The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Every thing stood still around them. The garden is isolated as it is nearing mid night,only few guards are there at the entrances. The cool breeze and moonlight caressed their locks. Draupadi 's heart raced into the past ,and felt the cherished moment they had in Hastinapur's Royal garden. The passion did not lessen,the love did not diminish ,even after twelve long years. Arjun kissed over her lotus eyes and said, "Let us be together even in your hatred. "Draupadi silently walked towards her chamber and entered  inside leaving Arjun longingly gazing at her disappearing form. ...Subhadra opened her eyes as she felt her husband by her side .", Why did you come so late? "She murmured in her sleep and curled near him cosily . Arjun could not help thinking about his Krishnaa who graced him with a beautiful kiss despite being angry with him. He remembered his Madhav."Please help me Madhav in winning her over with my love. It is difficult for  him to  stay away from her now.He can not leave the matter to time as every minute is valuable to both of them.
Arjun suddenly smiled happily.His fatherin law is coming.Now she can not move away from him...
Draupadi lied down on her bed and reminisced  their togetherness. She spent her conjugal life with four husbands ,she is the mother of four children. Still her heart is beating fast at his touch like a teen age girl.How shameless she became? She thought of punishing him but willingly submitted to him when he took her in his arms and...
Draupadi had tears in her eyes. Why is her fate torchering her by keeping him before her eyes and not letting him belong  to Her completely.She knew with every single moment  ,She is losing out on time ...

King Drupad and Dhrishtdyumn were welcomed heartily by the five brothers with great regard and love"
. Welcome to. Indraprasth "they said together. He blessed each of them and hugged Arjun. "I am relieved now that you have returned home after such long pilgrimage. I am dying to see your Gandiv Bow that is a symbol of your victory over Gods,including  your father Indra. "Arjun smiled at his excitement.He was wonder struck seeing the glory of Indraprasth's Devine architecture. He felt proud of Arjun for becoming instrumental in the formation of Indraprasth and Mayasabha. He then went to Draupadi's palace escorted by Sahadev. Draupadi touched his feet and was hugged by him possessive ly.
She accused him. "I know Pitasri, you did'nt bother to visit me not even on my son's birth. Now you graced Indraprasth voluntarily and I know why. "Drupad smiled at her sulk.
Sahadev laughed at her. "You know you can not win over your father 's love also when the opponent is Vijaya himself. He is the symbol of victory."Sahadev stated proudly and said . "Maharaj wanted to stay nearer to you so I will make arrangements for him in your first  floor building. Dhrisht  will stay  outside in another mansion. "
Sahadev took leave of Drupad and went off. Kunti told Arjun to spend more time in  Panchali's chamber as The king also stays there. Subhadra will be taken care of  by her and Priyamvada ,she said.
Draupadi placed her head on his lap and felt immense satisfaction. She found much relief being there. Drupad blessed his grand children and told Draupadi. "Now you should fill up the fifth place with Arjun's kid. "He said hopefully. Draupadi did not say anything. Here she is fighting with her flirtatious husband and her father is already dreaming of so many things. Arjun who heard his words as he just entered assured Drupada .
Your wish will be fulfilled certainly by next year, I promise. "Drupada was pleasantly surprised to hear such positive words from his soninlaw who always used to be inhibited and reserved ...
Draupadi sideglanced  at him angrily . Arjun smiled and winked at her.
He brought his Gandiv with him. Draupadi and Drupad looked at it with awe. Draupadi always thought of touching and feeling Gandiv the most famous bow of her husband. Drupad marvelled at its divinity, look and Prakash . He tried but could not even move it. Arjun handled it easily and told Drupad that except Krishna and himself no one could bear it. Drupad felt proud of Arjun and asked him to narrate the experiences of his pilgrimage. When he told the story of Ulupi,Draupadi 's face became stiff as she couldnotbear the nagakanya who broke Arjun's vow.
Arjun made an innocent face and asked Drupad. "Is'nt it proper to save a life even by breaking my vow? People will take pleasure in criticising me for that. But it helped revive the soured relations between serpants and Indraprasth. "
Drupad felt so bad for Arjun. "Don't bother about such criticism. You behaved as per the need of the hour. Indraprasth is safe from nagas. "He said. Draupadi felt he is giving her explaination on the pretext of his father. Arjun then proceeded to tell about Arya who won him due to the grace of Uma Parvati. He innocently asked. "How can I go against the verdict of Uma Parvati. ? I swear I married Arya to honour Mata's word. Moreover  Malava  is in East and we need the support  to prevent intruders from Eastern borders.
Arjun innocently asked Drupad if he  did wrong.Drupad 's heart melted He assured Arjun that his marriage to Arya won Indraprasth a powerful ally like Malava king. Arjun smiled at Draupadi with a play ful expression and proceeded to tell about Chitrangada. "Chitra's son will rule Manipur.. Hence all the hilly regions will accept Indraprasth's friendly ness and remain loyal to us.
Drupad happily remarked. "Your foresight  is awesome. You strengthened Indraprasth from all sides.Whoever think you are flirtatious should use their brains properly.
Draupadi looked at Arjun with wide eyes. How cleverly he managed to impress her father? If at all Her Father has any kind of regret regarding his marriages he will certainly change his opinion. Arjun started again. You know how essential it is to win the support of Yadavas.They are the most formidable force in Aryavarth.And Madhav , he will become an ally of Hastinapur if Duryodhan married Subhadra. To avoid that Madhav asked me to abduct Subhadra. Balaram tau relented and supported our alliance. Now We had their power to back us and Madhav will always be with us without any pressure from Balram Tau. My marriage to Subhadra cemented the bond between Pandavas and Yadavas.
Drupad patted Arjun on his back and praised him. "Arjun you certainly possess the true insight into the development of Indraprasth.It will flourish under your able guidance. "Arjun looked at Draupadi with a teasing smile.
Draupadi turned her face away and then faced the ultimate question by her father. "Putri, I hope you did not hurt Arjun by getting angry over his marriages. You know you are his first wife. You should understand his situation. "
Arjun controlled himself from laughing over Draupadi's expression of shock .
Now look after your husband's needs. I will relax in my chamber to get over my tiredness. "So saying Drupad went upstairs escorted by Arjun. Draupadi was left with the Gandiv. She touched it passionately admiring its unique beauty. Arjun came behind her and placed his palms on hers. They together felt Gandiva's touch.
"Why did you make my father target of your superb intelligent stories?Draupadi asked him with annoyance.
Arjun bent and touched her earlobe which caused a thrill pass through her whole body. Arjun looked down into her lotus eyes. "My father in law loves me more than my wife he said with a smirk on his face.

She did not protest much as she is afraid that if her displeasure towards Arjun's marriages is exposed before her father, he would definitely feel bad. That does'nt mean she has forgiven Arjun for hurting her mainly by bringing Subhadra to Indraprasth when their year together started. Arjun  observed her engrossed in deep thought that is clearly visible in her lotus eyes. He pressed her right cheek and softly said in a persuading tone.."Take as much time as you want but ultimately you should forgive me in the name of our love. We are not that fortunate to be with each other for a life time. You know what I mean to say. "
Draupadi looked sharply into his eyes. "Knowing this truth that we have a limited time only to spend together, you brought Subhadra to Indraprasth. And I should believe you had done that also for preserving our love. "
Arjun retorted instantly. "How can I leave her when all of them are any way coming here and Balram Tau will never agree for that. Try and understand Krishnaa,"he pleaded.
Draupadi did not relent. "But certainly you could have asked her to come with her brothers. No. You can't live without her even for a moment. It is crystal clear. "
What is crystal clear? Dhrisht who just waiting at the door to enter asked. Draupadi did not answer. She moved away from Arjun and showed Dhrisht the Asan to sit. "Your sister is saying that my love for her is seen crystal clear in my eyes. "Arjun answered casting a loving glance at Draupadi.
How lucky my sister! You are the most coveted wife of the most desirable man of Aryavarth. "
Drisht praised his sister.
Yes I am very lucky to have him as my husband whom every princess desire to get and with a slight effort on their part they will possess him also. You know Dhrisht,My husband is besotted not only on earth even in water. They will kidnap him or wait for him to redeem themselves. I always wonder why did he  not bring those four girls Nanda etc to Indraprasth? I would have welcomed them also.
Draupadi's sarcastic taunt made Arjun and Dhrisht laugh uproariously. Arjun is quick to reply. "You know Krishnaa, those poor girls will lose their divinity if they stay even after they redeemed themselves from the curse. Fortunately for you they must have thought that going back to their land is essential at the cost of their desire to be with the third Pandav. But they are too cute. "
Draupadi wanted to throw the bowl of water which she is about to offer her brother on Arjun's smiling face.