That evening in Drona's Gurukul appeared charged to witness the eventful Union of the rivals turned friends Drona and Drupada. The Pradosha Puja and Homa was done by the preceptor.
All the desciples of Drona assembled in the widely open space where they practice weaponary.
Duryothan looked disturbed and hurt. He glanced at his brother Dussasan who indicated with his looks not to worry much. He knew his brother is upset for not being successful in capturing Drupada.
Bheema was enjoying the situation much to the discomfort of Duryothan. Despite Yudhishtir's attempts to calm him down he is taking pleasure in taunting his jealous cousin." Duryothan,you should have come with us to see how big battles should be fought.You would have learned a lot."
Duryothan's face became red. He looked at Karna who is standing away from them since he is not a desciple of Drona anymore.Karna nodded his head and signalled him to stay calm. He is also upset. The first occasion itself proved the supremacy of his arch rival the third Pandav Arjun. Surely he is born with good fortune. Karna sighed with despair.
Suddenly they saw Guru Dron come to the centre where he used to stand and witness his desciples practice with weapons.
Arjun...Drona's voice broke the silence...next minute they saw the young handsome warrior walk with Drupad whose face is bent with gloom.
Drupad stood before Drona waiting to hear his outburst. Arjun folded his hands before his Guru and stepped back. He knew his task is done. He felt bad for the mighty King of Panchal who is at the receiving end. But he is helpless.
Drona smiled at Drupad and asked." How are you friend? I hope now you remember me and our friendship. Today I am at the helm and you are at the bottom. My dearest desciple Arjun defeated you. I hope you know the outcome. Now Panchal is owned by Arjun and he offered all that to me as guru Dakshina.Isnt it Arjun?" Drona asked Arjun with confidence.
Arjun replied obediently." Yes Gurudev. Whatever is mine belongs to you. You are my Gurudev."
Drupad sideglanced Arjun. He wondered why he is not getting angry with his young offender. He is truly cursing Dron in his heart for his pathetic state but the one who is responsible for his defeat is not claiming his hatred. Instead he is getting more and more fascinated by Drona's invincible student.
Drona asked Drupad." What will you say now? Will you accept my friendship!"
Drupad looked up and smiled. He said firmly." Yes. I accept you as my friend. Please forgive my past offences. I cherish your friendship."
Drona hugged Drupad and said." So be it He stated that Drupad will retain Kampilya,Mahanadi and southern Panchal upto the bank of Charanmati river while he will keep Ahichatr.
Suka was disturbed by the desciples of Vyasa who brought the message. Ved Vyas is going to make the impossible possible. He needs Suka by his side to do the needful homas that help his purpose.
Parikshit stared at Suka who is walking away to his father's hermitage. What is going to happen tonight?
Gandhari,Kunti,Subhadra and Draupadi had only one wish that they expressed before Vyasa.That is to meet their children who were killed in Kurukshetra war. Gandhari wanted to meet her hundred sons. Kunti wished to meet Karna,Subhadra wished to meet Abhi while Draupadi is desparate to meet her Abhi and her sons. She wants to meet her father and brother. The wives of Kauravas want to meet their husbands atleast once.
Vyasa promised he will make it happen that night.
Arjun is standing on the banks of Ganga. Just then nightfall happened signalling Suryanarayan to relax after a hectic day.
Arjpjun looked into the river. He is not able to control himself. He had tears in his eyes." Will he meet his Abhi? Is the Rishi serious when he said he will bring down all of them' He still has his doubts.
Yes Parth... You will meet your son tonite. Sage Ved Vyas will make it happen." Krishna's voice made him turn sideways. He found his soulmate smiling in darkness. His peacock feather is clearly swinging around and his lotus eyes are showering grace. Arjun could not believe his eyes and stammered" Madhav you are here?"
Krishna hugged him close and said." Yes Parth.I am here to keep you grounded and unshaken. I know my emotional Parth. He will not come to terms with separation if he meets his son now."
Arjun sighed. Who will understand him better? Yes. After meeting his Abhi he would never be able to send him away again.
Krishna looked into his eyes. He said with benevolence." Parth meet your son and enjoy the moment. But send him off heartfully. Now he is Devine. He can't stay with you forever. Just soothen your heart by feeling him again. Remember what I told you at Kurukshetr. Parth. Be brave. You should be strong enough to hold Panchali Subhadra and Uttara.Otherwise they will be shattered to part with Abhi and your sons. Parth... I entrust you the responsibility to support them. Tonite you should be Krisshna in reality. Remember there is no difference between us." Krishna again hugged Arjun and disappeared.
As Arjun walked back he found his Krishnaa alone in Kunti's hermitage keeping her head in her knees,her shoulders up heaving indicating her pain. Arjun pulled her up and hugged her. He looked into her tear filled eyes and murmured." No tears Krishnaa. Let us live our life again with our sons. Don't stress yourself. Be composed Krishnaa.
Panchali struck her nails in his shoulders and stammered." Arjun...Abhi...Kirti..Prati.. SrutSom..Iravan Satanik ...
Arjun nodded with a smile. He wiped her tears and assured." Yes Krishnaa..this night will be memorable for us. We will be with our children. Don't get carried away by grief. Let us offer our sons hearty welcome with a smile. They should feel our love for them...they should keep the memory with them till we reach them in heaven"
Draupadi cuddled into him trying to make herself stand firm and recover from her grief. Arjun's warmth infused new hope and energy into her body and soul. Yajnaseni looked up and smiled at her Arjun.
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