The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Krishna left to go for Satya . Arjun stayed a while listening to Drupad's anecdotes on the short period that Panchali stayed in Panchal.
As she was born in her youthful form she was not able to stay with me for a longer time.Then she got married. She lost her adolescence . As the queen here she is bound by her responsibilities..
Arjun understood his inner meaning. Polyandry and queenship are thrust on her as the result of his mother and Eldest's decision. Otherwise...
Drupad asked Arjun in a low voice." Did my daughter reconcile with your marriages? With Subhadra?
Arjun did not expect the question.May be Panchali's aloofness raised the doubt...
Whatever it is he should not let his father in law know about his daughter's dissatisfaction.
Before Arjun could answer Panchali entered with Badami milk for her father.
She looked at them both with suspicion. What are they discussing?
Drupad took the milk and said." Free now? Look after your husband . He may need something.
Yes Ofcourse. I am waiting for her to arrange my hair. Shall we go downstairs? He got up and held her by the waist . Drupad felt relieved and told Draupadi to attend on Arjun.
Panchali felt embarrassed but did not resist. She knew her father is all eyes observing her expressions.
She smiled at Arjun and nodded her head indicating her approval.
As both of them proceeded downstairs Drupad heaved a sigh of relief.
Immediately after entering her chamber Panchali quizzed him " Why are you telling lies? When did I agree to arrange your hair?
Arjun pulled her and said." Tomorrow is a special day for me. I should look smart. You have to do it for sure.
Draupadi taunted him" Why? Going anywhere with Subhadra? Or any other beautiful damsel is waiting in the wings?
Arjun patted her cheek playfully and said." You will know it tomorrow. You will get shock.
Draupadi smirked." I stopped getting shocks . Your marriages became a reality of my life. I am used to it now.
The blowing wind made Arjun's curls fall on his forehead Draupadi pushed them back and then understood what she did. Arjun pressed her hand on his hair and whispered." Why do you control your desire? I know you like my hair so much. I submit before you Yajnaseni give me a glimpse of my wife who is so much in love with me when I married her..
Panchali remembered the incident in Panchal her first touch of his hair... She closed her eyes trying to hide her feelings.
arjun bent over her and teased." My father in law said he will comedown now. If he thinks you are running away from me he will question you.
Anyway I will come in the afternoon ,you be prepared to fix my hair. Tomorrow is a special day for me..
Arjun went off smiling meaningfully leaving her in a dazed state.

Panchali is too busy that day since Bheem planned hundred varities for next day and the night that follows. He started preparations without wasting time.

Panchali got surprised and asked." What is so special tomorrow? Who are coming to our city? "
Bheem seriously informed." Arjun's instructions. Looks like very special day for him.. So he is bent upon making everything fall in place. Nakul is looking after the decorations and Sahadev is entrusted with sending invitations to important people.
Panchali remembered his words.He wanted to look  smart  and asked her to arrange his hair." Panchali got angry. What is he upto? Who is that special for him. It is clear that it is not Subhadra.
Krishna is already here.Who is coming over?
Subhadra wished her and asked curiously." Do you know who is coming tomorrow? He is organising such a grand  event. Even Bhrata is not telling."
Satya also expressed her surprise." Both of them are behaving very peculiar. You know Panchali they are planning entertaining programmes Professional artists are coming to entertain .. Since morning I am trying to extract information but invain. Now they are not seen anywhere. Where did they go?
Sahadev who came there asked Bheem." Bhrata Arjun asked whether you need more workers for the grand bash tomorrow. He and Govind are busy with other works he said.
Bheem snubbed him instantly." As usual interfering in my work. Tell him once Bheemsen took up anything on him he will do it singlehandedly. By the way did he reveal who are that important to him?
Sahadev stopped Nakul who having entered tried to answer Bheem. " What happened to the dresses and ornaments that Bhrata Arjun asked you to arrange from the vendors who came from outside places? Did you select them? Bhrata asked you to chose gorgeous but nice and simple clothes for every one... Same with ornaments,
Every one stood awestruck. Satya told Panchali she was asked to list out the performers for the event.Arjun requested me..I have to oblige.. She winked at Panchali and disappeared.
It was too late when Panchali reached her chamber after dinner. Drupad slept early as he knew his son in law will fulfill his wish come next day. I will cherish every moment you planned .. He told Arjun when he met him at dinner.
Arjun smiled and bowed." It is my pleasure to do so. I hope I meet your expectations tomorrow."
In Yudhishtir's chamber an unusual get together happened that night. Unusual because the King rarely allows himself to be a part of late night meets.He is particular about his timings since childhood.
Krishna explained." We kept it a secret because it is the first time Krishnaa is celebrating her birth day. Rather we are celebrating. So it would be nice to see her expression.
Yudhishtir nodded and said." I understand. Do it as you planned.
Bheem scolded Arjun." How could I arrange a gift for her in such a short notice? You told Nakul and Sahadev morning itself but you hid it from me?
Arjun bowed his head and said." Please Bhrata ..you always stay with her as you both work together. If you revealed the secret how would we make her surprised? Don't worry about gifts. I told Nakul to get so many gifts ready. You can pick from them
Nakul teased Bheem" Why are you worried? You prepared so many special sweets.Gift her all those. It suits your taste.
Bheem rolled his eyes and declared." No gift is worthy of Panchali. The way she serves all of us and mother none of the other bahus can do so.
Arjun. I appreciate you brother for making tomorrow a special occasion for all of us. I promise I will keep it a secret from her.
Krishna and Arjun walked off in the Royal garden. Arjun sighed in relief." Everything we arranged.only one work left. I am tensed up.
Krishna laughed." To make your fire born wear the garments you selected. Not a big task. Use your charm. She will oblige.
Panchali opened the door with sleepy eyes. Arjun entered inside with a big pack that he kept closer to his heart. Panchali asked him." Why did you come at this hour? You don't need sleep but others do.
Arjun silently watched her ravishing beauty without moving away from her. Panchali felt his ardent gaze on her enveloping every part of her body and soul. She looked at his hair which is nicely arranged in such a way that enhanced his beauty.Subhadra must have done the thing...she thought ...and felt the pang of disappointment.
Mata did. Not Subhadra.. Arjun said precisely making her feel embarrassed.
Arjun placed the pack in her hands and said." You have to wear the sari and ornaments tomorrow.. to make my day special.. Get ready exclusively for me..
Panchali cornered him." Who is that special person who  is making you that charged up? You reveal it I will wear..
Arjun smiled his enchanting smile and said pulling her nearer. Wait a bit my queen..Tomorrow you will know every detail. Make my day special. Now take rest and sleep well. Ofcourse we will meet in your dream again...
Arjun gave a peck on her cheek and walked out leaving Panchali spellbound.