The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 130

Krishna stood to leave. When Arjun tried to get up he stopped him." I have to attend an urgent work. Till then you be with Krishnaa .
Arjun knitted his eyebrows in suspicion.Krishna laughed." Now don't start your questions. I am busy right now.You will know the thing tomorrow." So saying he left.
Arjun wondered. What could be that urgent  work? He could not fathom.
Surely it must be related to Gandhari and Dhritarashtr.
He saw him in the morning discussing something with a sculptor who used to work in Indraprasth.
After  Krishna left Arjun said." Tomorrow we have to face Gandhari Maata. I feel scared. Not even one son of her remained to give them support .
Panchali replied with despair." Who is left with successors here? Even we lost our kids.Kurukshetr did not give respite to anyone.
Arjun sighed heavily." By Govind's grace we may get Parikshit to redeem us.Abhi's son would succeed Eldest it Seems."
Panchali Retorted with a grim face." If you had not gone on pilgrimage Abhi would have been my son.You deprived me of that fortune.Here I am the mother five sons but no one is left to wipe my tears.

Arjun took her face in his hands.He looked deeply into her lotus eyes that always mirrored her inner feelings.He said softly." Since the day you came into my life you faced unending problems. You endured every thing. But the loss of children is the ultimate disaster any one can have in life.I am your offender Krishnaa.I never failed in battlefield. But I failed in my own battle that is personal.I can't save Abhi. I can't save your sons.Lifelong I have to live with this guilt.Icant even ask you to forgive me." Arjun's voice broke up and he left her and stood up.
Panchali looked at his tall figure ,the strained face,eyes reflecting his inner turmoil .She stood at his back and clasped his waist tightly.Next moment she broke down sobbing uncontrolably.Arjun turned  to her took her face on his heart and let her be. The mother has to unleash her tears Otherwise she will be  suffocated from within.

Yudhishtir entered Duryothan's tent followed by his brothers , Draupadi and Krishna.The Sibir looked every inch rich,and luxurious .Duryothan's guards welcomed them and took them inside where Dhritarashtr is sitting.Yudhishtir touched his feet.Dhritarashtr blessed him with a grim face." May you rule Hastinapur for many years.' His voice broke up and he then shaked his head." Where is Bheem"He asked curtly. Bheem who is standing with Arjun in the back started to move when Krishna's hand prevented him.He looked back and saw Krishna signal with his eyes not to go to the king.
Dhritarashtr was impatient." Why Bheem' Are you miffed with  your Jyesht Pitasri? Come to me.I want to greet you for your great achievements,"He urged Bheema to come forward.
Bheema stayed back and Krishna pushed the statue of Bheema.in front of The blind king.
Dhritarashtr took the statue in his hands and hugged with all his might. The statue crashed down and fell down.Every one was spellbound at this unexpected happening.
Bheema shivered thinking of what would have been his fate if he went to his Jyesht Pita.
Dhritarashtr expressed regret." What did I do ? My son Bheema must have lost his life. Fool that I am I did such nasty deed. Forgive Krishna. I committed a sin." Dhritarashtr started wailing.
At that moment Krishna came to the front and said." Bheema did not die Mahararaj. I know your intention. That is why I placed Bheema's statue before you. Now forget your animosity.Treat Pandavas as your own sons. Then only you will be redeemed."
Dhritarashtr folded his hands and said." Forgive me everyone.I am wretched. What can I do ? I can not
Swallow the death of my sons at Bheema's hands.But I repent now. Yudhishtir forgive me son."I promise I will never do any such thing again." He lamented piteously.
Krishna took his hands and said." The death of your sons was preordained. Bheem is the means only. Don't blame him. Bless him "
Krishna presented real Bheem before the king and made him touch his feet
Arjun now understood why Krishna was busy the whole of yesterday.

Dhritarashtr blessed Bheem and then called Arjun. He touched his head and said." Since you entered Hastinapur your journey always is victorious. Thinking of your valour I lost my sleep Arjun. I told Duryothan so many times not to have rivalry with you. He did not listen.Great sages Parasuram,Ved Vyasa and others told about you and Krishna being Nar,Narayan. But he did not listen.
Krishna interrupted and said." Maharaj,don't throw full blame on your son.You never did sufficient effort to save your vamsh."