The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 96,97

Iravan observed his father and bent down to touch his feet. Arjun stopped him in the middle and said in a soft voice.' Go and take test Iravan. Don't think too much." Iravan nodded his head and disappeared into the darkness. Panchali approached Arjun and said.' He is unique Arjun.He wishes to stand firm and make you proud." Arjun did not reply. He is worried at the intensifying rivalry in the battlefield. His sons are young and need help but he is not able to provide them protection as he is busy gaurding his army from grandfather...The eigth day war began with Kauravas appearing in Kurma Vyuh and Pandavas countering it with Sringataka Vyuha.Bheeshma as usual bounced upon Pandava army fiercely.Bheema killed his charioteer and killed Sunabha,brother of Duryothan before Bheeshma.He further killed seven more Kaurava brothers.
Nakul and Sahadev killed so many horses.Arjun killed many chariot warriors much to the displeasure of Duryothan.Iravan took his horse warriors and penetrated into the Kuru armySakuni's six brothers countered Iravan . But Arjun's son shot arrows on all of them and got them wounded.In that process Iravan's horse that got wounded fell down.Iravan took his sword and started his fighting standing on the earth.Sakuni's brothers surrounded him and tried to kill him. But Iravan exhibited his bravery and killed all the six with his sword.Duryothan observed Iravan and sent demon Alambush to fight with him Alambush created illusional horses and and attacked Iravan. Alambush 's horses killed Iravan's horse power.Iravan remembered Draupadi's words and got confidence .Alambush flew into the sky and shot arrows on Iravan and broke his bow.Iravan took his sword and wounded Alambush.but the demon with his miraculous powers healed his wounds.Iravan closed his eyes remembered the mystic mantras of Nagas and created so many snakes around him and he himself looking like Adisesha overpowered Alambush.The demon also used his powers and created eagles which immediately harassed Iravan's snakes and ate them all.Iravan fumed at him and  fought with all his might . But Alambush overpowered him and cut his beautiful head with a sword. Iravan's eyes closed but with a smile his lips appeared as if he is saying.Jyesht Mata I did my job. I am also Arjun's son. Ghatotkach who just came there hearing of Iravan's fall could not control his anger. He straightaway jumped  on Alambush caught his neck and shouted. You killed my brother? You dared to do that? Alambush tried to get out of his grip. But Ghatotkach crushed his neck and banged him on the floor., Alambush died on the spot...

Bheem raced towards Arjun's chariot where he is totally absorbed in battling Trigarthas. He has moisture in his eyes. How could he tell his Arjun who is too sensitive about his son's death?  Arjun saw Bheem and felt agitated. He looked at his Madhav whose face is serene and calm. Bheem got into Arjun's chariot. Arjun asked in broken voice. What happened? How is Abhi? Bheem placed his hand on Arjun's shoulder and said.' Iravan ...Arjun gasped his breath.Bheem bent his head and completed No more." Arjun bent back on the pole of the chariot. Krishna stood up and took Arjun in his arms.' Compose yourself Parth,your son died doing his duty. He made you proud." Arjun closed his eyes. His conscience travelled back so many years. Ulupi's words rang in his ears. I will die if you don't accept me. I want a son." Arjun opened his eyes tears rolled down. A son to be sacrificed on the altar of war? Krishna wiped his tears. Forget what I told you? Be bold Parth. Death happens to body not to soul. Iravan's soul is still connected to us. " Krishna drove the chariot to the place where Iravan fell. Arjun stared at his beautiful face.His fears becoming true before his eyes. How anxious he is to avoid battle but that stupid Duryothan brought this moment with his greedy nature. He lost his Eldest son today. What more is in store for him? How can he pacify Panchali who loved Iravan like her own? Krishna alerted Arjun. Parth take your Gandiv The day didn't come to end still. See Dron and Aswathama along with Duryothan crushing your soldiers. Shoot Parth Compose yourself." Arjun's jaw tightened. Gandiv thrummed with menace. Arrows flew out in hundreds,thousands ...

The evening surfaced with its reddish lustre pervading the sky. The Pandava camp mourned the death of Arjun's Eldest son with heavy heart. Panchali wept taking Iravan's head that was separated from his body on on her lap. She could not bear to see the ever dignified handsome lad motionless,and lifeless. She reminisced her hatred towards Ulupi and the way she cleared her misunderstandings. Ulupi Pardon me. You proved your love for our husband once more by offering your most precious possession to him.and to the sacrifice of battle. You deserve to be his wife more than me. She still felt Iravan's shy full looks on her and his voice addressing her Jyesht Mata. Arjun stood dejected staring at his son who he knew desparately tried to keep up his reputation. Why was he not able to save him? He never thought his fight with Alambush would result in that grave disaster that took away his Eldet son from him.What answer would he give Ulupi? That he failed in protecting their son? All the Upa Pandavas and Abhimanyu sat around Iravan the youngest Kirti sobbing uncontrollably. Abhi tried to console him by hugging him close. Kirti questioned him innocently. Bhrata why we are not able to be there to face that demon? If you are there you would have killed that wretched Alambush no? " Abhi looked at his father helplessly who in turn had guilty feeling in his eyes for his lapse.Krishna came forward and consoled the boys ' When we become ready for war we will be prepared to face death. Kshatriyas take pride in doing so. Iravan will straightly reach heaven as he fought bravely and died.We should bid him farewell in a fitting manner.Krishnaa control yourself." He pulled Draupadi up and asked Malini to take her inside. As Arjun lit the funeral pyre he saw Iravan smiling with satisfaction.' Pitasri Pranam.I did my duty as your son." He felt his words and closed his eyes. He lost his son. Now he is on the verge of losing his dearest grand father as he can not avoid battling him any more. He will become a tool in the hands of fate.Krishna touched his shoulder and said.' Dont lose yourself. Dont get emotional."

Arjun said in a grim voice.' I know what you say next. Karmanyevadhikaraste,Ma Phaleshu Kadachana.I should not bother about the result but should do my duty.Right?" Krishna smiled at him with concern.' Yes Parth,Exactly you should proceed with your duty." Arjun steadily looked into his eyes.' I know you know everything. Tell me whose number comes next? Atleast I will pool up my courage to face." Krishna did not reply but took him closer and hugged him infusing his love and warmth into his soul. Arjun understood. He won't tell.He can't make him speak. As Arjun lied on his couch in his tent in half consciousness he felt some one in his side clasping his neck. Abhi is it you? Arjun said in a broken voice. Abhi cuddled into him hiding his tears and stammered. I miss Bhrata Pitasri."
Arjun hugged him closer and kissed on his forehead. In the adjacent tent Panchali felt her Kirti sobbing and hiding his face in her heart.Panchali hugged him closer and wiped his tears.Kirti your brother will always be with you my son he will bless you from heaven .She tried to console her youngest child but she knew Abhi and Kirti cherished Iravan so much and considered him as their Eldest. She remembered Arjun's disinterest in war at Upaplavya. He knew these will happen. He used to say. War will sweep away not only our rivals but our very own also. It will be heartbreaking." Panchali closed her eyes in pain and muttered under her breath. You are right Arjun. War swept away our dearest Iravan today. How can I bear his loss?"