The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 131

Chitra hugged Ulupi with warmth and affection.She immediately moved away and fired." Now you came here to see me after five years I think? Your last visit was on Babhru's birth day five years back.
After that you just disappeared.Now all of a sudden you remember me. Why?"

Ulupi silently bore her outburst. She then smiled and pulled her on to the couch and sat beside her.Chitra still had the miffed expression and continued." When I heard about Iravan's fall in Kurukshetr I couldn't control myself. I want to meet you and share your grief. I came to Ganga with Babhru and sent message through the naga boys whom I saw there. But no response I got."

Ulupi took her hand into hers and explained." Pitasri became bed ridden hearing of Iravan.More than me he was too attached to him.I got your message and by the time I sent a word you left for Manipur.
Now don't be angry. I want to spend some good moments with you and Babhru. How is he?"

Chitra smiled happily. " He has grown up. He walks just like Arya Arjun. He has his eyes also.You feel you are seeing a younger version of our husband."

Ulupi said with a relieved tone."  We should be grateful to Vishnu for saving atleast Babhru for his father. Abhi, Kirti and Iravan left him forever. I can't imagine how he survived after Abhi's fall."She had tears in her eyes.Chitra  placed her hand on Ulupi's shoulder with concern." True. His obsession for Abhimanyu crossed all limits.he must be heartbroken. How I wish to be there with him in his tested times. But We are not that fortunate like Krishnaa Yajnaseni.who will be with him always."Chitra's tone became bitter uttering Draupadi's name.
Ulupi smiled at Chitra with understanding.She said." So many years passed but still your feelings for Panchali stayed the same. Chitra. Why can't you see the other side  of the coin? Is there any other woman who is so unfortunate as Draupadi.? She was born for him . Won  by him. But she could not belong to him only.
We are free to love him whenever we feel like. But Draupadi? She can not do so.She should restrict her feelings as she has four more husbands.
Who else but only Yajnaseni could come out unsullied and pious in that wretched Dyut Sabha incident?And the troubles she endured there after,Jayathrath,Kichak...
Chitra interrupted." Ofcourse she is great I agree. But still I feel envious of her beauty. We knew how besotted Arya Arjun was with her,Didn't we see that at Indraprasth? Her beauty is too different.Not like us. But yes I agree she endured a lot. Still I feel she has an edge over us."
Ulupi laughed heartfully." You never change my dear friend.Now let me have the good fortune of meeting my husband's son. Where is he?
Here I am Jyesht Mata." The next moment Babhru touched the feet of Ulupi.
Ulupi could not believe her eyes.He is tall,lean with good physique. His smile is like Chitra's but he has the hazel eyes of his father. Ulupi pulled him up and blessed him." May you live up to your great father in valour and Charecter."
Chitra smiled and asked." Now tell me. Dont he look like his father?
Ulupi nodded her head." Ofcourse Chitra He is like his father.But I want him to be truly like his father.
Babhru asked with surprise." What do you mean Jyesht Mata?
Ulupi said." I want you to be like him not only in looks but also in valour. You must have heard how the whole Kurukshetra battle mainly was won because of him. Pitamah,Bhagadutt,Vind,Anuvind,Sudakshin,Susarma,Karna and many more had fallen due to your father's valour. To take revenge for Abhi's death He killed seven akshouhinis on one day. Aswathama's Brahmasir was tackled by Arjun only. Babhru By the time you meet your father train yourself well to meet his expectations. Otherwise he will feel bad."
Babhru assured her." Yes I will try my best to bring glory to my legendary father,Jyesht Mata."
Chitra looked at Ulupi with confusion. Ulupi smiled and said." Shall we roam around Manipur and
Reminisce our past moments with our Arya?
Babhru folded his hands and said." I will make arrangements for you. Now I take leave."

Hastinapur welcomed the Five Brothers and Krishna Vaasudev with great celebration. The whole city is in mourning but still the women and children came to the streets to welcome them.
Krishna and Arjun relaxed in Dussasan's Bhavan which is the best among others.
Panchali attended on Gandhari and Kunti by looking after their needs. Subhadra and Uttara were settled in the beautiful chamber adjacent to Arjun's.  Uttara is six months pregnant and slowly recovering from the shock of Abhi's death.Subhadra feels she is with Abhi when she is with Uttara.
She spends maximum time with her only.