The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 69

Arjun caught her hand and stopped her.' Always burning like fire. Ofcourse The Fire Born burns.Who told you I was disturbed? I felt so relaxed on seeing your face.But I should not expose myself before my children. What will they think? Pitasri dropped the sword on seeing Mata's beautiful face?" Panchali laughed at the way he said those words. She lovingly gazed at him and said.' No one can win you in words.You know how to justify yourself."
Arjun smiled with attitude.' No one can win over me either in battlefield or in the battle of love ." Panchali turned her face away and asked.' You won't come home tonite also? What will you do at night here?" Arjun pulled her close and said.' Just trying to get out of my temptation to be with you and worship your beauty." Panchali sulked.' Don't lie. I know your self restraint.You can be a monk and stay away from all temptations. It was a proven fact."

Arjun laughed and said.' I am planning vyuhas with Dhrisht.We want to be ready with every minute matter related to war. And the finance that is required to maintain the army,their needs and the need of their families also.When the soldiers fight for us we should take care of their families. Your father,Virat and Madhav provided finance. I am just calculating whether it is sufficient or not."
Panchali sighed in despair.' Arjun I feel shattered sometimes. Just  think about our Indraprasth treasury. The unlimited wealth you brought from your expeditions. That Duryothan robbed all that and now we have to depend on others for our necessity. It breaks my heart Arjun."  Arjun made her sit on a smooth rock nearer to the water.He took her face in his hands.' Look into my eyes Krishnaa. I agree with what you said just now.But I feel confident of our victory since Madhav is with us.I promise we will get Indraprasth back.Hundred percent.Be with me in my most crucial fight ever."

Panchali placed her hand on his.The moon is rising higher illuminating the surroundings.Arjun  showed her the reflection of moon in the lake waters.Panchali felt elated on seeing the naturelover who always enjoys the beauty of it in any situation.She asked him slowly.'What do you think? Will that foolish Duryothan listen to Govind? Will Pragati come with him to us? Arjun,I want my daughter here. Why don't Mata come with my daughter? Still how long I have to wait? Or is she angry with me for leaving her when she is still months old?She may be angry with me Arjun,that is why she is not coming." Panchali became teary eyed remembering her Pragati.
Arjun also has moisture in his eyes.He knew how painful it is to be away from his dear daughter.He took her on his waist closer as he is standing. His silence made her realise how much he is missing his daughter. ' Pitasri,Mata " Iravan called from a distance.Arjun moved away and answered.' Yes Iravan,Come nearer."Panchali wiped her tears and smiled at him.' Where were you till now? I asked for you as soon as I came." Iravan came and touched her feet. Arjun asked him.' Where is Nakul? What happened? How many chariots are available to us ? "
Iravan replied.' Pitasri they are ready to make more chariots but they need time." Arjun said thoughtfully.' Time is what we don't have much.Let us see how much time Madhav gives us to be ready with everything. Krishnaa,Go with Iravan.It is already late." Panchali got up and told Arjun.' Come back tomorrow. Sixteenth day of Abhi's marriage is to be celebrated tomorrow. Subhadra and Satya are planning it already."
Arjun nodded his head and helped her get into the chariot...

Hastinapur Sabha is waiting to hear what Dhritrashtr will say to Krishna's compromise proposal.The blind king started in his broken voice.' Madhusudan. I would like to follow your advice by all means. But my son is foolish. He doesn't know what is good for him. He is misguided by Sakuni and Karna.Please try once to bring him into his senses." Grandfather Bhishm spoke in a soft voice.' Duryothan,make peace with Pandavas. Yudhishtir will always love you like his own brother.Bheem will never disobey his brother. Arjun and the Twins will respect you as their elder. The battle would have been finished if Arjun took a drastic step on that day in Virat Kingdom rather than making us sleep by Sammohanastr. Hail his generosity.Isnt it a fact that your friend Karn also became senseless and defeated twice by Arjun? Think properly and decide who is your own and who are fake."

Panchali told Satya and Subhadra that Arjun will come the next day to participate in Abhi's sixteenth day marriage celebrations. Abhi who is listening to her commented.' Maa why such celebrations now?We should not waste time .Actually I have to learn Chakravyuh formation. I know how to enter but don't know how to return back." Uttara asked him with a surprised look.' Why did you learn it half half? "
.' You know Uttara only Mama Sri and Pitasri knew that vyuha. But to my bad luck I can not learn from either of them.Now I will definitely ask Pitasri to teach the other half. He taught me only the entering skills.. Otherwise I will be trapped inside the Chakravyuh  and fall in danger."

Panchali stopped him from saying more.' Abhi Dont say such inauspicious things. No need of you to enter that Chakravyuh when your father is around. He won't let you go. " Abhi smiled at her concern.Satya said,' Panchali Swami unnecessarily went to Hatinapur. Waste of time.Better than that we would have declared war at the earliest.Any way Arjun is ready with every thing."
Subhadra agreed.' Yes Bhabhi. Those stubborn people won't listen to Bhrata.I hope he would return as soon as possible." Panchali returned to her chamber late after looking after the arrangements for next day's celebrations.She told Malini to blow off the lights and go to her room.
She stood at the balcony and reminisced her conversation with Arjun in the evening.Suddenly in the darkness Panchali could see the familiar white horse of Savyasachi  that is approaching with the Gandivdhari on it. As it came nearer she saw her husband holding Gandiv in his left hand . Panchali's heart skipped a beat. Why is he coming so late at night? Did Govind send any message ? She hurriedly went inside and opened the door for him.Arjun came inside placed his Gandiv carefully and Panchali asked with anxiety.' What happened? Why did you come suddenly? Any message from Govind? " Arjun silently watched her expressions and relaxingly walked towards the balcony.