The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Everyone arrived. Grandfather came with Dhritarashtra, Bahlika, Somadutta and Bhurisravas. Vidur's wife who rarely is seen came too. Kunti extended warm welcome and made her sit with herself. Gandhari is enquiring the proceedings and gave final warning to Dussala that her friends should maintain decorum and not cross any limits. Draupadi is curious to know about the extent of friendship her husband shared with them. Nakul is looking after the stage arrangements as he also is acquainted with the princesses since childhood. Bheem is in nonstop mood as he had gone into flashback and remembered their childhood days. "You know Draupadi, Arjun plays Veena so well that is why all these girls get mad over him. After we returned from Gurukul he continued his learning and mastered Veena. These girls also learnt music and dance so now actually he is in danger that they started feeling  if they marry him he will play Veena every day for them. "He laughed at his own joke.
Draupadi looked at Arjun's long artistic fingers and wondered. How can those fingers which handle the bow skilfully deal with Veena with equal ease? Arjun whispered toher. Not that difficult. You know. She looked at him with surprise. He is also becoming likeGovind who knows her every thought.
Grand father got up and praised Arjun's victory to sky level. He said. "In such a young age my grandson managed to tackle our most cunning rival. it is our good fortune to have him as the flag bearer of our kuru clan. I personally thank Guru Dron for the top level training he gave to Arjun. I also feel proud of Arjun for winning the fish target contest that is next to impossible even for me and bringing this jewel among women ,princess of Panchal into our family. "He raised his hands and blessed both Arjun and Draupadi. Then he called Guru Dron on to the Dias and garlanded him.
"If the disciple succeeds the teacher  should take the credit. " He said with a beaming face.
Dron smiled proudly and said. "Santanav Bheeshm glorifies me too much. He gave me a precious diamond in the form of Arjun.I only polished it. You know how much skill is needed to hit the fish target? The bow itself is made I heard in such a way that if your grip is not properly placed you will end up feeling the burden. Arjun succeeded in finding the correct place of grip so that it becomes easier to lift the bow. To look into the pool and hit the rotating fish eye it needs mathematical precision at its best. Even a small error in calculation will land you in trouble. Finally calculation itself is not enough. The perfect Eyesight, the flawless aim ,the fastness of the arrow every thing plays an important role. Above all Focus and Dedication made Arjun win. It is not my training but his hard work that bore fruits and kept my head held high.."Dron signalled Arjun to come to the Dias and hugged him tightly. Arjun touched his feet with moisture in his eyes. Dron held his shoulders and proudly said. "Both of us became immortal,due to Arjun. Generations after also we will be remembered together. "
Then Dron taunted Duryodhan and karn. "There is a rumour going on that I already trained Arjun to hit Fish target in the Gurukul itself which is not true. He looked at Aswathama and said. You all know I never gave any such training to Arjun. Don't spread rumours. You will see more such feats done by Arjun in future. You can not continue the silly tumour because his achievements will be beyond your imagination. "
Grandfather hugged Arjun and said in a choked voice. "I am proud of you.I can now sing your valour to my Pandu when I meet him in heaven.
Draupadi got thrilled on seeing the way Arjun is glorified by the Elders. She remembered her father.
"You are always  right Pitasri. There is only one Arjun in Aryavarth and he deserves your Krishnaa. "She closed her eyes and felt her father's fond gaze on her and his Arjun.