The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 134

The Aswamedha is the need of the hour." Krishna's voice cut through the silence that indicated the apprehensions every one have for doing such sacrifice.
Ved Vyasa spoke in support." Yes Eldest. You should do that . It will help you get rid of your sin of killing your own people in war.You will re establish your sovereignty over all the kings of Aryavarth.

Yudhishtir is reluctant." To kill some more people on the pretext of a sacrifice how will that help in removing my sin?" He asked with guilt.
The Sabha has important members,ministers,and Brahmin's.Hastinapur's prominent citizens also were present there. That is the day on which Draupadi also will be present in the Sabha. She is attending only once in a week . She looked at Krishna who has a firm expression on his face. She understood
If Krishna endorses it will certainly happen.
Draupadi felt dejected.Again the formalities ceremonies did she have the stamina to go through it all over again? She side glanced Arjun who looked detached and disconnected.

Krishna smiled at her. Then he announced." The sacrifice will happen after one year.Not immediately.
Since you lost your blood relations you won't be fit to do that till one year,Dharmaraj."
Ved Vyasa nodded his head in approval. Yes Ofcourse.We need that much time. Eldest in the meantime you should follow me to extract treasure from Himalayas.'Then Vyasa turned to Arjun and smiled." Ofcourse under the protection of Arjun. For a change Keshav will stay back with Bheema and take care of Hastinapur.

Yudhishtir asked." Both of you did not answer my question. Why should there be bloodshed again in the name of the yaga? Already we lost most of the warriors in Kurukshetr.People will curse me if I do that again'
Krishna laughed merrily." Why do you worry Eldest. You just strictly deny permission to kill any king in war to that hero who will follow the horse. And this time very less soldiers will accompany him who are needed to take care of the horse."
Yudhishtir felt relieved but questioned." And who will accompany the horse following the strict rules?
Bheema stood and admitted." I can't follow such rules. Kanha you know I  would like to have a free hand while fighting wars."
Nakul retorted." That is why your name is not proposed Bhrata. Rest assured."
Before Bheema could reply  Veda Vyas announced." He who,is the personification of Kshatriya valour,He who conquered Gods and Demons,He who is on par with Mahadev in prowess
The undefeated warrior of Kurukshetra ...

The members of the Sabha shouted." Arjun,Phalgun,Savyasachi Dhananjay...
Krishna pulled Arjun up and hugged him with warmth and stated." My dearest Parth will follow the horse after one year.Except him no one else can accomplish the task."
Ved Vyas declared." Yes Eldest. He is having victory in his name. Vijaya. He will once again establish your sovereignty. Now Parikshit's naming ceremony then Treasure Hunt and after that Aswamedha.
Still much time is there."

Krishna winked at Arjun and said." Maharaj Yudhishtir, After the naming ceremony we both are going to Indraprasth to look after how things are functioning there."
Nakul said." I envy you both. You travel,you enjoy  you are lucky both of you."
Every one laughed heart fully but Krishnaa Yajnaseni left the Sabha with disappointment.

Satya is waiting for Panchali to return from the Sabha.As soon as she came she bombarded her with
Questions." Why are you late? What happened there?
Draupadi explained everything patiently.Satya protested." Swami can not do this to me. How could he go to Indraprasth when I came all the way from Dwaraka? Let us both go with them.
Panchali sighed with despair." I can not Satya. I have to look after Jyesht Pita Maata,and Kunti Mata.
Subhadra alone can not take care of Uttara and Parikshit. And then there is Pragati.

That night Satya and Panchali sat near the pool in Hastinapur's royal garden.
Panchali enjoyed Satya's company that will help her overcome the grief of Abhi and her sons.
Satya looked at Panchali and complemented." You know. Age failed to leave any effect on you. Still you look as ravishing as ever I must admit.
After a long time Satya sounded truthful. Isn't it  Madhav?" Arjun's voice made them alert and  embarrassed.Panchali avoided looking at Arjun as a slight blush crept on her cheeks.