The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 82

Panchali reminisced the day when she traced the tinge of philosophical thought in her husband. Indraprasth  just then bid adieu to Krishna who left for Dwaraka before Rajasuya sacrifice.Arjun went  along with Krishna almost half the distance and then returned being scolded by Krishna. It was almost midnight when he reached Panchali's chamber.He looked earnestly at Kirti and Pragati who are in deep sleep. Panchali teased him with sleepy eyes.' Why did you return? You should have gone to Dwaraka with Govind. I thought you would go."
Arjun walked to the window and replied.' Am I that lucky? No. I have to return back to my duties ,responsibilities and predicaments. Sometimes I feel wierd even in the middle of all luxeries and grandeure.Where will all this end? Is there a limit to worldly pleasures? How great it will be if I am allowed to go to a forest and do penance ? "
Panchali pretended anger.' Please for gods sake don't do so. I heard your Pitasri Indr will send apsaras to disturb the penances of sages.Then I will get another co wife who is Devine." Arjun laughed throwing his head back.He pinched her cheek and teased.' Always possessive.Krishnaa Yajnaseni never leave this trait not even in her dreams." Panchali hugged him close and admitted.' Yes Ofcourse.I should be possessive as my husband is a flirt...Arjun didn't let her finish...Panchali pulled herself forcibly into present that is scary and haunting. Arjun please compose yourself. Govind help him out." She desparately prayed again.

Panchali could not imagine what is happening in battle ground. But she definitely can reminisce the moments spent with him that made her realise the conflict of emotions that started disturbing the firmness and balance of her Arjun.The day happened to be a celebration of sorts in Dwaita van as he returned from heaven with Maha Pasupat and other astras.Panchali heaved a sigh of relief having him back after five long years.Krishna and Satya visited them and the happiness multiplied by much noise and enjoyment. Panchali served tasty food to every one specially the favourable dishes of Krishna and Arjun. After the meals both the friends sat on the riverside and a while after Satya and Draupadi joined them. It was a moonlit night with the rays of the moon illuminating the cool waters of the river.Arjun is throwing stones into the waters and Krishna is taking delight at his playfulness.
Satya shot the question directly to Arjun.' Finally now that you are equipped with every Astra needed you are sure of your victory Are you?" Arjun made an expressionless face and replied tongue in cheek .' Who knows what is in store for us? Anything may happen.I may not be in a position to use my astras on my near and  dear," Krishna silently watched his emotional friend who is too different and special.
Satya stood erect and burst out.' Swami why is he saying so? Five years he laboured hard and now he is reluctant? Panchali your husband is too wierd." Yajnaseni stared at her Arjun and then turned to Krishna.' Now I want you to give me an answer.Why did you send him on that tedious trip? He should have stayed with us these five years. Govind.What do you say? " Krishna patted on Arjun's shoulder and laughed.' Why are you scaring them Parth? Take back your words or I have to turn the time wheel back to five years to meet the demand of your wife."

Arjun  smiled at him and said.' I am not scaring them. It doesn't make sense if we feel that divine missiles are for the sake of releasing them on mortals." Satya ridiculed him.' Then what is the purpose of securing them?For the sake of fun?" Panchali desparately flared up.' No . To make things worse for me by moving away and roaming around." Krishna teased pretending innocence.' And to have encounters with apsaras like Urvasi.Isnt it Parth?" Arjun got up and placed his hand round Draupadi's shoulders.' Krishnaa Devine astras are meant to scare our enemies but not for use.Wars can be won without them also. I am confident of my archery skills with which I can overpower enemies.But I will never consider my hard effort waste at all. I am fully aware of the extraordinary powers I got in these five years.And I value them a lot. Who knows? I may have to use them in crucial situations?" Panchali looked at him mesmarised at the way he patiently put forth his point.Satya clapped her hands and taunted.' Wah,Panchali,your one angry look made Arjun change his stand.Good hold ." Arjun retorted ' Ofcourse Satya I Madhav is my ideal. Just for a flower he took you to heaven.I am following his footsteps." Krishna laughed merrily and retorted.' Good job Sakhi. It is too difficult to handle Parth.I need your help if an occasion arises."...,Panchali shivered with unknown fear. Is this the moment Govind specified? Is Arjun in mental stress? Govind said he would handle him well. Then why the war drums are not heard still? ...Krishnaa Yajnaseni got tensed up.