Arjun attended to important meets in army camp. As he is going away from Hastinapur he entrusted the task of border protection to his confidential officers. Kunti called him and enquired about Krishna's letter. She came to know of Arjun's wish to take Draupadi to Ahichatr that could not be accepted due to Ved Vyasa's impending visit. Arjun brushed it off indifferently." Madhav will understand. " he said precisely.When Gandhari heard it through Priyamvada she blasted Kunti" Ved Vyasa is just coming to instruct the deeds to be done. He can do that in Draupadi's absence also. Why can't she go? She questioned with displeasure.
Kunti as usual defended Yudhishtir." She is the queen. She should be by his side and learn the procedure.Kanha will understand."Gandhari expressed her anger by walking away. But Draupadi is unaware of the friction that happened due to Krishna's letter.
Bheem could not control himself and revealed everything before Draupadi who understood why Arjun is looking depressed. Bheem asked." Panchali! Are you disappointed for not going to meet Kanha. ? What can we do? We can't manage without you. "
Draupadi smiled with detachment." Arya Bheem! I am not feeling bad. I reached a stage where nothing touches my conscience. Ofcourse I would have relished meeting Govind and Satya. Still I know I can't just go leaving my duties here."
Bheem questioned her." Do you think Arjun felt bad? He did not say anything when Eldest did not permit him to take you."
Panchali had a strange expression on her face. She answered Bheem slowly measuring her words." Your brother won't oppose your Eldest come what may. Draupadi is very much aware of that truth. I don't think he felt bad. He will,understand why his Eldest did so."
Arjun who just came heard her words. His face turned pale and he stepped back.
The journey to Gurukul is delightful as always. Panchali enjoyed the early morning breeze and peeped through the chariot. Bhanumati is with her and in another chariot Kunti and Gandhari sat together. She saw Arjun and Sahadev on horse back behind their chariot.
Bhanumati asked Draupadi." Gandhari Mata told me that you went with Arjun to Gurukul when you were a new bride. Are you reminiscing those moments?"
Panchali's face turned red and she nodded without saying anything. Ofcourse she can not forget those beautiful moments but those are personal and not to be shared. She knew Bhanumati's heart and always felt bad for her. She told Bhanumati" Gurumata loves him so much. He is like her own son. I also admire her simplicity and nobility."
Bhanumati hesitated for a moment and asked." Are you feeling bad that Maharaj did not allow you to go with him? We would have managed sage Ved Vyas. Gandhari Mata felt bad for you"
Panchali answered without any expression" Don't bother Bhanumati. Arjun will go and meet Govind. That is enough for me."
In her heart of hearts she could feel her anger and disappointment. She may not express but she is bothered by the question her conscience is asking." How could Arjun stay calm when he knows how elated she will be in the company of Satya and Govind? Even at this point of time it is his Eldest only who can decide the things? "
They reached Gurukul by evening and got a warm welcome by Gurumata.
After the dinner Panchali found Arjun and Sahadev talking to some one . She knew him he is Yudhishtir's personal guard.
Panchali could not sleep properly. Kunti and Gandhari went on talking with Kripi and got into sleep. Bhanumati and Malini are sleeping peacefully.
Panchali got up and walked out in the moon light. She did not try to interact with Arjun all through the day. The wife and the woman in her got hurt at his indifference. He again proved his Eldest counts more for him.
She suddenly felt Arjun's hands round her waist. She turned and saw his smiling face. Panchali pushed him away and said." I am going back. Leave my way."
Arjun did not loosen his grip. He made her walk towards the Yamuna shores where they used to enjoy moonlit nights in their previous visits.
Draupadi stood disappointed waiting for him to speak. But when Arjun tried to say something she burst out." No explanations I want Arjun. I know Hastinapur can not do without me. Your Eldest can not bear the thought itself. Arya Bheem can not manage. Nakul and Sahadev need my services. I understand. I am ready to forego my wish to meet Govind and spend quality time with you away from every one. But I feel bad that I failed to win your heart. Why are you silent when he denied permission? You can't insist atleast once... For my sake?"
Arjun stared into her lotus eyes and handed over a letter to her. It was written by Ved Vyas to Yudhishtir
" Eldest!
I changed my plan to visit Hastinapur now. I came to know that Krishna Vaasudev will visit Ahichatr to attend the marriage of Satya's cousin.I also heard that he invited his soulmate Arjun to spend quality time with him . It will be my pleasure to meet both of them together .Who knows if I have such opportunity again or not? So I am going there and meet Arjun . I will instruct him what is to be done when the old King starts on exile. I also heard that Krishna invited Panchali also . So I can guide her also reg. the formalities.
I am looking forward to meet Narayan and salute him for fulfilling the purpose of his avatar I bless you all with long life and peace.
Let the almighty grace us like he graces his beloved friend Narottam Arjun.
Panchali finished reading and got tears in her eyes. Arjun took her close and whispered." Don't you know how bad I would have felt if I am not able to take you? But I felt Madhav will make it happen and he did. Your husband is at fault but not your Sakha. He will always take care of you. Forgive me Krishnaa I can not speak ...before my Eldest. Arjun admitted with broken voice.
Panchali stopped him from uttering more. She confessed." Forgive me Arjun. You proved why you are that dearer to Govind more than me."
Arjun hugged her close and wiped away her tears. " Still I am the most fortunate to enjoy unparalleled love of my most beautiful wife. I would have felt bad if you didn't react the way you did." He said in his teasing tone. Panchali smiled and admitted." Your Krishnaa could never stop loving you. Along with her love you have to bear with her anger and possessiveness."
Arjun kissed her earlobe and whispered." Always ready to bear with your love. Looking forward to drench myself in the shower ..of your passionate love." Panchali blushed like Arjun's new bride.
