Panchali stood at the mirror. After the war she hardly cares to dress up well or adorn herself with ornaments suitable for Maharani of Hastinapur .She will just arrange her hair mostly in a knot and wear whatever her hands lie on. Her loyal maid Malini got married and still makes time to attend to her though she won't stay through out the day.
Priyamvadha also became weak she is of the same age as of Kunti. Panchali asked her not to attend to any regular work. She asked her to be with Kunti and Gandhari and relax without getting stressed up. But Priyamvada just could not stay away from Parikshit. She takes pleasure in nourishing the baby doing every thing she can. She is the one who literally brought up the five Upa Pandavas. She went with them to Kampilya when Draupadi went to forest. Often Panchali observed her crying her heart out going to worship room. She will call the names and blame the Almighty.
Panchali tried her best to console her." Masi. Though I am the mother you are the one who nourished them. I can understand. But please take care of your health. Your grief is genuine. But think about this unfortunate mother who also has to bear with it. We both should reconcile,and survive." Priyamvadha hugged her and sobbed." How cruel our fate is Princess. The light of our lives had gone. God is cruel.
After all the troubles you faced you deserved to be happy with your kids. "
Panchali said in a grim tone." Masi,It is not in my destiny to spend my life with my kids. God has specially made me to test my forbearance."
Panchali untied her hair and thought,What she told Priyamvadha is correct.She is created for a special purpose.She looked at her image. Every one says that she stopped ageing.Satya also said so.
Panchali took her hair in her hand and started combing. Her maid came and offered help. But she denied. Maid went off leaving her alone. These days she did not relish attending the assembly everyday.She still manages the finances but will submit them through her officers.
Yudhishtir informs her to attend the session if any important thing is to be discussed.
Panchali finished her hair and threw her long plait back with force.She looked into the mirror. Saw her image but who is that behind her catching that long plait with his left hand. Her mirror image looked back and saw the third Pandav smiling at her .When did you come? She asked.
Arjun replied playing with her plait." When did I go?"
Draupadi tried to pull back her hair." Don't fool me Arjun. You went to Indraprasth with Govind.
You even sent message couple of days ago. Your Bhadra wrote a very big letter also.Pragati told me."
Arjun smiled and asked." You did not write a letter to me .By the way why are you not bothering about yourself nowadays? See your eyes? They are lotuses but your tears washed them so much Krishnaa.
Arjun bent down took Kajal and applied to her eyes.
Panchali stared at him.When did he come back?
Arjun in the mirror took Lattuka Ras and applied to her lips. Now they look beautiful. Your natural pink lips should get protected by this. You know These are not for the sake of enhancing your beauty. Your natural beauty doesn't need them but you need them to keep yourself hale and healthy.
Panchali listened to him,mesmerised,unable to say anything.
Her mirror image is smiling coyly at Arjun unable to control the sudden surprise given by Arjun.
She asked again." When did you come? "
Arjun bent over her and replied with his usual naughtiness." I told you. I never went.I am present here."
He kept his head on her heart.
Panchali could not believe what she is witnessing in her mirror.
She wanted to turn back to find out if Arjun has come really.
" Queen Prince Sahadev wants permission to enter your chamber." Panchali came out of her trance and looked at the mirror. Her image stood alone. Where is Arjun? She wondered.
Sahadev came inside and took his Aasan. Draupadi looked at him with suspicion.What news did he bring? Is it about HIM?
Sahadev answered as if he understood her mind." Yes. He is coming back. Just now messengers came from Indraprasth. By next week they will be back. Four days after their arrival Eldest,Bhrata Arjun Myself will start for Himalayas to bring Treasure. Bhrata Bheem and Nakul will look after Hastinapur.Govind and Satya will go back to Dwaraka as they have to come back again for the inaugural ceremony of Aswamedha. "
Draupadi bit her lip and retorted." So they are coming back to go for Treasure Hunt. After that The Aswamedha campaign. Very well planned I must say."
Sahadev gazed at her. He remembered the new bride Draupadi at Hastinapur who sulked whenever Arjun went for wars.Years passed. But the situation remained the same.His Bhrata Arjun always moved away from them for the sake of the kingdom and the Emperor.Now also. His Kartavya never allows him to remain stable among his brothers,nearer to his mother and above all within the loving premises of Draupadi's heart
." Sahadev smiled with concern." My brother is the Eternal wanderer Panchali.We all have to cope up with that fact. He is the flag bearer of Kuruvamsh. He is our redeemer.You know it no one can replace him in fulfilling the destiny of Pandavas. He leads us we have to follow. He is the cherished friend of Govind.Where they both are there victory happens.
Panchali did not say anything. But as usual her eyes failed to hide the disappointment of her heart.
Sahadev observed her and asked." Can you imagine any one of us winning over Indraprasth people?
Draupadi nodded her head.She knew the facts. But she is helpless she can not bear his separation.
Sahadev stood up to leave.Panchali tried to ask.Your Bhrata Bheem could not accompany the king to bring back the treasure? She did not ask. Sahadev suddenly turned back. He softly said." Vyasa Dev
asked Eldest to go with Bhrata Arjun.I don't need to explain the reason to you."
As Sahadev walked off Panchali stared at his vanishing figure. 'Yes She knew the reason. Arjun symbolises victory.So his presence is needed."
Edited by ltelidevara - 9 years ago
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