The time to depart approached much to the heart break of those who need to send them off. But those who ascended from heaven exhibited their strength and realisation by making the atmosphere light. Bheeshm hugged Arjun and blessed others." Don't grieve for me. We will meet again . Make Parikshit a warrior par excellence." He told Arjun.
Abhi folded his hands and said." I am indebted to you Pitasri for I got the good fortune of being your son. Please don't regret for me. Console my mothers and spend time with them. Let my son be your true successor in every way." Arjun hugged him with tears.
Kirti wiped Draupadi's tears and smiled." I wait for you maa... Then no one can separate us ever.
Yudhishtir told Karna" Had mother revealed your truth I would have relinquished every thing. I could never forgive her for that"
Karna nodded his head and said." I Understand but it is not in my fate to rule Aryavarth. "
All of them left through Ganga river and reached heaven .
Ved Vyas addressed with a composed tone." Dhritrashtr,Gandhari,Kunti... Now you should think beyond worldly relationships. Be contented and concentrate on attaining salvation.
He then told Pandavas." After a week you leave this place and start for Hastinapur. Aryavarth needs your services. Till Parikshit grows up you should do your duties...
Surprisingly the meeting with their near and dear ones soothened the hearts of every one. Finally the truth of life is understood and all of them thanked Ved Vyasa for making the impossible possible.
Gandhari felt relieved after meeting her sons. So is Kunti after her Eldest son forgave her and interacted with his brothers.
Yudhishtir asked Arjun to make preparations for return journey. That night Sahadev prepared a lep and started applying to Kunti's feet . Draupadi took that to Gandhari and applied it to her ruptured feet.
Gandhari blessed her and said." Bahu. Now don't regret about your sons. Be happy with your husband. You lost your prime youth due to his pilgrimage and the incidents that followed. Now make him feel the bliss. ..Panchali smiled at her concern.
Next day Chitra and Subhadra enjoyed roaming in the forest with Arjun.
Arjun accompanied them and showed them the places of Kurukshetra around.
Ulupi stayed back with Panchali who is looking after the food preparations for the sages and visitors who came to meet the Pandavas.
Ulupi praised her." Really you are amazing. How could you do these things so meticulously? You are so committed."
Kunti who listened to that remarked." Ofcourse she has that in her.She is a quick learner. "
Panchali looked embarrassed while Bheem praised." Ulupi.. No other Bahu has her patience and skill. She is above all...
Kunti smiled happily. Whatever Draupadi may feel but she did not let her sons effected by her partial love. That is enough for her. Especially Bheem can not do without her...though he won't say it her Eldest also can't do ...
Ulupi smiled to herself. She knew her mother in law's thoughts. Suddenly she felt the urge to enlighten Kunti in her own way. She took the vessel from Draupadi's hands and said." I will go to Hiranvati with Mataa. You look after your work."
After sunset all the sages will arrive fast to eat their evening meal. As long as the royal family is there they took it on themselves to serve food to all the sages and dwellers of Kurukshetra. Draupadi and Bheem are taking care of food preparations.
Kunti on her own will bring water from the river for the evening worship Ulupi accompanied her.
The sun is about to set. The whole sky is shining in golden red colour with white clouds enhancing the beauty. The twittering of the birds who are returning to the nests are sounding melodious..
The waters of the river appeared calm at the exterior making one wonder whether the heavenly people arrived last night are still taking rest under the cool surface.
Kunti's face is calm and contented. Ulupi said." Mata.. Finally you got rid of your guilt feeling it seems. You look peaceful"
Kunti smiled happily." Yes bahu.. I am at peace with myself. My Eldest forgave me and his brothers.. Especially Arjun..What more do I want?
Ulupi asked." I understand you need his forgiveness But why should your sons be forgiven? What is their crime!
Kunti explained." They don't know the truth. Still they killed their brother. Arjun killed him ..
Ulupi brushed it off." Mata.. They are not at fault. They don't know the truth. Arjun killed him in the battlefield. Contrary to what his rivals say Arjun killed Karna in a fair encounter. You know it.
Kunti nodded her head." I know it but people won't realise. Now that Karna himself accepted his death my sons will be guilt free..
Before I start on my final journey I got mental peace. Panchali may not support my decision but I would not expect her to applaud me either..She said.
Ulupi said." Good for you Maata. Panchali served you like a daughter. You should atleast exempt her from killing her mind and appreciate your point of view."
Kunti got hurt at the tone with which Ulupi said so. " What do you think? My decision resulted in doom or glory? "
Ulupi firmly answered." Glory for Aryavarth but trial for Draupadi. Unity for Pandavas but anguish for Draupadi...
Ulupi said in a soft voice." Draupadi sacrificed herself to keep your word. Now you should not expect her to hail you for your decision... Mata.. We all love your third son ..but Panchali loves him ...like none of us do. Her life survives on her love..I hope you understand.
Panchali came back to Kunti's Kutir to see if she returned. The chants of sages is being heard all around. Yudhishtir and Sahadev are sitting there while Bheem and Nakul went to collect the fruits from adjacent hermitage.
Did he return or not? She wondered and took her Pallu end to wipe off her sweat. Suddenly she felt her sweat wiped off by the familiar milk white upper garment of who else but Savyasachi ...He smiled and asked with concern" got tired? May I serve you by pressing your feet? You look exhausted.
Panchali tried to move away and crossed him" I hope your Chitra enjoyed the evening and ambience. Subhadra also needs recreation...
Arjun laughed and pulled her closer.." Ofcourse they are fine..enjoyed so much.. Now my duty is here.if you permit..
Panchali's face turned red.." I don't need any service don't forget this is hermitage..she reminded.
Arjun still kept her close and looked into her eyes.He knew no one will venture into Kunti's hermitage without permission.
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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