The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Arjun observed her beautiful face that is showing her confusion,frustration and desperation.. She is confused reg the future of their relationship. She still is doubtful about her place in his life.
She is frustrated to see herself besotted with him,despite his offences.

She is desparate since she could not continue with her anger mode especially in Drupada's presence.
Arjun understood her dilemma.. He felt bad for being the reason for her trauma. His heart melted towards his Krishnaa..he should help her out..  He should make her float in the river of bliss that is the result of her love ,their love..

Arjun addressed her placing his hands on her shoulders,looking straight into her lotus eyes. " Krishnaa. archery connected us both. If I can not shoot the target how would we be able to unite for eternity?
Draupadi looked at him ,trying to grasp the essence of his words.

Arjun continued... I married multiple times. Ulupi abducted me. I proposed for Chitra. Arya married me due to her devotional power. Subhadra came into my life ...Madhav wished it that way.. I abducted her.

Panchali turned her face away unable to bear,..further.. She questioned him." Why are you explaining your colourful adventures with your Ulupi,Arya..Chitra Subhadra.. Did I ask you to elaborate?

Arjun smiled at her impatience. He took her to the wall adjacent to jasmine creeper. The full moon is showering nectar in the form of moonlight. The gentle breeze caressed them with love...

Arjun continued." Archery is my first love.. Fact.. Everything comes next in my life. My passion for my bow started when I was a three year old at Satasringa mountain.. I can't even imagine my life without my bow.. I love archery..

Panchali taunted him." So you are ascertaining your love for archery.. I understand and I appreciate. Anything else you want to confess?

Arjun touched her cheek with his forefinger..he actually touched the black Teeka that is still there .

He said." The mark that we both got in the morning still stays ..it is an indication of the begining of our exciting journey together.. You look like my bride... I won at swayamvar. I mentioned all my marriages where there is no place for my archery skills. It is my marriage with you that is connected to my archery prowess.Without getting angry tell me if you can imagine me without my archery..

Panchali understood his point. He is right. Their union happened due to his archery skills.
And she loves him for the person he is and she loves to see him with his bow.

Arjun kneeled before her and confessed." Believe it or not I love you sincerely.. Accept my admission. Yes I love my other wives but you are my soulmate...like Madhav..like my Gandiv..

Arjun stood up and whispered.. I wish you happiness and peace on this birthday.. I pray to almighty to always shower his grace on you.. May your every wish be fulfilled.. Yajnaseni.. I am thankful to you for coming into my life..for bearing so much..for keeping up with everything... Arjun stopped ..his emotions overpowered him by making him acknowledge and relive his wife's undaunted love and support.

Panchali could not speak anything. Surprisingly his words touched her heartstrings and made her gulp the taste of his love that is honest and truthful.

She suddenly felt the urge to immerse herself in his love completely,..She touched the black Beed chain with her fingers and felt his token of love already touch her...intensely.. As she tried to  adjust it properly she  found the back part stuck in her hair. She tried to pull that back but invain ...Panchali felt agitated. The chain is too delicate.. It is a mark of his love for her and also his triumph..Her hair is too thick and is tightly done in plait by Malini.. Will the chain break in the middle? And their love also will get broken up?  She has moisture in her eyes.

Panchali again tried to bring it out...but ...Arjun observed her and realised what happened with her chain. He turned her back and checked.. Panchali's thick curly hair hid the chain ends and it is not possible to take it away...

Arjun started loosening her hair making the luscious long hair spread on her back. Panchali could not even resist..her only wish is to see the chain unbroken..

Arjun carefully released the chain from the thick mass of hair..unbroken.. Panchali felt the touch of his fingers on her neck and closed her eyes... Why is she still in a denying mode when her whole being is blossoming with his mere touch itself? She sighed deeply trying to compose herself..

Arjun turned her to him and wiped her single tear that is shining like a pearl..
Here is your chain unbroken.. Safe.. Rest assured now... He showed her in the large mirror that hung behind.

Panchali touched it with relief...yes it is unbroken like their love..spotless despite rules norms..
The sound of ghantikas indicating the fourth quarter of the night are heard..he has to go for archery practice..

Panchali called him from behind.. Arjun...He turned back and approached her..
She said heartfully.. I am really happy for the way you made my birthday memorable..and for this valuable gift you gave...

Arjun smiled and hugged her closer.. He said in his magnetic voice.." We relived the moments today but forgot the most riveting moment of our past..

Panchali raised her eyes ...she could not understand what he is indicating.

Arjun took her face in his hands and said ..Years back adjacent to grandfather's mansion in that garden at Hastinapur I stood rocklike not giving way to my emotions fearing for the unity of us the Pandava brothers. I helplessly watched my innocent wife go through stress ...thinking of the impending events that will hurt her soul and body..

Panchali immediately remembered the incident... She blamed him for not showing any reaction...she has to start her conjugal life with Eldest...

Arjun's intimate gesture that day rejuvenated her and brought back life into her soul and body..

Arjun knew she got it. Why won't she? His Krishnaa loves him like no one does.. Every moment spent together marked his existence in her life heart and soul...forever..

Draupadi did not resist.. He deserves her submission... It will make her birthday ...special and memorable...

Arjun got mesmarised seeing her standing like the epitome of unparalleled beauty.. Her hair hanging down her back enhancing her looks...

Arjun took her as close as he could and kissed her deep..the moment recreated relived by the eternal lovers...Panchali got the single tear at her lotus eye..as always..to be wiped off by her most charming Arjun...like he did that day...