The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 126

Arjun stood at the bank of Hiranvati. After they got back to their tents entrusting  Kunti and Pragati to
Draupadi he walked to wards the river.
He was exhausted mentally not physically.
He could not digest the bitter truth How is it possible? He could still feel Karna's anger,fury and jealousy in his eyes. But never did he see any kind of concern for him even after knowing the truth.
" Not able to relate to reality Parth?" Krishna's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
Krishna placed his hand on Arjun's shoulder." Speak up Parth. Relieve your burden.
Arjun looked straight into his lotus eyes that are brimming with affection.
" Madhav,If you know the truth why did you encourage me to kill him?Arjun's question was met with a smile that is Devine and meaningful.
Krishna spoke." Parth,I encouraged you to throw your Grandfather also down. Surely you have highest regard and affection for him. But I did not ask you to spare him either.
I goaded Eldest to tell a lie to make Gutu Dron'sdeath possible.And Guru Dron for you is equal to God.
And Karna,is your brother. But he is instrumental in keeping the rivalry between cousins ablaze.
If Karna is not there in the scenes Duryothan wouldn't have ventured to fight with you at all.
He did the most censurable thing by suggesting Panchali's Vastra Harlan.

Karna is the one who paved way for Abhimanyu's slaughter by unrighteous means.
Just because he is Kunti's son his crimes would not be forgiven."
Arjun heard his friend's words and understood the essence. He asked genuinely." Madhav still I will be considered a murderer of my brother.People won't  realise the truth. I know I will be criticised."

Krishna looked at him with concern.He said." I understand Parth. But sometimes we should look at the larger picture and sacrifice our personal glory.I killed my maternal uncle Kamsa. Till today naysayers will blame me for that. But large section of people got relieved from my action. Now if Karna is acknowledged by you before his death you all will offer Aryavarth to him and he will offer it to Duryothan.It is injustice.Aryavarth needs a strong follower of dharma like your Eldest.
Aryavarth needs the protection of the great Arjun and mighty Bheem.
The earth should be cleansed of evil completely. Just because Karna is your brother you can't spare him Parth. Don't ever regret your deed.Be strong."

Arjun got mesmarised by the deep resonant voice ,the truth that resounded in his words.

Arjun hugged him and confessed." I submit before you Madhav. If you feel it is for a greater benefit I understand.I promise I will never feel guilty."

Krishna smiled at his Parth and patted his back.

Duryothan was taken aback when he heard the truth.Karna is Kunti''s son? Still he fought on his side? His. admiration  for him doubled and he saluted his soul

Yudhishtir did the last rites with a grim face. He is unable to swallow the bitter truth.But he knew now he can't sulk and end the battle. He should do his duty.

The brothers did Pranam with heavy hearts and got back to their Sibir after the formalities.

The eighteenth day battle is about to start still one hour left. As Karna had been cremated with due formalities. Every one got back to their immediate task  of  finishing off the battle as early as possible
they know with Karna gone Duryothan would never have an edge over Pandava side.Defeat glares at his face while Victory bells are ringing in the premises of Pandavas.
      Arjun got back to his Sibir to finish off his Siva worship and Krishna said." I will tend the horses. You gear up to finish off the war which is now a cake walk for you. Great achievement I must say Parth.You lived up to my expectations."
Arjun smiled at him ." Credit should go to you and your Gitopadesh.That did the trick. Not me." He said.
Krishna smiled back." You don't know it will remain forever,yugas may change. But the conversation between me and you will be the guiding source. We both live forever in the minds of people. Great. Isn't it? Finally I succeeded in clearing the doubts of the most intelligent warrior cousin of mine.More than my teaching your questions should get the credit. By the way where do  you keep your question bank?
        Arjun laughed. " Now go and get ready. Otherwise Eldest will get hyper. He is in bad mood ever since he heard that Karna is our Eldest."
         Krishna said precisely." He should be calm till the war gets finished. Then he will be enlightened in a proper way.
      Arjun is excited . He enquired." Will you instruct him Gita?"
Krishna firmly stated." Never. Gita will never happen again?The Super power will not manifest before any one and every one. I told you. Sages and my devotees never had the good fortune that you had."
    Arjun asked curiously." Why Madhav?"
Krishna walked off turned around and said ." Because you are me. There is no difference at all. So only Arjun can make Krishna speak that way. No one else. Not even your Eldest."
        Arjun stared at his disappearing form and wondered." What does he mean to say?