The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 154

Panchali opened her eyes and found him nearer to her heart. Yes he is in her heart but that does not take away the pain,anger,frustration and heartbreak caused by the decision that was thrust upon her by her  mother in law in the name of protection of Pandava unity. The wound that always made its presence felt got ruptured by Kunti'. In her anxiety to get rid of her guilt feeling her mother in law hurt her severely .
Now her husband is here as usual with his sad yet charming face with his mantra " Forgive me Krishnaa. But Yajnaseni is not in a mood to oblige as is her habit. She took his head in her delicate hands and carefully placed it on the pillow. She then walked towards the window that shows the glimpse of the sleeping Royal garden and the royal palaces on the other side of the lake. Hastinapur is sleeping peacefully uneffected by the incidents that happened in her life.

Arjun gazed at his wife whose back only is facing him but he could very well imagine the suppressed fury in her lotus eyes, the tear drops that made her cheeks wet and her beautiful red lips parted to say her heartfelt feelings.He is seeing his wife in fire true to her birth.
Suddenly he got a smile on his face.years passed but his wife never ceases to test his charm. He has to be his best to make her smile again. Like every time he is ready for the challenge.

Arjun approached her and turned her towards him.Panchali tried to protest.He did not allow her. He rounded up her shoulders and walked towards the couch. Panchali got frustrated and said." Arjun please don't try to talk about that topic. I am in no mood to defend myself or get convinced by you yet again. I don't think I will have that patience. I will arrange your couch. Relax and don't stress yourself"

Arjun understood the gravity of the situation.  He thought for a while . He should help her express argue fight or quarrel with him . Otherwise her suppressed emotions will harm her.They will not let her be at peace with herself.He felt the smiling face of his Madhav before him. " Parth go ahead. I think this will be a memorable reunion for you both" Arjun smiled at his friend's teasing words.His Madhav won't change.

Panchali saw the smile on his face and got angry.She blasted him " Arjun it may be a laughing matter for you but not for me. You may sympathise with your mother for whatever be the reason.You may even get angry with me for not responding positively before your mother.But I can't help it. "

Arjun sighed with relief." Yes She is expressing finally. Now he has to keep the fire burning. " He looked at her seriously and questioned." You know she may leave with Gandhari Mata. You should have said your words in a soothing manner. " Arjun observed her frown having said those words.

Panchali confronted him" so what should I say? That really I looked at your brothers to know about my prospective husbands? Great! Arjun I thought you atleast understand how she hurt me by saying so. No you are more concerned about your mother's pain. But not about your wife's feelings. Or you also must have thought I am interested in...Panchali could not complete her line Arjun pulled her to him and  goaded her " What else is there just say it I won't feel bad."
                   
Panchali taunted him" Why do you feel bad? It is me who is at the receiving end. You always held your mother and brothers in high esteem. Who is Panchali? She is the reward shared with your brothers. Now another fact I understood it is Panchali who is criticised for accepting polyandry out of interest. If your mother says that and you endorse her view who would believe poor Panchali?

Arjun caught her shoulder forcefully and asked," What else you want to say? I am listening."

Panchali tried to free herself invain. Arjun 's heart melted towards his Krishnaa. He knew his mother hurt her in her anxiety to get herself freed from guilt. But what fault is there with his wife? Loving him and him only with her whole heart? Though she has no role in getting five husbands for herself she only is made responsible.Arjun hugged her tightly and whispered in his husky voice.