The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 143

It is the full moon night,Yamuna is flowing so nearer to Gurukul actually at a walkable distance. After Drona's demise and Aswathama's disappearance Kripi continued living there only.Nearer to her hermitage Kripacharya's associates established their families. They are Vedic Brahmins and teach Vedas and Sastras to aspiring desciples. Nearly fifteen boys of ten to twelve years age live in the Dormitteries that Drona used to keep his students.
Panchali and Bheem served food to the boys that night and the boys relished it so much. They then sat in groups in the open yard and started memorising the verses that they were being taught.
As every one finished their dinner  they relaxingly sat on the carpets listening to their melodious voices.

Panchali,Subhadra and Satya sat a little bit away from them.
Uttara slept early with Parikshit while Kunti and Gandhari are still in Kripi's place conversing on various matters. Bheem lied down with Nakul and Sahadev on both his sides.

Krishna and Arjun sat together enjoying the ambience and occasionally chatting in low voices.
Pragati slept on Kunti's lap tired and exhausted.
Satya who is observing the friends commented " What is that you are talking in such low voices?"
Krishna smiled while Arjun  knitted his eyebrows.
Bheem said in a loud voice." I know Arjun is reminiscing our Gurukul moments. How I used to catch Dussasan and grab his part of fruits also."
Nakul told Satya." Satya  you know how he troubled Gurumata? He will flee from Gurudev's teaching sessions to see what Gurumata is cooking for the evening. He will then ask her to serve him some to taste.He is never interested in evening classes."

Satya asked curiously." What did your Guru teach in the evenings? Tell the schedule. I want to know why this Gurukul became so famous in Aryavarth."
Sahadev started to explain." We all should get ready before Sun rise and assemble exactly here in this open place. Then we do prayer,after that learn Vedas .It will go on till 9'o clock. After that we eat our breakfast. Then onwards our weaponry instruction begins. One hour archery one hour sword fight and one hour mace combat. Then we eat our lunch.Afternoon one hour we take rest and 3'oclock onwards Gurudev used to conduct practical demonstrations."
Satya asked" What is that practical demo?

Nakul elaborated." Gurudev will set the target and ask us to shoot.Or he will chose the pairs and ask them to fight with swords or maces."
Interesting" Satya said. Krishna said." Guru Dron is a legend. Before him no one streamlined education  in warfare with great technique. His teaching is methodical but innovative."

Satya asked." Nakul you still did not answer my question.What  classes did he take in the evening that Bheem used to miss?"
Every one laughed at her question. Bheem pretended anger and pinched Nakul's ear. Then he said." Satya believe me after Sunset Gurudev used to explain vyuhas and secrets of archery which are so boring not only to me but also to others except our you know who ? We all used to be hungry as the time to eat dinner is at 7 30.
Sahadev explained." Bhrata Arjun and to some extent Aswathama attended those sessions.Bhrata Arjun would raise many doubts preventing Gurudev from moving over to dinner.Gurumata has to come and forcefully end the session "
Krishna laughingly patted Arjun who is lying beside him " Parth your question session began there and continued to Kurukshetr and  then to Indraprasth." Arjun hid his smile and closed his eyes.
Subhadra enquired." By the way what did he ask you in Indraprasth Bhrata? Ved Vyasji is saying he is so lucky that he got it from you two times. Why are you so partial? Why only he should listen?
Krishna laughed and answered." Because he is my sister's husband."
Panchali looked at him as if questioning him" Only your sister's?"

Krishna continued laughing." Seriously Bhadra,except him no one can make me speak that way."
Sahadev remarked." That is why Govind made Grandfather speak for Eldest but he did not. His discourses are exclusively reserved for his Parth."
Satya asked Arjun" Can you tell me some of those secrets that you learnt in evening classes?
Arjun pretended to be sleeping and told Krishna" Tell her I have slept.