Pragati could not swallow what she heard. Her grand mother who is like a mother to her is leaving after two months. She confronted her." Dadi please stay back. Why did you take such a decision? You know I hardly enjoyed my parents' presence. But finally when I got them back you want to leave? Not done."
Pragati hugged Kunti tightly and nodded her head looking up at her.
Kunti smiled but desisted from any argument. She knew Pragati will not reconcile to the fact. But she is too young to understand why she took her decision. She changed the topic." You went away for two months Pari missed you so much.Go and meet your dear Parikshit. " Pragati's eyes twinkled and she ran away to meet Pari.
Arjun who observed everything crossed his mother." Why did you divert Pragati? What would you do or say when the day arrives? She will be depressed."
Kunti did not relent." I entrust you Phalgun. You should convince her and prepare her."
Arjun refused outrightly." I am not convinced of your decision. How could I convince my daughter? Think again." Kunti patted on his cheek and said." You will do it. For my sake. You never disobey my word though it causes pain to you."
Arjun understood what she meant to say.He obeyed her word and shared his wife.
He turned back and walked away while Kunti stared at his disappearing figure with tearful eyes.
It is a warm afternoon at Hatinapur. The Sun just started his journey towards west making way to gentle breeze that brought relief to every one.
Bheem,Arjun and Sahadev are sitting in the mango grove of the Royal garden. They are discussing about the impending rituals and charitable deeds planned by King Dhritarashtr before he leave for the forest.Arjun is trying to convince his Bhrata Bheem who is miffed and dissatisfied. He scolded Arjun" Why are you so tender at heart? Just now we performed Aswamedh and spent most of the funds.Where is the necessity to spend again?Let him go to forest without much pomp. No need to burden ourselves."
Arjun is desparate. He doesn't want to disappoint Dhritarashtr. At the same time he hates to hurt his Bhrata Bheem.He looked at Sahadev for help. But his younger brother is afraid of Bheem.
Arjun pleaded with Bheem." Bhrata! He may have done us wrong but now he is helpless. We should oblige for the last time and send him peacefully."
Arjun added in a low voice." I will offer the gold I brought during my conquest. Let us not spend from treasury." Bheem looked at him and stated." You are hopeless my brother.You won't change. Do as you wish.But for the last time."
Yudhishtir felt elated and offered his share also.
Panchali looked at him and smiled." Finally you are able to convince your Bhrata Bheem. Quite an achievement.He came to me and ordered me to control your ways. " Restrict him from throwing away his hard earned money for the sake of undeserving people."He told me.
Arjun caught hold of her shoulder and asked." So you are going to do that now?"
Panchali bit her lip and confessed." Yes Ofcourse. Your Bhrata Bheem's order."
Arjun smiled at her and placed his hand on her Chaabis hanging on her waist.They both remembered the beautiful moments of past and got struck in good old Indraprasth memories.
Arjun got back from his past and pulled her closer.He touched her lower lip with his forefinger and asked her ." What do you think If I give away my share ? Am I wrong in offering it to Jyesht Pita? "
Draupadi pushed back his curls and said fixing her gaze." Arjun, Why are you asking me? Since the begining of our journey it is you who accumulated wealth and made us prosperous. You never felt any urge to use it for your own happiness. You offered everything to us and never let any wish unfulfilled. We lost everything due to your Eldest's weakness.Again you got back our kingdom with your valour. The treasure you brought got utilised for Aswamedha. If you now want to offer it to your Jyesht Pita what is wrong with that? Go ahead. You do as you wish."
Panchali stretched her hand and gave him the chabis. She confessed sincerely." I don't mind offering my ornaments also if you want.At this point of my life I need our togetherness more than ornaments."
Arjun took her in his arms posessively and assured." No need of your ornaments. My share and Eldest's offering is sufficient for Jyesht Pita. I just want reassurance from you. You are my moral support. " He then cheekily remarked." Anyway Yajnaseni looks ravishing even without ornaments. Proven fact.Isnt it?" Arjun removed her bangles and golden chain and proceeded to take away her ear rings. He took off her mang ka teeka and spread her hair flowing on her back.
In the moon light that is penetrating inside Panchali's beauty shone with splendour making Parth mesmerised. " Surely it makes a difference " he whispered. Panchali questioned him with her eyes.
Arjun kissed her earlobe and stated." Devine origin. Surely being a fire born you stand above others. Talk of the Antahpur,Then at Indraprasth,now at Hastinapur."
Edited by ltelidevara - 8 years ago
