The hermitages built by Gangateer looked calm and serene at that night time. As per the practice of sages those who lead the life of ascetics should go to bed early after eating very less in the evening. Dhritarashtr will listen to the discourses of sages and then retire to sleep
Kunti finished her work and approached Gandhari who is sitting in the open place as is her habit.
Gandhari finished her meditation on the three eyed Lord and said." Mahadev.. Let Kuru Vamsh prosper. Bless the light of Arjun's legacy,Pari. May the noble daughter in law of Kurus be happy with her husband."
Kunti sighed with desperation. Her Gandhari didi could not see beyond Arjun. She said." Didi. Pari is the successor of King Yudhishtir. Won't you acknowledge the fact? Phalgun is not the king."
Gandhari became serious." How could you deny Arjun's contribution towards Kuru throne? Had he not married Subhadra whom would your Eldest call his successor? Kunti! Pari is Arjun's grandson. That is the truth."She stated firmly.
Kunti became silent.No use of arguments with her.Early in the morning they have to leave the place and start for Kurukshetr. There they have to continue their penance.
Vijaya hurriedly approached Draupadi who is about to go to her chamber. The first quarter of the night gave way to next one. Draupadi held her with her hands and asked." What happened? Why are you looking tensed up?
Vijaya gasped for breath and revealed." Arya Sahadev is not there in his chamber. I find something wrong with him. He stopped interacting with me. Didn't you observe how he is not eating properly and makes pretences to skip his meals.? " Vijaya has tears in her eyes.
Draupadi knew Sahadev 's problem. He is unable to cope up with Kunti's absence, But what can be done now?
Panchali took Vijaya to Subhadra's chamber. She knew Arjun will be there narrating story to Pari and Pragati. Subhadra looked surprised to see them there.
Arjun saw them and came over. Vijaya pleaded with him." Yesterday also he came only early morning. His clothes are dirty and I see sand falling from his body."
Arjun understood where Sahadev must have gone. He told Subhadra ." Continue the story. It is about your brother's triumph over Kalyavan. Children will get upset."
Subhadra nodded and assured Vijaya." Now go to your chamber. He will definitely trace Sahadev and bring him back."
Arjun signalled Panchali to take Vijaya away and got onto his horse that always waits upon him day and night. The horse disappeared into the layers of darkness that pervaded everywhere.
Sahadev felt the warmth of the hand on his forehead. He knew whose hand it is. His dearest brother who is the only one he can confide and reveal himself... The flag bearer of Pandavas, Krishna's lifesupport system and Panchali's favoured husband.
Arjun pulled him up from the sand. The Yamuna is flowing peacefully, with occassional tides touching the shore. Sahadev looked dazed and stared at his brother.
Arjun took him into his arms placing his head on his heart.He did not speak. He knew nothing would revive Sahadev from his pain of separation from the mother who loved him more than her own sons.
Sahadev sobbed piteously." Bhrata... Let me go to Maata. I don't want to live in royal palace while she sleeps on the floor. Convince Eldest. I will renounce everything and live with Mata in the forest. I can't live without her."
Arjun caressed his forehead and promised." I will take you to Mata. But you should wait for a while. I got the message that they are leaving for Kurukshetr to meet Satayupa,the old King of Kekayas who is living the life of sages.
I promise we all will go and visit them. But let them first go and settle in Kurukshetr."
Vijaya's face brightened on seeing Sahadev with Arjun. She smiled and gave way to Sahadev who walked as if in trance.
Arjun whispered only to Vijaya " Be his mother. He needs mother' s touch "
Panchali asked him anxiously." Arjun! where did you get him? Is he fine?
Arjun made her sit on the couch and sat on the carpet. He placed his head on her lap and remained silent.Panchali understood. Her too sensitive husband himself got disturbed while going to revive Sahadev. She slowly softened his curls and waited for him to recover.
" Krishnaa I miss my mother. Sahadev is exposing himself but I can't. I promised Mata that I will look after my brother."
Panchali silently listened to his husky voice that always captivated her the most. She got a smile on her face. " The youngest son of Kunti is a mata's beloved before being the greatest archer of all time.
Arjun continued." Like Sahadev I also worry what must she be eating,how could she wear bark garments and sleep on the floor. Why did she go Krishnaa... Can't she take rest under the shade of her son's secured kingdom? What kind of sons are we? When she is living life with contentment at Indraprasth we robbed her of her home and made her a refugee of Duryothan."
Panchali raised his head and made him look into her eyes. She said softly." Arjun no one can change fate. Who will know this better than you? Swayam Govind enlightened you.Please get back your composure. Who will support your younger brother if you are shattered? He needs you. We all need you Arjun. Without you nothing will move over. Your Krishnaa needs you... Panchali's voice broke and she stammered." to forget her sons,her Abhi ,Iravan...
Arjun got up and pulled her close and wiped her tears with his lips. He kissed her on her lotus eyes and said." Krishnaa I thank your father for blessing me with a wife like you...Despite your heartbreak you always pull me out of my depression. Madhav always told me that you will fill the void created by his absence in my life."
Panchali smiled and said." He told me I have to do that and I am doing so..
Arjun enjoyed the warmth of her embrace and pulled her closer making her breathless. He closed his eyes and saw his Madhav smiling " Parth...forget your pain and enjoy with your Krishnaa" His Mesmarising voice made Arjun relieved from his ...pain.. He opened his eyes and found his lotus eyed wife looking at him with love and concern. Arjun bent down to savour the bliss...
Suka smiled at Parikshit ." So today I am allowed to proceed with my story. Shall I tell you the test conducted by Dron at the end of his training? "
Parikshit could not control his excitement." The wooden bird? Please proceed." He said with impatience.
Note; Since I started with " The Fateful Evening" after Swayamvar I want to tell the previous incidents as narrated to Parikshit by Suka.I hope my readers will enjoy the read."
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