The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 174

Duryodhan is looking at his image in mirror. He is in high spirits. Within hours he may get the good fortune of being garlanded by the most beautiful woman of Aryavarth..he is sure he will get through whatever the target is. But till then the nature of the test has been kept under wraps.No one is allowed to peep through the enclosure where the target must have been arranged.

Karna and Dussasan entered with beaming faces. Dussasan told his brother.." Still three hours left for the great event. I hope every thing falls in place and we will welcome her as the kuru bride at Hastinapur. "

Suddenly Duryothan's confidential informer entered with a dull face. Duryothan looked at him suspiciously. What is the news ? He asked.

The informer said in a low voice." Drupada's priest met Krishna Vaasudev at his camp last night. Not able to extract anything about the meet. Early morning Krishna met Panchal princess at her private chamber.

Karna asked carelessly." So what? He must have paid a cordial visit.

The informer hesitated a moment and said." Talk is that the test is arranged keeping in mind third Pandav's archery skills. In the wake of his demise..none will be able to win the test..so the King must have requested Krishna to participate and win the princess for himself.

Karna fumed in anger." Did the King forget my archery skills? Looks like he won't see beyond Arjun.

Duryothan pursed his lips in frustration.. Arjun.. Arjun.. He is haunting him even after his...How could he forget Drupad's admiring looks at his conquerer?

The informer again stressed." All these days nothing about the test is leaked out. But now there are many assumptions reg even the bow..which is said to be a challenge to the aspirants.. But yes Angaraj Karna's name is being taken as the possible winner but there are others who are dismissing his skills .. They say Arjun is Arjun.. No comparison..with him..entertained.

Dussasan signalled him to leave. Duryothan turned to Karna and said." Be ready to exhibit your skills. If not me you should win at any cost. Let us not give a chance to Krishna ...

Panchali folded her hands before Sankar Shiv.She prayed earnestly..Please fulfill my father's wish.. Govind said he is alive..he is here. Bless me and guide me through Govind..Uma Parvati got your grace with severe austerities. I don't have a chance to do that leaving my father.. I request you not to disappoint my father.. I need Shiv and Shakti 's blessings.. to survive this crucial phase of my life.
Uma Parvati looked at her Mahadev with a questioning face. Dakshinamurty smiled and said." Uma our devotee is seeking our blessings. Let us extend them..

Parvati smirked." Ofcourse she needs your blessings. You are the one who wrote her fate ..She is now going to face the consequences.. Swami.. How could you do this? Five husbands? Too much of a complicated life ahead of her. "

Shiv replied ardently looking into her eyes." It is inevitable Uma. My boon in her previous birth will effect certainly.. But the reason for that is the Devine plan designed by your brother Narayan. I just contributed towards his plan..that will materialise in Kurukshetra war.

Parvati still is restless..She showed Arjun who is coming back to the temple to fetch the upper garment of his that slipped from his shoulders when he lifted a small boy to ring the bell before Shiv ling. Uma Parvati quipped.. Sparks will fly from both sides... Swami..the first flush of love is going to caress them both... And I know it will remain forever.. Your boon also may not stand before the power of love that is Devine...

Sankar Shiv smiled at his Sakti and said ." You are the one who again brought back God of love from ashes..Who would know the power of love more than you ? How could I forget the fragrance of your love that enveloped a Yogi like me and swept me off my feet? Sati or Parvati..whichever form you took made me submit before your power of love. You showed the universe how to fall in love and how to win your love. ..As for my devotee Arjun.. Ofcourse he has to submit before Yajnaseni's love for him.