The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Draupadi kept silent. She understood .once he is bent upon some thing he would never leave it in the middle. Arjun drenched his uttariya in the pool of water and wiped off blood from her wound. He then brought some leaves and squeezed the juice on to the wound . Draupadi is observing him with surprise. She thought that living most of their time in the forest they must be aware of herbal plants.
As he bent his head so nearer to her and attending upon her wound, she has the golden opportunity to have a feast for her eyes, She looked intensely at the bow marks on his strong shoulders, the pointed chin that is a symbol of his attitude, the sharp nose ,well shaped lips, long eyelashes surprisingly curved, the hazel eyes that make her drool over him, and the curly hair.
Arjun suddenly raised his head as he felt her looks worship him with her undaunted love.
He smiled mischevously. "That is better . Go on. I can finish my work without disturbance. Draupadi 's face became red and she forcibly took her foot from his hands. Leave it ,I have to go.The time to serve morning breakfast.
Arjun stopped her." Wait till I bandage your wound. You can not walk like that. It will get infected.." He tore off his upper garment and tied it up perfectly. "Now go and finish your work but catch some sleep .Your eyes are reddish. "
Draupadi retorted sharply." you must have slept so well. You look so fresh. Perhaps dreaming about Malava princess,in between .
If you want to think that way and feel satisfied it is fine.But don't torture yourself for no reason,krishnaa. "
Droupadi flared up." No reason? After all that happened yesterday you say this? "
Arjun 's voice became soft. You know if some one proposes ,some other responds why do you find fault with me?, He tried to reason.
Then why did'nt you say anything? It shows your willingness."
Did any one ask me at all? Why should I bother when I know my priorities? "
Arjun took her face and looked deeply into her beautiful eyes." Krishnaa don't give that much stress to your heart and mind. It will effect you in the long run. You are my wife and you have every right over me. More than any one else. Believe me. You mean a lot to me. "
Draupadi stared into his eyes mesmarised, trying to absorb the essence of his words.
Arjun helped her walk and she slowly managed herself.
Why did'nt you take part in the final discussions? You don't want to go to Hastinapur,is that the reason? "Draupadi asked.
I will never skip my practice for any thing. Any way with Madhav present there,where is the need for me to worry? Arjun said.
You did'nt answer my next question. Draupadi persisted.
Listen Krishnaa, I never developed any connect with Hastinapur. It is a grand city. Rich and sophisticated. Still I loved our stay at satastinga mountain and I took so many days to adjust in Hastinapur.Luckily for me we were sent to GuruDron's Gurukul. It was an enriching experience for me. With Duryodhan and his friends always trying for one upman ship, the atmosphere was always polluted. After the Lakshagrih incident,I want to maintain as much distance as possible. Arjun explained patiently.
Then why don't you convince your Eldest? You should have put your foot down." Draupadi still could not understand his detached stance.
I can not convince my Eldest when he has already taken the decision." Draupadi understood. He can never go against the wish of his brother.

How do they receive me there?Draupadi hesitatingly asked him.
Arjun understood. She is apprehensive of the reactions she has to face regarding their extraordinary marriage.
He felt bad for her . She has to go through so much now onwards.
Till now she is in her Father's territory. So no one raised a finger at the unusual situation. But now she will be exposed to the outside world which is rude,manupalative and selfish. He can very well imagine how Duryodhan,his brothers and especially that karn with his rude tongue react to their marriage.
  Arjun protectively placed his arms round her shoulders. "Listen,Krishnaa whether right or wrong we all went ahead with Eldest's decision. Now collectively we should face the consequences. You are not alone in this lifelong struggle .We all should stand by each other and answer them in the face. If united we stand together, we will win."
Draupadi looked at his hazel eyes intense and filled with concern. She clasped her fingers into his  long fingers .
You will be there for me.Arjun,  ?  Don't ever leave my side, I can't survive without you. " She did not say that. But he heard and  tightened his fingers around hers." I promise. My soul is connected with yours. "
He did not answer her but she heard and closed her eyes .