Only three days left for Arjun to go. He is charging up his body and mind for the great task ahead. He wakes up all the night and rigorously practices archery.After that having taken bath he will worship Mahadev and meditates for long hours. A different glow illuminates his face may be due to the grahan of Pratismriti.That day after Arjun left with his brothers for hunting,Sahadev who stayed back approached Panchali. He is aware of the wound that made its way into Panchali 's delicate heart due to the spineless behaviour of them,particularly of his famous brother Arjun.Ever since he never saw her interact with his brother . He wouldn't have bothered about it and would have left it to time that heals every wound. But now after VedVyasa's instruction,that Arjun has to go and please Mahadev through severe penance,he couldn't keep quiet.His brother needs Panchali's heartfelt wishes to revive his sunken spirits and boost up his confidence.'Panchali, send him off with a smile.With a blessing,with a prayer. Don't stay detached. It will damage his will power. " Sahedev's words made Draupadi wonder why her husband's youngest brother who never crossed his line trying to support his brother. But what difference it makes whether she wishes or not. Fate will work its way and dictate things as per its wish." Sahadev continued in a desparate voice.' You don't know Draupadi,how difficult his task is. He may not return that soon.Leave your anger atleast for a while. Let Bhrata leave with a blissful heart." Panchali remained silent.' We all are your offenders Panchali. We should redeem ourselves by avenging the mishap. But only he could take up the task and achieve a break through.As usual we are the silent spectators and he is the action hero. You don't know how gruesome the task is. He has to practice Ashtanga yoga,the eight fold path that Mahadev instructed Parvati.They are Yama,Niyama,Asana ,Pranayama ,Pratyahara,Dharana,Dhyana and Samadhi. The second one Niyama consists of five requirements. They are Saucha,Santosha,Tapas,Swadhyaya and Iswar Pranidhan.Niyama requires more commitment.After crossing seven Bhrata has to take Samadhi which is the last stage. You know Panchali then he will be disconnected with the world.We won't be in his conscience anymore. He will be connected only to Shiv Sankar. How much time he should be in Samadhi only Mahadev knows." Sahadev had tears rolling down.Through his blurred vision,he could see Panchali's eye lotuses surrounded by the water flow in the form of tears. Sahadev continued in his broken voice.' You know where he has to do all this? On the snowy peaks of Himalayas. Where the chilled winds freeze even blood. In that isolated place where no human beings can survive Bhrata has to practice Yoga and meditate. You know how much will power is needed for that.Bhrata readily agreed to take up this dangerous task only for you,for us for our children . Isn't it our duty to wish him well when he leaves ? Keep your disdain and anger at bay.we don't know when we can meet him again.' Sahadev was interrupted by the feeble voice of Draupadi.' Will he return safe and successful ? " Sahadev paused.and replied.' He is Vijaya,The invincible.He won't face defeat at all" Panchali waited anxiously for her husband to return from hunting. Bheem is happy ' Panchali,today we got so much. Tomorrow delicious food I can eat. " She served food to Dhaumya and other Brahmins . Then to the Five.After they ate and went off Panchali stood at the banana leaf in which Arjun ate just then. She bent down and took the small banana piece that he left. He never liked to eat fruits along with food. But since others like she would serve for him also. He will just take a little bit and leave it. Panchali took that and ate it with closed eyes. ' Durga Mata,return my husband safely. Grace him success. Tell SankarSiv to grace his devotee as soon as possible.Tell him Panchali's life depends on his well being.Guard him Mata.Bless him." Panchali prayed to Mata heartfully and shed tears. At mid night Panchali got up and walked out of the hut to the backyard to meet her Arjun who is wide awake practicing and memorising Astras . As she walked towards the mango grove moonlight caressed her curls and her whole form shone spreading blue lotus fragrance. Arjun inhaled the fragrance and raised his eyes. To his surprise Panchali's eyes are not showing signs of anger and detachment. They are smiling at him with the same glint of love that always makes him feel special. Panchali stood near him and bent her head as if thinking deeply about some thing . Arjun penetratingly looked at her and assured her.' Don't worry. I will try my best to achieve success." Panchali moved nearer and stammered.' Return safely to your brothers." Arjun kept silent. Panchali looked into his hazel eyes and murmured. ' to your Krishnaa,who will desparately wait for you with bated breath." Arjun could not believe his ears. He just stared into her lotus eyes with disbelief.Is he in dream? He can't understand. Draupadi took his hand into hers and repeated. ' come back soon Arjun,to your love,to your Krishnaa."
Edited by ltelidevara - 8 years ago
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