Part 86

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Pragati repeated her question.Pitamahi, tell me  about my mother and father who loved each other beyond every thing. Atleast that is what I realised from all the rumours spread around the antahpur.Also from Bhanumati Kaki. But my grandmother always said my mother's destiny is the reason for such marriage.Now My father is in the battlefield ready to fight Your sons. I don't  know where my mother is. May be nearer to him only. Now I felt restless after all these years of separation from them. My heart is racing up to meet my parents but I can't leave my grandmother. Please Pitamahi. I heard of your love for them . I know you are tensed up about the battle. Tell me now. Do you love my father despite his being there against your sons? Speak up please. I am also unable to bear the tension of war...

Pragati placed her head on Gandhari's lap and looked into her face that stored many events,expressions,feelings and secrets. Gandhari touched Pragati's head with affection. She always loved this cute little bubbly girl daughter of her Phalgun and Draupadi.Along with Kunti she nourished her and tried her best to fill the void in her life.She never allowed any of her sons to ridicule the little girl for the predicament of her parents.She understood her curiosity to know about her parents and she won't disappoint her certainly not today."
Pragati my doll.I will never get angry with Arjun,He is my dreamchild.I wish I would have given birth to him instead of Kunti.Then I would never have denied him his love and shared her with others.Arjun and Draupadi they live in each other.Miles away from each other,still they are together by heart."
Pragati questioned her.' But how could they? My mother was supposed to love all of them as per the norms no? " Gandhari smiled bitterly.' Pragati  what are you learning nowadays? Elaborate." Pragati answered.' Pitamah Vidur is teaching me various sastras.I am learning dancing from the royal dancer. Then painting I practice because grandmother wanted me to.And then Ofcourse I practice Veena from the same teacher who taught my father.Bhanumati Kaki started teaching cooking and stiching also."
Gandhari praised the child.' My blessings dear. You are really worthy of your parents. Now tell me. You are equally interested in all these. I hope." Pragati answered.' No Pitamahi. Even though I apply my mind on everything I love Veena more than anything. I feel connected to my father through that.'
Gandhari sighed.' Pragati that is human tendency. Though we like many we have a special feeling for one that is nearer to our heart.Panchali is duty bound. She treated all the five with equal respect but love? That can not be shared in equal quantity.She loved your father.It is not wrong on her part. She was born for him .And every one loves him too. I am sure Duryothan likes him a lot. But destiny had written Karna in his fate not Arjun. "
Pragati laughed at her last word and coaxed her.' Pitamahi whom did my father love? There are many wives he married. But did he ever say whom he loved the most?"Pragati could not contain her curiosity. Gandhari smiled indulgently . She knew Draupadi is crystal clear in showing her preference but Arjun? He never exposed his true feelings. But still. She knew. Priyamvadha knew. In her heart of hearts Kunti knew.But is there any incident where his inner feelings dominated his suppressed emotions? Gandhari went back years before when Indraprasth celebrated Pragati's birth and days after The Valiant Rajkumar Arjun's birth day with great fervour as it coincided with his conquest of quarters .

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