The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 90

Pragati Looked up into Gandhari's eyes and asked. You and grandmother were not present there. How do you know who gave which present? And tell me fast which present did my father loved the most."
Gandhari smiled at Pragati's impatience.' Little princess, Have patience. And we knew everything through your Priyamvada Nani who was there with your mother." 
After Rekha Chitra came and offered her husbabnd a beautiful  pair of arm guards made up of famous Manipur gold with small diamonds fitted into them. Manipur's unique lustre is shining through them. When she fitted them on Arjun's hands they shone in such brightness that Krishna commented.' When you wear them and hold Gandiv no need of shooting arrows. Your rivals will be mesmarised by these arm guards ."
Arjun laughed heartfully and praised Chitra to skies.
Nakul expressed his heart break. See the benefits of breaking vows. I regret not doing so." Sahadev reprimanded him.' Now don't keep eyes on his presents. His birthday today."
Next came Ulupi and presented Arjun unique golden chappals wearing which he can walk in water just like on land. The finishing is nice and they fitted into Arjun's feet perfectly.Satya asked Arjun to walk in the pool and he did so . Ulupi asked him with hesitation.' Did you like them?" Arjun smiled enchantingly. ' Ofcourse I always welcome your miracles and illusions." His words made Ulupi blush and Panchali frown.
Alli Rani what is your present? Satya asked.Alli pouted and gave him super fine Madhurai silk white Dhoti with White Silk Kurta on which pearls were nicely stiched. It has a white silk head gear that Arjun can tie up on his thick curly hair. To sum it up the three piece dress instantly won acclaim from every one and Arjun lost his heart on that beautiful piece. When did you get it ready? He asked with surprise.Alli replied.' When father is coming for Rajasuya I sent him message to get them as I like and he brought.You liked them? She asked with enthusiasm.Arjun patted her cheek and admitted lovingly.' Your choice is perfect. I loved them."
Satya is confused why Panchali did not bring anything with her. By then Kirti slrpt and Panchali is observing the proceedings with sleepy eyes. She had a tedious day with all the guests and serving food. She is occassionally glancing at her handsome husband who became the centre of attraction of ladies. She lovingly muttered to herself looking at him enamour his wives.' My flirty husband but can't help loving you."
Suddenly Subhadra was pulled towards Arjun and she opened her present as every one looked with curiosity.She took out a set of ear rings Kundalas which are simple but beautiful. They are made with tiniest diamonds with rubies hanging down giving them a stunning appeal. Every one was spell bound on seeing them and Nakul wondered' Subhadra Bhabhi Where did you get them made? Please I also want one pair.Krishna laughed and looked at Satya. When they went to heaven for Parijat Indra presented them to Krishna . He did not wear them and Satya obliged Subhadra when she asked them for Arjun. Actually she brought them to Indraprasth to make Krishna wear them.Krishna appreciated Satya by smiling at her lovingly.
Subhadra immediately made Arjun wear them and praised him.' They suited you so well.You liked them? Look into the mirror." Subhadra tried to ask the maid bring the mirror. Arjun stopped her and said looking at her with immense love.' I can see my image in your cheeks or eyes." Subhadra blushed and every one clapped.
Arya hesitated to offer her present but Satya took her hand and helped her get up. Arjun is curious to know what his devotee wife bring for him.
Arya took out a long chain of  small sized Rudraksha and placed him round his neck. This was the one that Mata graced me when she predicted my marriage with you. You can chant and meditate with this . It will help you regain your composure when you feel restless and disturbed.
Every one felt elated on seeing her immensely precious gift. Krishna said..Parth,it will really help you reach your goal in future...Arjun nodded his head and touched Arya's head..May your devotion guard me forever Arya..he said with a smile.
Satya is restless. She does not know whether to call Panchali or not.But Panchali's cowives are too curious to see what the queen of Indraprasth will gift Arjun.They demanded Satya.' All of us did our bit. Now it is the turn of the First wife." Nakul commented . Panchali has the whole treasury under her control. She will select the best for Bhrata.
Arjun looked at his Krishnaa who is unperturbed. Satya finally hesitatingly asked."Panchali my friend. Where is your gift? " Satya doesn't want to embarrass her but...
Panchali got up and stood in all her splendour.The crescent moon is showering rays on her petite yet  beautiful figure. The dark complexion enhanced her beauty. Her long single plait became loose and her luscious hair hung down her hips.She wore a half white saree that suited her the most.
The Mang Ka teeka and the waist belt both given by Arjun embellished her stunning looks. The jasmines in her hair fully blossomed and hung on her back. The nose ring is the special attraction that made her cute face look more beautiful . The eye lotuses are half sleepy and vied with the lotuses in the pond. Every one got mesmarised on seeing Krishnaa Yaajnaseni who walked majestically towards her handsome husband looking at her with uninhibited passion.
She looked around ,approached Priyamvada and took Pragati from her hands.The cute little daughter of Arjun still is awake smiling gleefully at her mother. Panchali approached Arjun stopped for a while and handed over Pragati to him. Arjun took his daughter still looking at his Krishnaa mesmarised. Pragati clasped Arjun's neck and giggled. Arjun looked at his daughter fondly hugged her tight and kissed her on her forehead.Every one was spellbound and silent.
Krishna broke the silence clapping rigorously.' Well done Sakhi. What a present you gave? He praised.Satya could not contain her happiness. Panchali won the game and how? She teased Arjun.How did you like your present?Arjun kissed his daughter and confessed.' I love my present. It is the best I ever got." Krishnaa Yaajnaseni looked at her Arjun with her bewitching smile.

The second day battle

The Krauncha bird formation of Pandavas looked spectacular under the supervision of Arjun and Dhrisht dyumn.Bheem became the right wing and Abhi became the left wing.The body was one third the the length of the long wings and legs.It became a triangle with limbs joined,Virata stood at its apex.Kuntibhoja is the right eye.Behind him stood Drupada.Yudhi is in the centre.

Arjun stationed at the edges to the beak's point.On Dury's insistance Bheeshma arranged three vyuhas. Duryothan in the middle back,Drona,Aswathama on one side front and Bheeshma on another side front. The Vyuha looked quite imposing and as the war started Bheeshma destroyed the army in the wings of Pandava vyuha.He disturbed the head of the vyuha and continued his onslaught.Arjun knitted his eyebrows and bit his lips.He asked Krishna to take his chariot to Bheeshma.Krishna encouraged him.' Parth exhibit your valour. Make me proud. Let grand father realise your true might.'

Arjun destroyed the army of Surasen country easily and attacked Bhishm. On seeing that,Drona Salya and Duryothan came to assist Bheeshm.All of them showered cluster of arrows on Arjun.Arjun shot hundreds of arrows on them and overpowered them. He created havoc in Kaurava army by killing many.Kaurava army started running and Dury ridiculed Pitamah for not tackling Arjun.Bheeshm got irritated and wounded Krishna with his arrows.Arjun got angry and shot fire tipped arrows and Bheeshm tried every bit to save his army from the fire of Arjun's anger.
In the meanwhile Dhrisht fought with Dron ferociously.Bheem fought with Srutayu and killed his herds of elephants.Bheema made Sritayu unconscious and killed his charioteer.Then Bheema even fought with grandfather vigorously.He killed Bheeshma's charioteer.At another place Abhi and Duryothan's son Lakshman fought with each other and Abhi wounded Lakshman.Dury got angry and attacked Abhi with many warriors.Arjun saw this and immediately reached there to assist his son.He showered his hundreds of arrows on Duryothan  Bheeshm and others.The battlefield shook with terror on seeing him furious.His hands were light and quick.Arrows flowed like oil from his hands. He felt  Durga Mata behind him.Arjun fought with great energy and made Bheeshm and Dron dumbfounded.Bheeshma was forced to retreat as it became impossible to control Arjun. He called Drona and said.' With Krishna as his charioteer Arjun is looking like the Lord of destruction,Sankar Shiv.You gather our army who are afraid of him and lost confidence.The Sun also is setting now. Let us call off the battle now."
As Kauravas retreated back Pandava army shouted in joy. They praised Krishna and Arjun and danced in  joy.Abhi ran to Arjun and clung to his neck. I am proud of you father." He said with twinkling eyes. Iravan stared at his father in awe. He remembered the stories of his valour narrated to him by his mother in his childhood. I saw him live in action mother " he told his mother who is not present there. Panchali who is busy with dinner preparations for the army lost her balance as Kirti came like whirlwind and shook her with force and hugged her.Panchali smiled at him and questioned. Why are you so thrilled?" Kirti could not control himself and stammered. Maa Pitasri defeated every one today. Even Pitamah could not do anything. Neither Gurudev. Kauravas ran back." Panchali got tears in her eyes. Soon she was surrounded by Abhi,Iravan her sons who are shouting with delight. She looked at her Govind who smiled at her assuringly. Finally her Arjun did his duty. No need to bother of the outcome of the battle now. She closed her eyes as tears fell down her cheeks making her look more beautiful.