The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 152,153

Panchali did not say anything. Kunti approached her and watched the scene that captivated her daughter in law more than her words. She sighed desparately and wondered," Draupadi will never overcome her obsession for Phalgun. Years passed but she remained the same. The Empress of Aryavarth certainly is too absorbed in her love to make her free from her only misdeed as Gandhari prefers to call it that way.

Kunti remarked in a detached tone." Phalgun playing with Parikshit is a routine you know it. I thought you will offer me solace by confessing your self. Or I should satisfy myself with your silence which seemingly supports my stand my decision and the outcome."

Panchali turned back and raised her eyebrows.Suddenly her inner conscience urged her to expose herself before the woman who determined the way of her life without remorse and regret. She had a strange smile on her face.Kunti stared at her with surprise. Suddenly she felt week under her knees and sat on her couch clutching her hands into the supporting pillows.

Yajnaseni spoke with a firm voice." Mata you said it is a daily routine for your son to spend quality time with his grandson and wives. But that routine is not within my reach. I could never be a part of that happy family enjoying together. Surely Aryavarth's empress should dedicate her time for more important matters. She can not simply walk with her cowives on the poolside or enjoy lighter moments with her husband like others do."
Kunti widened her eyes and stammered" But you are the queen,you hold power Isn't it exhilarating?

Panchali nodded her head,She replied in a dejected tone," Power, you really feel I relish power and position? Mata,you said your Eldest son made me the empress.May be you meant to say that if I married Arjun I may not be able to sit on the throne.On the contrary if I married him alone I would have been a free bird like Subhadra,like Chitra and others. Most important I would have lead a hassle free life. Your Eldest wouldn't have staked me at all. Even if they lost the kingdom I would have gone to my father and returned after thirteen years."

Kunti asked her straightly," I never observe any kind of dissatisfaction regarding you ,I mean my sons felt immensely satisfied by your bonding and services. Tell me if you are not willing would you have accomplished such a difficult task?"

Panchali laughed till she get tears in her eyes. She said bitterly." Thanks for acknowledging that my task is difficult.I came across many including my co wives who felt that I am the one who is interested in polyandry. I should appreciate myself for creating such feeling. "

Kunti looked at her sharply and said," You mean you are not honest in your commitment to all the five."

Panchali became serious.She instantly retorted." Please answer my question mata,Is it possible to love all the five in the same way?

A shocking silence enveloped the surroundings. Kunti stood erect and gazed into the beautiful face of her daughter in law.She has no answer rather she doesn't want to answer. She regretted getting into the depths of the issue. She thought Draupadi would try to offer solace to her by saying everything that happened in her life turned out in such a way that resulted in peace and harmony.

Panchali raised her eyes and again looked at the garden lake. Parikshit is running fast with Uttara playfully running behind him in vain. Arjun is laughing heartfully throwing his head back. Chitra Ulupi and Subhadra are around with smiles on their face. Just when Uttara could catch him Pari jumped into Arjun's arms and got lifted by him . Pari giggled with glee and clasped his grand father's neck.

Kunti understood the reality,not now but long ago. But still her conscience is not prepared to accept the truth. How could her daughter in law admit such glaring fact without remorse or a sense of guilt ? She questioned her straightly." You confess your failure in living up to the challenge? I am disappointed."