All stayed for two weeks and enjoyed her moments with Arjun. She went to Yamuna she accompanied Arjun for hunting and attended his army get togethers.
Panchali felt immense satisfaction attending on Alli's son. She saw her Kirti in him. The boy is soft,reserved and polite. Parikshit instantly connected to him and asked him to stay in Hastinapur.Subhadra tried to explain." He will be the King and rule Madhurai. He can not stay here.He will come again."
Chitra and Ulupi bonded with Alli and spent good time. Alli expressed her displeasure." You are luckier you stay here with him. I still have my responsibilities. I hope soon I also will come and join you."
The day before her journey to Madhurai she met Panchali in her chamber.She remembered her meet with her at Indraprasth that resulted in her accepting Arjun as her husband.Her next meet that helped her clear Arjun's misunderstanding about her . She looked around and found Panchali looking at her with a friendly smile. She looked devine,calm and there is a strange detachment in her lotus eyes.
Alli thanked her." Years back you made me grab my good fortune. I married him but did not spend much time. Still I felt whatever moments I shared were the best of my life. I spent my life remembering those prestine moments. Now again I collected so many cherished memories. He made my stay here special. Thank you so much for being my guardian angel. I always envied you for being the love of his life. I still do. But...Alli hesitated.
Panchali felt embarrassed at the way the conversation is happening. She tried to change the topic." You are leaving tomorrow. Mata kept your share of ornaments from those he brought during Aswamedh.I will give you tomorrow. Return soon after establishing your son there. You are always welcome."
Alli stood up and continued." Please let me complete. This brief stay with him here made me realise why he love you the most. It is not because you are the most beautiful woman alive. It is because of your unconditional love for him.
He shared you with his brothers. Still you loved him.
He married multiple times. Still you adjusted with him.
He failed to raise his voice on that fateful day at Dyut Sabha. You did not make him feel guilty.
You endured forest life and incognito just to be with him
You lost your sons still you did not blame him...
Panchali had tears in her eyes. Alli placed her hand on her shoulder and said." I would have left my son with you if it is possible. I know he will fill the void created by Kirti's loss.I am helpless."
That night Alli hugged Arjun and said." Don't love me like you love your Krishnaa. Love me like you love your Alli Rani." Arjun looked at her surprised.
Alli left next day. Arjun accompanied her and bid her farewell. He blessed his son and said." You will be a good King I am sure. Follow your mother's word. Take care of her."
Panchali returned to her chamber after dinner. She did not see Arjun through out the day. Sahadev said he went to the military camp to attend the weekly parade.
Malini signalled her pointing her finger towards her balcony.Arjun is lying on the couch there with his hand on his eyes. Panchali touched his forehead and asked." Why did you go today? Is it that important ? I found you tired morning itself. "
Arjun kept her hand on his forehead only and said." It is important Krishnaa. Just because we are emperors we should not relax. If we show disinterest how will our soldiers feel? So I will never take it easy. By the way I missed you Krishnaa.and I love you."
Panchali teased him." Don't tell lies. All these days you enjoyed being with your Alli Rani. Ofcourse I don't mind. I feel for her. How difficult it is to stay away from you I understand."
Arjun smiled and pulled her into his arms. " There are beautiful flowers in this creation. But none can take the place of Jasmines for me.That doesn't mean other flowers won't attract me. They do but..."
Panchali closed his lips with her delicate palm. " I understood. ..." Arjun pushed her curls back and said." You know Krishnaa Alli realised your place in my life. She asked me to love her not like I love you but like I love her only"
Panchali smiled and taunted." She must have realised that the way you love her is more fascinating than the way you love your Krishnaa." Arjun made a serious face and declared." If you think so I will prove it wrong. Looks like you forgot how I,love my Krishnaa." Panchali blushed and felt elated. He may shower his love in equal quantity to each of his wives but still his love for his Krishnaa overflows.
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