The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

A sunny afternoon. All the five brothers, Kunti, Draupadi , Gandhari and Priyamvada are relaxing in  gandhari's spacious  chamber. Dus sassan and Duryodhan are also expected shortly as Gandhari wanted them also to take part in the formal discussion  that is happening regarding who is going to attend the swayamvar of Bhanumati, the princess of Kalinga. Bheem is as usual in his jovial mood. "You know Panchali, I will definitely attend the swayamvar. If I am there there won't be any chance  for Duryodhan to win. "
They already know that Duryodhan is hellbent on marrying the princess himself as he started preparations along with karn to go to Kaling.Draupadi smiled at him . "I wait with a Thali to welcome you and your bride. " she said wholeheartedly.Nakul taunted Bheem. "Don't be that sure Panchali. Bhrata Bheem winning the princess's heart , the chances are week. It is heard that the princess already selected someone  and adamant on marrying him"
. Bheem frowned at him and said. "Then you come along with me. She may select you  as you are good looking. But she will never have the good fortune of being Bheemsen's wife. "
Nakul retorted." So fortunate that she will have to learn all recipes and cook everyday that half of her life will be spent in kitchen only. "
Priyamvada, Kunti and Draupadi laughed. Gandhari scolded Nakul. "Putr. We should not make eyes on his penchant for food. "
Duryodhan and Dussasan entered and declared. "We two and Karn are attending the swayamvar. Maata, we need your blessings. "Gandhari blessed them. May you bring the co sister of Draupadi to kurukul." she wished.
Kunti also blessed them. Duryodhan who is about to leave stopped and said. "May I know who among the Pandavas are attending. ? I think Arjun can not come as he has to go to kamarup Region if I am not wrong. "
There is relief in his voice. Kunti  couldn't believe her ears.Again her son is leaving? She looked at Arjun. "Phalgun, what does he say? You are going again? "
Arjun answered "Duryodhan. Yes. You are right. I have to leave as early as possible. "
He does'nt want to disclose the details of his journey. He turned  to Kunti and sat near her. "Just yesterday it was fixed. But Grandfather asked us to keep it confidential.
Yudhishtir  told Kunti. "Yes Maata it is essential to keep it a secret. But not to ignore you at all. This expedition deals with demons and Yakshas. So we should be careful"
. Duryodhan got relaxed and went off happily. Draupadi tried to compose herself but the shade of gloom spread over her face is seen by Kunti,Priyamvada, and Arjun ofcourse. Gandhari called Arjun and blessed him. "May you attain glory in your endeavour,
Kunti is in her chamber  with Arjun and Sahadev. Her face is clouded with sadness. She is a Kshatriya queen she does'nt mind sending her son to war but so soon after his return, she did not expect. "Phalgun,  take Bheem along with you or send him in your place. "She suggested.
Arjun tried to reason. "Mata, Bhrata Bheem can not tackle the illusions of demons. I may have to use Astras. If I have to go no need of Bhrata Bheem there. As Duryodhan goes to Kaling, He should remain in Hastinapur. "
Kunti  stroked his hair and  said. "You always enjoy battlefield like your father did. I used to quarrel with him and say your actual home is battlefield.  Does your wife fight with you on this? "
Kunti is curious to know.Arjun replied smilingly. "Not that much. But she is also a woman. May be she may protest in future.  ..."
Draupadi is in Gandhari's chamber . She and Dussala are arranging her hair when Priyamvada came inside. Her face is agitated. Kunti also came inside with a tension filled face. She asked Dussala to go to her friends who are waiting for her. Dussala went off.
Priyamvadha closed the door and whispered. Maharani,  News is not good. Duryodhan and Karn wanted to abduct Princess Bhanumati. "
Gandhari exclaimed. "Why do they want to abduct? Any way they are attending swayamvar. The princess may select them. "Priyamvadha looked at Draupadi and replied. "They got news from spies that the princess is adamant  and wanted to marry ...she stopped. "Whom? "Gandhari asked. Priyamvada slowly answered. "Arjun."
Kunti and Draupadi looked at each other bewildered. Gandhari repeated "Arjun?  "
Yes Maharani. That is the confidential  news. "
Draupadi got reeling sensation. "Did Arjun know this? "Kunti asked.
No, he is not aware of it. But the invitation sent by Kalinga king  particularly mentioned his name. It said'hopefully all the Pandavas along with Arjun would be present on the day. No one took it serious because after his reputation shot up, it is natural only. But Duryodhan's personal spies brought exact information which I happen to hear first as one of them is my nephew only. He reluctantly told everything that they found out. "
Kunti assured Gandhari. Don't worry Didi, Arjun won't go there as he has to go to war.  Gandhari replied. I am not bothered about my sons,but I am worried about Draupadi. This way how many co wives will she get in the end? She called Draupadi nearer and admonished. Don't look lost. Learn to exercise your power on him. You should bind him with your love. Leave your inhibitions. Kunti intervened. Didi, Arjun himself said he won't be present at Kaling.Why do you worry? "She is always intrigued  regarding Gandhari's attitude. She forgets about her other four sons.  She told Draupadi to look after the evening worship arrangements and Draupadi left with Priyamvada.