The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 108

Story continued

The Sun set in the western region.The sky is pervaded by deep red colour that complimented the blood streams spread on the earth .Arjun looked bewildered and lost in thoughts.He already crushed the Samsaptakas in thousands and more and started back for his camp. He looked at Krishna who is unusually calm and absentminded. Arjun tightened his grip on Gandiva and bent forward.
             Madhav,I see all bad signs around. My body became stiff. My eyes are continuously filled with tears and I could not even wipe them off as they are not stopping at all.What would have happened back there? Tell me Madhav,I can't wait till we reach there.I feel we did wrong in comin this far away from the main battle field."
              Krishna looked back at Arjun with concern. How could he tell him that his life support system,the light of his heart has extinguished?" Parth,your brothers are safe. Don't ask me more than that.And remember what I told you on the first day of the battle.Just be calm and face the situation."
               Arjun stared at his Madhav.what is he hinting at? What is that situation? As they neared the camp,Arjun saw his soldiers who are moving away when they see him nearer. Their faces are bent,a certain fear and gloom overtook the usual joy that they express on seeing him.' Madhav,Why is this silence around? Why are my soldiers not cheering me up today? Wait Madhav. I didn't see my dear Abhi come over and greet me before every one do.My heart is tugged. My conscience is indicating doom only.He Iswar! What would I hear now?" Krishna did not answer in any way. He just stopped the chariot and carefully pulled Parth down. Arjun took hold of Krishna's shoulder as his hands are shivering and legs not willing to take steps. As both of them entered Yudhishtir's tent,Arjun looked around but could not find his Abhi among his people.
                                   Arjun sensed the mishap. His throat choked and he could not speak with clarity.He looked straight into his Eldest's face and asked.' Where is Krishna's nephew,Kunti's dearest grandson? Where is my son Eldest? Where did you send him tell me.I heard the whispers of soldiers outside. They are muttering Chakravyuh. Did you send him alone into that?"
                   With tears falling continuously Arjun approached Bheema and hugged him.' Tell me Bhrata. Did you not assist him inside? He knows only how to enter that but does not know how to come out.Where is the reason for my existence my dearest son? How could I live without him? Bhrata Even if I am not there I always feel my Bhrata Bheem will take care of my Abhi. But..why did you fail to do that?" Bheem wept bitterly hugging Arjun closer and smoothening his long curly hair.
                  Arjun covered his face and sobbed uncontrolably. On one side Bheema and on the other side Krishna clasped him and tried to console him invain.Arjun lamented pitifully.' How can such a great boy stay with me for a long time. Creator won't allow such good fortune to an unfortunate father like me,Why did I accept the call  of Samsaptakas.By doing so I lost my jewel like Abhi,the light of my life.
           Arjun cried stooping low on his knees.' Where did you go Abhi? Is it right to leave your Pitasri? I order you my son. You never disobeyed my order. Comeback to your mother Subhadra. See Uttara is waiting for you. Go to her. How can you hurt your Jyesht Mata who can not live without seeing your face. Madhav,please bring him back. You do this favour to your Parth.Abhi.your Mama. is calling you.come back my son.
        Arjun got up and questioned Yudhishtir' Why did you send him alone? What happened to Bhrata Bheem? Where is Satyaki? Where are the twins and my fatherin law Drupad? Alas, my son must have faced multiple warriors and was trapped inside. He should have called me at that time. But unfortunate person like me can not respond to my own son's call. But I am sure he would have destroyed the rivals and burnt them. He is my son and Madhav's nephew.He will never fear anything.Abhi Abhi,where is your smiling face? Why is my heart not broken yet on hearing this."
        Arjun again stood up and with eyes reddened shouted making every one tremble.' Those who killed my boy did they not remember me and Madhav? Aren't they afraid of us at all? Sahadev,Where is my son? I want to see him immediately.Show me now.He must be like the moon illuminating the earth even though fallen on the ground.What can I say to Subhadra? That I am helpless and sacrificed her son? Will she forgive me at all? How can I console Krishnaa who will be shattered and devastated. Surely she would blame me for not protecting her child.Iswar. How can I face Uttara? I don't have the guts to see her face.
           Arjun turned to his Eldest.' Why didn't you send me message? I would have come back and destroyed Drona's Vyuha.I would have saved my son from untimely death." Arjun collapsed on the ground unable to bear his sorrow and Krishna took him in his hands and consoled him.' Parth. Kshatriyas die in war. That is their dharma. Think about our Abhi's valour. He made us proud with his superb exhibition of valour. Which father had got such good fortune like you? None on this earth. There is one Arjun only and one Abhimanyu.Did you forget whatever I instructed you about life? Soul? Abhi died in body not in soul.His fame will live forever on this earth. My nephew and your son became immortal Parth. Control yourself. Be bold."