The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 139

Panchali stood at the mirror. After the war she hardly cares to dress up well or adorn herself with ornaments suitable for Maharani of Hastinapur .She will just arrange her hair mostly in a knot and wear whatever her hands lie on. Her loyal maid Malini got married and still makes time to attend to her though she won't stay through out the day.
Priyamvadha also became weak as she is of the same age as of Kunti. Panchali asked her not to attend to any regular work. She asked her to be with Kunti and Gandhari and relax without getting stressed up. But Priyamvada just could not stay away from Parikshit. She takes pleasure in nourishing the baby doing every thing she can. She is the one who literally brought up the five Upa Pandavas. She went with them to Kampilya when Draupadi went to forest. Often Panchali observed her crying her heart out going to worship room. She will call the names and blame the Almighty.

Panchali tried her best to console her." Masi. Though I am the mother you are the one who nourished them. I can understand. But please take care of your health. Your grief is genuine. But think about this unfortunate mother who also has to bear with it. We both should reconcile,and survive." Priyamvadha hugged her and sobbed." How cruel our fate is Princess. The light of our lives had gone. God is cruel.
After all the troubles you faced you deserved to be happy with your kids. "
Panchali said in a grim tone." Masi,It is not in my destiny to spend my life with my kids. God has specially made me to test my forbearance."

Panchali untied her hair and thought,What she told Priyamvadha is correct.She is created for a special purpose.She looked at her image. Every one says that she stopped ageing.Satya also said so.
Panchali took her hair in her hand and started combing. Her maid came and offered help. But she denied. Maid went off leaving her alone. These days she did not relish attending the assembly everyday.She still manages the finances but will submit them through her officers.
Yudhishtir informs her to attend the session if any important thing is to be discussed.

Panchali finished her hair and threw her long plait back with force.She looked into the mirror. Saw her image but who is that behind her catching that long plait with his left hand. Her mirror image looked back and saw the third Pandav smiling at her .When did you come? She asked.
Arjun replied playing with her plait." When did I go?"
Draupadi tried to pull back her hair." Don't fool me Arjun. You went to Indraprasth with Govind.
You even sent message couple of days ago. Your Bhadra wrote a very big letter also.Pragati told me."

Arjun smiled and asked." You did not write a letter to me .By the way why are you not bothering about yourself nowadays? See your eyes? They are lotuses but your tears washed them so much Krishnaa.
Arjun bent down took Kajal and applied to her eyes.
Panchali stared at him.When did he come back?
Arjun in the mirror took Lattuka Ras and applied to her lips. Now they look beautiful. Your natural pink lips should get protected by this. You know These are not for the sake of enhancing your beauty. Your natural beauty doesn't need them but you need them to keep yourself hale and healthy.
Panchali listened to him,mesmerised,unable to say anything.
Her mirror image is smiling coyly at Arjun unable to control the sudden surprise given by Arjun.
She asked again." When did you come? "
Arjun bent over her and replied with his usual naughtiness." I told you. I never went.I am present here."
He kept his head on her heart.
Panchali could not believe what she is witnessing in her mirror.
She wanted to turn back to find out if Arjun has come really.
" Queen Prince Sahadev wants permission to enter your chamber." Panchali came out of her trance and looked at the mirror. Her image stood alone. Where is Arjun? She wondered.

Sahadev came inside and took his Aasan. Draupadi looked at him with suspicion.What news did he bring? Is it about HIM?
Sahadev answered as if he understood her mind." Yes. He is coming back. Just now messengers came from Indraprasth. By next week they will be back. Four days after their arrival Eldest,Bhrata Arjun Myself will start for Himalayas to bring Treasure. Bhrata Bheem and Nakul will look after Hastinapur.Govind and Satya will go back to Dwaraka as they have to come back again for the inaugural ceremony of Aswamedha. "