The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 175

Suka's voice broke through the the silence and every one got absorbed in his fluent style of narration that brought the Swayamvar at Kampilya live before their eyes.

Panchali was dragged by Arya in time to catch the story ..

Kunti who sat far behind with Gandhari sighed deeply. Her only claim to disgrace.the sharing of the fire born princess will be disclosed before every one in the universe.through Vyasa's epic.

The narration

Bheem scolded Arjun " Where did you go? Do you remember we should reach in time..the venue is too far." The five of them are walking on the streets of Panchal. The swayamvar mantap has been constructed on the other side of northern Kampilya.

Before Arjun could reply Nakul teased.' Bhrata Bheem ! Relax. You need not go there to welcome the princess. Think about the test.. It must be too difficult.

Yudhishtir told them to walk in two rows.. All the five together may not be safe for them.

Just then the elephant procession of Hastinapur passed by them with Duryothan riding on the elephant and Karna and Dussasan riding on horses.

Bheem and Arjun are walking together side glancing Duryothan's exhibition of Royal splendour. Bheem closed his fists and fumed ." One kick is enough to pull him down. Let me try..

Arjun clasped his hand and said in a low voice." Control yourself.Let us wait for a right moment.

As they reached the venue almost all the invitees have arrived. The swayamvar mantap is built in a vast area..in the sprawling outskirts of Northern Kampilya. The seating arrangement for the visitors is so lavishly done. The brahmin's enclosure was close to the king's throne.. At the right of the throne beautiful coach is arranged for the bride to sit relaxingly. At the left side the seats were arranged for Dhrishtdyumn ,Sikhandi and Satyajit.
At the very left side of the mantap in a very wide space the fish target was constructed.
The pool of water below is showing the image of the fish that is rotating above on a maschine fixed for the purpose. On the right side of the pool a very big bow was placed on a pedestal. Five arrows are kept beside the bow.
Arjun could not take his eyes from the bow. All this while in their exile he is desparately trying to make a bow that will suit his power of shoulders.. He has to leave his favourite bow in the lach house as per the order of his brother.

He gazed at the large sized bow that brought a beautiful smile on his face.
He raised his eyes and keenly observed the rotating fish. He could calculate the speed with which it is rotating . He measured the distance between the fish and the pool.. He could easily decide with how much speed he should let his arrow fly and in which place he should let it touch the fish eye..
Arjun got relaxed. He looked around and found the hall filled almost. But the person for whom he is earnestly waiting did not arrive yet. Krishna Vaasudev. Where is he?
Just then bards announced the names of Krishna and Balaram escorted respectfully by Satyjit and Sikhandi...
Arjun saw Balram so heavily built with the gait of an elephant reach their place.
He turned his eyes to catch the eyes...the lotus eyes..and got stuck in them. The peacock feather,the Vaijayanti Mala ,the yellow garment... The beautiful smile greeted Arjun with the warmth he never experienced before..The Devine moment happened.. Krishna and Arjun absorbed deeply in each other's consciousness forgetting the world around them.The legendary friendship got its roots planted.
Suka stopped and chanted.
Yatra yogeswarah Krishno Yatra Partho Dhanurdharah
Tatra sri vijayo bhutir dhruvanitirmatirmama.

Suka took a break for a while since Pari is adamant on listening to the whole event at a stretch. He went to his father's hermitage with a promise that he will return back within twenty minutes.
Arjun is lying on the grass bed away from every one ..he could feel his Madhav's loving glance on him even now. It is so soothing and warm at the same time. He turned sideways and felt his Madhav lying beside him looking at him with his Devine smile. You are here? He exclaimed wonder struck.
Krishna answered instantly. " Ofcourse I am here. How could I miss the moment of our first meet and Add to that the blooming of a fresh love story between the best archer and the most beautiful woman?