The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 147

Two days before the inaugural ceremony of Ashwamedha Hastinapur geared up for the great sacrifice and The commencement of Arjun's March with the horse. All through the day Arjun along with Bheema
Stayed with the select few of the army and gave them the last minute instructions. He also looked after Pawan who has to bear with rigorous travelling and adjust to all kinds of situations.
Krishna is with him all along and motivated him with his inspirational talk.

" Parth do your duty with single minded focus.Dont let your spirits get dampened by misplaced kindness and softness.Talk to the Kings patiently and make them understand the necessity to bring Aryavarth under a single umbrella.But if they are reluctant to accept your request don't hesitate to use power.Even though I am staying back I will still be with you in your chariot.You will feel my presence all the while."
Arjun hugged him and confessed." I know Madhav I experienced your presence when I went for Pasupatastr.I will try my best to manage without bloodshed. And I will lift my Gandiv if it is inevitable"

Bheem told Arjun." I very much wish to accompany you.But you know Hastinapur should be taken care of. I know you will return triumphantly."
Arjun smiled and assured him" Bhrata Bheem You take care of everything here. It is not a simple task. The elders are to be attended. Eldest and Panchali will be in Yajna Diksha.Take care of them. You know Panchali is too fragile and weak now. The amount of troubles faced and the death of her children made her lifeless. On top of it again she has to go through this strict lifestyle. I am worried about her health. Bhrata You please be with her . She needs support. Madhav may again go to Dwaraka for a brief while.So I will surely return back with the horse. I hope I will return within six months."

Bheem hugged his brother affectionately. He said." Arjun. I know how much she suffered when you went away for five years. Again your absence may crush her spirits. But I will always be there for her. You need not worry on her behalf."
Subhadra asked Arjun to return as early as possible.She said looking deeply into his hazel eyes." You know I consider myself fortunate because I have Abhi's son in my hands. God took away my precious Abhi but compensated by gracing me with Parikshit. But Panchali is deprived of such happiness.She never tries to intrude and demand a share regarding Pari. It shows her magnanimity. I feel bad for her again she has to lead that strict procedure filled life. On top of it,you are moving away."

Arjun kept silent. Years of co existence made Subhadra realise Panchali's goodness.Now they both are matured and respect each other's position in his life.
Arjun entrusted Draupadi's responsibility not only to Bheem but also to Pragati and Arya. Pragati clasped his neck and assured." Pitasri, I will never leave her . If I want to play with Pari I will call Arya Masi to look after mother.
Arya made things easy for him." I will live in the hermitage with her. I start my Katyayani Vrat there . Ma Uma would take care of you always."
Arjun was delighted. His devotee wife sure is a blessing for him.

After the dinner Yajnaseni waited for him with the sacred thread given by her Govind that she has to tie on his shoulder.Next day onwards she should dress herself up in sarees that are meant to be worn during Yajna. But this night she will appear very much as Arjun's Krishnaa .

Draupadi stood before her mirror She wore a light grey and white simple silk saree with a beautiful white upper garment. Her long plait hung on her hips with jasmines touching her waist as if asking" lol your Arjun is going. You won't touch us again."

Her beautiful lotus eyes looked dreamy anticipating her Atjun's passionate look on her. Yajnaseni waited longingly to meet her beloved who won't be seen for a long time ,She heard Arjun's knock on her door and walked towards her destination.

Arjun walked inside and looked around. It is nearing mid night and  except for the night guards alerting each other every half hour ,silence is ruling the roost. Draupadi's chamber has only the oil lamps that are looking dim as the brighter ones were intentionally kept away by the queen herself.Arjun wondered when would he feel the ambience again? Not known to him.
The blue lotus fragrance entwined his body and forced him to come out of his parting thoughts.