The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 158

It is Pradosh Samay. The sun just went down the western horizon . The sky is in orange red but appears like getting ready to welcome the Lord of the night the moon with his companions the stars.
On the other bank of Yamuna at a secluded spot Arjun is worshipping Shiv Shankar as is his habit. He made a Saikat ling ( made with sand) and placed it on bilva patras. He is chanting Rudra Namakam and pouring Yamuna water continuously. But the Saikat ling did not break up.

Namah somaya cha rudraya cha...

Arjun's voice is sounding so melodious  and captivating the Mother Nature in such a way that everything appeared charged up towards Siva tatva. The wind is blowing softly over the Shiv ling while Yamuna is trying to touch the Lord with her tides without disturbing Arjun's worship.

Panchali stood with folded hands and lived the moment.Every time  She watched Arjun worship Siva she wonder how he looks so absorbed in Mahadev's Ananya Bhakti.He is blessed she thought he has the grace of both Narayan and Shiv Shankar.

After the worship is done Arjun started walking towards the small hut that gives shelter to them that night. Panchali questioned him with surprise. " Why are you keeping it secret? You don't want anyone to know that we are on our way to Ahichatr?

Arjun answered her query in his composed manner." Where is the necessity? This is our personal trip. If we publicise this the cities and villages on our way  won't let it be a private matter. Every one will come on the streets to see the most beautiful woman live and nearer. Madhav also indicated the same."

Panchali taunted him" Prople will throng the streets to have their fill by admiring the greatest warrior heartfully. That is the reality. Don't I know how girls go crazy over you? "

Arjun smiled and retorted." Think as you like but I don't want to be disturbed in anyway. You know what? Madhav arranged our stay not in Ahichatr but in a far away village. No one except Rishi Ved Vyasa knows about it."

Panchali felt the thrill. She thanked Govind in her heart. As they crossed the small hut she stopped and questioned." You said we will stay there. Then?"

Arjun said." One of my chief commanders has his parents living nearer. He made arrangements for our food and other things. We can return to the hut afterwards."

Panchali understood why Arjun purposely wore normal kurta and dhoti with a turban. He is fine with her attire as  gurumata got her wear simple sary only. In the darkness of the night they walked towards a bigger house situated a little away from the river.

As Arjun entered with Panchali the householder rushed to him with excitement followed by his wife. Both of them looked old. Arjun folded his hands and introduced himself and Panchali. The householder prevented him in the middle." Don't make us ashamed by introducing yourself. The greatest warrior of Aryavarth doesn't need it."

And the Panchal princess Maharani Draupadi doesn't need it either. " The lady of the house folded her hands .Arjun stopped her " We need your blessings. Please don't fold your hands."

They were welcomed by the chief commander's wife who is pregnant and his unmarried sister.

The wife admired Panchali by not blinking her eyes.She said in a humble voice." My wish to see both of you got fulfilled. Please forgive us for any lapse in our reception. My husband doesn't want to part with Rajkumar Arjun even for a while. He wanted to be here but he said you asked him to stay back."

Arjun smiled." Yes. In my absence my most capable commanders should look after Hastinapur.

The old couple made Arjun and Draupadi sit together and the daughter in law and the sister served them delicious food. The sister who is an ardent admirer of Arjun tried to control herself as his queen is there.Panchali praised the food and asked." Who prepared so tasteful food?"