Hastinapur celebrated the birth of Uttara's son with so much grandeure. Fifteen days passed since Parikshit came into this world. Every house participated in the celebrations whole heartedly despite
their personal loss at Kurukshetra.
Ved Vyas and Dhaumya together blessed the baby and predicted." He will be a great Emperor and enhance the glory of Kurus. In beauty and valour he will be on par with his father and grand father."
Gandhari and Kunti vied with each other in attending the baby. It appeared as if they both finally forgot their grief and enjoyed the moment of becoming great grand mothers.
Maharaj Yudhishtir thanked Krishna Vaasudev again and again for saving the lone successor of Pandavas. Bheemsena beamed with joy and announced many boxing competitions for Hastinapur boys and said he will reward the winners on the Namakaran day.
Nakul helped Bheem in conducting the competitions.
Sahadev along with Dhaumya did homas for the welfare of the infant and his mother.
Arjun got new energy and vigour first time after the death of Abhi. He just could not stay away from the baby even though he was allowed in Uttara's chamber for only a limited time.
He tried to question Krishna of the miracle that happened before his eyes.
" How did you do that? Surely you must have used your Devine powers. But why did you let him effected by the astra ? You could have nullified the evil effect when he was inside.
Krishna smiled at his curiosity and ever enthusiastic nature," I hope your grandson won't inherit this
Nature of yours. I am here to answer you but he won't have any one to answer."
He then explained." The evil effect is there always ever since Aswathama uttered those cruel words.
I thought it better to let the effect of that Astra strike the baby once for all. Otherwise it will hover round the small one and cause harm any time after his birth.So I let that happen.
Moreover the mantra or magic or whatever works when the baby is before me.
Don't you have faith in me that I won't let anything happen to our Abhi's son?
Arjun smiled sheepishly." I know but I could not control myself . I thought I would just leave my body through yoga and meet Abhi and his son there.The earth trembled under my feet. I lost my reasoning power.Madhav I wouldn't have been alive if something happened to Parikshit.
Krishna caught his shoulder by force and looked deep into his eyes." Parth if you are not there do you think I will be there?"
Arjun stared into those beautiful lotus eyes that are sincerely showering undaunted love for him.
He got his answer.They both are inseparable one soul in two bodies.Since so many births. But what is their origin? Before he could ask his question messenger came from Kunti and bowed." Maharani Kunti wanted both of you in celebration hall to bless Prince Parikshit.In a short while his jhoola ceremony will take place."
Both the friends smiled happily at each other and followed the messenger.
The Pradosha just turned into night. But there is no darkness around as thousands of lamps shone brightly and illuminated the Royal Palace.The celebration hall was decorated with flowers and lights.
Kunti scolded them as soon as they entered." Both of you became grandfathers. But Kanha Phalgun you both will always be late . I wonder what important work you are attending that is more special than my Parikshit's Jhoola Utsav."
Subhadra took them by holding their hands and made them stand nearer to the jhoola.
Panchali is looking after the last minute decoration for the Jhoola.
Arjun gazed at his beautiful wife who appeared joyous and relieved.
It has been ages since he seriously looked at her like he used to do in good old golden days.
She became thin and looking as young as ever. Her long plait is hanging on her back and touching the
Floor whenever she bent to fix a garland on the jhoola. She did not wear any ornaments except her black beeds chain. Her beautiful face is fresh with her new found happiness and contentment.
Suddenly Arjun's heart melted towards his Krishnaa,his loving soulmate who endured so much ever since she came into his life.She always forgave him never punished him for long,even if he failed in Dyut Sabha to protect her. Now she lost her sons,her dearest Abhi Iravaan still she survived. He knew now all her motherly love will be directed towards Parikshit.
Arjun had moisture in his eyes. He should not neglect his Krishnaa. She needs his love now than any time before.. He knew he had many duties Aswametha may happen Again he may go with the horse
Before that he and Krishna may go to Indraprasth...
Kunti called him." Phalgun what are you thinking? Come forward and bless your grand son."
Arjun nodded his head and went forward. Uttara is holding the baby and Dhaumya announced " the baby should be placed in the cradle."
Panchali Subhadra and Uttara together placed him in the jhoola on the flowerbed.
Yudhishtir Bheem Twins blessed the baby. Krishna and Arjun went forward and touched the head of the baby together.A winning smile appeared on the faces of Madhav and Parth.Parikshit giggled with pleasure and opened his eyes.
It is past mid night. Malini opened the door to the third Pandav . She silently went out and closed the door.Arjun went to the balcony and saw her in sleep on the couch. He hesitated for a moment and then joined his wife making place for himself. Panchali did not open her eyes but felt the touch that she missed since a long time. Arjun turned to her and whispered." Krishnaa open your eyes."
Yajnaseni opened her eyes completely and ardently gazed into his hazel eyes. She had moisture in her eyes. She knew he also had. Arjun bent down and hid his face in her heart like he used to do at Indraprasth.She took him closer and closed her eyes again.
Tum Se Tum Tak
