The Fateful Evening Part l

Part 159

Panchali held Pragati closer to her heart. Her heart beat faster as Malini announced Arjun is coming inside. It is the same. Years ago when he started towards the bow her heart beat faster in anticipation and hope. Now years after she feel the same way.
Yajnaseni scolded herself. You are not a new bride. Cool down. You are the mother of his children. She looked at Kirti who is sleeping happily in Jhoola. A slight blush crept on her cheeks imagining his intense love for her and the way of expression that makes her drool over him.
Pragati moved in her hands and opened her eyes . She must have sensed her father has come. Panchali smiled happily at her cute daughter. She suddenly felt the gaze of her husband and looked up. Arjun stood there motionless, staring at her and Pragati in turns.
He appeared to be in trance and floating in the river of his emotions. Panchali tried to get up from her coach but could not as she has Pragati in her hands. Arjun swiftly reached her and stopped her from getting up. He kneeled down before her and passionately gazed into his little bundle of joy ,his Pragati.
The baby moved this way that way and finally opened her eyes wide. Arjun has tears in his eyes. He did not touch or caress the baby. He looked into Panchali's lotus eyes and stammered. Forgive me Krishnaa,... Repeating the same he placed his head on Panchali's lap beside Pragati and admitted. I can't touch her. I again broke my word. And how? Blame me or curse me. Why do you swallow whatever I do? He restlessly moved his head this way and that way .
His tears are clearly tolling down from his closed eyes. Panchali melted at Arjun's admission of guilt. His tears appeared in her eyes also. She bent her head on his and whispered in her melodious voice. Pragati is angry with her father who did not hold her, bless her even after coming to her. She is waiting.
Arjun nodded his head.Her father committed sin.. He can not redeem himself from his sin. He said desparately. Panchali placed her hands on his mighty shoulders that have arrow marks. Pragati, tell your father that he did not do wrong. He just offered his soul and body for the purpose of Indraprasth. He got merit. But not sin. Ask him to kiss you and your mother or we both will stop talking.
She pulled him up and made him sit beside her. She then placed Pragati in his hands.Arjun look at your dream that became true.She has your eyes.Panchali said with a smile. Arjun hugged the baby and his tears fell on her. Pragati,you are too good. You did not trouble your Maa and came out easily. Thank you Beti, She suffered a lot and still suffering because of your father.
Panchali closed his lips from saying more. Don't you accept my wishes for your great victories. Seriously I accept you are smarter than me. I failed to accommodate and count the tributes you brought. Arjun kissed on her forehead. Don't take trouble. I will look after everything. You need to take care of yourself. how is my son?
Arjun looked at Kirti who looked a bit grown up . Panchali told him with a smile. He is not letting me take Pragati . He immediately cries and stretches his hands to me. Some one should then have to take away Pragati . Arjun smiled. What I could not do my son is doing at least. Panchali understood what he meant.
She placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. Who can take her soul away from him? Arjun My soul belongs to you only. Yajnaseni confessed in her heart.

In the private chamber of Yudhishtir a confidential  meeting is going on. The brothers,Krishna and Kunti  are discussing the Alli issue. Yudhishtir wanted It to be solved before they completely plunge into Rajasuya activities.
Krishna  said defiantly. It is me who suggested Parth to adopt the way it had been done. And I don't regret it. For. Kshatriyas the option of Rakshasa vivah, marrying by force always existed. Now  there is no need to deliberate on what is right and what is wrong.
Kunti agreed with him. I am sure Alli will reconcile . She will be a mother now. Within two days  all Arjun's wives are coming here. Ulupi, Chitra, Arya. and Rekha. Vasuki Mahoday sent message that he is sending Rekha  in honour of my invitation and he will come later. So make arrangements for their stay here. She told Arjun.

Arjun  looked at his mother in surprise and she smiled back. Bheem patted on his back and  asked. Why is your face cheerless?  None of us have any problem with what you did in Madhurai.  You know even  the finance minister of Indraprasth Could not find fault with you. Now cheer up. You have to tackle as many as seven wives, if we include Alli.
Nakul taunted. Bhrata Arjun will equal Govinds eight number ,if he marries one more. The Ashta Mahishis The Eight queens.
Every one laughed at his count. Sahadev teased him. Don't be jealous of Bhrata . It takes so much to be like him.
Krishna told  Yudhishter, As the ruler of this kingdom you have to propose two options for Aarya, One if she accepts to be the wife of Parth then she would be allowed to go to Madhurai. Her son will be the ruler as our representative. If she refuses to be his wife she should continue here as a prisoner.Let us give her three days time. I hope she chooses the first way.
Alli was informed of. the options  by Yudhishtir. Alli, we have nothing against you. Be happy and make us  happy. Yudhishtir concluded. He told her she has to decide within three days.
Arjun met his grandfather after lunch. He was given the nearest mansion  ,within walking distance to Arjun's mansion. Arjun went and lied down beside his grandfather. Still  child like? You are the father of your Six sons and one daughter. One more is on the way.
Arjun cuddled closer and said. So what? Can't I be the grandson if I become a father ?I will always cherish this way.
Grandfather smiled and softened his curls. Your daughter is too beautiful.She looks like her mother but  her eyes are exactly like you. When are you showing your Gandiv to me? I am anxious to see that Devine bow. And Narrate your conquests elaborately.
Arjun smiled and started  narration.
. Panchali  is making Kirti eat mashed Dal rice and he is taking his own time , He is trying to stand up with support and whenever he stumbles he is crying with impatience. Panchali is trying to complete feeding him as Malini  is watching Pragati who is in sleep. Priyamvada came in and informed. All your cowives will reach tomorrow. News came just now.