The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 169

The very next day a Homa organised by Ved Vyasa for Dhritarashtra made the whole Gangateer wear festive look. Since the royal family is there the preparations were done in a lavish manner despite The Sage protesting against it.
The surrounding villagers attended the place with their families making Bheem and Draupadi's task difficult. Bheem scolded Arjun" why did you not inform us that we have to feed such large numbers?The groceries we brought will not last if we use them today. Still we are staying ten more days. "
Arjun assured Bheem." Bhrata Bheem you utilise whatever you have completely. By tomorrow you will have your store full again.
Nakul teased Bheem." You are worried about tomorrow's meals I know.What if you won't get your daily dose tomorrow...a matter of concern.
Panchali smiled and Sahadev just entered with the message." Bhrata Arjun, your commanders will reach tonite with all th things needed. They already covered half the distance."
Bheem slapped Arjun on his back and exclaimed." Yesterday only we got to know of the Homa.When did you arrange all this?
Arjun replied." Yesterday I sent message to King Sumedha who is nearer to Kurukshetr. I told him we need the food materials,groceries etc by today. Then my commanders are sent on duty. You know they ride  the horses fast. As per my calculation they will reach here in three hours from now."

Nakul clapped his hands." Bhrata Arjun,how could your mind work so fast?Now Bhrata Bheem could let the cooks utilise the things without restrictions. "
The Homa happened as planned. The feast was much appreciated. Every one relaxed and became tension free.

That night Subhadra,Chitra and Ulupi pulled Panchali on to the mango grove as her work was done earlier. Let us sit together. We may not be able to enjoy this ambience again. Subhadra said.

Arya came and sat beside Panchali" Mothers are taking rest with Uttara and Pragati.Parikshit is with his grandfather."
Suddenly Chitra asked Subhadra." I heard that a great dual fight happened between Keshav and Arjun once. I am always curious to know it in detail. What lead to that fight between the bosom friends? Please narrate the story."
Subhadra's face turned pale while Draupadi wiped her forehead with her Pallu. How could she forget that dreadful night?

Years back ...Indraprastha is shining with glory due to the third Pandav's victories over all the kings of Aryavarth  making way for Rajasuya which is months away ..Krishna Vasudev took leave of Pandavas and went to Dwaraka with a promise." I will return at the earliest. Maximum one month.
He hugged Arjun and said." Parth,here I go and here I come..don't be sad.
Arjun pleaded with him." Please return within ten days..More than that I can not stay without you."
Krishna sighed." I don't want to go but I have to convince Pitasri and bring him here. He fears to travel due to his ill health.

Ten days passed. Arjun is getting desparate. He should return by now he thought.
Panchali ruffled his hair and teased." Already missing Govind? You should have gone with him." The cool night breeze mixed with blue lotus fragrance enveloped Arjun and for that moment he came out of his pain of Madhav's separation. He pulled her closer and asked." Why did you make my Pragati sleep today? Ofcourse your son must have slept today earlier . Did he leave your pallu? He taunted.
Kirti is blissfully sleeping on the couch while Pragati is in jhoola.
Panchali pushed him away and resisted." Again making fun of my Kirti? Your son took after you only. Tell me if you can leave your Kunti maata even now. I know how you runs to her chamber after your archery practice. You will get your daily dose of pampering and then attend on your duties.
Arjun laughed heartfully. He again pulled her closer despite her protest. He threw her curls back and started loosening her hair. The jasmines in her plait intoxicated him and he inhaled the fragrance. Arjun then wiped off the sweat drops from her forehead with his lips.
Panchali closed her eyes in anticipation. She knew he will make her drown deeper into the depths of his passion and love.
Malini's knock on the door brought the couple out of their trance. Panchali wondered why Malini is disturbing them at that hour of night.
Arjun has an annoying expression on his face. He pulled her nearer and stammered." Ask her to wait till tomorrow.
Malini again knocked on the door with a call..Rani Subhadra's maid jaya is here.. She has a message for Rajkumar Arjun.