The Fateful Evening Arjun Draupadi OS .. Thread 2 - Page 35

Yudhishtir was highly agitated on not finding Duryothan anywhere. He sent his men in search of him but they came back of without any news of Duryothan.

Kritavarma Kripacharya and Aswathama went to Dwaipayan lake and called out.' Yuvraj come out of the lake. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for your sake. Let us go and fight with Pandavas. It is not difficult to win. You can still get back the crown."

Duryothan replied from the bottom of the lake." Let us take rest and then fight our rivals. You go and relax for a while. We will then think of our strategy and resume our fight."

The three warriors went away to a secluded spot and rested there without seen by anyone from Pandava side.

Meanwhile some hunters who are acquainted with Bheema observed all this and informed the whereabouts of Duryothan to Bheemasen.

The Pandavas along with Krishna came to Dwaipayana lake.Yudhishtir addressed Duryothan."Why are you hiding here shamelessly? You became the reason for the destruction of the whole clan of Kshatriyas. You always nourished ill feelings towards us. Lakshagrih,The Dice game all these are the result of your wickedness.When we sent Govind to avoid war you did not oblige. Because of you our grandfather,GuruDron,and all our near and dear ones were slain in battle.Be a Kshatriya now and fight with us .We won't leave you till you either win over us or get warrior heaven.

Duryothan replied" Dharma Raj.Go and enjoy the kingdom. I am relinquishing my kingship for your sake. I won't fight with you as I was left with no assistance. No chariot,no wheel protectors,no army at all. So it is not proper for you to fight with me who is helpless."

Yudhishtir replied." Duryothan.I am giving you option. You can fight with any one of us.I give you the chance to select your weapon also. If you win any one of us You can rule over Aryavarth."

Krishna frowned and admonished Yudhishtir." What is this Eldest? Why are you behaving like a fool?

If Duryothan selects any one of you other than Bheem by choosing mace combat what will happen?

Even Bheema is not on par with Duryothan in mace combat. I still doubt Bheema's victory. And you again staked the hard earned kingdom without thinking of the consequences? I think forest life only Is written in the fate of Pandavas. The great Bheeshma,Drona,Karna and others were vanquished by following a plan of action decide by me. I made you follow my plan even though they are unfair by the rules of war. My aim is to establish the Dharma Rajya. It looks like you are bent upon spoiling all that has been achieved by me till now."

Arjun looked at Krishna with bewilderment.What he says is true only.In a split second his Eldest changed the equation itself. Now the possibility of victory swings more towards Duryothan,

Bheema assured Krishna." Don't worry Kanha. It is in my destiny that I should fight with Duryothan and win the final battle. I promise I fulfill my oath taken in Kurusabha."

Krishna and Arjun together hugged Bheem and wished him good luck.

Duryothan came out holding his mace on his shoulder. He told Bheema." You are right. Our fight is inevitable.Thirteen years I practiced with great dedication. I excel every mace wielder except my Gurudev in mace combat. I am ready to fight with you."

Krishna and Arjun sighed with relief.The danger has been averted. That moment Balram who went on pilgrimage before the battle started came there to witness the great fight. He blessed them both." Both are my desciples only. May the best win now." He said.

The mace combat went on with both the Warriors putting their full might in their strokes. Both are acquainted with all kinds of Praharas and are able to guess the moves of each other. While Bheem looked mightier Duryothan excelled with his fine skills that made the celestials hail him with superlatives.

As the fight became intense Yudhishtir got tensed up and wiped off sweat from his forehead.

Arjun observed that and taking Krishna a little side ways asked him." Madhav,who do you think will win today? Is there a chance for Bhrata Bheem to win over?

Krishna nodded his head sounding desparate." I told you Parth. Duryothan is the best mace wielder. He practiced relentlessly for thirteen years with such dedication that he became peerless I must say.

On the other hand Bheem has physical might more than skill in Praharas.That is why he is not able to supercede Duryothan till now.It is a tough fight for Bheem."

Arjun looked at his dear Bhrata Bheem who is putting forth all his might and toiling hard to score over Duryothan invain.

Arjun took Krishna's hand in his and asked softly." So what should he do Madhav?"

Krishna looked deep into Arjun's eyes and said." What else Parth? Bheem should fulfill his oath taken in Kurusabha when Duryothan insulted Krishnaa to sit on his lap. He should break his thighs though it is against the rules of mace combat.But looks like Bheema forgot that completely."

Arjun looked at the warriors. Just then Bheem took two rounds and struck Duryothan but Duryothan ably received that blow and returned it skilfully. But due to the pace involved in that move both of them laid back for a minute to take respite by recovering from exhaustion.

Arjun closed his eyes and visualised the terrible scene of Kurusabha that happened thirteen years back.Just then Dussasan fell on the ground unable to take away the robes that continuously covered Draupadi due to his Madhav's grace. Krishnaa collapsed on the ground with tears in her eyes. Karna taunted her" Princess of Panchal. Your husbands are slaves now. They can not stand by you. Select someone else as your husband." Duryothan laughed with glee and showed his thighs and signalled Draupadi to sit on them.

Arjun opened his eyes which are reddish at the corners indicating his fury. Krishna pressed his shoulder looked into his eyes and nodded.

Arjun strolled off a little nearer and Bheema who is taking rounds for his next Prahara caught his brother's eye. In a split second Arjun looked down and with his left hand slapped on his left thigh.

Bheema grasped his brother's signal and while finishing third round rised higher landed with force on Duryothan striking both his thighs with his big mace.

Duryothan collapsed on the ground with blood flowing from his thighs.Balram shivered with anger. He shouted." Bheem. You crossed the border. You disobeyed the rules of combat. I will smash your head."

He took his mace and jumped towards Bheem to strike him.Krishna stopped him and held him in his strong grip.He gently addressed him." Bhrata.Please compose yourself.No rule is valid when a person has to fulfill his oath.Bheema pledged to break Duryothan's thighs when he insulted Panchali.Moreover Sage Maitreya cursed Duryothan that his thighs will be broken by Bheema in battle. So it is predestined. Calm down. Bheema is not at fault."

Balram fumed at Bheema and expressed his concern for Duryothan.He went off not reconciling with what happened before his eyes.

The mighty Duryothan,The great ruler of Hastinapur met with his downfall and fell on the earth helpless and friendless. Celestials showered flowers on Duryothan for his bravery and boldness and said Sadhu sadhu.

After Karna's death Krishna asked Arjun to send Panchali Subhadra and Uttara to Upaplavya." Now the war is almost over. The ladies should get back and relax. Uttara should be taken care of." He said.

Panchali protested but Krishna assured her." Your husbands will be safe and secure. I assure you."

Arjun cajoled her." Go Krishna. Take rest.. I feel only one day still we have to be in the field. After that we all can together go to Hastinapur."

When she is about to ascend the chariot her son's came there to see her off.She blessed them and hugged them close. " Be safe and careful. Don't go away from your elders."

Kirti clasped her neck and said." I don't want you to leave me.Just one day.We can go together you know." Bheem teased Kirti." Leave her Pallu boy. Now you are a warrior. And not to forget you are the son of my brother the best warrior of Aryavarth.Be strong."

Kirti pouted and left Draupadi. Suddenly Panchali felt apprehensive leaving them behind. Before she could say anything the charioteer whipped the horses under Bheema's instructions.

Panchali looked back and saw Arjun looking ardently into her eyes. She composed herself and waved her hand to her husband and her sons.

Now after listening to the great news she felt elated. Finally their troubles ended. They can lead a peaceful life along with their children. Suddenly she felt Abhi's adorable face before her. She got tears falling from her eyes." Why did you go away my son. What happiness we feel without you though we get victory.Comeback Abhi." She pleaded helplessly.

Aswathama,Kripa and Kritavarma sat round the dying Duryothan wailing bitterly at his pathetic state.They blamed Bheem for being unrighteous and merciless. Aswathama said." Yuvaraj. Please let me take revenge by killing the Panchalas and Pandavas.I would like to destroy them completely. Give me permission." Duryothan took water and sprinkled it on Aswathama." I entrust the responsibility of war to you. Please do me favour by wiping off the rivals.May God help you in your endeavour. I will breathe my last only after hearing the good news.

Meanwhile Yudhishtir sent Krishna to Dhritarashtra to console him and Gandhari who lost all her son's.

Krishna did his job well but hurried to get back to Pandavas as his instinct told him of the forthcoming massacre.

When he reached back Arjun expressed surprise." I thought you will come in the morning. Why did you trouble yourself at this odd our of night?

Krishna pulled him out of the Sibir. Let us go to Samanta Panchak and spend the night there. Call your brothers.We can return in the morning after giving donations to Brahmin's there. It is essential to do such things to wipe off the sin of killing large number of people."

Shall I call the boys also? Arjun asked. Krishna nodded his head. Let them be here and have a peaceful sleep." Krishna's words sounded different. Thought Arjun. As they are about to start Kirti ran to Arjun and hugged him." Stay back Pitasri. Or I will come with you."

Sutasom pushed him back and said." We will together enjoy our victory . Let them go." Arjun walked back kissed his Kirti and said." Good night my son.Sleep well. You are tired."

It was past midnight. Aswathama kept Kripa and Kritavarma at the entrance of Pandava camp.He alone approached the main Sibir that belongs to the Chief commander of Pandavas. He saw before his eyes a terrible form draped in tiger skin and snakes over his body. He did not let him in. Aswathama fought fiercely but all his Astras and weapons merged into that terrible form.

Aswathama also saw so many forms of Krishna floating around him. He then created a fire pit and prayed to Sankar Shiv." He distroyer of the universe. I am offering my soul to you as I am not able to accomplish my purpose." So saying Aswathama entered the fire but to his surprise the fire did not harm him.Then he saw Shiv Shankar before him. Shiv addressed him." Krishna satisfied me with his devotion and worship. There is no one dearer to me than him.On his behest I protected the Panchalas till now. But their life span came to an end. I allow you to enter inside and fulfill your purpose."

Shiv then gave Aswathama a terrible sword that looked like the noose of Yama himself. Aswathama felt gratified and entered the Sibir of Drishtdyumn who was sleeping peacefully.He landed on him and crushed him with his feet. Dhrisht opened his eyes and understood Aswathama's intention. He pleaded with him ." Kill me instantly. Take your revenge." But Aswathama tortured him before finally cutting off his head. By that time the guards and others got up and tried to protest. Aswathama killed every one who came across mercilessly. When some tried to escape Kripa and Kritavarma shot arrows and killed them. Aswathama then reached the tent where Draupadi's sons are sleeping. They woke up from sleep not knowing what is happening around.

Prativindhya was killed first and Sutasoma resisted Aswathama boldly. Aswathama killed him also and laughed with glee. Satanika took a wheel lying there and attacked Aswathama but Aswathama snatched that and killed him crushing him severely.

Kirti took his bow and remembered his brother Abhi. " Bhrata I am also Arjun's son. I won't succumb that soon." Kirti shot keen arrows on his rival who out powered him and killed him mercilessly.

Kirti fell down his beautiful face severed from his body."How would his mother survive!" That is the last thought that crossed his mind before he closed his eyes permanently.

After killing Sahadeva's son also Aswathama encountered Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas the brave Panchala princes the chariot wheel protectors of the great Savyasachi.

But Aswathama suppressed them and killed them with his sword.

Even Sikhandi fell down dead crushed by that cruel Aswathama.

Soon the whole camp succumbed to Aswathama's fury. Kripa and Kritavarma killed many and then burnt the sibirs so that none could escape with life.

After successfully completing their mission the three sinners approached Duryothan and informed him of their deed.Duryothan got a satisfied look on his face while breathing his last.

Even before dawn in the darkness of the last quarter of night Pandavas were informed about the Massacre by two soldiers who escaped Aswathama's ire. They said in a broken voice." Everything over Maharaj. No Panchal warrior remains alive. The royal princes were no more."

Yudhishtir swooned and fell down. Bheem took support of Nakul. Sahadev wept for the first time.

Arjun stood dazed . His vision blurred. Darkness pervaded all around. He lost his balance and stammered." Madhav...Krishna took him in tight embrace.He wiped his tears and said." Parth.." Arjun looked into his eyes and said in whisper." Madhav...Krishnaa.."

Panchali wondered why she was summoned from Upaplavya so early in the morning.

Nakul did not reveal anything. He just said. " Eldest wanted you there."

As she was helped to get down she observed the camp partially distorted and burnt.She looked around and observed the premises that are devoid of soldiers. A dangerous silence greeted her when she walked through the path.

Inside the Royal tent she saw Eldest with his head on his hands. At his feet sat Bheem who is strangely having a sad look that is alien to him.

Sahadev is sitting at the right side of the king with closed eyes.

Panchali then looked around and found Krishna sitting on the asan with Arjun sitting at his feet,head resting on his lap. Krishna is softening his curls with concern. Arjun closed his eyes and the lines on his forehead made her understand the gravity of the situation.

" What happened? " She asked the question in general but she side glanced Krishna expecting an answer from him.

Bheema stood up approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders.Sahadev stood on her other side and took her inside.In the inner part of the room Panchali saw all her son's lying on the floor along with Dhrisht and Sikhandi.

Sahadev gave her an account of the way the massacre happened when they were away in Samanta Panchak.Bheem held her firm and said." Panchali hold yourself .Our victory snatched away our children from us.We also lost our dearest Senadhipati your brother who toiled hard for our victory. That wretched Guruputr did this at night to gratify Duryothan.

Draupadi looked at her five sons and brothers with disbelief.She sat on the ground and stammered " Bhrata why are you still sleeping? See your brother in law is waiting to discuss war strategies with you.

Please get up.

Prati let us go to your grand mother. Order your brothers to get ready.

Sutasom get up son. Your breakfast is ready we should go to your Grandmother.

Satanik why you are sleeping still? Get your horse ready. You said you will be the first to reach Hastinapur.

Srutasen get up and be ready. You want to roam around Hastinapur.

Kirti my child. See your mother came to you not to part with you again. Let us complain to your Grandmother that Arya Bheem and Arjun are teasing you for being with me catching my Pallu "

Panchali collapsed at their feet and swooned. Arjun looked at Krishna with anxiety.Krishna signalled him with his eyes to be bold.

Sahadev made her drink aushadhi and she got back her consciousness.

Panchali straightly asked Dharmaraj " Why were my sons left in the camp while you were away?" He did not answer.Bheem answered on his behalf." Panchali we never expected Aswathama will become such a monster.Otherwise we would never have left them behind."

Krishna softly addressed her." Kalyani. Fate is inevitable. I told you loss will be on both sides. Get over your grief.We can't fight with destiny."

Panchali said in a desparate voice." Govind don't call me Kalyani. I am not suitable to bear that name."

She then reminisced the events of the night as told by Sahadev and shivered with grief and anger.

Yajnaseni approached Arjun and looked deeply into his eyes that had tears .She then spoke to him as if in trance." Sarvasresht Dhanurdhar! I am relieving you of the burden of taking revenge on Aswathama. I know he is the son of your dearest GuruDron and you will never harm him even if he destroyed the light of our lives. Rest assured. Panchali wont persuade you to kill him."

Arjun looked with bewilderment. Panchali turned to Bheem" Arya Bheem I ask you to punish Aswathama. You killed many demons. You killed Kichak for my sake. Do me another favour. Go and punish Aswathama and bring the gem from his head.He should not escape having killed my innocent children.Till my wish is fulfilled I will sit in Prayopavesh. "

Bheem got up rolled his eyes in anger and before anyone could say anything rushed out pulling Nakul with him.In a split second the chariot with Bheem as the wartior sped off with Nakul as the driver.

Krishna got up in hurry and questioned Yudhishtir." Eldest You love Bheema most among your brothers. How could you allow him to get into fight with Aswathama who lost his sensibilities?You know what Aswathama has Brahmasira weapon. Bheem did not posess it. only Parth knows Brahmasir Bheem is in danger."

Arjun got up instantly. He is agitated. Bhrata Bheem should be saved at any cost. He took his Gandiv in his left hand and Krishna addressed Yudhishtir." i wiill tell you what this evil natured Aswathama did coming over to Dwaraka"