The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 168

Indraprasth is overcrowded with Royal guests from all over Aryavarth for the forth coming Rajasuya.Panchali could not even stop and take breath ..She has loads of responsibilities ...the Kaurava brothers stayed nearer to Royal palace though other kings stationed themselves on the outskirts where palatial buildings were erected by Maya under the supervision of Arjun and his Madhav.
There is still time for the Yajna to commence but Duryothan and his loyal associates arrived far earlier to observe The prosperity of Pandavas.

That day is important for the five brothers as it happened to be the janam din of Dev Vrath Gangaputr Bheeshm. Arjun is leaving no stone unturned to make the event special. It is his dearest Pitamah's birth day and he got the good fortune to celebrate it at Indraprasth.
Arjun told Panchali" Make sure the feast today should be remembered for a long time. I will give a list of items to be prepared . Tell Bhrata Bheem to stick to that."
Kirti is in a bad mood that day. His mother told him she will be busy all day and he has to play with Babhru and Arya masi's son. Panchali got Pragati ready with the help of Malini and told her. Take Kirti to Arya's chamber. He will play there.
When Malini tried to take his hand Kirti did not oblige. He ran to Panchali who is holding Pragati and declared." I will come with you. I won't play...

Bheem scolded Panchali with concern." With both the Kids with you how would you be able to manage? On top of it Arjun gave the list of items devoid of spicy non veg items. Who will eat such feast?
Panchali tried to reason." But your Pitamah likes it that way. So your brother insisted..
Bheem taunted." When did you not support him tell me...It became a habit with you.
Panchali's face turned red. Nakul came there and informed." Bhrata Arjun asked you to prepare your selected dishes for serving others but his list should be done carefully as he invited Pitamah's friends . Guru Dron,Kripacharya,Bahlik ,Kunti Bhoj ,Mama Vasudev and others are included in his list.
Panchali sighed with relief." Didnt I tell you ? His main concern is your Pitamah. He won't bother about other preparations.
Bheem made a face and declared." Nakul! Go and tell him to manage his duties. I will take care of the feast." Panchali hid her smile and gave Pragati to Malini asking her to take her to Kunti.
Kirti refused to go as usual. After a while Krishna and Arjun came to check the preparations.
Arjun knitted his eyebrows and asked his son." Why didn't you go and play with your brothers? I will take you there. They all are in the play house."
Kirti hugged Panchali and nodded his head. Arjun remarked " You are only spoiling him Krishnaa. Ask him to come with me..

Panchali disagreed." Let him be here. You won't stay with him again he will come here."
Krishna smiled and taunted." Kalyani..your obsession for some one overflows to your son. Right?
Panchali looked embarrassed but relieved on seeing Bheem and Nakul away from there.
Arjun winked at her and pulled Krishna" No use of telling her.. She already spoilt him ..
That night Panchali pretended anger reminding his words." How old is he?Not even two years.. His sister is born so he should grow up?... Your mother told that you are always pampered till you went to Hastinapur.That means till you are six years old. My son is hardly one and half..
Arjun smiled and admitted." I came here to thank you for the tasteful feast . Pitamah enjoyed so much but as usual my fire born is angry... Ofcourse I agree..your son still needs your pampering..fine?
Arjun went to the couch and kissed Kirti on his forehead Panchali pulled him back." He and Pragati just slept. Don't wake them up..she said.
Arjun turned back and hugged her closer... Let me thank you as per my wish...he bent forward making Yaajnaseni blush profusely.
Mata.. What are you reminiscing? Kirti's voice brought her out of her golden memories. Abhi rushed to her and sat on her other side." Jyesht Maata. Pragati grew up.. She inherited Pitasri's detached attitude. She is inclined towards penance,forest life...
Panchali replied with despair." Abhi.. We know it. While you inherited his valour,Kirti inherited his looks,Pragati inherited his disinterest and detachment. I doubt whether she will lead a normal life as per her age..
Bheeshma smiled broadly and said." Arjun, Pari is just like you.. He looks more like you than Abhi. I hope you are able to overcome your grief on seeing Pari.. See how destiny decided the future ruler of Hastinapur.. Valour is preferred over everything else.Arjun's lineage will flourish.. I am pleased.