The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 95

Nakul Sahadev and Bheem who just came inside could not control their joy. They together hugged Arjun close and lifted him above. Panchali and Subhadra placed their hand on Kunti's shoulders. Kunti controlled her sobs and tried to get her composure back. Abhi ran to Arjun's statue and exclaimed.' Pitasri this is just like my bow which I gave to Kirti." Krishna laughed and lifted Abhi.' Ofcourse Arjun's bow will be inherited by you.Very soon.Are you happy? But you should practice like your father." Abhi promised by clasping Krishna's neck.' I will Mama. I want to shoot arrows at night but Mata won't allow me. After I learn I will teach Kirti. " Abhi pulled Kirti to him and questioned.' Would you listen to me? But you should not cry for Jyesht Mata. Brave boys won't cry for their mothers." Kirti nodded his head and smiled gleefully. Every one laughed at them and clapped their hands. Satya who is silent till then appreciated Arjun.' Your present is exclusive Arjun. I have to admit. Your taste is too good." Duryothan could not suppress himself and muttered in a low voice.' Ofcourse his taste is the best. That we can see around." Dussasan hailed him and said Sadhu. Sadhu. Karna is impatient to go. He asked Duryothan to start otherwise he will leave. As the four of them walked away Chitra sighed and expressed her relief. Ulupi is apprehensive if some one listened to Chitra who is too outspoken. Rekha Arya and Alli checked the skill of the sculptor and praised.' We should agree it is Devine. See the curls on his head even those also were carved nicely.Panchali endearingly looked at Arjun's statue and thought.' Ofcourse Arjun without his curly hair is unimaginable." Subhadra asked Kunti. ' Bua  your hermitage looked lovely I wish I have a chance to live there." Krishna interrupted Subhadra.' Don't cherish such dreams. You don't have hermitage in your fate."

Who had it then?Satya asked mischevously.Arjun smiled and said.' Who else but me? I always want to live in the lap of nature." Sahadev had a grim expression on his face and nodded his head. No one understood what he meant. Nakul revealed in his own way.' Sahadev is afraid if Bhrata Arjun again goes on pilgrimage Indraprasth can not accommodate his new brides any more." Arjun is desparate as every one laughed.
Panchali hid her smile observing Arjun's expressions. Subhadra raised her hands in protest.' Bua I am telling you ask your son to stop here.No more co wives I want." Chitra seriously questioned.' Subhadra So you are uncomfortable with all of us his wives?" Chitra 's uninhibited demenear always fascinated Arjun. He approached her and clarified.' Nothing like that. Bhadra did not mean it. " he looked at Subhadra who smiled and nodded, yes Ofcourse I am happy with you all. I asked him no further marriages.Panchali became sober. They all can claim their right in public but she cant.Her fate is so different from them."
Satya approached her and said in a low voice.' Arjun cares too much for Chitra isn't it? "Before Panchali could say anything Arjun seriously asked Satya." What are you doing there? I hope you won't prejudice her by your silly logics." Panchali's face turned red while Satya complained. Lord see your Arjun how he is cornering me. " Krishna laughed along with others patting Arjun with one hand and stretching for Satya with another hand.

Back to Battle field

The next two days battle continued with both the sides trying to over power each other with their full forces.On Kaurava side Bhagadutta's elephant Supratika created havoc in Pandava side by killing many soldiers.Ghatotkach dominated the battlefield with his great strength and magical powers and controlled the Elephant to some extent.Bheem reigned supreme and killed many Elephants with his bare hands. He descended his chariot with his mace and asked his charioteer Visoka to wait and entered into the herds of Kaurava elephants and warriors. Dussasan tried to control him in vain. Bheem killed number of Kauravas,the brothers of Duryothan and blew his victorious notes. Duryothan fumed in anger and fought with Bheen but after some time retreated back. Dhrisht came to assist Bheem and countered Dron. The preceptor of Kurus killed Dhrisht's charioteer and broke his bow. At one point to give respite to Bheem Dhrisht shot Mohanastr and made the Kaurava brothers stood dazed. But Dron used Prajnastr to nullify the effect of Dhrisht's astra.Grand father as usual fiercely killed Pandava soldiers before he was suppressed by Arjun.The Aindrastr released by Arjun made Kaurava army run for their lives. Abhimanyu fought with multiple warriors at one time and proved his mettle.Arjun asked Krishna to take him to his son who did so with a smile.But Susarma of Trigarta country stopped Arjun and attacked him with his huge army. Arjun playfully fought with all the Trigartas side glancing his son Abhi who is unstoppable.
Krishna cheerfully told him.' Now leave your concern for him.He can tackle our rivals on his own Parth do your duty. You should face Pitamah. I still feel you are not fighting with your full might. It is high time Parth Try to understand." Arjun reluctantly went ahead and countered his Pitamah who is battling with full vigour.By the end of seventh day more loss happened in Kaurava side even though Pandavas also lost considerable number of soldiers.
After the dinner Panchali is supervising the preparations for next day and she observed Iravan standing at the entrance. She came out and asked him affectionately.' Do  you want some milk to drink? Shall I give you fruits? " Iravan did not say anything but took her hand into his. She understood.
As usual this eldest son of her husband never unfolds his heart that easily.She walked with him to her tent and let him take his own time before opening up.After a while she placed her hand on his head and softened his curls.' Iravan my son you need to take rest now. Morning you have to go to war again." Iravan slowly stammered.' Mata seven days passed but I could not make my presence felt in war. Like Abhi did. You know Pitamah Bheeshm praised Abhi to sky level. He said he will be the Torch Bearer of Kuru glory like Pitasri. I hope I also will live up to my identity as Arjun's son."

Panchali understood his mindset. He is feeling intimidated by his more dynamic younger brother.But how can all the fingers  of a hand look similar? Just like Arjun dominates among the five Pandavas Abhi is the best among all the sons of Pandavas. But she should not say that and hurt him. She smiled and took his face in her hands and said.' Iravan you are his son.So you will live up to his reputation. I am confident you will prove yourself worthy of him. Mark my words." Iravan hesitatingly asked.' Are you sure Jyesht Mata?" Panchali smiled assuringly.' Yes my son." Iravan bent down and touched her feet. He had tears in his eyes. As he looked up he saw tears in her eyes also. Panchali pulled him up and hugged him close. Iravan again and  again blabbered Mata Mata.As Panchali looked from his shoulders she  saw Arjun standing at the entrance crossing his arms. And he also had tears in his eyes.