The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 65

The training camp at the outskirts of Upaplavya commenced under the supervision of Arjun and Bheem.The young lads from other countries who support Pandavas joined with great enthusiasm. It starts at 5 in the morning and continue for three hours. After that Arjun will test the skills of the trainees and give them grades as per their calibre. In the afternoon sometimes he will hold competitions for them and reward them when they excell in different branches of warfare.On the whole he became busier as days progressed.

After ten days Krishna will go to Hastinapur as the muhurat is fixed by Dhaumya then.That day after dinner Satya Panchali and Krishna sat discussing the consequences if Duryothan refuses to compromise.' Where is Arjun?" Satya asked Krishna. That is the query that Panchali also wanted to ask since she did not see him after lunch.Krishna is holding the rope that is used to control the horse in his left hand. He replied thoughtfully.

He took his soldiers to the out skirts a little away from the camp to train them in arrangements of vyuhas as they need basic knowledge to know what is expected of them when a vyuha is arranged. They should know the key positions and how to stick to them despite enemy attack.Dhrisht and Satyaki accompanied him. Abhi insisted on coming but Arjun did not allow him as it may take long to return.He took his sons and Iravan. "
Satya asked him.' These days you are always having this rope in your hand. Are you seriously thinking of driving your Parth's chariot? " Krishna instantly replied.' Yes Satya. I will be his charioteer. I promised him." Satya widened her eyes and asked.' Tell me how it happened. I always wanted to know." Panchali is all attention. She also wanted to know how her husband achieved her Govind as his charioteer.Krishna started.' You know for a brief period we returned to Dwaraka as I have many matters to settle before war commences.
Sakuni planned and sent Duryothan to ask my help and Bhrata Balram's support.Parth also came for the same purpose.Duryothan entered my chamber first and sat at my head place. Then came Parth and sat at my feet on the floor .I got  up from sleep and saw Parth first. After knowing the reason I asked them to chose between me who will not fight and one Akshouhini Narayani Sena who are great fighters.
As Parth is younger I gave him first chance. He immediately choose me over that vast Sena. Duryothan is overcome by joy thinking of Parth's foolishness.He took Narayani Sena happily and went off. I asked Parth why he chose so he answered me he doesn't want me to fight but drive his chariot.He said he knew they will win as I stood by them."
Satya clapped and Panchali smiled thinking of her endearing husband.The next moment Arjun entered with dusty body and greeted them.Krishna affectionately touched his shoulder and asked ,' Every thing went on as planned? Arjun nodded with satisfaction.he said.' They all are quick learners. But more vyuhas are to be explained that I may do day after tomorrow." Krishna said.' Go and take bath and relax. Sakhi look after him " Krishna winked at Draupadi and Satya smiled meaning fully.Panchali ascended the stairs with Parth following her.
Arjun took bath in warm flavoured water and felt rejuvenated. He came out and bent before Panchali to dry up his hair. Panchali dried up his hair with a towel and Arjun sprinkled the water drops on her face.Panchali feigned anger and stared at his chiselled body with pearl like water drops shining on it. She touched the water drop with her forefinger and Arjun smiled with his usual charm making her avert her gaze . He bent down and swallowed the water drops sprinkled on her face with his warm lips.Panchali tried to stop him.' Eat something Arjun. You must be hungry.All day you toiled hard. I brought your food here.Eat now."
Arjun took her in his arms and whispered.' Let us eat afterwards together. I know you won't eat till I come back." His lips touched her earlobe and Panchali  bit her lower lip. Why are they both extremely passionate towards each other despite being together for years now?
Their love and romance seems ever fresh and eternal.She sighed and looked into his hazel eyes.Arjun smiled and said.' True. You fascinate me just like you did at the Swayamvar. Or shall I say I am besotted with you since ages. I will till I breathe my...Panchali closed his lips not allowing him  to say more.

Krishna's Hastinapur visit is approaching nearer and only three days are left for him to leave for the capital of Kurus. Satyaki is preparing to go with him.Yudhishtir told him' Do in such a way that benefits us and our cousins.Duryothan won't agree to give us our share.He may even try to harm you. So be careful and try your best for compromise. "
Bheem told him to every one's surprise.' Kanha show your skill in achieving the impossible task. Even though I wish to kill my cousins I still want you to follow Eldest.Not that I am afraid of battle.But the circumstances are forcing me to do so. " Krishna smiled and ridiculed him.' Who is speaking? Is it Bheemsen the Great? I wonder what happened to you at this crucial moment.Parth and me have decided to win the battle with your help.But you changed your mind?"

Bheem laughed and retorted.' You know I can kill thousands of elephants with bare hands. Still I am forced to say so because of my Eldest.Not that I fear war. You know that." Krishna smiled and assured.' I know your capability and your commitment towards your Eldest.Just like that I teased."
He then looked at his Parth who reluctantly spoke his words.' Madhav what is there to speak after Eldest spoke his views? Still I want to say this much. I know Duryothan will never agree to give back our kingdom. But keeping aside Bheem's might and my Gandiv power  I still request you to try for peace. That is good for both sides. Having said that I guess every thing happen by fate. So if war is inevitable no one can stop it. You do as per Eldest's wish."

Sahadev got angry seeing the passive attitude of his brothers. He roared like a lion.' Keshav just tell Duryothan this much .The whole kingdom belongs to our father only.Still we shared it with you.Due to your jealousy we endured Exile and  incognito. Now be sensible and return our kingdom.Otherwise let us solve this dispute in war."

Satyaki and Dhrisht clapped hands and applauded him.Yudhi stopped them and said.' Krishna ,Ask Duryothan to give atleast Indraprasth,Vrikaprasth,Varanavat and two more .We will be satisfied with that. We will forget whatever they did to us." Panchali got up and walked out of the meet.
She just reached the private guest house ,went to her chamber and closed the doors.After a while she heard the familiar knock on the door.She decided not to respond but then heard Krishna's voice,Sakhi open the doors."
Panchali saw Govind and her husband looking anxiously into her face. She turned her back to them not showing her face and stood near the window.
Krishna's soothing hand touched her head.' Kalyani don't suppress yourself. Open up. What is your instruction to me?" Krishna asked in his tender voice. Rarely he calls her Kalyani the auspicious one.Panchali burst out.' Why are you asking me Govind? Go and beg Duryothan our Indraprasth on behalf of your valiant cousins."
Arjun looked at Krishna with desperation. Krishna signalled him with his eyes not to worry. Draupadi had moisture in her eyes.' Govind I never wanted luxuries or rich lifestyle. When my husband won me in the Swayamvar he is a poor Brahmin to me. I did not regret then. But I certainly feel bad at the way Your cousins bent their heads before Hastinapur. Even the ever bold Bheemsen is talking the language of submission. And your dear friend,as usual his Eldest's word is Ved mantra to him."
Arjun turned his face away unable to look into her eyes.Panchali continued.' Whose property who is enjoying?And who has to donate? Indraprasth is the outcome of his valour that you know Govind. And my children have every right over it. Why should we beg Duryothan? Why can't we claim it with royal dignity? Is it necessary to stoop to such level that we are begging our own property that too after fulfilling the conditions of dice game? "
Panchali stopped to take breath.Arjun tried to make her sit but she stopped him by raising her hand .
Govind My sons have grown up. Abhi is married. Our daughter inlaw needs to step into our ancestral kingdom.My daughter and my mother in law are desparately looking forward to come out of the shelter home sorry if I am rude. Hastinapur is a shelter home for them even though Kakasri Vidur is our wellwisher.More than this I can't tell anything. You are clever enough to decide what is good  for us." Panchali sat  on the couch trying to compose herself . Arjun looked at Krishna . His hazel eyes conveyed his request to his Madhav to pacify his dear Krishnaa who doesn't deserve the kind of agony she is feeling now.