Krishna left to go for Satya . Arjun stayed a while listening to Drupad's anecdotes on the short period that Panchali stayed in Panchal.
As she was born in her youthful form she was not able to stay with me for a longer time.Then she got married. She lost her adolescence . As the queen here she is bound by her responsibilities..
Arjun understood his inner meaning. Polyandry and queenship are thrust on her as the result of his mother and Eldest's decision. Otherwise...
Drupad asked Arjun in a low voice." Did my daughter reconcile with your marriages? With Subhadra?
Arjun did not expect the question.May be Panchali's aloofness raised the doubt...
Whatever it is he should not let his father in law know about his daughter's dissatisfaction.
Before Arjun could answer Panchali entered with Badami milk for her father.
She looked at them both with suspicion. What are they discussing?
Drupad took the milk and said." Free now? Look after your husband . He may need something.
Yes Ofcourse. I am waiting for her to arrange my hair. Shall we go downstairs? He got up and held her by the waist . Drupad felt relieved and told Draupadi to attend on Arjun.
Panchali felt embarrassed but did not resist. She knew her father is all eyes observing her expressions.
She smiled at Arjun and nodded her head indicating her approval.
As both of them proceeded downstairs Drupad heaved a sigh of relief.
Immediately after entering her chamber Panchali quizzed him " Why are you telling lies? When did I agree to arrange your hair?
Arjun pulled her and said." Tomorrow is a special day for me. I should look smart. You have to do it for sure.
Draupadi taunted him" Why? Going anywhere with Subhadra? Or any other beautiful damsel is waiting in the wings?
Arjun patted her cheek playfully and said." You will know it tomorrow. You will get shock.
Draupadi smirked." I stopped getting shocks . Your marriages became a reality of my life. I am used to it now.
The blowing wind made Arjun's curls fall on his forehead Draupadi pushed them back and then understood what she did. Arjun pressed her hand on his hair and whispered." Why do you control your desire? I know you like my hair so much. I submit before you Yajnaseni give me a glimpse of my wife who is so much in love with me when I married her..
Panchali remembered the incident in Panchal her first touch of his hair... She closed her eyes trying to hide her feelings.
arjun bent over her and teased." My father in law said he will comedown now. If he thinks you are running away from me he will question you.
Anyway I will come in the afternoon be prepared to fix my hair. Tomorrow is a special day for me..
Arjun went off smiling meaningfully leaving her in a dazed state.
To be continued
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