The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Drupad sent message to Arjun during lunch time to meet him privately.
Why is my father in law calling me? Did you complain against me? Arjun asked in a low voice observing Bheem and Nakul involved in conversation.
Panchali cast an angry glance and retorted." Why should I complain? I have nothing to complain. You did not offend me in any way. Rest assured."
Satya could not hear their conversation but sensed something serious and asked Panchali
What are you talking about? May I know it?

Arjun seriously replied." I am praising her beauty and she is saying this is not the proper place for such private conversation. That's all."
Krishna laughed throwing his head back while a miffed Panchali could  not control herself and started walking away.
Satya wondered and asked." Swami. Is it true?

After a while the two friends met Maharaj Drupad at the upstairs chamber of Draupadi's mansion.

Arjun enquired his welfare with concern." Are you fine? Shall I send Sahadev ? Feel free to use our services. You came to your daughter's house. This is another home after Panchal.

Drupad nodded his head in approval." Ofcourse this place is so much precious for me. Every bit of it reminds me of your unparalelled valour.

Krishna smiled and said." Maharaj Drupad.. Your love for Parth is exceptional.I am worried. Along with your daughter I may have to compete with you also.

Drupad laughed heartfully and said." Govind anyone will come after you only.. You both are specially made for each other. I am too happy that you offered Subhadra to him. Who else could have been a match for Kriishna's sister?

Arjun muttered under his breath." How good it is if your daughter understands me like you.
Krishna whispered back." She will.dont.worry

Drupad started." Years back I got the fulfillment of being the father of my son and daughter,tomorrow happens to be that day.
Arjun and Krishna listened to him silently.

Since ten days we sat in Yajna Diksha.Yaja was very strict with formalities. He did not compromise on anything.I was in dilemma. I did not doubt Yaja's sincerity or ability. I doubted my fate.

I did not keep it a secret. I want a son who could ruin Drona. But my other wish I did not reveal to anyone. If I am blessed with a daughter I should make her the wife of third Pandav. People may understand my feeling of revenge towards Drona but they may not be able to realise the feeling that lead to my second wish.
People may ridicule ,and question." Arjun defeated you. Submitted you before Drona. Because of him you lost half of Panchal.Is the king mad to wish for a daughter to be Arjun's wife?

Krishna smiled and said." I understand Maharaj Drupad.Parth casts his spell on whomever he happens to come across. You are not an exception.

Arjun looked embarrassed...He pressed Krishna's hand and said." Don't make me that heroic. I stand far behind you in weaving magic. ..

Drupad looked at him with admiration and continued." Govind.. Your friend stands on par with you in every way but he is too humble to accept his excellence.

I continue with my story. When Yaja called my wife at the prestine moment she was nowhere near Yajnavedi. Yaja got angry and directed the yajnaphal into the altar and chanted the final mantra.

My son came out of the fire. I was stunned. Was it a dream I wondered.

What about my daughter? I was agitated. Next moment I saw her rise out of the fire. Tender,beautiful,graceful...I got tears in my eyes.. Yes she will be perfect for Arjun.I was at peace with myself. Arjun... As soon as she was born I started my plans of swayamvar. I was devastated on hearing the lach house fire. But I reconciled. I tried to assure myself. Arjun will live to accept my daughter. How could anything happen to him"

I did not have a chance to celebrate her birthday. Arjun I want you to celebrate her birthday with grandeure. Will you fulfill my wish?'... Drupad asked.

Arjun took his hand into his and confessed.' It is my pleasure to do it. I assure you. It will be a memorable moment for you.