused to him finally hurts me even. So thinking of all these issues I forgot my hurt."
Satya teased her. ' I know you can't live without loving him. Poor Panchali.Helpless in love." Draupadi smiled and retorted.' Not poor Satya. I am rich in my love for him.And I feel proud. " Krishna who came behind with Arjun crossed.' Proud for what Sakhi?" Arjun looked into her lotus eyes that will always mirror her love for him and asked.' Sharing secrets and blaming us for this and that? "
Satya replied tongue in cheek.' Yes she is complaining about your flirtatious nature.I can't understand why do you entangle yourself with beautiful women wherever you go? What is that special quality in you that attracts women? " Arjun replied with attitude.' You should ask them not me. My wife is there. She may help you a bit " Panchali got up on the pretext of attending her work. As she walked towards the hermitage,she heard Satya calling to her.' Be ready with your answer." Panchali turned back and quipped.' I think you better ask Govind's sister to answer this. He has so many admirers you know it." Krishna laughed at her smartness and winked at Satya.

Satya went to assist Panchali in her evening dinner preparations. Krishna and Arjun started walking by the river chatting in a carefree manner. ' How did you enjoy heaven,Parth ? You stayed a long time there. How did you feel? " Arjun expressed his dis interest in heaven's luring temptations.' You knowMadhav,people there are  so lazy and inactive. They had nothing to do except  enjoy music and dance. I wonder why people  aim at heavenly pleasures.I found nothing exciting there."
Krishna smiled and added.' But there are apsaras who are famous for their Devine looks. And you rejected  Urvasi? Very bad Parth." Krishna's tone is mischievous .Arjun smirked  and said.' What is the big deal if I rejected Urvasi? Am I  so greedy that I won't  consider my relationship with her? "
Krishna continued his teasing.' Relationships work for us. Not for them. In heaven any one can enjoy and have pleasure. You are in heaven.  So poor Urvasi must have thought  that you will oblige. By the way isn't she ravishing and imposing? " Arjun replied with disinterest.' She may be beautiful. But not for me.To me she looked like a statue in the mandir. And I just stared at her like a devotee.She misunderstood my looks for passion and taunted me."

Krishna laughed heartily.' You know our reputation makes women believe that we are vulnerable.Actually speaking your interesting affairs and marriages must have made her believe that you will accept her. Poor Urvasi." Arjun is miffed.' She is not poor Urvasi. I am poor Arjun. I went to learn divine Astras and returned with the curse.But  I took it in my stride. That way I can be nearer to her even though in a helpless state."

Krishna patted him on his shoulder.' You know Parth,Challenges happen to those who can meet them half way and win. Your curse will help you hide your identity. Rest assured. A great victory awaits you in the end.'
Arjun smiled feebly and asked.' Is there no way to restrict her from following us in incognito? Why should she hide herself? What is her fault? I was unable to stand up for her on that day and I can never forgive myself for that. Madhav,can't you take her to Panchal  till we finish our incognito? She will listen  to you."
Krishna nodded his head.' No Parth,she won't listen. Don't you know why she preferred forest life even at the cost of separation from her children? Can you imagine her  not being with you in your trials? Never. She can not breathe  if she is separated from you. I was so scared of her state of health when you went away for  five years.In my vision,she appeared  fragile,week,lifeless without you. She  did Katyayani vrath and fasted half days.Her devotional power brought you back safe and sound. All your wives are suffering Parth. But they are safe and secure in their Hometowns. But my Sakhi  set an example of a great Sati who never deviated from her path. I assure you Parth,I will see to,it whoever insulted her will meet their doom very soon. Their lifespan is coming to an end. Mark my word."

Arjun saw a Devine glow on his friend's face He hugged him close and said.' So be it." They walked back and were greeted by the sages who just finished evening oblations to Fire God .Bheem taunted.' Thank god both of you returned soon. Otherwise Panchali won't serve food in time.And you know already my hunger doubled inhaling the smell of the  dishes cooked.Now finish your formalities and come soon."

Satya asked them'you both look serious. What is your topic of discussion?"Krishna seriously answered,'Urvasi" Satya exclaimed.' What" Nakul laughingly said. ' Krishna must have councilled Bhrata Arjun not to care for relationships when such Apsara stood before him ." Arjun's face flushed with embarrassment.Panchali looked at him with suspicion.Sahadev is desparate.' You won't change Nakul.You are impossible."
Krishna smiled at Satya and said.' Nothing like that Satya. I am just curious to know how beautiful she is." Satya got angry and muttered.' You  won't change Swami." Panchali placed her hand on Satya's shoulder.' What is new? They are like that only. Don't take it to heart." After the meals were over,Arjun got the opportunity to cross his wife when she went behind the hermitage on some work.He took hold of her Pallu end wiped his hands and mouth then asked.' Why are you still saying that we are such people? Don't you have faith in me? "
Panchali made an innocent face and said.' How  do I know?Your brother Nakul said that you must have left Urvasi but there are others who have no relationship with you,like Rambha,Tilottama...Yajnaseni could not complete her line. Her Arjun did not let her complete.