The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 164

Gurudev,You are partial to Arjun as always. How could you instruct all the four kinds of usage of weapons? We are still to learn the first one." Duryothan complained.

Bheema laughed loudly." Duryothan! Don't try to catch Arjun. That is impossible for you. Let us both proceed at our own pace. Good for you. Right?" His voice displayed his pride for Arjun's skills.

Duryothan fumed at him." I don't want to be with you. I want to be on par with Arjun"

Bheema laughed uncontrollably. He warned Duryothan " Don't ever compete with my brother. It is impossible not only for you but for anyone else."

Arjun  did not realise he reached his favourite spot,the lake side garden. He placed his hands under his head and lied down on the lushly grass bed.

The full moon is shining brilliantly and the cool breeze enveloped him with blue lotus fragrance. He opened his eyes and there she stood extending her hand." See how long you delayed today. Don't want to have your dinner? Chitra and Subhadra are coming in search of you.I came to offer Aarti to Durga and found you here on my way back." She gave explanation.

Arjun clasped her hand and pulled her down." Don't tell lies Yajnaseni. You intentionally came in search of your wander lust husband. Your puja must have finished a while ago."

Panchali's face turned red. He got it. Her puja done at a right time but she stayed back to find him out. Dinner arrangements were over and Vijaya is attending on the King and his brothers.
Panchali stood and said " I am going. You come with your Chitra and Subhadra. "
Arjun again pulled her down and smiled." See how red your nose turned. Accept your love queen. You desparately wanted to meet me since I was away from you for forty hours."
Draupadi crossed him." How could you know it? Don't always take me for granted."
Arjun hugged her close and whispered." Your word is command for me. I won't take you for granted but I will take your love for granted.I hope you won't object."

Panchali smiled sensing his smartness. The ambience is intoxicating for both of them. She should disperse before Subhadra and Chitra reach there. Arjun kissed her passionately before allowing her to leave.
Subhadra and Chitra's voices together rang through the silence." Where are you? We are here to reach you."

The hermitages built by Gangateer looked calm and serene at that night time. As per the  practice of sages those who lead the life of ascetics should go to bed early after eating very less in the evening. Dhritarashtr will listen to the discourses of sages and then retire to sleep
Kunti finished her work and approached Gandhari who is sitting in the open place as is her habit.
Gandhari finished her meditation on the three eyed Lord and said." Mahadev.. Let Kuru Vamsh prosper. Bless the light of Arjun's legacy,Pari. May the noble daughter in law of Kurus be happy with her husband."

Kunti sighed with desperation. Her Gandhari didi could not see beyond Arjun. She said." Didi. Pari is the successor of King Yudhishtir. Won't you acknowledge the fact? Phalgun is not the king."
Gandhari became serious." How could you deny Arjun's contribution towards Kuru throne? Had he not married Subhadra whom would your Eldest call his successor? Kunti! Pari is Arjun's grandson. That is the truth."She stated firmly.
Kunti became silent.No use of arguments with her.Early in the morning they have to leave the place and start for Kurukshetr. There they have to continue their penance.
Vijaya hurriedly approached Draupadi who is about to go to her chamber. The first quarter of the night gave way to next one. Draupadi held her with her hands and asked." What happened? Why are you looking tensed up?
Vijaya gasped for breath and revealed." Arya Sahadev is not there in his chamber. I find something wrong with him. He stopped interacting with me. Didn't you observe how he is not eating properly and makes pretences to skip his meals.? " Vijaya has tears in her eyes.
Draupadi knew Sahadev 's problem. He is unable to cope up with Kunti's absence, But what can be done now?
Panchali took Vijaya to Subhadra's chamber. She knew Arjun will be there narrating story to Pari and Pragati. Subhadra looked surprised to see them there.
Arjun saw them and came over. Vijaya pleaded with him." Yesterday also he came only early morning. His clothes are dirty and I see sand falling from his body."
Arjun understood where Sahadev must have gone. He told Subhadra ." Continue the story. It is about your brother's triumph over Kalyavan. Children will get upset."
Subhadra nodded and assured Vijaya." Now go to your chamber. He will definitely trace Sahadev and bring him back."