Arjuna Uvacha
It was brother Yudhishthira's instruction that I should, without any delay go to the Indrakeela mountains and begin my penance there. Silence hung heavy in the air as the twins helped me with my armour and weapons. Brother Bhima was pacing restlessly.
Once I had donned my armour I went inside the hut, where I knew an emotional tug-of-war was awaiting me. Tears were forming in Draupadi's eyes and her voice was choked as she struggled to say the benedictory words of farewell.
Looking at the anguish on her face, I felt my throat too, constricting. I had no idea when we would meet next. The journey I has started on had no fixed time frame.
"Aryaputra..." she began haltingly and composing herself, continued, "May you achieve all that Mother Kunti hoped for when you were born...may you achieve all that you hope for...Success will surely be yours..."
Tears were now flowing down her cheeks. " But ...Lord...,your absence will weigh on us...on me...heavily...I will always be thinking of you..." Draupadi stopped, unable to continue.
"And every blooming flower, the first drops of dew, the cuckoo's call will remind me of you, Krishnaa" I replied, wiping the never ending flow of tears on her face.
" Aryaputra..." she continued amidst sobs, "you know how that evil Dushasana dragged me into the assembly hall...Lord... you know what awful names Duryodhana and Karna called me..."
A spasm crossed my face at that recollection.
"And yet...Lord...yet...that pain seems nothing in comparison to this parting from you...What is this wretched fate of mine?" Draupadi fell at my feet, sobbing
I lifted her and brought her close to me.
"Krishnaa..." I replied slowly..."Krishnaa, I have failed you once. I don't want to be found wanting again. Allow me to become strong enough to avenge your dishonour. Allow me to leave"
I took her leave and went outside where my brothers were waiting for me. I hugged the twins and took brother Bhima's blessings.
Brother Yudhishthira was waiting for me at the base of the hill. I hastened towards him.
"Arjuna," he said, smiling and putting his arm on my shoulder, "I am confident of your success. Even as you were walking here, I could see the gandharvas and yakshas accompanying you. When we meet next, may you be the most formidable warrior in Aryavarta.
Even though you will be miles away, you will continue to receive my guidance and support"
I prostrated myself before him. Brother lifted me and embraced me. "Jaya Vijayi bhava O Bharata" he uttered placing his hand on my head. I went around him in a clockwise circle and gripping my bow tightly, marched towards my unknown destination.
Edited by varaali - 9 years ago
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