The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 74

The night before the Pandava army left for Kurukshetra saw the whole family assembling  in the royal garden of Upaplavya that was lit up by hundreds of Diyas.Krishna finally succeeded in convincing Satya to leave for Dwaraka the next day.He told her since Balaram started on his pilgrimage miffed with the war proceedings,Satya should take care of administration and look after the security of Dwaraka.
Satyaki and Kritavarma also are participating in war. So along with Pradyumna Satya has to bear the responsibility. When Krishna announced Satya's departure that will happen the next day ,Every one felt bad. The boys hugged her and said.' We miss you a lot. We thought of sharing our war experiences with you."
Panchali felt depressed. She always enjoyed being with Satya.Arjun sighed with relief and confessed.' Now I feel relaxed. Otherwise I have to bear with your tantrums after a tedious day in battlefield. You will not let me go without showing a recap of the happenings at war.I should thank Madhav for his wise decision." Satya retorted instantly.' Don't worry.After the war got over I will make you demonstrate everything."
Every one laughed at their banter. Dhaumya did Homa and offered oblations to all the gods. Dharmaraj Yudhishtir looked calm and composed.He reconciled to the fact that war is inevitable to get their kingdom back.Bheem is beaming with pride.'Finally I can do justice by punishing the criminals of Draupadi. And Mata Kunti also endorsed the war. What more do I want? Let the Pandava scions reign supreme." He pronounced his feelings and got shouts of applause from every one.Dhrisht promised total commitment towards the purpose.' I will fulfill my duty as the Sarva Senadhipati. Brother in law Arjun has so much faith in my ability. I will never let him down."

Arjun smiled at him in appreciation. Abhi came forward and confessed.' On behalf of my brothers and myself I promise we will keep the Pandava glory fly high.Kauravas will taste what Arjun's son can do to them. Those who insulted my Jyesht Mata have to count their days now onwards." Draupadi and Subhadra had tears in their eyes. They hugged him together and signalled Arjun to come.
Abhi hugged his father and Arjun lifted him up like he is a small kid. With moisture in his eyes he admonished him.' My son. We are there to face them. You are our future hope. Don't be aggressive in the battlefield. All of you stick together and do only that what is entrusted to you.Think of Uttara. She needs you more."

Krishna got up walked to Arjun and smiled.' Parth,A lion cub never stays back. He is Arjun's son and Krishna's nephew. At what age you fought your first war? That too with the great Drupad?Think over." Drupad laughed broadly and added.' Abhimanyu,Your father is too young when he defeated me and earned fame. I was awestruck on seeing the clarity,precision ,lightness of hand and the speed with which he overpowered me completely. Your father is equally adept at sword fight. In a brief while he exhibited his extraordinary skills in such a manner that I was desparate to make him my son in law at any cost.And the rest is history."
Arjun felt embarrassed and Draupadi blushed.Abhi and the boys clapped gleefully. Abhi complained.' Pitamah Drupad, I wanted to hit Fish Target and get my wife. But Pitasri fixed my marriage suddenly." Uttara smiled and said.' Why didn't you tell that before? My father also would have arranged that. " Bheem patted Abhi and assured.' My son the battle ahead will give you that much fame I can say you will be hailed by one and all"

Draupadi looked at Iravan who bent his head and looked immersed in thoughts. She went to him and placed her hand on his head.' Iravan Say something. You are the Eldest son of your father. Don't hesitate to express your thoughts." Iravan looked up and asked.' Should I?" Draupadi firmly stated.' Yes you should my son, On the eve of the great battle express yourself.Your mother will feel happy."
Panchali took his hand and led him to the centre. Arjun looked curiously at them. Iravan raised his head and started slowly.' Jyesht Mata more than any one else you owe my services. I know I am the Eldest of my Pitasri but I am proud to accept my younger brother Abhi's superiority in warfare. He is my father's successor in the true sense. But I will do my best and punish those criminals who insulted you. When I was about to leave my mother told me ' Dont spare those devilish people who humiliated your Jyesht Mata. Make me proud by offering yourself at your father's feet."

Panchali had tears in her eyes. How she hated Ulupi for being the first one to experience conjugal bliss with Arjun. But she proved herself worthy to be his wife . Now she even offered her son to enter the most crucial battle of Arjun's life. Panchali hugged Iravan and blessed him.' May you light up the clan of Pandavas." Krishna asked Arjun who closed his eyes as if reminiscing something.' Parth, Ulupi always is selfless. Noble. She loved you heartfully.If she wanted she would have kept Iravan back as he is her life support. But no.She offered him to you as a token of her love for you.What are you deliberating now?" Arjun answered in a broken voice.' But is this battle worth her sacrifice? Isn't it advisable to keep our future hopes away from battle cries?"
Krishna looked deep into his Parth's changing attitude day by day. The greatest warrior of Aryavarth is shaking from within.What will be the outcome of this? Krishna placed his hand on Arjun's shoulder. He kept silent. He knew his Parth is in dilemma that can not be wiped off with assuring words. It needs to be removed from the base. Kirti clapped his hands and called for attention.' Being the Youngest I will never be counted seriously. But I want you to count me also. I am also Arjun's son." Kirti pouted pretending hurt. Abhi and Sutasom hugged him together and shouted.' Kirti Hurray . We will show our might to those fools." ...
Satanik shouted..My Eldest brother Prativindhya is by nature calm and composed. On his behalf I swear ..all if us brothers will fight to keep the honour of Pandavas... Draupadi took him close and blessed him.

Panchali approached Arjun who is looking at the stars and the moon. She observed his absent mindedness and touched his hand lightly. Arjun swiftly turned to her and smiled.' The DDay is nearer. The war stares at our face.I feel scared.By this time we should have provided our children stability and security. But we are sending them into battle field. I feel guilty." Arjun's words and the way he said made Panchali worried.What  is going on in his mind? He is glaringly disturbed that she is sure. But at this juncture? Why is he exhibiting a certain weakness which is unusual for Arjun the warrior par Excellence?
Panchali took his head on her heart lying down on the couch. She started softening his colours smoothly. Arjun hugged her tightly making her breathless.He wanted to escape from his fears,apprehensions etc.What better way is there to escape ? He should either be with his Madhav or revel in the warmth of his Fireborn.