The Fateful Evening Part l

Part title

Krishna met Panchali who is in her chamber before she could run to make arrangements for Celebration of Abhimanyu's entrance into Indraprasth. How is the queen? Hope you are enjoying exclusive time of your life. Krishna's taunt was received by a smirk and an instant retort . Of course  exclusive  only. Well said,Govind. I never know when I have to be ready with Arti thali either to welcome a cowife or to put virtilak to wish  victory in war. I tuned my mind for both. Krishna laughed at her sarcasm . Why is the fire born so possessive about him? You are his first wife. You should be magnanimous to offer space to accommodate others.

Panchali sulked . Govind, what is that I am doing till now? Still you call me possessive? It is easy to say but only those who are actually there can feel the pain.
Krishna comforted her. Now don't take offence. I just wanted to see your sulking face which is more enthralling. You look beautiful. Arjun who just entered teased Krishna, so the great Krishna Vaasudev also  has joined the group of her worshippers. Now that is quite praiseworthy. Already I have become obsessed with her beauty. So who are left?

Krishnaa frowned at him and said. Your words, I never believe. You are an opportunist.
Krishna pretended to be hurt. Now Sakhi that is too much. If you can't see his obsession with you I will tell you. He asked me to bring Subhadra and Abhi here because he can not come to Dwaraka. Reason? He is unable to move away from his dearest wife even a short while.
Panchali laughed. He told you so?False. He is into finding out that Manivarth mystery.  That is the reason.
Arjun made a serious face. See Madhav, My own wife has no belief in my words, How can others like Nakul ,Bhrata Bheem believe me?
Krishna consoled him. Don't worry Parth, A day will arrive when Panchali herself will admit your genuine love.Panchali nodded her head in disapproval and left the friends alone to attend to her duties.       

Draupadi along with Bheem organised the poojas and Asirvad for Abhimanyu followed by a grand lunch that was attended by many royal guests. Every one blessed Abhimanyu and said that he is a mixture of Krishna and Arjuna both. So many donations were given by Kunti on the occasion of the birth of her grandchild. She always felt Draupafi's four sons are there but Arjun's son is not there in Indraprasth. Now her desire is fulfilled. She presented Subhadra many valuable ornaments and kissed on her forehead. These are nothing compared to the special gift you gave me in the form of Abhi. She told Subhadra.

Every one retired to their chambers . Draupadi just reached her chamber when she felt reeling sensation in her head. She lied down on her couch,trying to overcome her giddy ness which she thought might be due to her hectic day and lack of sleep.

Arjun sent his officers to Manivarth according to his plan . Ordinary soldiers also went in the garb of normal citizens. Arjun gave the necessary instructions to his officers and told them to be alert as the Vidyadharas  happen to be experts in creating illusions.
Krishna smilingly said. So gearing up for another war, Parth? Arjun replied. Most likely Madhav. I am sure Manivarth is behind this . Grand father also hinted at that only in his message.
So Hastinapur is dependent on your valour even after Kauravas and Pandavas got separated. Krishna said thoughtfully. What happened to Duryothan's dear friend and your competitor , Angraj Karn?
Arjun replied with detachment. I don't know Madhav. Somehow Grandfather does'nt seem to have confidence in him despite his prowess. Krishna said. And your grand father is right. Valour only is not sufficient to emerge victorious. We should be cool and composed and magnanimous to acknowledge the competence of the rival. Karna lacks that trait.
Arjun made his point. Whatever it is, Grandfather's word is Veda to me. I feel privileged to do anything for him. I want  to show Abhimanyu to him. He will be too pleased to play with him. I am unfortunate not to have my grandfather with me. I am unable to serve him in his old age.
Krishna consoled him.  Don't get disheartened. He will certainly visit Indraprasth when Yudhishtir performs Rajasuya sacrifice.But still time is there for that. Before that Jarasandha should be killed.
Arjun asked immediately. Then let us go to Gitivraj with Bhrata Bheem and tackle him.
Krishna smiled at his enthusiasm. Wait wait Parth, I told you that will happen only at the proper time. In the mean time I will return to Dwaraka and you tackle the Manivarth issue.
Arjun is surprised. Why should you go so early? Let us go to Manivarth together. It will be fun.
Krishna laughed. Arjun is enough to teach Vidyadharas a lesson.Krishna is needed back home.
Arjun quipped. By Satya? Krishna did not answer but threw his most charming smile at him. ...

All through the day Draupadi felt uneasy and restless.She did not make any one sense that but Priyamvada observed and asked. Are you fine? You look indisposed.Draupadi  said. Nothing to worry. just lack of sleep made me feel restless. If  I had my sleep properly I will be fine. Draupadi assured her but she started feeling the same way even after sleeping well the next day.

She started to have doubt as she is not new to that familiar reeling sensation , She may be again .... But she does'nt want to tell any one especially the one person till the right time arrives .
Arjun is staying with Subhadra at nights as she is miffed with him for not not being with her when Abhi was born. Panchali did not expect him to come to her and as she is not well, she finished her work earlier,told Priyamvada to manage and went to her chamber.
When Krishna and Arjun went to have their dinner,they did not see the queen there. Arjun asked Priyamvada  who briefly said. She is not well and retired to her chamber.
Arjun's face expressed his anxiety. Why? What happened? Did she take any medicine? Sahadev is informed or not? As he is about to call Sahadev to enquire Krishna told him. Finish  your dinner and find out for yourself. I will manage Subhadra. It has been one week since we came and you very well attended on her. Now it is time to attend on your queen,Parth ,Krishna's eyes are mischievously hiding some thing. Arjun thought...

Panchali dressed herself in her  simple clothes and lied down on her spacious bed. She asked Malini to keep the lamps dim as she is unable to bear too much light. She kept her hand on her forehead to get over the reeling feeling and closed her  eyes. After a while she felt his arms round her ,hugging her close and his husky voice made her open her eyes completely and feel his presence.Even after all these long years he still manages to evoke the same thrill in her heart just like he did when he walked towards  the fish target.Yajnaseni felt elated to have him by her side,and kept her head on his chest clasping his neck lovingly ..Arjun,I missed you,she whispered.