The Fateful Evening Part l

Part 174

Krishna asked Arjun. Getting ready to face Satya's attack? Arjun replied with confidence. Any thing for Satya. Actually I started realising why you like her the most. She always tries to bring excitement into the otherwise monotonous lifestyle of  us Kshatriyas. We fight,win , we do our routine stuff in the same way as we do every day. I am ready to take up her challenge. What is there? Distributing something to my wives . Fine with me.

Krishna appreciated his good spirit and told him. Proceed without inhibitions. I heard Gandhari Bua supported Satya when your mother opposed the idea. Arjun smiled. As usual who else but her? She always stands by me and Krishnaa. ...

The whole day Arjun got busy with meetings with army officials and his visit to construction place outside Indraprasth. His grandfather and Father in law accompanied him and gave their inputs for the lavish buildings constructed around Khandava Prasth. He returned late in the evening ,met his Eldest to report the work done. Suddenly he  remembered Satya's words and her announcement in particular. He felt exhausted and only way to rekindle his energy he thought is either to be with Madhav or to play with his little angel.
Krishna at that moment is with Rukmini and Arjun doesn't want to disturb him . He  took steam bath got much relief and proceeded to Panchali's chamber. As he entered he saw Malini holding Pragati and Kirti Is sleeping.
Why is he speaking at this odd hour? He asked taking Pragati into his arms. Panchali who just took bath came from inner chamber and informed. He played all afternoon with Arya's son. Now he slept. Malini went out.
Arjun relaxingly lied down with Pragati on him. The little angel just learned to fix her neck and look into faces. Arjun observed Panchali's silence. She is seriously picking Pragati's accessories as she has to carry her to the Dining chamber.She wore Arjun's favourite colour ,half white and wore no ornaments. Even the garland of jasmines is lying there in a golden plate but Panchali did not even look at that.
Arjun asked . Not curious of the gift you receive today? Panchali had a detached expression. Your wives will get what they deserve. I don't have any curiosity .
She stood up called Malini and asked Arjun. Will you bring Pragati there? Arjun gave her Pragati and said. You take her. I will relax till your son wakes up and bring him there.
Panchali looked a bit surprised and moved out with Pragati. ...

The moment Satya is waiting for came at last . Krishna and Arjun walked in last and relaxingly  immersed in conversation. Gandhari, Kunti Priyamvada sat in a row. Nakul and Sahsdev are present. Bheem excused himself stating he is sleepy. Eldest as his habit retired after dinner with his wife Devika. Karenu,Jalandhara and Vijaya are waiting in excitement to see how Arjun distributes his gifts among his wives.

Satya called Arjun away from Krishna and made him sit . She then showed Seven items only to be visible to him but not seen by his wives. Arjun glanced at them and yawned. If you finish your hungama early I have much work to attend. He told Satya. Krishna laughed and encouraged Satya. Start it my dear.

Panchali looked disinterested and sat away from every one with Kirti by her side. Kunti is trying to make Pragati sleep. Satya called for attention and gave Arjun beautiful Payal that makes so nice sounds . Satya asked him. Whom would you give it? Arjun said .Ulupi. So that I will become alert next time after hearing this sounds.

Nakul shouted in excitement. Krishna said Sadhu. Ulupi blushed and accepted the Payal with great satisfaction.
Then Satya showed a Veena that was played by Kunti and later By Arjun in Hastinapur.Arjun said Rekha. She is good at singing she should learn Veena also. Rekha felt too happy to get that.
Satya then picked up another as per Arjun's indication. It is a beautiful pearl set,pure white. Arjun said to Chitra. She is frank and upright.She deserved that. Chitra cherished her gift too much.

Then Arjun showed Satya the next gift.It is a Jumka set that almost resembled Mata Parvati's ear rings.Arjun gave them to Arya. She looks like an incarnation of the Goddess.Arya blushed and got elated to get them.

Ever y one gasped on seeing the next gift. It is a bejewelled sword looking dazzling and Devine. Arjun identified it. Father got it as a gift from Grand father. To my warrior wife, he said before handling it to Alli. Use it only on your rivals. He said in a serious tone.
Krishna laughed and said well done.Parth,Alli  loved it and started taking it into her grip.

Krishna then enquired. Where are the gifts for my sister and Sakhi. Arjun took a beautiful box and opened. It is the same Mang katika like he gifted to Panchali. Subhadra liked it so much when Arjun gifted that to Panchali. Kunti understood  her wish and asked Arjun to get another. Arjun asked Maya 's assistant who is working in construction with jewels to make another exactly the same like the previous one.
Arjun gave it to Subhadra. Your wish is my command he said. Subhadra could not control herself. She hugged Kunti and wore it there itself.

Satya looked at Arjun. There are so many ornaments and gifts  placed there. As Satya curiously looked on Arjun took out a small golden statue the base of which is a tiny bejewelled box. The statue is of Arthanariswar, Shiv,Shakti and the box is filled with Sindoor. Arjun  got up and walked towards Draupadi on whose lap Kirti is sleeping. She looked at Shiv Parvati who are in one body actually and the red Sindur. Arjun stood silently. Panchali looked up her eyes filled with tears. Krishna and Satya clapped vigorously as every one joined  in applause.