Mahabharata Katha

The Thirteenth Night (2)

Pandava camp, Kurukshetra

I hurried into Krishna's tent. But he was not there. The bed had no sign of use either.

Where had he gone? I looked around. My heart skipped a beat not seeing his Sudarshana and Sharnga at their places.

Does that mean...?

No! I had to stop him if this was true. I stepped out immediately. My guess was right. Krishna was preparing his Gadura-flagged chariot, with the help of Daruka, his charioteer.

"Bhrata!" I called out, in whispering voice. Though he was related to me by multiple relations, this was the first and most natural address for me. In this moment of urgency this name only slipped out without a conscious thought.

He turned, not surprised to see me in his camp at this hour.

"What are you doing?" I moved closer. "Chariot and weapons... you'll fight tomorrow?"

"I will. If I have to." His voice was calm.

"What does that mean? You're going to break...your oath?" I gasped.

"I am, Devika. If situation demands so." Again that calm reply came.

"No!" I exclaimed, "This cannot happen! Samrat would never let you break your vow for our sake, even if that brings defeat to the Pandavas!"

Krishna's hands stopped.

"I know Jyeshtha would not let me. But I have to, Devi! For Pandavas' lose is my lose!"

"Is it for this you let Abhi die?" I stared hard at him.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Everything happens for a reason, Bhabhi. Abhi has saved Dharma from a certain lose today."

"I never understood you at all, Bhrata!" I let out a sigh.

"Go to Jyeshtha, Bhabhi. He needs you right now!" He gravely said.

I slowly nodded. "I'll go to him. But before that I need you to revive this grieving camp, Govinda. Otherwise nothing can save Pandavas tomorrow."

"What happened?" He asked patiently.

"Don't you think that Arjuna needs to..."

"No." He cut me off. "I have advised him to worship Mahadeva this night. His blessing is a compulsory for tomorrow's war."

"You heard his oath, right?"

"I did. And this is why I'm preparing myself. If he fails to kill Jayadratha by sunset, I will!"

"Govinda!" I exclaimed.

"I cannot let Dharma lose, Bhabhi! Whatever might happen, Dharmaraj alone has to sit on throne and I'll do anything to make him the Emperor again!"

"At the expense of your oath?"

His face turned graver.

"Well, listen then. Before this war began, Jyeshtha has surrendered his four brothers to me. I promised him I will protect Arjuna. If my own oath contradicts the promise given to my loved ones, I always choose the latter." He smiled now. "You know me, don't you?"

My eyes were moist by then. What could I say to this selfless love?

"Go without a worry, Bhabhi!" He assured, "Your family will be safe!"

***

My husband was not himself today.

He sat numb, seemingly lifeless. I sensed his limbs had turned cold. I was told that Devarishi Narada himself had come to console him. It was clear to me that even his words could not heal his deep wound.