Still I could feel the urge in me..to explore new adventures,new regions..Arjun sighed.
Krishna teased. And new damsels..who could drool over you as usual..
Arjun smiled. That is something I never aspired for.. but I got branded as a flirt. Even now Krishnaa doubted one of us will bring another beautiful girl..
Krishna patted his back.. Learn to accept things as they come.As for my Sakhi she will understand . Her love for you overcomes every offence you did or do.
Arjun nodded his head in approval.
Suddenly they felt the presence of a third person ...a Brahmin stood watching them keenly. He looked lean and sick.
Arjun thought he must have come to seek help..alms might be.
He addressed him with folded hands. Please come to our camp by Yamuna. We will honour you by fulfilling your wish.
The Brahmin folded his hands before Krishna and turned to Arjun. But I want you to fulfill my wish here only.
Arjun is surprised . He side glanced his friend. Krishna pressed his shoulder and asked the Brahmin. " What sort of help you need from us tell us clearly..
The Brahmin explained. I am Agni god of fire. I became sick by swallowing too much ghee poured in sacrifices. My illness will be cured only if I could consume Khandava forest in my flames. I tried to do so but Indra obstructed me by pouring thunder showers. His friend Takshaka lives here.
Arjun and Krishna looked at each other. They understood his wish. But for him they have to face Indra in battle.
Krishna and Arjuna nodded to each other and then looked at Agni. "We will protect you Agni. But I think there is something which we need to fulfill your task.
Agni looked at the two of them curiously and then turned to Arjuna, "Arjuna, you do realize that Indra is your father. You still are willing to fight him for me.Are you sure you would do it .."
Arjuna smiled as he looked at Krishna and turned back to Agni, "What you are doing is right. Indra is wrong. And Krishna is with me. " Arjuna said looking at Krishna again. "So yes. I will fight Indra for you."
Agni looked relieved and looked at the two of them with a sense of pride.
Arjuna spoke again, "My Lord! I am entirely confident that I can face up to Indra. But he is the king of Devas. I need some good weapons to fight with him. If I use these earthly weapons, I may not be able to face Indra to the fullest of my ability. Why, these weapons may not even last the first round of attack from Indra! I think you need to provide us with some heavenly weapons, so that we would be better armed to face Indra. "
Agni looked at the two of them considering their request. He slowly nodded his head, "I believe that you are the greatest archer in the world, so you deserve the Gandiva. "
Arjuna's eyes opened wide. The Gandiva. That was the ultimate bow which could be had by anyone. The Gandiva bow along with the two quivers of arrows, which were never exhausted. The arrows just will reappear again and again in the quiver. And that weapon is going to be in his hands , Arjuna's heart was dancing.
Agni turned to Krishna, "My Lord! I do not really need to tell you the best weapon for you. It is obviously the Sudarshana Chakra. I think it will be perfect for you." Krishna smiled but did not say anything.
Looking at the two of the them, Agni continued, "I will give you a chariot with horses that are as swift as the wind. You just have to think and the horses would turn. I think that will prove very useful during the battle."
Arjuna looked curiously at Agni, "Where is the Gandiva right now?"
"It is with Varuna, the Sea God". Agni said looking at Arjuna. "I think he will give it to me. " Saying this Agni closed his eyes and concentrated.
Arjuna looked with wide eyed wonder as a chariot with beautiful white horses appeared before him. The chariot was filled with weapons of different kinds. But Arjuna had eyes only for the Gandiva.
He lovingly picked up the bow and touched it and smiled. He felt a connection with the Gandiva which he had never felt before. The bow felt like it is his.
Arjuna closed his eyes and said a prayer of thanks. He then picked up one of the two quivers of the arrows and was strapping one of it to himself.
Krishna smiled as he saw his friend look at the Gandiva. Arjuna did not know it, but Krishna knew the importance of Gandiva to Arjuna.
The Gandiva was created by the Brahman [the Force which was within all of us]. The Gandiva passed among the greatest of warriors and was the single greatest factor which would decide the winner in any war.
Krishna picked up the Sudarshana Chakra and smiled. It felt like he got his friend back. The Sudarshana Chakra was the weapon of Lord Narayana. Now that it had come to Krishna, who is an avatar of Lord Narayana, it just fitted so well in his hand.
Arjuna and Krishna armed themselves and went near the edge of the Khandava forest. Krishna nodded to Agni. Agni then turned to his natural form. A small fire started in the forest of the Khandava.
Satya is desparately looking at the way that leads to the inner part of the forest. Subhadra and Kalindi are wooving jasmines into a big garland.
Panchali monitered every one and just came to them...she sat and closed her eyes. Already missing me... his voice sounded in her ears. She opened her eyes and said Satya they won't return to nite.Come and relax..
Satya nodded her head and said. We shouldn't have allowed them to go.
Edited by ltelidevara - 7 years ago
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