The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Yudhishtir's coronation is fixed after two days. Krishna has to leave for Dwaraka immediately after that as Vasudev  fell ill . Arjun is upset over  krishna's immediate  departure that is inevitable. "I will come with you to Dwaraka.Here everything is set. Bhrata Bheem will take care of the kingdom. "He said with a firm resolve.
Krishna  understood the underlying irony in his words. "Why do you wish to escape from Indraprasth or rather from her,Krishna asked.
Arjun shot back. What do you expect me to do Madhav? How could I  cause pain to her by being here but not being with her? Better than that  I would prefer going away from her .
Krishna placed his hand over his shoulder and drew him nearer. "Fine. You will come to Dwaraka. But not like this. I promise, your visit to Dwaraka will glorify the honour of Bharat vamsh".Krishna's words as usual appeared like riddles to Arjun...
Yudhishtir visited the queen's mansion that is the finest architectural wonder  in Indraprasth. It complimented the beauty of the most beautiful woman of Aryavarth. Draupadi welcomed him with due courtesy. "Again you proved auspicious for us.Indraprasth happened .credit goes to you Maharani."Yudhishtir said with a beaming face. Draupadi answered with firmness in her tone. I don't like to take the credit for some one else's achievements. "
Yudhishthir gazed at her .ofcourse.we all acknowledge his triumph, still...
Draupadi interrupted him. His victorious March started before my birth and it continues despite any contribution from my side. I really have no share at all in the formation of Indraprasth. But I certainly feel proud when I think about the way it came into existence. "
Yudhisthir  nodded his head. "You are going to be the queen officially from day after tomorrow. I hope you will relish the crown with the same pride. He said .
Draupadi understood but did not answer.The price of wearing the Mukut, the price of being designated as the queen of Indraprasth is the heartbreak of  bearing separation from her dearest Arjun. Still she accepted with the fear of losing him completely.
I will meet you at the coronation ceremony,Yudhishtir got up and left.
Krishna came to take leave of Draupadi as he will leave immediately after the coronation. "I may not find time to take leave of you day after tomorrow. I have to start.Anyway Indraprasth's queen will be busy on the throne gracing her people. "He said lightheartedly.
Draupadi looked at him seriously. "Indraprasth's queen is a woman first. Her heart reacts . Govind ,yajnaseni Draupadi is never fascinated by power or position. She treats them as equal to a straw of grass.
Krishna laughed. "Why do you overreact, you both are made with same material. But it is easy to convince you as you can be practical also if situation demands. But you can not expect him to be like that. Too emotional.
Krishna 's comment enraged Draupadi." I dont see any such emotional feelings in your dearest friend.He is more practical". Krishna smiled his Devine smile.

The coronation of Yudhishtir happened with much pomp and grandeure. Draupadi became Maharani of Indraprasth  much to the delight of Kunti and citizens who applauded their Maharani's dignity and extraordinary beauty. Yudhishthir  entrusted duties to his brothers and obviously Arjun became the commander in chief of The Army of Indraprasth. Krishna wished Maharaj and blessed Maharani after which he took leave of Kunti and started for Dwaraka . Arjun accompanied him up to the outskirts and hugged him posessively. Krishna could not leave him at all and again and again stroked his hair with great love.
Believe in yourself Parth, believe in me. We will spend great times together. This separation is temporary, He assured him. Arjun looked at the chariot till it went out of his vision. He did'nt go back to the city. He sent word to Bheema that he will camp at the outskirts only and organise training session for Indra prasth's soldiers. He asked him to visit the camp next day and participate in training the soldiers. He also requested him to convey his message to Maharaj ...

Draupadi's chamber is decorated for her first night with Yudhishtir. Priyamvadha and Malini did the needful and adorned her with beautiful ornaments. Kunti came to her and blessed her.
May you win the heart of Yudhishtir,I am sure you will. I pray for your happy married life.
Draupadi silently followed the instructions. She  finally prepared herself for the ultimate . She has to do justice to Yudhishtir by offering herself as he  married her as per the sacred rituals . She does'nt want to look into her heart which beats only for one person. ...
Arjun lied down in the open on the grass bed. He did'nt sleep in his tent that has every facility. Putting his hands under his head he stared at the stars,and the sky devoid of the moon.What would  be the punishment for him for forsaking his love for the sake of his family? It must be hell. Generations and generations may criticise him or laugh at him for not claiming his love as his own. He is ready for any kind of punishment. He deserves it. Madhav said God will test only those who could withstand the pain and suffering. It would have been fine with him if he only has to face turmoil,but why should an innocent soul like her should face unbearable pain? Arjun's teardrop stayed at the corner of his eye. It is past mid might.   ...
Indraprasth slept peacefully secure,and peaceful under the protection of the greatest warrior of Aryavarth. But only one person stayed awake. Draupadi dragged herself to her balcony and stood near the  edge where her favourite jasmine creeper spread fragrance all around. Inside her room Maharaj of Indraprasth slept peacefully with a blissful expression on his face. Draupadi stared at the stars. As much as she tried to be scornful and blame him him for not having emotions, before Govind she definitely knew one thing. Far away at the outskirts of Indraprasth he also must be awake. The soul connection, Draupadi felt an unknown urge to Go deep into the essence of the famous lines of Govind. Don't give importance to physical existence. Your supra physical entity belongs to Parth.
She remembered the words of her mother in law. Sage Narad said that you will be a virgin even after union with your husband. Draupadi wished to laugh it off. At a higher plane of thought, she will any way  is eternally united with Arjun. She closed her eyes.
All her bitterness,all her anger converted into her single tear,that stayed at the corner of her eye.