The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 164

Arjun signalled Panchali to take Vijaya away and got onto his horse that always waits upon him day and night. The horse disappeared into the layers of darkness that pervaded everywhere.
Sahadev felt the warmth of the hand on his forehead. He knew whose hand it is. His dearest brother who is the only one he can confide and reveal himself... The flag bearer of Pandavas, Krishna's lifesupport system and Panchali's favoured husband.
Arjun pulled him up from the sand. The Yamuna is flowing peacefully, with occassional tides touching the shore. Sahadev looked dazed and stared at his brother.
Arjun took him into his arms placing his head on his heart.He did not speak. He knew nothing would revive Sahadev from his pain of separation from the mother who loved him more than her own sons.
Sahadev sobbed piteously." Bhrata... Let me go to Maata. I don't want to live in royal palace while she sleeps on the floor. Convince Eldest. I will renounce everything and live with Mata in the forest. I can't live without her."
Arjun caressed his forehead and promised." I will take you to Mata. But you should wait for a while. I got the message that they are leaving for Kurukshetr to meet Satayupa,the old King of Kekayas who is living the life of sages.
I promise we all will go and visit them. But let them first go and settle in Kurukshetr."
Vijaya's face brightened on seeing Sahadev with Arjun. She smiled and gave way to Sahadev who walked as if in trance.
Arjun whispered only to Vijaya " Be his mother. He needs mother' s touch "
Panchali asked him anxiously." Arjun!   where did you get him? Is he fine?
Arjun made her sit on the couch and sat on the carpet. He placed his head on her lap and remained silent.Panchali understood. Her too sensitive husband himself got disturbed while going to revive Sahadev. She slowly softened his curls and waited for him to recover.
Krishnaa I miss my mother. Sahadev is exposing himself but I can't. I promised Mata that I will look after my brother."
Panchali silently listened to his husky voice that always captivated her the most. She got a smile on her face. " The youngest son of Kunti is a mata's beloved before being the greatest archer of all time.
Arjun continued." Like Sahadev I also worry what must she be eating,how could she wear bark garments and sleep on the floor. Why did she go Krishnaa... Can't she take rest under the shade of her son's secured kingdom? What kind of sons are we? When she is living life with contentment at Indraprasth we robbed her of her home and made her a refugee of Duryothan."
Panchali raised his head and made him look into her eyes. She said softly." Arjun no one can change fate. Who will know this better than you? Swayam Govind enlightened you.Please get back your composure. Who will support your younger brother if you are shattered? He needs you. We all need you Arjun. Without you nothing will move over. Your Krishnaa needs you... Panchali's voice broke and she stammered." to forget her sons,her Abhi ,Iravan...
Arjun got up and pulled her close and wiped her tears with his lips. He kissed her on her lotus eyes and said." Krishnaa I thank your father for blessing me with a wife like you...Despite your heartbreak you always pull me out of my depression. Madhav always told me that you will fill the void created by his absence in my life."
Panchali smiled and said." He told me I have to do that and I am doing so..
Arjun enjoyed the warmth of her embrace and pulled her closer making her breathless. He closed his eyes and saw his Madhav smiling " Parth...forget your pain and enjoy with your Krishnaa" His Mesmarising voice made Arjun relieved from his ...pain.. He opened his eyes and found his lotus eyed wife looking at him with love and concern. Arjun bent down to savour the bliss...

Suka smiled at Parikshit ." So today I am allowed to proceed with my story. Shall I tell you the test conducted by Dron at the end of his training? "
Parikshit could not control his excitement." The wooden bird? Please proceed." He said with impatience.

(Note; Since I started with " The Fateful Evening" after Swayamvar I want to tell the previous incidents as narrated to Parikshit by Suka.I hope my readers will enjoy the read.")

Drona's Gurukul

The Gurukul looked prepared to pronounce the best of Drona's students,among Kuru princes. There is excitement all over among the boys since Drona announced his decision to take the final test." Archery rules over all other weaponary at present. The advantage for a good archer is he can attack his rival from a far away distance also unlike a sword wielder or mace fighter who needs to be closer to his rival Hence an archery test will be conducted to determine your merits,day after tomorrow."
Every one knows Arjun excels in archery and no one can surpass him in target shooting. Still Duryothan is confident that he can perform well." I am not inferior to Arjun in accuracy,or lightness of hand. I will win the test." He declared.
The boys are relaxing after a strenuous practice in the evening after which they will go to say their evening prayers and proceed for dinner.
Bheem who is already hungry expressed irritation." Duryothan don't boast too much. Atleast you should believe what you are saying."
Nakul laughed loudly and said." Bhrata Duryothan practice well. Two days is a good time to learn. Duryothan rolled his eyes and shouted." Did I ask you any suggestion? Just keep quiet. "
Dussasan warned Nakul" if you and your Bhrata Bheem harass my brother I will complain with Gurudev. Be in your limits"
Yudhishtir tried to bring peace among brothers. " Let us be united and face the test. Duryothan don't take offence. Bheem did not mean to hurt you."
Bheem yawned and Duryothan got up showing his irritation on his face.He disregarded Yudhishtir's soothing words and proceeded towards the prayer hall. On his way he saw Arjun and Aswathama learning vyuhas from Dron. Aswathama smiled at him and approached him.
Duryothan asked him." What are those  you both are learning secretly? "
Aswathama patted on his shoulder and said." No secrets Rajkumar Duryothan . Pitasri is explaining different vyuhas their structure and formation.Arjun raises doubts and Pitasri immerses himself in that. I get bored but I can't disappoint my father.Would you like to join?
Duryothan made a face. " not at all. Why should I learn? My chief commander will arrange vyuhas. I don't need to learn."
The day arrived faster and the boys accompanied their Guru to the foot of the nearby hill.