The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 46

Seasons are changing sending the bad times back and inviting the good times to infuse faith,to sow the seeds of hope. Only two months are left to enter into incognito.Pandavas are trying hard to get used to the make over and be some other person for a whole year. But  the disguises they take up thoroughly suited them and it is easy to get into the skin of their alter egos. Yudhishtir  perfectly suited for the role of Kanka  as he can make himself comfortable  playing Dice,discussing the matters of Dharma.
Bheema said he would enjoy his term as a cook and as a boxer . He can have his favourite food every day and enjoy fighting with boxers. The Twins are perfectly suitable to be with horses and cows.Arjun has to endure his curse and  live life in the harem of Royal ladies. It is heart breaking for Draupadi.How could  her husband who is too famous for his heroism and manliness bear such change in his body ? And what if he gets depressed in that process? Who will revive his spirits? Panchali 's worry started taking a toll on her health.
She became week,absent minded and disinterested in any thing. Bheem asked Arjun' Did you observe  how fragile  she became? What is that matter eating her brains? Find out and  do remedy to it. She has to enter incognito not absent minded,depressed. It would be dangerous for her as well as for us."
Arjun nodded his head and assured he would look into the matter. That day it happened that  they  were invited to the Asram of  Dhaumya's brother where a great Homa will be performed and at night  a story telling session is arranged by the sages that interested Yudhishtir and Sahadev. It also happened that a grand Samaradhana ( lunch) has been planned. Dhaumya requested Bheem to look into the  food arrangements as nearly hundred sages have to be fed with good food. Bheem agreed with excitement. Yudhishtir asked Nakul to stay back with Draupadi but Bheem negated.' Arjun,you stay back with Draupadi. I want Nakul to assist me there."
He winked at Arjun indicating him he has to tackle Draupadi.Arjun stayed back . Every one left after the morning puja formalities. Arjun finished his archery practice and came back to the hermitage. He kept his Gandiv properly and Panchali brought him Milk without sugar as is his habit. He took her hand with the milk glass and finished it fast. Panchali tried to release her hand but he got up and lead her out . They crossed the mango grove and reached the riverside . Panchali  protested.' Arjun,I have to finish my work.Let me go back.I will prepare lunch for you."
Arjun did not pay attention to her words. He went into the waters and pushed the boat to the shore,lifted her inside and started rowing it in the waters. Panchali stood closer to him silently knowing that he won't tell anything if he doesn't want to. The boat swiftly moved in the waters making Panchali wonder what Arjun is upto.
After a while Arjun reached the shore and helped Panchali out of the boat.He then took her to the foot hill where a cave existed with a steep entrance.Arjun carefully lead her inside and Panchali saw a Shivling on a rock surface looking Devine and making the surroundings charged up. Arjun folded his hands ,closed his eyes and remained in Dhyan for sometime. Then he opened his eyes took the Vibhuti from the Shivling and made three lines with it on his forehead.

Then he took the Kumkum from the feet of Gauri not in the form of an idol but an oval shaped rock with yellow turmeric covered over it. He placed it in the Mang of Draupadi and touched her forehead with his palm. Panchali closed her eyes feeling the vibrations of Devine power. Then Arjun brought her out and lead her to a beautiful place that is surrounded by mango trees and fragrant flower creepers. There is a small hut there which is covered by green leaves from the creepers and he took her inside. Panchali liked the cool hut and looked around wondering how Arjun knew such a place existed there. Arjun made her sit on a wide flat rock took her hand and looking straight into her eyes asked.' Tell me Krishnaa what is bothering you? " Panchali did  not answer.
She bent her face down as if collecting strength to reveal her fears before her soulmate.Arjun repeated Tell me Krishnaa.Panchali looked up and gazed into his eyes. He understood. ' it Is about Urvasi's curse. Isn't it ? " She remained silent. Arjun started in his magnetic voice,placing his hand round her shoulders. ' Krishnaa when I went  to Himalayas I don't have you by my side,No Madhav with me,no brothers. You know who gave me strength there to survive the chill weather? Bholenath .and Madhav and you. Panchali looked in surprise. But we were not there Arjun. She said. Arjun smiled. ' Bholenath blessed me with willpower. Daily after I worship Shiv I got new vigour and Energy.Madhav guided me by literally living with me. I used to hear his words whenever I slip into depression. And you,Krishnaa you and me are not different we are one. I can feel you in myself.Now as Brihannala I will feel the feminine self that is already there in me. And that is you Krishnaa."
Panchali stared into his eyes spell bound. Arjun continued. ' Why should I bother to meet such feminine self that is so closer to me.Krishnaa,Since childhood,I hated one word. That is the word FEAR.I never had that feeling ever in my life. I will not have that in future. And I want my wife also to be fearless." Arjun hugged her close and repeated.' Krishnaa let us face it fearless." Panchali awestruck and mesmerised placed her head on his heart.She said after a pause.' Yes.Arjun I will.Your wife will never be afraid again." Arjun smiled  and kissed on her forehead. That should be the spirit Now You know what reward I will present my wife? A beautiful day spent away from every one."