Krishna straightly questioned him. Parth, Just imagine your Eldest's reaction if you say you didn't proceed to defeat Alli because of your love for Panchali whose heart will be broken or for not daring to hurt Subhadra. Arjun closed his eyes. He could very well see his Eldest with his detached expression that will make him lose the desire to live.He knew his Eldest too well. If he makes a decision he would never retreat from that. He never had the habit to face a 'No' from his brothers. Now after all the conquests and everything if he,Arjun back steps due to Alli, he may not take it favourably. Above all his father's wish will remain unfulfilled.
Krishna placed his hand on Arjun's shoulder. Parth, Don't think too much into the matter. Do your duty. Ultimately your wives will never find fault with you if you explain the reason. Let us move things positively.
Arjun lied down under the umberella of the stars and placed his head on Krishna's lap. He remembered the words of Panchali the night before he started. Return safe without redeeming your female admirers She said.
Alli is not my admirer Krishnaa, Still I have to redeem her from her scornful life. The men of Madhurai should be saved from her mad fury. Forgive me krishnaa, Arjun appealed to his dear wife.
Krishna placed his hand on his forehead . Parth, I assure you she will forgive you. Now be free of that guilt...Krishna felt that Alli should meet Arjun once as he has irresistible charm that is a proven fact. With the help of the information fetched by Arjun's officials Krishna understood that Alli will come to the forest every Friday afternoon for hunting. He told Arjun to face her without revealing his identity. ...
Alli came on horseback to the forest with few lady companions. She then went ahead and shot a wild boar . The boar is hurt and ferociously jumped over Alli when Arjun shot the wild beast with his arrows and the animal wailed loudly and fell down. Alli looked at the intruder with wide eyes. Arjun approached her and teased. It is not the way to attack wild animals. Your arrows are suitable for deers or rabbits.
Alli looked at him furiously and retorted. I don't need to learn shooting from you. I don't entertain strangers to talk to me .you know I am Alli Rani, the ruler of Madhurai.Alli's proud words made Arjun smile .
He observed her looks without hesitation and said looking into her eyes. Before being a queen you are a beautiful woman. And this is not the way to treat your saviour. Arjun's fearless expression about her beauty made Alli angry.
You must have come here for the first time. Otherwise you would never have dared to comment on my beauty. I warn you. Be in your limit. As for saving me,I can very well look after myself.
Alli said with attitude and walked towards her horse. Arjun called from back. Alli Rani, appreciating beauty is the right of every one. You could not curb that right . I am free to enjoy anything with my eyes. I worship nature and I worship women. Alli shivered with fury but she doesn't understand what is making her stop from imprisoning this stranger.
She looked at the handsome man with a charming smile holding a very big bow in hand. As she approached her horse she faltered in getting on top of it because of her diversion.Arjun stepped forward and held her from falling off.
He looked at her face and commented. Too beautiful,I say. But be careful in horseriding. Every time I may not be there to hold you.Alli pushed him away and got on to the horse and rode off with force. Her followers were spell bound on seeing the queen spare the handsome stranger...
Krishna patted Arjun on his back. Perfect encounter with Alli Rani. You left your mark on her. By the way isn't Alli beautiful enough for the most desirable warrior to get tempted? He questioned curiously.
Arjun smiled at his way of asking whether Alli impressed him or not. He admitted honestly. Madhav she is beautiful she has attitude also. But she should realise the most beautiful woman is someone else.
Krishna laughed. She will realise. But so much is there to be done by us. Let us get into the next step.He told Arjun his plan and Arjun exclaimed with shock. What? What are you saying? How is it possible ?
Krishna placed his hands on his shoulders and assured him. I promise you Parth, you won't incur sin. This is the only way we can mend her and teach a lesson.
Arjun sulked .Let me handle her in battlefield. I saw her stance when she hunted the animal. It will be an insult to my knowledge in archery if I won't defeat her. And I am sure I can defeat her with ease
. Krishna nodded his head. Yes you can defeat her. But Alli you saw in the forest will be different from Alli you face in battlefield. Because The power of Goddess Sakti will enter into her in battle. Still you will counter Alli and tackle her but no result will be seen in the near future. You have to go on fighting with days,months and so on. Why waste that much time when we have other options? Don't you want to be with your wife for your daughter's birth?Abhi is not used to be separated from both of us for such a long time. And ofcourse my sister also. Your Kirti must have grown up and waiting for you I am sure. Panchali's health is a matter of concern.If you are with her she will get through everything in good spirit. Arjun thought for a while. Yes. Krishnaa needs him more than any one else. He can not prolong his stay and break her heart. He looked up and admitted. I am ready to do whatever you want me to.I believe in your judge ment. Krishna smiled with satisfaction. Now let us get into our mission. He stretched his hand and pulled Arjun up. Both of them walked silently and Kaveri river watched the friends in awe and touched their feet with her rising tides...
Sahadev visited Panchali in her chamber early in the morning. Panchali is relaxing on her couch .Bheem asked her not to be present at the breakfast time as she is in her advanced months.Kirti is crawling on the carpet and occasionally coming to her and clasping her feet which she placed down due to swelling.
She looked at Sahadev suspiciously sensing some news about Arjun brought by him. Sahadev started in his calm voice. Bhrata Arjun sent back his army to Indraprasth. He kept only five officials with him. Govind reached Madhurai and they have set up a camp in the mountain cave.
Panchali is irritated. Why did he send the army back? How would he deal with Alli? She blasted Sahadev who patiently bore with her agressiveness. He took Kirti in his arms and said. Your father doesn't need a big army to win his rivals. Tell your mother. He can win opponents with his charm also.
He then looked at Panchali and admitted. Forgive me for sending Bhrata in place of me. I can't help it. Only Bhrata can deal with that Alli Rani. So saying he gave Kirti to her and turned to leave.
Will he return safe? Panchali asked in a trembling voice. Sahadev stopped and declared. He will. He is Arjun, the unconquerable third Pandav, His Madhav's life support system.
Alli Rani stood before her mirror. For the first time ever she checked herself. Yes. She is beautiful. But how could a stranger take liberty to comment on her beauty? She recollected the curly haired handsome stranger and felt irritated about her soft stance towards him. She then called her guards and summoned Kannagi. What happened to the soldiers who went to capture the stranger in the forest? She asked.
Kannagi admitted with hesitation. No one is seen there queen,He must have left by now. By the way A snake charmer has come to the city. He has good collection of snakes. The snakehe held round his neck is so charming. Every one is getting mesmerised on seeing the beautiful snake. The snake charmer says he will show his snakes only at night time. For he will meditate snake mantras during Day time. He will leave tomorrow for Northern Bharat . Will you come to your private chamber and meet that person?
Alli who is disturbed in mind asked Kannagi to present the snake charmer with his beautiful snake. She proceeded to the private chamber where her old minister is waiting for her. Queen, I know your fascination for snakes.But why do you agree to meet him at this odd hour?Be careful with them. He warned.
He knew Alli knows the mantras to charm snakes and had a collection of varieties of them in her garden specially guarded by a very good snake charmer.
After sometime Kannagi came with a tall,good looking man whose complexion is like that of a blue black cloud. He tied a turban on his hair and his eyes are like lotuses. They are magnetic.
Alli thought that He has a captivating presence .
Alli then saw a long snake hanging round his neck. It is brownish black and its eyes are like the eyes of not a snake but a man. Alli never saw such snake that looked so charming and reacts to whatever the snake charmer ask.
She fell in love with it instantly.
The old minister asked. Is it poisoous? The snake charmer said no. It is not poisonous.
Alli asked. Where did you find this? The snake charmer looked offended. Queen, it can not be found any where.I did so much penance to please Adisesha at Satasringa mountain.He graced me with great snake charming power and presented this to me. Previously it lived in heaven It is considered Indra's son, His pet.
Then Adisesha asked Indra permission to keep it for a short period, I got it but again it will reach heaven.
Alli is fascinated with the snake and touched it lovingly. Will you give me this? I offer so much gold to you. She said.
The snake charmer rejected outwrightly. I have to get it back to Adisesha. I can't give.
Alli requested him. At least for this night , leave it with me . I will return this to you in the morning. Where do you stay? She asked. The snake charmer obliged. Only for this night. But make sure you will stay alone with it. Otherwise it will get back to me . It is moody. Early in the morning it will come back, you need not send. But I warn you. Don't allow anyone in your chamber. Now hold it once so that your minister's doubts will be removed regarding this.
He looked smilingly at the old minister and handed over the snake to Alli after giving a peck on its face. Alli held it carefully and the snake cuddled on her shoulder to the surprise of the minister and Kannagi. Alli got up with the snake and ordered. No one should enter my chamber till morning. A magical smile appeared on the face of the snake charmer as he walked out of the palace.