The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 88

At the same time Panchali observed disappointment in all their faces and handed over the Tilak to Chitra on the pretext of taking Pragati from Arjun. Chitra is too happy and along with Rekha who helped her did Tilak on Arjun's forehead. Subhadra gave oil to Kunti to apply and bless her son. Kunti called Gandhari and along with her put oil and blessed him.Then all the wives are given chance to apply oil in his thick curly hair.
Arjun sulked and complained.' Maa they will pour that much oil in my hair and it will take till evening for me to get rid of that. Every one laughed at the way he said and Kunti assured him' Dont worry. You have enough number of wives to wash oil away from your hair. Arjun's face became reddish.Krishna entered with Satya and exclaimed.' Doing everything without me? If that is the case I won't make him available to you till tomorrow morning."
Subhadra expressed her annoyance.' Already you monopolised him by spending most of the time. Now you won't let us enjoy on his birthday also? Bhrata. You are too much." Arjun smiled at Krishna for saving him from his besotted wives.He said.' Madhav tell them how important our work schedule is.The guests are all over the place.Eldest will get tensed up if we don't manage everything properly."
Before he finished Bheem entered with a broad grin and almost poured cup full of oil in Arjun's hair.Arjun could not contain his despair.' Bhrata Bheem you also started experimenting with my hair? Not fair." Bheem consoled him.' You need not worry. How can you expect smaller things with me? With that much oil I poured all my blessings on your head. Panchali. Are you ready with the menu today? After the brahmins' lunch is over we should proceed with our special dinner preparations. Duryothan should taste Arjun's birth day special dishes for sure. Am I right Gandhari Mata? " His words made Ganthari smile and she added. ' Why not? We should celebrate Phalgun's birth day in a grand manner."

Krishna suggested.' I will take Parth to Yamuna and he can take bath there with abundant water. " Arjun got up in enthusiasm and urged.' Let us go Madhav." Satya made a face and threatened.' You both won't be allowed to go there alone.Just a while back you got Kalindi along with you. Now Arjun may get some Yamuna for sure. Panchali. Don't allow him now." Panchali sideglanced Arjun who immediately confessed.' I swear I won't do any such thing."
Kunti interfered and said.' Subhadra all of you go to his mansion and get him auspicious bath. Panchali has to look after food arrangements and also Pragati is there." Arjun winked at his Madhav showing helplessness. Ganthari asked Draupadi to do Arti.She declared.' She is his first wife . She will do first and pass on to others. Panchali gave Pragati to Kunti. Did Aarti to Durga first and prayed.' May he live hundreds of years Mata. Let him be the greatest warrior on earth.Remove all hurdles on his path." As she continued her prayer with closed eyes Krishna approached her and assured with a mischevous grin.' He will be victorious He will be invincible what else you want Kalyani? "
Every one heard him and laughed. Panchali blushed and could not lift her face. She did Arti without looking into his face but she knew his gaze enveloping her whole body and soul.You look just like the bride I won in the swayamvar. His husky voice sounded in her ears and she looked up. He didn't say it but he meant it. She knew it.

In the battle field..first day of war
Arjun watched his grand father's Sarvato mukhanVyuha and praised his skill in his heart of hearts. The vast Kaurava army is looking like an ocean that is rising high with tides and about to swallow the opponent army which is like a river before it.Arjun looked back to see his Vajra vyuha which is quite imposing but due to the lesser number they have that is seven Akshouhinis over all may have to be on the defensive tactics.The Kauravas are Eleven Akshouhinis in number which is quite vast compared to them. He observed the absence of his arch rival Karna and asked Krishna the reason.

Krishna replied in a cool manner.' Your Pitamah called him Artharath while giving grades to warriors. He got angry and pledged that he won't enter the battle field till Santanav Bheeshm falls down." Arjun is miffed.' So he already came to the conclusion that Pitamah will succumb. Why should he declare Pitamah thus even before war? Don't he know Pitamah's prowess? My grandfather is far above every one and it includes him and me also."
Arjun 's sarcastic words made Krishna smile. He said.' Parth enough of your Pitamah chant.Now he is your rival. Forgot all that I told not long before?" Arjun nodded his head halfheartedly. But how can he forget his relationship with his dear Pitamah? Before he could say anything Krishna made the horses gallop towards the old Maharathi who already started firing the Pandava army.Bheemsen attacked Bheeshm before Arjun could reach him. Fierce battle started between Yudhi and Salya,Dhrisht and Dron,Ghatotkach and Alambush,Drupad and Jayathrath,.
Iravan fought with Srutayu,son of Dhritrashtr.But Bheeshm dominated every one and created havoc in Pandava side.Then Abhi rushed towards Pitamah and shot him with darts that made the old warrior praise his great grandson's skills.Bheem also stood by his brother's son  and fought fiercely.In the meanwhile Uttar  rushed forward and attacked Salya who dominated Yudhi. Salya lost his horses and charioteer. He became mad with fury and killed Uttar with a powerful Astr.
Arjun just reached and took Uttar  in his hands with tears in his eyes. His brave charioteer at Uttargograhan lost his precious life and he was a kid only. Uttar smiled at him before closing his eyes and muttered Gurudev, I fought today." Arjun stared into his innocent face and stammered.' We are indebted to you my child." As the body of Uttar was taken away Krishna and Arjun watched Sankha the brother of Uttara attack Salya with mad fury.
In the meanwhile Bheeshma destroyed Panchal army just like forest fire burns deep forests.Bheeshma's valour overpowered Pandava army in every way and they lost their zeal and energy looking at the oldest warrior who stood invincible. Duryothan beamed with joy and thought he already won the battle.
The sunset happened as if to stop another Sun called Bheeshma from causing more destruction.As Arjun and Krishna reached the tent of Yudhi in the night they could see his anguish filled face and despair in his words.' Grandfather will destroy all our army within two days.Krishna I feel it is a futile exercise to fight Pitamah. The one who can counter him stood dazed without doing proper defence. Only Bheema fought wholeheartedly.I think I should stop this battle and retire to forest again." Krishna consoled him and encouraged him.' Why are you losing hope? Just one day they dominated. Anything may happen tomorrow. Don't forget Sikhandi is born to kill him.As for Parth you know his Pitamah Prem. It takes a while before he unleashes his full mettle. And I am here to guide him. Dhrishtdyumn,Show your competence by leading the army tomorrow.Which vyuh you decided with Parth? " Dhrisht replied.' Kraunch Vyuh.
Yudhishter got back his hope and retired to sleep. Panchali who followed the events crossed Krishna after dinner.' Govind. It is painful we lost Uttar on the  first day itself. What will happen tomorrow? Will my husband reconcile to fight his Pitamah? I am depressed." Krishna assured her.' Don't worry Krishnaa. You know him as I do. He will definitely reconcile. Be positive.You do your duty. Infuse faith and energy. What I do althrough the day you should carry it forward."
Draupadi nodded her head and went to Arjun's tent. He is standing at the window and staring  into the moonlit night. Panchali approached him and touched his shoulder. Arjun did not turn back.He placed his hand on her hand. Panchali understood his assurance.Surely he must be feeling bad for not saving Uttar who is like Abhi to him.Panchali hugged him from behind closely making him feel her love,confidence and pride in him . You will do it Arjun. I believe in you.You will never let your people down."She didn't say those words. But they reached him and revived his spirits.