The Fateful Evening Arjun Draupadi OS .. Thread 2 - Page 19

Panchali got back to her tent after making sure every one retired to their camps. She knew still Dhrisht,Arjun and Krishna will be awake discussing next day's strategies and vyuhas. She also observed their spies hurriedly going towards Dhrisht's tent. She wondered what information they must have brought. Subhadra is in the adjacent tent and came to say good nite to her.' Uttara got bad dreams. She saw Abhi lying on the ground with eyes closed. The dream repeated yesterday.So we have no,other option but to come here as we are totally disturbed." Subhadra explained.Panchali shivered with fear.Why such dreams? She should ask Govind. She said reluctantly.' What did Duryothan achieve by doing all this? We have to put our children also in this war gamble.Abhi's father tried to send him back to you but you know how adamant he is. Every day I feel so tensed up till I saw them all before my eyes.Till how many days we have to bear with this war I feel dejected." Subhadra sighed and bid good nite and left. After sometime she heard the voice of Govind.' Sakhi Do you have a thick blanket with you? I hope you didn't sleep yet."

Panchali who is just closing her eyes got up and saw the two friends in different avatar. They both wore their Dhotis like residents of Kurukshetr do and wore tight Kurtas on top. Their long curly hair is tied up with pure white cloth making them look just like janapads.Panchali first thought she was dreaming. Then Arjun approached her and placed his hand round her shoulders.' Krishnaa ,come out of your dreams. We are real. Me and Madhav going on a mission." Panchali stared into his hazel eyes,the beautiful face hair tied up and could not help but drool over him. Krishna saw her dreamy eyes and cheekily remarked.' I promise I will send Parth in this attire only after a while. You can admire your husband to your satisfaction.But now give us two blankets. We should go."Panchali blushed profusely and offered them the blankets they want. They fully covered themselves and walked out leaving a surprised Panchali behind.

In Kaurava camp serious discussions are happening even late at night. Drona made it clear he can not capture Yudhi if Arjun is around.Duryothan asked .' Who will challenge Arjun and take him away from Yudhi? I want committed people who are ready to die in Arjun's hands."Susarma the ruler of Trigurta stood and stated pompously.' Maharaj,We Samsaptakas will certainly take an oath,Either we will kill Arjun or we will die in his hands.Please give us chance. Previously he defeated us and humiliated us Now we want to take revenge.Give us permission ."

Duryothan got delighted and signalled his approval. GuruDron nodded his head and went off.Aswathama is sarcastic.' I think,their days on this earth came to an end.That is why they are overconfident." Karna criticised him.' Why can't they do the needful?They are firm in their resolve.Arjun will definitely find it difficult to reach Yudhishtir tomorrow." Duryothan ordered Susarma to motivate his people and make them ready for next day battle.

After midnight,at the border line that separates both the camps the security people allowed two tall,dark natives of Kurukshetr cross the line and enter the Kaurava camp.

The soldiers shouted in joy' Exile for Pandavas.Death For Arjuna" Arjun's jaw tightened and his eyes turned reddish. Krishna pressed his shoulder and signalled him to be calm.

Susarma raised his hand and asked them to listen quietly.' All of you should be prepared to either kill Arjuna or to die in his hands.As you already know the third Pandav is invincible.With Krishna by his side no one can conquer him. But we should do it. Let us take an oath Raise your hands.Say these words. If we fail to defeat or Kill Arjun we will get the sin of killing a Brahmin. If we fail we will fall into the depths of Patala and from there to hell.We won't return from the battlefield without killing Arjuna.If we fail our corpses only should return.This oath of us will stay till we defeat Arjuna or be killed by him. Har Har Mahadev,"

The soldiers raised their hands,applied ghee to their bodies and shouted slogans.' To win Arjun or to die." They took each other's hands formed circles and again and again took their oaths.Suddenly someone faced Krishna and Arjun with a sword. Arjun identified him. He used to be with him as commander of Troops when he marched against Yavana king.He keenly observed them and asked.' Who are you two? I did not see you before." Krishna covered his face and answered boldly.' We live in that side of Hiranvati. Came to watch the Great war. We were unable to cross Hiranvati in time. We are waiting for the boatmen who will take us to that side.Hearing these noises we walked this way." Arjun pulled his head cloth down.He knew that commander used to be an ardent admirer of his warrior skills and roam around him in the past." Suddenly the commander commented with a certain tinge of sarcasm.' Poor souls. This will be their last night on this earth. They will burn in the anger of the Third Pandav. Trigartha king is a fool not to realise Arjun's valour."

Krishna and Arjun looked at each other .Before they could take leave the commander observed Arjun's eyes and said.' I think I saw these glowing eyes before." Krishna turned back and thundered.' Yes you saw him before. He is your Rajkumar Arjun. He will kill all these assembeled here tomorrow and save Yudhishtir also. Tell your king not to dream of victory it is impossible when Vasudev Krishn and the Third Pandav exist in Pandava side." Krishna took Arjun's hand and wailked off. The commander stood motionless and stared

Arjun refused out rightly ." No I will come with you.She will think that I am not real but it is her dream only. It will take much time to convince her that she is not seeing me in dream but I am there in reality. Past experience Madhav,Rather I will rest with you and think about tomorrow's plan of action." Krishna laughed heartfully and said," let my Sakhi enjoy her dreams then."

Panchali is in trance.She is half asleep and half awake.Years gone back and her conscience reached Indraprasth in all its glory. ..Subhadra is looking gorgeous in green colour lehenga that suited her fair golden complexion so well.She is casting her besotted glances at Arjun who is busy discussing military affairs with his Bhrata Bheem.It has been a month since Arjun came back to Indraprasth after his twelve year Exile.There have been celebrations galore in the Royal Palace as the bride's full parivar graced Indraprasth,headed by mighty Balaram.Panchali could not even breathe as that much busy she is looking after the guests. Satya called out Panchali.' Enough of your supervision. Come and have lunch with me. I want to enjoy like my lord enjoy's with his Arjun."

Panchali politely refused to eat as she has the habit of eating only after every one had lunch. But she doesn't want to disappoint her friend and sat beside her . Satya beamed in face and lowered her voice.' What happened between you and Arjun? You don't seem to interact with him at all.Good for him. He will atleast learn not to cross the limit and go on marrying like my lord did. Ofcourse Subhadra is my husband's sister and I can't stand against her wish to marry Arjun.But you are my friend who waited for him since your Swayamvar." Panchali looked around to see if anyone heard Satya's banter.She replied in a low voice.' It is fine Satya. Let him have whomever he find lovable. I don't have an objection." Satya persisted.' Don't lie before me.I know how hurt you are. You don't want to expose yourself that's all." Krishna observed them and approached.' What is going on? Who is blaming whom? Sakhi,I hope you are not testing Parth still.He is already tensed up." Panchali showed Arjun who is laughing heartfully at Subhadra and Kunti sharing some thing.' Did he look like that? Tensed up? Your friend? Never. He is enjoying with his bride." Krishna smilingly called Arjun while Kunti took Subhadra with her.Satya asked him straightly.' Enough of your bonding with your new bride.We understood how much you love her. But did you appease Panchali? Genuinely you said sorry or not,I want to know. She is not telling. Now you tell me."

Arjun looked seriously into his wife's eyes.I appeased her as soon as I came back.Ask her it is true or not.You will know the truth." Panchali understood his smartness He doesn't want Satya to know what is happening between them.Frankly she also doesn't want others know the truth. She nodded her head and precisely admitted.' Yes. He is right.I don't have a problem with him." As she finished her line she found Arjun smiling mischievously and challenging Satya.' Now she told the truth. If you want us to prove it then also we are ready." Panchali widened her eyes. How smartly he trapped her. Now she can not go back on her word. She should do whatever is asked by Satya to prove themselves right. Krishna patted on Arjun's back and lauded him.' Well done Parth,Now Sakhi be ready to do whatever Satya says." Panchali sulked.' Govind I hope atleast sometimes you will stand by me," Krishna smiled and declared. ' I always stand by you both together."

How would her third son manage the bitterness and hurt of his first wife? She didn't see him brooding over or trying to appease her in public. But Did he manage to convince her? Did she allow him into her private space? Kunti had no answers to so many questions. But only one truth she knew that her third son never loses a battle.Even if it is a battle of love.Kunti asked Priyamvada to call Arjun to her private chamber.After a while she heard his voice ,the tone that makes her motherly heart flush with happiness and pride.She removed her forearm that she kept on her eyes to look at him.There he stood as charming as ever with his winning smile.' What happened? Not feeling well? Why do you look indisposed? Shall I call Raaja Vaidyaa? Arjun sat by her side and touched her forehead .Kunti tried to get up.' Nothing happened Phalgun.Just normal weakness ." Arjun prevented her and again made her lie back.

Why do you look stressed up? What is worrying you? I came back to you. You got your Kanha's sister as your Bahu, Aren't you satisfied? " Arjun held her hand and asked earnestly.Kunti smiled meekly. ' Ofcourse I am too happy to have you back and Subhadra fulfilled my wish . I very much wanted an alliance with Brother Vasudev. You made my dream come true." Arjun raised his eyebrows .' Then?" Kunti seriously enquired.' How did Bahu react to Subhadra? Did she make peace with the situation? You managed to convince her?" Arjun. Understood her tension..He smiled assuringly. Why do you worry so much? Krishnaa reconciled to my marriage with Subhadra. She did accept my brother's wives also. why won't she accept Subhadra?" Arjun knew the difference Still he could not let his mother feel stressed.Kunti looked deep into his eyes and said.' I believe you Arjun,Do me a favour. I vowed before Katyayani Mata that I will send you and Bahu along with Subhadra to pay respects before Durgaa Maata on the outskirts of Indraprasth.Take Kanha and Satya,Rukmini also. But you should go there and offer hundred Nariyal,and offer five thousand gold coins for its renovation. Do Pooja along with your wives.I will inform Bahu and make arrangements for tomorrow " Arjun wondered what would his fireborn say to his mother's proposal. How nice it will be if Krishnaa only comes with him,he will have an opportunity to win her back.

Panchali knitted her eyebrows and asked Priyamvada.' Masi,why should I accompany them? He will go with his bride." Priyamvada who knew the tension that still existed between Arjun and Draupadi smiled and tried to convince her.' Princess. You are his queen,his first wife.And you are also his bride. So it is your right to go with him for puja.Your friend Satya also is coming no? Go and fulfill your mother in law's mannat. Don't you want your husband to be free from buri nazar? Your mother in law is already worried when she thinks of Ulupi's abduction.She is scared of Naga influence on her son. Mata Durga will grace him and remove all the bad influences. Now don't refuse. Be a good wife princess." Panchali smiled at her last line. She never takes offence when Priyamvada says such things.She very well knew that Priyamvada loves her like her own daughter.

During dinner time Satya called Draupadi to where they are sitting and cornered her.' So you are coming tomorrow no? Sure?" Satya still had doubts regarding Parth Panchali compromise. Krishna answered Satya.' Ofcourse she is coming. Why do you doubt her?" Satya called Arjun who went to Kunti on her call. She asked him.' Is your Krishnaa coming tomorrow? Are you certain? "Arjun glanced at Panchali who looked calm and said defiantly.' Ofcourse she is coming. I already told her to wear red Sari because I like red." Panchali could not control her annoyance. But she could not refute him also as Kunti is observing them from behind.She just looked into those hazel eyes smiling mischevously at her and determined not to wear red at all.

Panchali found Krishna and Arjun with Kunti standing near the chariot.Why is there only one chariot? She doubted. Kunti saw her coming with Priyamvada and called.' Bahu,all the worship things have reached there. Maharshi Dhaumya went there in the night itself. Get into the chariot." She said. Panchali touched her feet and caught Arjun's eye for a split second. She could see his glint of love and appreciation and greeted Krishna with folded hands. Krishna blessed her and said.' Parth,help her into the chariot." Malini who came with the queen extended her hand to help her ascend into the chariot. But before Panchali could take it Arjun held her by the waist and got her into the chariot.Panchali turned back to express her anger but saw Kunti looking at Arjun with satisfaction. She heard Satya's voice from inside.' Now,will you sit and adjust yourself? Let us move as fast as we can.Travelling at this hour is great."

The chariot started racing through the streets of Indraprasth that is not still awake completely. Panchali asked Satya.' Rukmini Bhabhi and Subhadra started already? I am sorry I came late . I took time to give instructions to Malini regarding Kitchen and other things." Satya laughed with glee. ' No one will be there to disturb us dear. They both are not coming. Previous night Subhadra felt indisposed as she is too tired of last week's festivities. She requested her Bua to omit her from this journey as she wanted to relax ompletely. Kunti Bua obliged and Rukmini Didi dropped herself to look after Subhadra. Aren't you happy now you can spend with Arjun alone? Ofcourse we are there but I promise I will let you have some quality time. " Satya winked and lowered her voice.' You know actually I want to steal my lord from Arjun and have some precious moments."

Panchali could not answer Satya's jovial queries regarding her feelings. How could she allow herself to be with Arjun for the whole day or even the night also as she heard Kunti say to stay back if it gets late in finishing the Pooja.Arjun will definitely try to woo her or pacify her and she won't have any support from Govind even. As she is absorbed in her thoughts,she found the chariot enter the forest area,Satya is fully excited and called the friends who are coming on horseback behind.She said in her sweet voice.' Swami let us stop here and hunt for a while.I want to explore myself here." Arjun warned her.' Don't nourish wild dreams. This area is dangerous. And first Mata's wish is to be fulfilled. The puja is important." Panchali bit her lower lip.' So much dedication for mother.That is why he didn't even bother to share her with his brothers." Suddenly a wild boar came running bouncing upon the handful of Arjun's soldiers who are proceeding on horses far ahead of the chariot.Before they could respond it caught hold of one and dragged him down. Right then Arjun's arrow zoomed past and struck the boar on its right shoulder. The boar lost its grip and left the soldier.Immediately Arjun's another arrow killed it by piercing the neck.

Satya clapped her hands in excitement and praised Arjun.' Great Timing. How could your brain work that fast? Seriously you first struck the right arm and then killed the boar. To free that soldier from its grip otherwise he would be in fatal danger. Arjun please let another tiger attack us. I want to learn how to tackle it." Krishna laughed and Arjun frowned at her banter. Panchali felt immensely proud on seeing his great feat. Arjun went to the wounded person and asked him to get back to Indraprasth with another one. He did first aid,tied a bandage to stop blood and exclaimed.' Thank God, Not much blood is lost. You can revive within two days." He then sent them back and asked Satya to sit properly as still the temple is quite distant from there.

Dhaumya Rishi is ready with all the preparation and as soon as they reached started the Pooja of Katyayani with sacred mantras and homa. Panchali sat with Arjun at the fire and did everything with dedication.Arjun offered the Nariyals and broke them along with Krishna. The puja is finished by late afternoon and Dhaumya said evening after sunset they have to do Homa and Arti. Panchali got tired and Satya also enquired.' Where is the place we can relax till evening?" Krishna quipped.' Don't worry dear. Every thing is planned for us. Come let us go. Parth you take care of Sakhi.Bring her along." So saying he took Satya's hand and lead her through the forest path. Arjun took Panchali's hand but she tried to move on her own and tumbled. Arjun held her by her waist and lead her.' Now be a good wife and follow my word. It is not easy to walk here." He insisted. Panchali retorted.' Ofcourse I will. After all I have to follow my duty as your wife. That I won't forget." Arjun smiled and turned her to him.' Good to hear . But how nice it will be if I get back my new bride of Kampilya whom I lost somewhere in between." Panchali bit her lip and taunted.' Dont be hopeful. Lost things can never be found in the journey of life." Arjun took her closer and whispered.' But I am confident I can get back anything I want. Just a matter of time which is not at my disposal.Time is running up.you know it."

Panchali stared into his eyes and grasped his essence. He is right. They are not fortunate enough to be together always.But how could she forgive his marriages,especially Subhadra who will live in his mansion before her eyes? As they reached down the hill she saw two beautiful ashram type Kutirs temporarily constructed for their stay. Satya and Krishna already occupied one and the other one is meant for Arjun and his wife. Panchali sighed as she entered it along with her Arjun.Destiny did not allow her to move away from him. May be because she is born for his sake only.