It was past midnight. Draupadi looked at Arjun who is still active and playing with her curls. She wonder even she became immune to sleep. Reason? He always used to visit her after midnight. Arjun observed her and asked." Not getting sleep? Good for me."
Panchali retorted sharply." Who will sleep with you widely awake through out? You never let me have my full sleep."
Arjun touched her lower lip with his forefinger." As a result we have many beautiful moments to cherish.Krishnaa life gives us opportunity to enjoy. We should use it to the fullest with no regrets. One life is not sufficient for our togetherness. We need more ."
Panchali turned to him sideways and asked in a hesitating voice." Arjun! Did you regret sharing me anytime except for the Dyut Sabha incident?
Arjun looked thoughtful. He knew his wife awaits his answer. But is it right to expose his heart before her? How could she continue with her destined life after his confession?" He is in two minds. He closed his eyes and his Madhav appeared before him and nodded in disapproval.Immediately he heard a knock on the door and Krishna's voice." Parth! Come out. Sakhi are you awake?"
Arjun sighed in relief and opened the door with Panchali who stood behind.
Satya teased them" Arjun! Can't you wait for us? You know we went far away in water.It was quite an experience. The full moon in its splendour. You missed it"
Krishna asked Draupadi with a glint of mischevousness." What happened Sakhi? Parth couldn't control himself from exposing his love for you I think. Dear Parth I disturbed you to find out whether you reached back. "
Arjun quipped " Ofcourse we came back. I thought Satya won't let you comeback till dawn. What happened? I feel the boat is not comfortable for a longer stay"
Satya's face turned red and she chided Arjun." Don't imagine your own stories. Years back in Kampilya I asked you how wierd you can be. Now you proved by being so."
Arjun shrugged his shoulders and told Draupadi to have her sleep. Krishna walked with him while Satya desparately looked on.Krishna asked him straight." Avoided the question again?"
Arjun replied." With your grace. But I feel bad for her. Isn't it her right to know my heart at this stage of life? What harm is there if I say it?
Krishna differed." Parth It will make her frustrated,She may get angry. Till now she is thinking you did it because you consider your mother's and Eldest's word the ultimate. If she knows in your heart of hearts you are not favourable to sharing she will get shattered. Already your mother is unhappy since Panchali refused to forgive her. Now Panchali may move away from her mentally and fail in her duties towards her. I don't think that should happen.
Arjun said " I understood.but I feel for Krishnaa.
Ulupi pleaded with Chitra." Let us stay for two more days. We will start then. Chitra is adamant. " Let us reach back. I don't want to be away from him for such a long time. " They both started their journey back. Ulupi knew they may reach Hastinapur before Arjun reaches back. But what could she do? " She wondered.
Panchali asked Krishna " What should be done at this stage of my life? I don't have sons to look after. Pragati may get married in a couple of years. Govind! War took away everything from me.My life became meaningless."
Arjun and Satya went for walking. Krishna looked at her and questioned." Are you not enjoying your moments with Parth?
Panchali agreed." Yes. I am having total bliss. But how long? We reach back and again I will be back to my past memories. The pain of separation from my sons making me lose the zeal to live.
Krishna consoled her." Be brave Sakhi. Nothing is in your hand. Enjoy the moments with Parth. Offer him solace and respite. Only you can compensate my absence in his life. "
Draupadi retorted" Are you serious Govind? Your place in his life is irreplaceable I know it. But I assure you I won't let him down. "
Satya asked Arjun" Atleast now confess. You love Panchali more than any wife of you."
Arjun smiled and taunted." Old habits can't be lost. You are back to your ways. Satya We reached a stage where it won't matter to her whom I loved the most. So leave it."
Satyaa insisted." Fine I will pose my question in another way What is Panchali's significance in your life? Be frank."
Anupamaa
