The Fateful Evening Part l

Part 183

Panchali stayed with Bheem while Arjun  and Krishna took all the ladies to roam around the buildings. They delayed one hour in reporting for Lunch. Panchali sat with Gandhari  and Helped Bheem in his work.
Gandhari is miffed. Why did you stay back? You should have gone with your husband and see those things. She scolded Panchali. It is fine Jyesht Mata. Let them watch first. Panchali replied in a convincing tone. She held Pragati and Malini is looking after Kirti who is playing with Babhru and Arya's son.
Gandhari made Panchali sit beside her. Kunti also went with Arya . Bahu, why are you leaving Arjun with your cowives? You are his first wife. Learn to dominate over them.Priyamvada told me that all of them are besotted with Arjun. Be careful. Don't allow anymore marriages for him. Panchali controlled her smile and replied. I will. Jyesht Mata.
Gandhari whispered. Think about having another daughter who will grow up with Pragati. Panchali blushed and wondered at Gandhari 's love for her and Arjun. She looked at the boys playing together. Yes. The boys have company. Pragati may have to be alone. Even if Alli gets a daughter, she will grow up in Madhurai. But,now it is not possible as Rajasuya is approaching. After a while all of them returned with beaming faces. Maya gave them each a bejewelled mirror that fascinated them so much. They got tired and enjoyed the lunch well.
After that they relaxed in the spacious chambers where Arjun made arrangements  with all the comforts. Before every one retired Satya made an announcement. Every one assemble after sunset. We will enjoy again. Arjun made arrangements for Kunti Gandhari and Priyamvada to go back. Panchali said she also will go with them.
Kunti agreed immediately but Gandhari prevented her. You stay back. What will you do there when every one is here.? Phalgun,Take care of her. She ordered.

Panchali  went to her chamber and made Pragati sleep. Kirti still is playing but she knew he also will sleep within a short period. And Kirti came running to her and slept on her lap. Panchali wondered why this son of her can not do without her. What will happen if she has to move away from him..she scolded herself for getting such thoughts.

Arya came inside and said. You also should have come. Everything is so beautiful. Panchali smiled. It is not possible with Pragati, I can't roam with her . Arya said I understand.
But the construction on the whole is awesome. Arya Arjun's dedication and Maya's hard work bore fruits. Panchali nodded her head. Satya rushed inside and informed. You know everyone has to again change into half while . All your clothes are placed in your chamber. Be ready to go to the beautiful garden created by Maya that look lustrous in the moonlight. My swami arranged a natak also enacted by a talented group from Dwaraka. And singers will exhibit their talent. Panchali wondered. When did you and Govind made these arrangements?

Satya replied proudly. You know many artists came from Dwaraka to show their talent at the time of Rajasuya. This is one of them.
As planned every one assembled in the garden. Bheem is miffed that he has to look after food arrangements  for night also. Kanha you and Arjun can not do anything without song and dance
. Krishna lured him. You know one of our actors is doing your  role. He will enact your scene the killing of Hidimbasur. Bheem got interest. Really, then let us stay back. He agreed.

The garden is looking Devine with fragrant flowers blossoming all over. There are Three pools of water created by Maya decorated with blooming lotuses and lillies. The gems and jewels are fitted to trees and plants. The Full moon is shining in the sky with cool breeze blowing all over. Satya felt ecastic. Didn't I tell you. The full moon Effect always is so enchanting.
Arjun,you tried to send us off but luckily my lord obliged. Arjun who is walking before them with Krishna turned back and folded his hands. I agree you are too great Satya Devi he admitted in a mock tone.
Panchali felt relaxed in the open garden in the dazzling moonlight. Rukmini praised Satya. She is super energetic,she knows how to make Swami oblige. Jambavati who is walking behind sulked. If our Lord gives as much time to us we also can make things happen.Kalindi said in a pleasing tone. Whatever it is We should appreciate Satya for this marvellous evening. All the queens of Arjun sat on one side while Krishna's queens sat on another side

Between them sat Nakul Bheem and Sahadev with their wives. Krishna is busy seeing the temporary erected stage arrangements while Arjun is looking after the artists. Satya is full of enthusiasm and making the kids sit properly. After a while Every one heard Satya announce 'in a short while a drama will be presented by Artists of Dwaraka ...the Title is Swayamvar. Arjun looked at Satya shocked. Panchali is spellbound.                                                                                                                                                    Note...In the Epic Ved Vyas enlightened us about the way Krishna and Arjun enjoyed life with music and dance. They both took musicians,dancers artists along with ladies when they went to Yamuna during Khandav Dahan. Draupadi and Subhadra also accompanied them. Just tried to explore their fun loving life. Hope you will enjoy.