Subhadra asked Parikshit." What is it that makes you and Suka spend hours together? He is coming twice in a week. Are you learning any Sastras from him?"
Parikshit smiled at her and nodded his head. " Yes,I am learning that which can not be learnt anywhere in this world. Yadihasti Na tadanyatra...Swayam Vyasa said thus...
Subhadra can not help but compare his smile with Abhi. There is resemblance for sure but ultimately Pari looks like Arjun..." What do you mean Pari? Elaborate..she stressed.
Pari revealed." I am listening to the story of Kuruvamsh in its glory. I am in awe listening to the extraordinary achievements of my grand father Gandiv Dhari Arjun. It is so fulfilling I must say. That too Suka is narrating...I am humbled to have such good fortune."
Subhadra couldn't help but admire the future hope of Pandavas. She lost her Abhi. But her brother graced her by reviving Parikshit. Her life again became worth living.
Uttara who came there said." Suka came ...he is waiting for you in your meeting place.
Parikshit's face glowed with excitement. He bid good bye to them and rushed out.
Subhadra told Uttara." He is listening to Mahabharat...that is his obsession now.
Uttara smiled looking at the doorway from where her son sped fast.
Suka started." Drona is in deep thought. He has almost completed training Kuru princes. Now it is time for him to show Dhritrashtr how well they learnt warfare from him. He went to Bheeshma and expressed his desire." Your grandsons will exhibit their prowess. With the permission of the King arrange a suitable place for such an event."
Bheeshma assured him " It will be done as per your wish.After one week,you bring them to the destined place .I will see to it that it will happen on a grand scale."
Before Drona left Bheeshma questioned." I heard that my Arjun emerged winner in the final tests conducted by you. Is he your best student?"
Drona smiled with pride in his eyes." I don't see anyone come on par with him."
Bheeshma again asked." Adhiradha's son Karna is said to be a skilled archer..What happened to him?
Drona replied matter of factly." He learnt the skills of weapons in my Gurukul. I admit he is as good an archer as Arjuna. But he always roams with Duryothan and is jealous towards Arjun who is far younger to him.Months back he asked me to grace him Brahmastra. I refused since I thought he is impulsive and short tempered.He then left Gurukul ,I don't know his whereabouts.
Drona came back and announced his students." An exhibition of weapons will happen only for kuru princes. So be prepared to show your excellence."
Gurumata combed his curls and got absorbed in making a top knot. Every time she takes Arjun's hair in her hand to tie it up she could not hold it due to its volume.She wondered as usual at the thickness of his hair.
Tomorrow is the D day for you... Prepared well Arjun? She asked him continuing with her attempts.
Arjun nodded his head." I am prepared. He admitted.
Aswathama appeared there with Duryothan and taunted." Ofcourse Arjun will get extra attention.Already Pitasri's partiality for him spread like wild fire in Hastinapur.
Gurumata tried to prevent Aswathama by sending him away.She asked him to inform Dron to come for the afternoon meal.
Aswathama sent Vikarn who came there to call Dron.
Duryothan said." Gurumata...why do you take trouble with Arjun's hair? It is a tedious work you know it.Arjun..can't you do it on your own?"he taunted.
Bheem who came behind held Duryothan's shoulder." Why do you bother about Arjun's hair? Think about the mace combat that we will have before our elders. You need to concentrate."he said in a teasing tone.
Duryothan fumed at him and walked out.Bheem pleaded with Gurumata." Now leave it and serve our lunch Mata. Today I am too hungry."
Nakul teased Bheema." Bhrata Bheem this line is so old. I can't even count how many times you said it. Right Gurumata?
Arjun got up with a smile and said." Mata.I can't repay your love anytime. See how your palms became reddish. "
Gurumata touched his head and said with a smile." One day you will,have your wife arranging your hair. But I want to tell her it is not an easy task." Bheem and Nakul laughed at Arjun's embarrassed look.
Panchali combed his hair properly for the tenth time. Still she is not satisfied. Even with age his curls did not get controlled. She stretched her aching palms.
Arjun who is sitting looking into the list of things to be taken to Kurukshetr said." Enough of your service. Why do you trouble yourself so much? Let my hair be as unkempt."
Panchali replied instantly." Leave it ? Your mother will immediately observe and question your wives especially me."
Arjun assured her." Now she will be beyond all these things. She is practicing yoga. Mark my word. She won't bother about these...now.
Panchali quipped." But I bother Dhananjay...I take it as a challenge to arrange your hair which is so uncontrollable."
Arjun laughed in such a way that Panchali lost her grip on his hair which again got back to its free position.
Panchali threw her hands in despair while Arjun enjoyed her defeat so much. He pulled her on to his lap and whispered." Shall I massage your arms? They must be aching...he held her shoulder and started his service.
Panchali bent her head hiding her smile.
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