The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 136

Indraprasth welcomed the friends with aloofness and detachment. They were cordial they stood in the streets showered flowers on them but the glow on their faces is missing.
Arjun remembered how they used to dance with joy whenever he came back after his expeditions.
If Krishna arrives the. People used to fall at his feet not letting him move further.
Now they just folded their hands courteously bending their heads.

They entered the Royal palace where the great Assembly used to gather on every Wednesday and Friday. Arjun gazed at the Throne of his Eldest which used to be the pride of Aryavarth.
He then looked at the sideways where his mother and Panchali used to sit . How nice and eventful those days are. He thought and felt depressed.
They then went to the Mansion of Draupadi that surpassed every other palace in Indraprasth.
There they saw their old attendants who are now caretakers of that wing.
Krishna enquired " How is everything here? Did Duryothan visit Indraprasth frequently? With his family?"
The attendant replied" He never came here my lord.He was afraid of people's outburst as he committed a sin against Maharani Draupadi.Prince Vikarna came twice in these thirteen years."
Arjun 's face became pale . The disgrace that happened at Dyut Sabha would definitely follow wherever they go."
Krishna continued his conversation Arjun walked towards the balcony where he spent beautiful moments with his fire born.The jhoola is still there the jasmines are there. They nodded their heads as if they are asking him where their dear Sakhi is.
The night is shining with stars and full moon.Arjun sat on the jhoola and felt his Krishnaa bent down on his shoulder from behind. She wore a beautiful lite pink lehenga with blue choli. She has the Mang Ka teeka and waist band.She smiled and gave a peck on his cheek.

Arjun stared at her in surprise. She looked so real. He stammered." Krishnaa when did you come? You reached before us?
He pulled her into his lap and she pouted." I came with you only. When did I leave you ever?"
Arjun looked at her mesmerised and bent down to kiss her.
Now, You already started dreaming of Sakhi? Parth. Look at me. Krishnaa was back in Hastinapur. But she is also here with us.Come to reality." Krishna's words brought Arjun from dreams.
He got up from the jhoola and covered his embarrassment by turning his back.
Now stop talking in riddles . You say she is here and you say she is not here." Arjun complained.
Krishna smiled." She is not here in person. But she is present in soul.When is she away from you ? Never."

Krishna and Arjun were served  delicious tasteful dishes for dinner in Indraprasth's Royal dining Hall.
Arjun identified Bheema's Chief Cook who became old and weak. He still is cooking food for Administrative staff just the way he learnt from Bheema.He enquired about Bheema and praised him for fulfilling his vows of killing Duryothan and Dussasan." They ill treated our Maharani the most noble lady of Aryavarth. They deserve such deaths only." He declared.

Arjun looked around and expressed his feelings." Madhav. Why did Duryothan do all that to us? How happy we were in Indraprasth.He robbed us of our happiness and he himself lost his life."
Krishna patted his back." Control yourself. I told you destiny can not be changed. Never."

Indraprasth Royal Garden became the open air assembly hall that day. The wide and spacious lawns accommodated thousands of citizens and administrative staff who eagerly awaited The Third Pandav who sent a request to all of them to gather there.
They were miffed and hurt to that extent that they don't want to listen to any explanation .

After a while they saw Krishna Vaasudev and Arjun walking towards the temporarily constructed Dias .
There is pin drop silence all around .Krishna walked to the edge of the stage and addressed the gathering." On behalf of the Emperor we are here to assure you peace,happiness and security.
It was unfortunate to be away from all of you for thirteen years.But fate can not be averted by anyone.
Better to let go the past happenings.But I am sure now onwards your security and safety will be the prime concern for Pandavas.Now Parth would like to speak his heart out.