The Fateful Evening Part l

Part (122,123) 124

Panchali opened her eyes and had Priyamvada and the Raja Vaidyaa,( lady physician) looking  at her in her private chamber. By then Priyamvada instructed  her not to reveal Panchali's pregnancy due to important political reasons.Panchali signalled Priyamvada and she gave the lady a bejewelled bracelet. The lady and Priyamvada helped Panchali sit and made her drink hot badam milk brought by Malini.

The assembly started already to discuss the war and Aftermath and Arjun's presence is needed very much. Hence he proceeded to the Sabha entrusting Panchali to Priyamvada on the insistence of Kunti. Panchali felt embarrassed for garnering much attention unnecessarily due  to her fall.
She recovered partly and went to the dining chamber to order for lunch preparations. Her co wives came there and enquired her health state. Subhadra brought Abhimanyu there who  is crying for not accompanying his father to the assembly.Panchali took him in her arms and hugged him . She sweet talked  him into playing with her bangles which he found interesting. Subhadra asked. You look so week. Why did you take up to fasting? Now eat something and break your fast. Panchali shrugged it off. I am alright now. I ate Prasad.
Kunti came there and admonished her daughter in law. Bahu,I asked you to eat something in the evening. But you did complete fasting? Any way Phalgun returned safe. Now take rest and take care of your health.
Priyamvada covered "the princess did not sleep well That is the reason . I will see to it she will eat properly. "
Panchali supervised all lunch preparations and ordered Arjun's favourite dishes to be made. After the Sabha The Five brothers along with victorious Army commanders attended the lunch. The missing families who  came back and met their people were all served food and they were grateful for their escape from slavery and death. They met Kunti and fell at her feet. "Your son saved our lives. We don't know what would we have done in that land ruled by demons. "
Kunti felt immensely satisfied seeing the joy on their faces. She approached Arjun and said  "I felt  your father's presence last night. Whenever he is happy there because of you he will make me feel his presence. Phalgun, I am too happy today. "Arjun hugged her and said. You will always feel him I promise.
Panchali came there to give Kunti's aushadhi milk and Arjun pulled her by her hand.
It is Kunti'sprivate chamber ,so did it without hesitation. "Mata, why did you allow her to fast? Bharata Bheem told me that she did't listen to him at all.See how week she is looking. He complained.
Draupadi tried take her hand away.kunti said. "Phalgun,it is my fault. I was worried when your war continued further. I only insisted her to do Durgavrat.But I asked  her to eat in the evening. She did not .
Arjun made Draupadi sit and placed his head on her mother's lap. Now let us come to an understanding. When I again go for war let Bhrata Bheem fast instead of Panchali. That will do wonders to his physical fitness.
Bheem and Nakul just entered and listened to his words. Nakul clapped in excitement. "What an innovative idea to reduce Bhrata Bheem's weight? Panchali say yes to Bhrata Arjun.
Panchali laughed and Bheem caught hold of Nakul's shoulder. You know Indraprasth is safe when Arjun is away only due to my might. Now who will kill Jarasanth? You? He shouted.
Kunti is worried. Phalgun what is this? Why again talking of war? No need to go anywhere. And don't send Bheem alone. Arjun assured her. "Mata not now. Still time is there. Madhav said we three will go to Magadha. "
Panchali got up and left glancing at Arjun with a sulking expression. Arjun understood.
Kunti also. She told her son.Stay at Indraprasth Arjun. Don't talk of  war that  soon. Look after the Finance and other things . Help Panchali. She is holding a lot of burden, now again you brought so much wealth from Manivart ,Arrange the treasury properly. Help her.
Nakul asked Arjun. Why was there no maiden 's presence happen in your trip? Or are you hiding something?
Arjun hid his face in Kunti's lap. Mata see how Nakul is making me into a  womaniser ? Am I look like one?
Kunti affectionately ruffled his hair.  Don't take his words seriously. I know my Phalgun. Girls did pujas and Vrat  to obtain you as their husband. You are not at fault.
Bheem and Nakul laughed at her defence and left. Kunti called Draupadi and asked her to take out the ornaments to be offered to Mata Durga from those brought by Arjun. She then left to instruct Priyamvada for Durga puja preparation. Draupadi took the already separated ornaments and started arranging them in order when she got reeling sensation. Arjun who is helping her observed her and took her in his arms. He made her sit ,seriously looked into her eyes  and asked. "Krishnaa tell me, why you look so indisposed? It continued before I went to war. Still it is there."
Draupadi closed her eyes and replied. "Nothing, it is normal weakness."
Arjun  gazed at her carefully. She looks different. She is even more beautiful though she lost her weight.what must be the reason he wondered. Panchali tried to avoid his penetrating looks and said "Leave me Arjun I have much work to complete. "Arjun did not care  her words. He pulled her closer and kissed her passionately.
Panchali could not stop him when he is  bent upon having his will. Arjun any one may come Mata may come .
She tried to divert  him. He again pulled her closer and commented. You lost much weight. I can feel it, why so? Krishnaa blushed profusely and  searched for an answer to offer her too smart husband,