LOVE: To Infinity And Beyond

Indraprasth

Next morning, Krishnaa was the first to wake up, in her love's warm and protective arms. She slowly tried to free herself and slip out for Suchi snaan and pooja, when suddenly Arjun held her harder and closer against his chest. He opened his eyes in front of her blues and her breathing hitched for a moment at the extreme heat and intensity of his gaze.  "Let me go.." Krishnaa whispered.. "Never.. "
Krishnaa raised her eyebrows and inched her face closer to Arjun's. This time Arjun closed his eyes at the intensity and his grip on her loosened. Krishnaa took this opportunity and pushed herself free. She immediately ran towards the adjacent snaangrah, turning back to wink at Arjun, who was smiling at his gorgeous wife's tactical wit.
Gandhari had arranged for a special lunch where Karn, Ashwatthama etc. friends of the Kauravas were also invited. "Why did Mata Gandhari need to increase our trouble and irritation during this so called special lunch arranged for us.?!.." Bheem expressed his grievance as the Pandavas sat to eat...
"Mata.. let me do it..." Krishnaa took the sweets plate from Gandhari.. "What are you NOT doing, putri?? You cooked everything today.. you didn't even let go of the sweets.. you will fall ill putri..!!." Gandhari expressed her worry. "It's okay Mata.. I am doing because I can.." she giggled at Gandhari's exasperated sigh. Kunti came in. "Draupadi!!! You are still taking up all the pressure. Stop it please dear..  if you by chance fall ill, Arjun will make ruckus.. you know him naah?" Kunti nearly pleaded with her. "Maa.. he is your son naah... In case he dares to create ruckus, I, in advance request you to reprimand him then and there..." This time even Kunti and Gandhari could help but laugh at Draupadi's words.
Nitambini and Malini were swinging between helping Draupadi and ordering and helping the daasis who were serving to the guests and the princes, alike. Draupadi entered the Dining Hall. She was in a gorgeous yellow lehenga, radiating like the Sun itself. Arjun couldn't help but keep staring at his wife, till Nakul poked him to finally stop gazing. Still Arjun couldn't help but steal side glances at his outstandingly ravishing wife, serving Kheer to all the guests and princes, as per was the ritual for the new Kulavadhu to do. Duryodhan and his associates were burning with envy. Besides ,the showering praises for the Amrit-like delicious food, added fuel to the fire of his jealousy. Karn looked up at Draupadi as she came to serve him. He couldn't help but keep looking at her. She was wearing his favourite colour. He remembered how, for a moment, he had fallen so immensely in love with her, but still suppressed his desire for the sake for his friendship. Then, when he had started to dream again, this lady had logically shattered his dreams for that ARJUN... Draupadi served him and as she moved ahead, his eyes were a bit dewy. He swore his revenge. 
Draupadi came to serve Arjun. Their eyes locked and a current passed between the two. Karn could not help but blame Arjun for every single thing that he has lost... Except his mother, whom he didn't yet know about. Draupadi served Arjun and moved ahead. As soon as Arjun took the kheer to his mouth he didn't know which feeling reeled him more -- mesmerization, immense love and applaud, or a bit of bitter and selfish envy that every single person has got to taste this Amrit. Arjun immediately got back his self-control with lots of efforts and effectively suppressed the third feeling.
It was their last night at Hastinapur. There was no certainty about that Khandavprasth. Only the Almighty knows how much struggle He has kept in store for them. Arjun was sitting in the garden, beside the fountain. He had confessed his feelings to his Krishnaa for the first time, here. This palace had been the witness of so many feelings and events of his life. He was feeling an unknown sensation reel down his spine, and heave on his heart. A soft and warm touch on his shoulder, didn't shock him, but calmed his senses. "Krishnaa..." he softly muttered. Krishnaa sat down beside him. "I think we were thinking of the same thing.. that same day... That same moment.... So.. could not help coming here... Found you..." And a moment of immense silence persisted between them, and the moment lasted forever. Arjun took her hand and kissed her knuckles tenderly. Their eyes locked again, and they both closed their eyes, feeling each other through the small point of touch.

As the Pandavas were leaving the next morning, Duhshala was on the verge of tears. Every single person was sad, may be other than the troublemakers' troupe. The people of Hastinapur lined beside the streets. "Why are they here, bhaiyya??" Nakul asked Arjun, and they looked at each other, both totally clueless. "We want to accompany the Pandavas!!" The crowd demanded. All the royals were shocked. Yudhishthir tried his best to calm them. Arjun tried to logically explain to them that Khandavprasth is still a forest dominated by dangerous reptiles and beasts, and an adjacent piece of barren land. The people weren't ready to hear out. Krishnaa finally spoke up. "Arya, I think we should let them come along. People who have love, regard and respect for each other can face any adversity together... " This brought an end to the matter. But Krishnaa didn't know, that unknowingly she was axing on her own feet... And fate. Duryodhan glared at the crowd and the Pandavas. "Stop them!!" Duryodhan commanded Karn and Duhshasan. The two immediately rushed to the Nagardwaar. "Close the gates!!"the guards were ordered. A few people were still behind the gates. The gates were mercilessly closed, separating families, couples and even children from their parents. But there was no way the heartless fellows would care. Vrushali looked on at her, now spineless ,husband, a little away from the Nagardwaar. He has lost every single thing of his under the load of the crown... Including his virtues and values.

"They needn't have done this cruel thing!!" Bheem exclaimed to Arjun, who was riding with Draupadi on the chariot right beside Bheem's. Arjun didn't reply... What has already happened is the past, and he can't change that by reprimanding that. The mysterious and unpredictable future worried him the most....