The Fateful Evening Part l

Part 162

Grandfather Bheeshm blessed Alli and praised her state. I always wanted to visit Madhurai and Meenakshi Mata. I never had the opportunity to go there. I am happy that my Arjun formed a relationship with Mata's nagari.Dont get offended by him. He is good no ,he is the best among my grandsons.

Alli wondered. Everyone supports Panchali's statement. But where is she? Alli wanted to meet her one more time.
Kunti told her. She is busy with her children. There is not much gap between Kirti and Pragati. That is why it is becoming difficult for her to manage.
She then informed her. Tomorrow Arjun's wives are coming. Krishna's wives also. ...

Alli observed Arjun's aloofness. He did all the formalities with a serious face and did not even bother to look at her once.She knew she looked beautiful in her red saree. Even Kunti praised her. But not the one who married her.

Alli suppressed her emotions and with a smiling face started listening to Priyamvada who narrated her the way Arjun married his wives.
After lunch,Indraprasth witnessed a different contest for Hundred skilful army soldiers.They are  asked to count hundred tons of gold and jewels whatever they want and keep it in the mansion  adjacent  to Mayasabha.
Whoever counts more hundreds will get rewarded instantly with one hundred tons of gold.
Those who counted more than ten hundreds will be rewarded specially by the finance minister of Indraprasth.
Panchali who hurried up into the balcony looked at the excited soldiers running with heaps of gold . Inside the palace Arjun installed his officials with the counting  machines. Some others are  recording the count in hundreds. Panchali is awestruck. What a brilliant idea to record the treasure of Indraprasth!
A beautiful smile appeared on her luscious lips. I accept Arjun, you are smarter. She fondly told her husband who is not there in person.
By the evening The whole counting was almost done.whatever is waiting at the outskirts,that was counted first and later the treasure that was brought inside was accounted for.
By night before dinner the whole thing was finished and Arjun announced the winners. King Drupad could not curb his excitement. He told Bheeshm. My son in law is not only valourous and beautiful but he is the smartest I have ever seen.he said those words with much pride to grandfather who looked miffed and declared. Yes my grandson always used his brain in such a way that victory falls into his lap with the least attempt.

Krishna who heard them, smiled with naughtiness. He told them ' your grandson is the most intelligent,and your son in law is the smartest. But my Parth is the best. That is why I offered my sister to him.
They both looked at each other not knowing what to say.
Kunti smiled at Arjun who asked her,Happy now? You bothered how that should be recorded before Rajasuya commences.
Kunti patted him gladly..Too happy You only can do it. And now do one more thing. Go to Alli this night. Tomorrow your other wives will come. Go and clear her misunderstandings if she has any. It is good for both of you.
Arjun nodded in disapproval.Mata,Don't insist me to go to her. I still can't believe she had no problem with me. I don't want her to take pressure and mould herself against her heart's wish. Give her time. So saying,
Arjun hugged his mother and walked away. Alli is shocked. Her mother happened to hear Kunti's conversation with Arjun as she just waited outside. Alli's mother  told her. Your husband still can't believe you. Now open your eyes. Make him realise that you really changed.
Alli is  depressed. Who will help her now? Tomorrow the others will arrive and Arjun may not even find time to look at her or listen to her. ...

Panchali is holding Pragati in her hands and enjoying her cute smell and touch . She just fed her and the baby is happily blinking her eyes . Kirti is playing with his toys and suddenly crawling up to her and kissing her with love. Malini came inside and informed. Alli Rani is waiting outside . Shall I bring her in? Panchali is surprised. What made Alli visit her at this night time?