The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 128

Panchali got the news of Duryothan's fall. She is in Upaplavya and sighed with relief. The war came to an end now.
After Karna's death Krishna asked Arjun to send Panchali Subhadra and Uttara to Upaplavya." Now the war is almost over. The ladies should get back and relax. Uttara should be taken care of." He said.
Panchali protested but Krishna assured her." Your husbands will be safe and secure. I assure you."

Arjun cajoled her." Go Krishna. Take rest.. I feel only one day still we have to be in the field. After that we all can together go to Hastinapur."

When she is about to ascend the chariot her son's came there to see her off.She blessed them and hugged them close. " Be safe and careful. Don't go away from your elders."
Kirti clasped her neck and said." I don't want you to leave me.Just one day.We can go together you know." Bheem teased Kirti." Leave her Pallu boy. Now you are a warrior. And not to forget you are the son of my brother the best warrior of Aryavarth.Be strong."
Kirti pouted and left Draupadi. Suddenly Panchali felt apprehensive leaving them behind. Before she could say anything the charioteer whipped the horses under Bheema's instructions.
Panchali looked back and saw Arjun looking ardently into her eyes. She composed herself and waved her hand to her husband and her sons.

Now after listening to the great news she felt elated. Finally their troubles ended. They can lead a peaceful life along with their children. Suddenly she felt Abhi's adorable face before her. She got tears falling from her eyes." Why did you go away my son. What happiness we feel without you though we get victory.Comeback Abhi." She pleaded helplessly.

Aswathama,Kripa and Kritavarma sat round the dying Duryothan wailing bitterly at his pathetic state.They blamed Bheem for being unrighteous and merciless. Aswathama said." Yuvaraj. Please let me take revenge by killing the Panchalas and Pandavas.I would like to destroy them completely. Give me permission." Duryothan took water and sprinkled it on Aswathama." I entrust the responsibility of war to you. Please do me favour by wiping off the rivals.May God help you in your endeavour. I will breathe my last only after hearing the good news.

Meanwhile Yudhishtir sent Krishna to Dhritarashtra to console him and Gandhari who lost all her son's.
Krishna did his job well but hurried to get back to Pandavas as his instinct told him of the forthcoming massacre.
When he reached back Arjun expressed surprise." I thought you will come in the morning. Why did you trouble yourself at this odd our of night?
Krishna pulled him out of the Sibir. Let us go to Samanta Panchak and spend the night there. Call your brothers.We can return in the morning after giving donations to Brahmin's there. It is essential to do such things to wipe off the sin of killing large number of people."
Shall I call the boys also? Arjun asked. Krishna nodded his head. Let them be here and have a peaceful sleep." Krishna's words sounded different. Thought Arjun. As they are about to start Kirti ran to Arjun and hugged him." Stay back Pitasri. Or I will come with you."
Sutasom pushed him back and said." We will together enjoy our victory . Let them go." Arjun walked back kissed his Kirti and said." Good night my son.Sleep well. You are tired."

It was past midnight. Aswathama kept Kripa and Kritavarma at the entrance of Pandava camp.He alone approached the main Sibir that belongs to the Chief commander of Pandavas. He saw before his eyes a terrible form draped in tiger skin and snakes over his body. He did not let him in. Aswathama fought fiercely but all his Astras and weapons merged into that terrible form.
Aswathama also saw so many forms of Krishna floating around him. He then created a fire pit and prayed to Sankar Shiv." He distroyer of the universe. I am offering my soul to you as I am not able to accomplish my purpose." So saying Aswathama entered the fire but to his surprise the fire did not harm him.Then he saw Shiv Shankar before him. Shiv addressed him." Krishna satisfied me with his devotion and worship. There is no one dearer to me than him.On his behest I protected the Panchalas till now. But their life span came to an end. I allow you to enter inside and fulfill your purpose."