The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 47

Arjun took Panchali  to the southern part of the hill that is really picturesque. The river there is blue green in colour with Sunrays making the water look golden also. There are rows of cranes white in colour stretching their necks and looked like enquiring the welfare of the couple. Panchali felt refreshing seeing the beauty of nature. Arjun made her walk  nearer to the shore She asked him with wonder.' How did you find out this beautiful place? "Arjun smiled.' For a nature lover it is not difficult to find the beauty of nature.Arjun showed her the lotuses blooming just then with the touch of SunRays.He said instantly.' See the lotus petals gradually opening up and blooming it is just like the beloved opening her eyes slowly after experiencing the bliss of union.
Panchali blushed and understood.His poetic heart is in full swing comparing his beloved with the beauty of the nature.He then took her to the deep forest adjacent to the river.The deer came running to them stopped abruptly gazing at Draupadi's eyes. Arjun remarked.' The deer are wondering seeing the fickleness of their eyes in your eyes." Panchali smiled in appreciation.' How could you find similarity with me you are too poetic at heart Arjun.I wonder how could such a great warrior is actually a beauty worshipper? You have contradictions hidden within your personality.
Arjun smiled and answered . I am a born nature lover.Nature is my first love and Krishnaa  comes second." Panchali  took away her hand from his exhibiting her anger. Am I not your first love? I am hurt. Arjun I hate you ' She walked away from him and at the same time the roar of a bear is heard from a distance. Panchali ran back into Arjun's arms who pulled her closer and laughed.' Yajnaseni is that much afraid? What will you do if it attacks now? I didn't even bring Gandiv. What shall we do?" Panchali looked into his hazel eyes and proudly stated.' My husband doesn't need Gandiv to tackle that .. He can manage." Arjun smiled with delight watching the pride in her lotus eyes. It is mid afternoon and he took her back to the hermitage.Panchali cooked food in Akshaya Patra and both of them fed each other with their own hand. In the evening Bheem sent message that they will return early next morning.
The messenger is a young Brahmin boy who came with a fifteen year old good looking girl .He introduced himself as the son of Dhaumya's brother and she the daughter. He greeted Arjun and  said that his sister wishes to see the princess of Panchal who is hailed as the most beautiful woman of Aryavarth.She walked the two Krosh distance to fulfill her wish.Arjun smiled benevolently and called Panchali who is inside her kitchen. As she came the girl looked at her widening her eyes to the maximum. Panchali turned to Arjun to know what is happening  there. Arjun informed her in a low voice why the girl is looking so.Panchali got embarassed and smiled at the girl.The Brahmin boy told Arjun. They grew up listening to the story of Arjun's triumph at Fish Target and his marriage to the most beautiful woman. The girl expressed her admiration silently and turned to go with great satisfaction.The Brahmin boy admitted that his older sister actually attended the Swayamvar and fell in love with Arjun instantly.
She is busy today. But she will come in a couple of days . Panchali's face changed colour. She gave them fruits and said.' You should start now. Before it gets dark you should reach back. Tell Eldest that we are fine." Arjun controlled his smile observing her feelings. After they left Panchali went inside silently finished her evening worship and then served  food to Arjun . She then finished her work in the kitchen and went to the backyard. The night is beautiful with stars and the crescent moon spreading dim moonlight all around. She felt the masculine arms of her Arjun around her and in a split second she was on the soft mattress that is there  nearer to jasmine creeper she planted that is full of flowers.' What happened? Why are you silent? Arjun asked innocently. Panchali  smirked.' I am fed up of your admirers. How many years passed since you hit fish target? Still your admirers won't  stop  worship ." Arjun asked mischievously.' Why? Your worshipper also came today to see you. It is the same thing no?" Panchali. Ruffled his hair.' No it is different. That girl just came to see me.But the another one may be besotted...Arjun laughed.' You know my Fireborn always remains the same. And I like it that way." Panchali pouted and tried to get up. Arjun gave a peck on her neck. See your friends the jasmines are greeting us .They want to see our love flourish . They are pleading with me." Panchali placed her hands lovingly round his neck.Arjun bent down to feel the overflowing love of Yajnaseni.