The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Arjun returned to Hastinapur without intimation this time as he thought that there is no need to make a big scene as wars and victories became a part of his life. When he visited Grand father all of a sudden,Bheeshm gave him a piece of his mind by stating the obvious. The winners have every right to enjoy the adulation and hero worship.

I know you don't give much importance to these things but royal protocol is to be maintained. Arjun brushed off his words with a smile and hugged him.
Now it does'nt mean that I am not interested in grabbing my present from you. "Bheeshm 's face became pale.
"Arjun, the gift your grandfather is giving for achieving great victory will make you toil hard and face stern situations. I wish you will be successful in utilising my gift properly by turning it into extraordinary with your prowess."
Arjun realised the pain in his Pitamah's voice. Bheeshm  explained Arjun about Duryodhan's protest to devide  the kingdom. The place Dhritarashtra is planning to give Yudhishtir is khandavaprasth he said bitterly. "
Arjun stared at him. He now understood the reason for grand father's anxiety. Accepting Khandav means starting from rags. Arjun composed himself and said. "If Destiny offers that only as our share,I am ready to face the challenge.Dont worry. "Bheeshm caressed his locks and blessed. "Long live my son, may you triumph in each step of your life. Now go to your mother and wife. They will be angry for not giving sufficient time to welcome you. "
Arjun nodded and went to the inner apartments. Kunti is immensely pleased on the sudden return of her Phalgun. Whatever time she got she made the mansion decorated and asked Draupadi to be ready with Arati thali. Gandhari is excited and asked Bhanumati to accompany Draupadi and welcome Arjun much to the dis pleasure of Duryodhan. Draupadi watched Bhanumati's face brighten up and  felt no ill feeling. Like every one else she is also an admirer of Arjun. There is nothing wrong if she derives pleasure in such small things. Draupadi herself is quite indisposed ever since she heard the one year rule and consequent pilgrimage as punishment. One part of her got tuned to Govind's words to follow the hierarchy even though she thinks of Arjun . Another part of her  feels the discomfort as she may not be able to realise her true love first and foremost as priority lies with some one  else that is not palpable. She also has this uncanny feeling of anger and sulk towards Arjun who is the root cause of her anguish and disdain. Yet Krishnaa yagyaseni is desperately waiting to have a glimpse of her curly haired ,naughty husband who returned with immaculate reputation as the one and only undefeated warrior of Aryavarth.

Kunti and Gandhari together hugged Arjun and expressed their love for him. Gandhari  called Draupadi and Bhanumati to do Arti and Tilak.
Arjun observed  the change in Draupadi who looked agitated and out of place. As she did Tilak he looked penetratingly into her eyes but could not get his answer. He looked at Sahadev enquiringly ,who shrugged his shoulders in ignorance. Bhanumati is introduced by Duryodhan himself. "Arjun This is your  sister in law   Bhanumati. "He looked at his wife and said. This is my younger brother Arjun. 
Arjun smiled at Bhanumati and said "Pranam . Duryodhan felt happy and left. Draupadi felt bad seeing Bhanumati's pale face. Bheem called Arjun and Sahadev to Kunti's chamber .He told Arjun how Duryodhan is planning to throw them to barren Khandav ."Arjun,Eldest said he will take whatever they offer. We should dissuade him. "Arjun  looked detached. "Bhrata Bheem.what is the use? You think he will agree to do so? Once he makes a decision,he will stick to it. Draupadi who entered just then murmured to herself. Very well said. Proves right every time.
Bheem called her ."Panchali, Atleast you try to change Eldest. What will be our fate in that dreaded forest place? They called us from kampilya for this? We would have established ourselves there . "
Bheem lost his patience. Draupadi folded her hands. "Don't drag me into this. This is your family matter. As for myself I am prepared to live anywhere you all make me live. Be it in palace or in forest.
Draupadi's sharp words baffled every one.Arjun is in shock. He had never seen her fire words like that . Something is troubling her and he should know what it is. Nakul came and informed them that there will be a confidential meet in the evening to discuss important matters.They are asked to make themselves available. Arjun understood.Bheem fumed. Sahadev looked thought ful. Draupadi had a smirk on her face.
Arjun placed his hand on Bheem's shoulder. "Why should we worry? We are capable to convert whatever is there before into a desirable place. Madhav will always be with us. Let us pursue our luck and achieve success. "
Draupadi looked at him with eyes wide open. What sort of a man is this? Not perturbed even in such adversities. From where did he get such self confidence? Such detachment  in such young age!Draupadi 's admiration suddenly turned into anger. Yes. That detachment only is towards her also. It made him accept every decision without remorse or protest. As a result  of that attitude she is made to face the trials.
Bheem and Nakul went to the Dining chamber. Sahadev went to fetch Kunti who went to temple. Priyamvada came and told Draupadi to go to The Dining  chamber with Bhanumati.
After Priyamvadha left, Draupadi got up to leave. Arjun caught her hand and stopped her."What happened? Why are you upset? "She turned her face away from him and answered."Nothing. I have to go . She tried to get out of his grip. You know, your previous Arti is far enchanting than your present one."He seriously looked into her eyes and commented. Draupadi's face became red remembering her fall into his hands. She then  composed herself and kept silent. Bhanumati came inside and called .Panchali,let us go. She saw them ,Arjun holding her hand  and  stepped back. Arjun left Draupadi who glanced at him with  a sulking expression and left. That look left Arjun wonder what must be the reason for his dear wife's depressive mood.