The Fateful Evening Part l

Part 142

It is a beautiful sunny evening at Indraprasth. The Royal family with all the queens and children gathered on the wide terrace of the main palace. The reason for such gathering is the Kiteplay which is endorsed mainly by Krishna, Arjun and Dhrisht. The three of them are experts in flying the kites higher and can keep them dancing in the sky without  any danger from others' kites.
The children are learning how to fly kites from  Nakul and Sahadev. Abhi has monopolised  his father and Mama who are holding him by turns and teaching him how to hold  the kite. Kunti is having Kirti in her lap as he is Forty five days old and can be brought out.
Panchali,Satya ,Subhadra and other queens are enjoying the warm weather and gentle breeze. Suddenly Satya clapped her hands and called out. What is the fun if you fly the kites as per your wish? Let us have a contest. Arjun looked at her sharply and retorted. So you found your way to enjoyment even in Kiteplay? Satya you are hopeless.
Satya. Challenged him .Arjun,This is not an archery contest. So you can not take your victory for granted. Isn't it? Nakul  supported her. Yes Satya Bhabhi. We all can fly kites equally well. So any one may win. Bheem boasted outright. If  I let my Kite loose it will straight away reach the heavens. The ladies laughed at him and Nakul taunted. Come on Bhrata Bheem, you are not dealing with Hidimbasur or Bakasur, It is a poor Kite.you can't use your full might on it.
Arjun laughed  throwing his head back making his wives drool over him. Krishna smiled and  said. Let us accept Satya's challenge. It will be interesting.Parth,are you ready? He asked. Arjun nodded and shot his sarcastic  remark at Satya. I will do anything if there is a reward involved in it. Drisht immediately retorted. Brother in law My father knows you too well. That is why he lured you with Fish Target and the reward ofcourse is my sister.
Satya,Sahadev and Nakul clapped and shouted. True . Absolutely  . Drupad Who is sitting  away with Yudhishtir  smiled at The friendly banter. Arjun's eye met with Panchali for a split second and he observed the smile at the corner of her lips.
He turned to Satya and stated. Yes. I will do any thing for reward. Grandfather made it a habit for me. By the way If Madhav or I win we would go for a short picnic and you should not accompany us.
Satya's face turned red and she teased Arjun. Don't decide that you two only  win. What will the others get if they win? Nakul explained. If Bhrata Bheem wins he can have non stop food festival for Three days. If I win I would like Eldest to permit me to go to Videh, where I heard beautiful clothes with different texture and model  are available. I am fed up of these old fashioned clothes.
As for Sahadev It is better to send him to Sanjivini Parvat to bring new Aushadhis and torture us with them.
Bheem tried to grab Nakul and Sahadev helped him. Kunti stopped them and scolded. My grand children are better than you all. Learn to be dignified before your children. Subhadra  supported Kunti. Bua, you are right. They keep a bad example for children. The other day
Abhi is eating clay and when I scolded him he said,Mama Ate it in his childhood. You only told me. And then he tied up a ribbon on his eyes and tries shooting arrows. He says Pitasri did so. Jyesht Pita Bheem told me. I also will do. He isn't even three. And see what he is learning? She gave a sulking look at Arjun and he smiled proudly and lifted Abhi on his shoulders
. Krishna held Abhi's hand and the two started dancing . Satya  shouted at them and asked them. Finally you are participating or not? Both the friends laughed and declared. We will win. Panchali smiled at their lively energy and  sat beside Kunti as Kirti may start crying once the hungama starts. Satya made all the contestants stand in line and she asked their respective spouses to hold the thread bundle for them.
The children were taken care of by Priyamvada and soon every one got fully absorbed in watching the kites. In the beginning itself Bheem's Kite was broken as he pulled it with much pressure. He was  disappointed and sat with Draupadi . He told her. This is not a game for warriors like me. Draupadi smiled benevolently.
Nakul ,Sahadev and Dhrisht succeeded in making the kites fly higher in the beginning itself. Krishna and Arjun  took their time and relaxingly held the threads talking to each other. After Twenty minutes Dhrisht's kite struck on a tree and it could not be taken out. Nakul and Sahadev diverted a  bit and got their kites flew down abruptly. Krishna and Arjun kept their kites flying without interruption. And Satya's allotted time is half an hour in which both the friends kept their kites safe and fly at an equal height.
Krishna and Arjun triumphantly started bringing them down when suddenly Krishna's finger has been cut by the rough thread that ruptured it when he is sustaining the kite. Blood oozed from the wound and every one got agitated. Satya who is holding the bundle for Krishna and Subhadra who is holding for Arjun had tears in their eyes. Arjun took his kite into his hands and called out  to Sahadev to do first aid.
Draupadi is  in shock seeing blood on his  finger and Kirti started crying. Panchali rushed forward and tore off her sari with difficulty,took Krishna's finger in her hand and tied the piece of saree on that  wound. Every one stood in surprise with her unexpected gesture
. Krishna had moisture in his eyes and looked deeply into Draupadi's eyes. He murmured in a low voice I am gratified Sakhi. I will repay it one day.
Arjun who had a look of appreciation on his face for Draupadi heard the words and looked at his Madhav in confusion.
Krishna pressed his shoulder and said softly. Nothing to worry Parth, I am saying I will present her a new saree as she cut her valuable one for my sake. Go and bring your son to her. He is crying. Still in confusion,Arjun went and took Kirti from Kunti. He gave him to Panchali with  pride in his eyes for her deed,
Satya noticed the emotion in the eyes of the three krishnas and clapped in delight. Both of you are winners. But reward has been slightly changed. The picnic is there to the banks of Yamuna . Every one will go including our cute Kirti. Bua gave permission.
There is so much excitement and joy all around and Krishna asked Arjun and Draupadi. You know what is today? They both said no. It is Sravana Purnima . Look at the moon, They looked At the rising moon. Today will be remembered as a day of affection between brother and sister. Brother will take an oath to protect his sister at any cost. Sister will shower her love and affection on her brother. It is a day of celebration. Arjun and Panchali looked at the Devine face that looked more beautiful in moonlight and said. So be it.