Episode#64
On the 10th day using Shikhandi as armour, Arjuna attacked Bhisma. When Shikhandi darts pierced his chest rage of Sparks flew from Bhisma eyes and he glared as if to consume Shikhandi. But immediately constrained himself and decided not to be provoked into fighting Shikhandi as it was unworthy of a warrior to attack woman. He was well aware that his end was near; Shikhandi went on discharging his arrows unaware of the emotional upheaval in Bhisma mind.
Arjuna also hardened his heart and aimed arrows hiding behind Shikhandi, Bhisma smiles as the arrows continued to pour on him thick, turning to Dusshasana he said "Ah, these are Arjuna's arrows! These cannot be Shikhandi, for they burn my flesh as the crab's young ones tear their mother's body."
Bhisma took up a javelin and hurled it at Arjuna who aimed three arrows which cut into pieces. Bhisma decided to end the dual and was about to dismount from his chariot, equipped with sword and shield in hand when his shield was cut into pieces by Arjuna's arrows. With arrows sticking all over his body was not even a inch left free, Bhisma fell headlong to the ground from his chariot.
As he fell, the gods from the sky folded their hands in reverence and suddenly a gentle breeze with fragrance and cool raindrops swept over the battlefield! Thus fell the Great and valiant Bhisma, the son of Ganga who welcomed the blanket of arrows I'm the name of righteousness.
The blemish free hero who opted for the great renunciation only to offer joy to his father and sacrificed his own was a person worth commendable to all the three worlds! The selfless worker of the righteousness thus repaid his debt to Duryodhana by sacrificing his life as per his pledge for the Throne of Hastinapur purifying the battlefield with his serene blood.
As Bhisma fell down, the hearts of Kauravas were also crestfallen! Bhisma supine body did not touch the ground he was sleeping on the bed of arrows - his body now shone more brightly than ever before - supported by the shafts that pierced his flesh. Both armies ceased fighting; all the warriors came and crowded the great hero who lay on the bed of arrows. The Kings of the Earth stood with bowed heads around him like God's around Brahma.
Deprived of Bhisma leadership, the Kauravas forces felt like sheep without shepherd. The warriors shouted "O Karna, do lead us - you are the one left to lead and protect us." The Kauravas warriors felt if Karna concede their victory was certain.
A puzzled Karna exclaimed "My advice is that we appoint Guru Drona as the new commander he indeed is the greatest of all."
Duryodhana went to Drona and said "Acharya, we desire that you should capture Yudhishtira alive and give him over to us. We desire nothing more, not even total victory. If you achieve this for us, we shall all be exceedingly satisfied."
Drona as extremely happy and more relieved since slaying of Pandavas was out of question now. He was serving the Kauravas out of sheer gratitude blended with loyalty to the provider.
Far away in the palace, Laxmana Kumar and Laxmani sat in utter anguish after hearing Pitamah condition! Knowing that he was the greatest supporting pillar they were deeply worried about future. When Laxmani expressed her wish to meet Pitamah, Laxmana replied "As per the norms laid down, the women and children are not allowed in the battlefield." Laxmani gave a smart reply "All the rules have been violated in this war! Since everything is fair in love and war, I shall send message to father that we intend to meet our wounded Pitamah!" Laxmana teased his sister saying "Also tell father that you would like to meet Abhimanyu." She blushed and tried to catch hold of him but he ran out of her room.
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