The Fateful Evening Part l

Part 155

The city of Madhurai Is sleeping peacefully.The Royal Palace is in deep slumber . Only one chamber is  awake in anticipation of some life changing incident. The occupant of the chamber The Reigning Queen of Madhurai  is sleepless, and active playing with the beautiful snake she got only for that night. She prohibited any maid to enter and locked her doors from inside as she remembered the warning of the Snake charmer. Now you can't go any where. Be here and entertain me. She told the snake and placed it comfortably on her couch. She herself let loose  her hair and changed into her night clothes. Even while doing all these things she couldn't help but remember the handsome stranger who fearlessly praised her beauty. Who is he? Where did he go? Alli lied back on her couch and took the snake in her hands. She is not feeling any fear  to hold it nearer. She is used to touch the snakes in her garden  under the care of the snake charmers. But this snake is different she thought and placed it on her heart .
Will you stay with me forever? She asked caressing it with  love and closed her eyes feeling sleepy.Just then the Ghanti that rings at twelve started ringing. At exactly Twelve Alli who held the snake felt heavy weight on her . She opened her eyes and saw the face that is haunting her day and night.Alli thought she is dreaming of the stranger.
Blaming herself she closed her eyes and opened them again. The hazel eyes are looking into her eyes and slowly Alli understood it is not a dream. She looked for the snake which is not found any where.
Arjun  whispered. You asked me to stay with you forever. It is  difficult. But I can make this night memorable for you Alli Rani, Alli tried to get up and shout. But Arjun closed her lips with his and said. There will be no use to call your guards. Madhav  hypnotised them into deep sleep.
Alli  glared at him and asked. Who are you? Arjun replied. The Third Pandav Arjun. And the snake charmer is Krishna vaasudev, your mother's Aradhya.
Alli shivered with anger. How dare you cheat me like this? Get ready  to be punished. Arjun smiled. Ready to be punished but with your love. Alli, you are beautiful . Enjoy life to the fullest. Arjun caressed her neck and shoulders with his lips. Alli tried to push him away but he did not allow.He then remembered Krishna's words. She is too smart. Hypnotise her and return as soon as possible.
Arjun closed his eyes and prayed. Forgive me Krishnaa I am helpless. Forgive me again. His lotus eyed wife is clearly seen by his soul. He felt her touch on his curls on his face everywhere. He recited the vasikaran Mantr learnt from his Madhav , feeling Krishnaa before him he saw Alli slowly going into a trance. Then he took the yellow thread that Krishna tied while he was in snake form. To his surprise it turned golden with the pendant ,the Mangal sutra that shone with Devine splendour.
He carefully  placed it in Alli's neck. He prayed to his beloved friend."Madhav Bless me and redeem me of my sin of marrying her by force. He then made fire in the middle of the room by chanting Agneya Mantra . He took Alli in his arms and went  round the fire for seven times.He gently placed her on her couch took his knife and with a small cut on his finger got blood which he placed on her forehead as Sindoor.
Alli is in trance. What is happening to her she can not connect. But she could very well feel the man with curly hair bending on her and hugging her close. She felt the unusual thrill for the first time in her life. She wanted to resist him but her body is not cooperating and responding positively to his every touch,every move.
She found the hazel eyes mesmerising and the great physique luring her to merge with him without resistance.
Arjun reminisced the moments he spent with his Krishnaa at Yamuna camp. Her lovely smile,beautifully spread long hair her shivering lips He closed his eyes and  hugged Alli closer and closer...
At early hours of the day ,the guards witnessed the snake going out of Alli Rani's chamber and out of the Royal palace into the safe arms of the snakecharmer.

Alli opened her eyes and looked around. She vaguely remembered the night before and wondered what happened exactly. She searched everywhere for the snake in vain. Then she felt the touch of Mangalsutra  on her neck. Her eyes opened wide in shock. I am Arjun,The Third Pandav, The husky voice rang in her ears.
She felt  drastic change in her physically and Understood what happened previous night. She couldn't control her anger and forcefully opened the window from which the tower of Madhurai Minakshi temple is visible.
She stood there and stared with so much pain,anguish and fury. Mata, mother tells me I was born due to your grace. How could he  do what he did if it is true. Answer me Mata,  Alli demanded. ...

In Kailas parvat, Parvati approached Bholenath who is as usual in meditation.
She  called him earnestly. Swami,  come out of your Dhyan. I have to get an answer from you. Shiv opened his lotus eyes and looked endearingly at his Shakti. What do you want to know Uma, He asked in a pleasing tone addressing her with his favourite name.
Parvati straightly questioned ... Swami, My devotee is exploited by your devotee today. Arjun married Alli by force and owned her with deceit.How could he do so?
Shankar shiv smiled and asked softly....Who made Arjun do so?
Parvati replied  with scorn. My brother. Who Else?

Shiv tried to convince her. If Narayan guided Arjun into doing so it must be for a good purpose only.
Parvati did not relent. How could it be justified Swami? You forgot Alli has my Ansh in her. My brother should have thought about it before making his plan.
Sankar shiv responded with a smile. Arjun has my Ansh Parvati, So what your brother planned  Is  absolutely  perfect. Alli got the worthiest husband for her. Now let us bless them both. You know what happens in future. Every thing will be set right by Narayan. Alli will get convinced.Believe in your brother. Mahadev  pacified Parvati  and  brought her beautiful smile back on her face.