Bhism :- (sighs) Putr Karn, can you explain your side of story, tell us all truthfully what happened.

Karn :- Pitamah, you really think I would do something like that, you think I will walk around eyeing others' wives. Radha maa didn't raise me up to be someone with that kind of thought process, I will choose to die rather than to do something like that. You can even ask Bhanumati if you don't believe me.

Bhanu smiled sadly.

Bhanu :- Like they would listen to any word I might say.

She said making Kunti and Pallavi glance at each other.

Shakuni :- Putr Karn, still you haven't answered the questions being asked, what were you both doing at other end of the palace, dark corridor, and most importantly, what was she doing in your arms...

Karn stood up angrily and pointed at him.

Karn :- One more time, just one more time you say that and...

Duryodhan :- Or what!!

He too got up glaring at his elder cousin.

Duryodhan :- If Mamashree puts foreward this question what would you do, you think you can do anything and I'm gonna just sit here and watch.

Karn :- Is that a warning or something I need to be afraid of ?

Bhism :- Sit down both of you, I remind you both that we all have gathered here to talk this through... peacefully.

Kunti :- Yes putr, please sit down, just answer the question and everything will be clear.



Gandhari :- You too Duryodhan, sit down, we're not here to create any scene.

Duryodhan :- What do you expect me to do Mata, this bastard standing in front of me is trying to be a third person in my private life and I just sit here and stay calm. I want to beat the life out of him and throw his rotting body in the rat cave...

Pallavi clutched the edge of her seat tightly, feeling her blood boil at her husband's insult.

Karn :- For God's sake I don't know what do you all mean to say, I am not any third person in anyone's marriage, I haven't been eyeing anyone's wife. And if you want to justify your conscience, I'm right here in front of you, if you can try and beat me, but I must warn you it's a no win game.

Now Krishna and Dussasan came and stood between the two, urging them both back to their seats.

Krishna :- Bhrata Duryodhan and bhrata Karn, this talk can be done without all these misbehaving.

Dron :- I agree with Vasudev, although I know I don't have any right to interfere in this family conflict, still, being you teacher, atleast I can advise both of you to respect the elders sitting here.

Karn took a deep breath and shook his head.

Karn :- Yeah, I'm sorry acharya.

He went back to his seat, Dussasan somehow managed to make his elder brother sit.

Krishna :- Now bhrata Karn, will you tell everyone what actually happened there.

Karn :- I did carry her to their chamber, her feet was twisted and a swollen ankle was clearly noticeable, she was in no condition to walk so I helped her, nothing else.

Duryodhan :- How am I supposed to believe that ?

Shakuni :- Yes, Kunti putr, is it right for you to carry your brother's wife in your arms, what if someone might've seen you.

Karn :- What else should I've done Mamashree ? Should I've ignored her twisting her foot and hitting a candle stand ? Should I've left her to crawl to her chamber ? Should I've left her in that state, injured and helpless.

Bhanu looked at him wide eyed, surprise reflected on others' faces, Krishna wanted to slap his forehead.

Shakuni :- Why do you care about her so much ? Why does her small injury compels you to risk the reputation of Kuru vansh just to help her ? What do you have inside you for her ?

Karn shook his head irritated, he glanced at Bhanu, who sat quietly, gaze fixed on him. Krishna decided it was now time to intervene.

Krishna :- So you want to know what's between them ? Am I right Mamashree.

Shakuni :- Yes Vasudev, if you could spread some light on the matter.

Karn :- There's nothing to shed light on, you only tell them Madhav.

Krishna stood up and went to Duryodhan.

Krishna :- Bhrata Duryodhan, I believe you are here to know whether the twins growing inside your wife's womb are your blood or not.

Duryodhan :- Yes, and as far as this conversation has reached, I don't think all might be in my favour.

Krishna :- So you don't trust your wife, one you claim to love with all your heart. If that's the case, why did you waste your time in all the plotting just to get married to her.

Shock and utter confusion running in everyone's brain could clearly be seen on their expressions. Bhanu looked more shocked than confused, Shakuni became alarmed, Bhisma glanced at Vidur who noded accepting the same confusion, Gandhari patted Kunti's shoulder, while Pallavi glanced at her husband, who clearly seemed upset.

Shakuni :- What this question has to do with the topic of discussion going on here. Moreover Karn's 'delightful speech' can make anyone here assume that they both were in love from the beginning and conspired to remove my nephew from the race of throne of Hastinapur.



Krishna :- There's a difference between conclude and assume, Mamashree, am I right ?

He smirked, making Shakuni grit his teeth.

Vidur :- Absolutely right Vasudev.

Krishna :- You tell me bhrata Karn, when invitation for swayamvar arrived from Kaling, did you wanted to go and participate in it.

Karn glanced at Bhisma nervously and shook his head.

Karn :- No.

Krishna :- Why ?

Karn :- There are two reasons actually, first is that I didn't wanted to get married at that time, I was new here, then all of a sudden I was declared Yuvraj and then marriage... so I thought it was better to stay out of it.

He stopped for a brief moment, wondering how to continue.

Bhism :- What's the second reason putr ?

Karn :- Actually.... I.... I was...

Kunti :- My son liked Jhanvi and wanted to marry her, but he didn't wanted to go against his Pitamah's order to attend the swayamvar either.

She spoke understanding her son's hesistance, making two people flinch. Duryodhan felt a drop of sweat rolling down his forehead, he knew everything would be out in the open now, glancing at Shakuni, he passed a questioning gaze, who gestured him to stay calm.

Pallavi sat numb, feeling her eyes about to pop out, now she would have to face her friend, being her lover's wife.

Bhism :- You never told me putr, I would've been more than happy for that proposal, didn't you had faith in your Pitamah.

Karn :- It's not that...

Krishna :- We can talk about proposal later Pitamah.

He smiled at his aunt, who glared at him, but trying to hold a giggle.

Krishna :- Bhrata, you went to Pitamah and requested him to let bhrata Duryodhan accompany you to Kaling, why ?

Shakuni :- I still cannot understand what this talk has to do with the main point of discussion, everyone knows what happened next, I know my nephew did a mistake by abducting her from the sabha, but does that give her the right to destroy my Duryodhan's life, snatch his pride.

Krishna :- Mistake you call it Mamashree, okay, let it be a mistake. You continue bhrata, why did you put up such a strange request.

Karn :- That day he came to my chamber saying he wanted to talk, then told me that he and Bhanumati are in love with each other but Pitamah won't let him marry her because I was the eldest. That's....

Bhanumati :- What a lie When did I say that I was in love with you then arya ? I didn't even met you before that swayamvar sabha ? Why do you do this ?

Krishna :- Do you have any explanation to this, bhrata Duryodhan.

He smiled at the uncle son duo, Duryodhan turned his head away, clenching his fist to control.

Krishna :- Why did Amrit accompained you to Kaling, I don't think he wanted to participate as well.

Duryodhan :- He's my friend, that's why I asked him to accompany me.

Bhism :- For no worth.

He mumbled to himself under his breath.

Krishna :- Was it because he was your friend or because only he was the one who could stop bhrata Karn from coming in your way.

Dussasan :- It could be a mere coincidence Vasudev.

Krishna :- One out of 100 things can be a coincidence prince, not 99. Was it a coincidence that only he went there all prepared for a combat, was it also a coincidence that he already knew when and what was to happen what he had to do, was it also a coincidence that he had the right weapons he knew would be useful.

Turning to Karn, he gave another questioning look.

Krishna :- After the discussion, Pitamah wanted to banish Amrit out from Hastinapur, why did you convince him otherwise.

Karn :- (sighs) I was the one who took the responsibility of his actions on the first day of sabha. So...

Krishna :- You decided to give him another chance to prove himself.

Karn :- Yup, and I don't think he did anything similar since then, and has done his job faithfully.

Vidur :- That dosen't proves he can't do it again.

Karn :- Now the power is in Tatshree's hands, he can do whatever he decides is the best.

Krishna :- Coming back to the discussion, tell me bhrata, what came to your mind when Bhanumati didn't garland Duryodhan and walked ahead.

Karn :- I was totally confused, everything just took me out of blue, I felt as if I may be dreaming or something. How could she walk away if whatever he said was true.

Krishna :- Then ? What happened next.

Karn :- Slowly walking past every attendant, she stood in front of me, I was shocked to hell and could sense that she was about to garland me, but then...

He kept speaking untill he realised everything just slipped out of his mouth as water from an overfilled glass. He again glanced at Bhanu to notice tears in her eyes, his hands began to tremble as reality hit his head like a mace.

Krishna :- But before she could garland her choice, bhrata Duryodhan rushed in the scene and abducted her.

He turned and walked towards Shakuni.

Krishna :- Mamashree, if you think they both were in love and conspired to do whatever you assume, I must tell you that your dear nephew was the only one to drag himself in that, he made the decision and every action has consequences, what my sakhi had to do with it.

He came to Bhanu and patted her head.

Krishna :- All my sakhi did was to try her best to accept the situation, make peace with her new fate. Not everyone is blessed with a good fortune Mamashree, misunderstandings are a part of life, happiness and sorrow never stay forever, does that mean you would put all the blame on others and create differences.



Elders noded, accepting the fact.

Krishna :- Time was hard for bhrata Duryodhan but it wasen't easy for my sakhi either, if instead of drinking and spilling beans he would've taken a step to resolve the conflict, don't you think situation might've been different.

Duryodhan couldn't hold anymore as a couple tears fell from corner of his eyes. He slowly turned to look at his wife, who sat sobbing quietly.

Krishna :- My sakhi is pure from heart, she never would've done anything that would create differences in her family. The father of her childern is her husband, bhrata Duryodhan, she never did anything that would taint kuru vansh's glory.

Relief filled the family members as they finally could smile a little except Shakuni.

Shakuni :- How can you be so sure ?

Krishna's expressions turned to serious.

Krishna :- I, Dwarikadheesh Vasudev Krishna will give up my life if anyone could prove me that my sakhi ever did anything to destroy her family.

Bhism :- So now everything's clear I think...

Krishna :- No Pitamah, one question still remains.

Kunti :- What Krishna ?

Krishna :- (facing Karn) What were you doing at the other end of palace, I guess you wern't there to watch city lights.

Karn :- Of course not, were do you think we keep secrets of our kingdom, palace and foreign policies.

Others had smile on their faces, Shakuni cursed the man with peacock feathers under his breath.

Vidur :- Everything's clear now, whatever allegations were put up are not eligible, Bhanumati is innocent here, we are proud of you putri.

Duryodhan sat looking down, praying for earth to swallow him, he wanted to go and apologise to his wife but Bhanu raised her palm, gesturing him to not move.

Her action yet again surprised others.

Bhanu :- Elders present here think that it's all over but no, it's not. After all that happened, whatever was discussed, I don't think me staying here anymore will do any good to anyone, so, I'm leaving now.

Gandhari :- But putri ple....

Bhanu :- I'm not asking for permission Mata, I, Kaling kumari Bhanumati, daughter of Maharaj Chitrangadh, is going back to my parents, and I have no desire of returning here back again.

Duryodhan sat numb, as if someone had his hands and legs tied up, he wanted to go and stop her, to convince her to stay, apologise to her but his body didn't respond.

Bhanu bowed before Bhisma and Kunti, then walked out, not caring to look back even once. ----------------------------------------------------------- Draupadi stood near a window looking out at the cloudy sky, arms crossed in front and a scroll held in right fist. Time just kept flowing by and she began to wonder how long she'd been here, probably a while. No matter how much she tried to get back with work and finish pending reports but her mind clouded any useful thoughts that might pop up.

A maid knocked at the door and entered.

Maid :- Maharani.

No answer.

Maid :- Maharani!

Draupadi's trance was broken and she turned to see a maid standing near the door.

Maid :- We have a visitor, Maharani of Sindhu arrived here and is waiting to meet you.

Draupadi's eyebrows didn't betray her confusion.

Draupadi :- Dushala ? Why is she here now ?

With the question, she went out and headed towards the palace entrance.

She met Yudhisthir on the way who greeted her before joining the walk.

Yudhisthir :- Quiet strange no ? She never did it before, she wasen't here even at the family reunion and now all of a sudden.

Draupadi :- Relax bhrata Yudhisthir, I know it's a bit surprising but she ain't any enemy coming here to play a 'cruel trick'. She's your sister afterall, might've came to see her brothers.

Yudhisthir :- I understand, though it doesn't sits well with me, you know, after the Laksyagriha, thinking of all this normally is not easy.

Draupadi :- It takes time to get over with such things, specially when you know that you have to live with it, but I'm sure you can do that.

Yudhisthir :- Yeah... just a matter of time.

As they approached a large door followed by a carpeted path surrounded by trimmed garden grass.

Dushala stood near her chariot, waiting, when she saw her brother approaching along with her sister in law.

Draupadi looked at kuru princess standing there with a nervous smile, seeing the protruding belly anyone can conclude that she's atleast 5 months pregnant.

'She shouldn't be traveling so long in this state'

She thought to herself before returning the smile.

Dushala :- Pranipat bhrata Yudhisthir, bhabhishree Draupadi.

Draupadi gave her a hug before she could bend to touch her feet.

Draupadi :- Welcome to Indraprasth dear, what took you so long to come and meet your family.

Dushala :- It's nothing bhabhi, arya never let me be out of the palace, and you can see my condition.

Draupadi's smile vanished as she calculated whether to be happy or suspicious.



Yudhisthir :- I'm so happy that you decided to come, but... if you don't mind, can I ask why this all of a sudden.

Dushala gulped seeing their intense gazes before speaking.

Dushala :- Senapati of Koshal arrived in our kingdom along with arya, he gave me this letter and told me to come along, then he dropped me here before continuing his journey back.

She told forewarding a letter to Draupadi, who opened it to go through the paragraph.

As she finished with last of letters, a smile reappeared on her face, followed by a chuckle.

Draupadi :- Govind never misses a chance to annoy others.

Yudhisthir :- What's that ?

Draupadi :- Her husband accepted being involved in war against Koshal, helping one of its enemy. So Govind gave him an ultimatum, that Dushala will be staying here with us untill and unless he comes here and apologises.

Yudhisthir :- Jayadrath helped... Dantvatra ?

Dushala noded looking down.

Draupadi :- Why for ?

Dushala :- He didn't tell me.

Yudhisthir :- (sighs) Okay, whatever. Now come inside and don't worry at all, we all are with you.

Dushala :- Thanks bhrata.

Waving the guards to take the chariot aside, they went in, showing her the palace. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'Pranam Gurudev'

With approaching afternoon, sun continued to rise up and move towards west.

Shukracharya opened his eyes to see one of his favourite student kneeling in front. A soft smile parted his lips, eyebrows relaxed as he lifted his hand to bless.

Shukracharya :- Yashasvi bhava putri.

Sumali joined her hands before bowing her head.



Shukracharya :- You here putri, is there any trouble ?

Sumali :- Even if there wasen't any trouble, couldn't any student come to see her teacher. How are you doing gurudev.

Shukracharya :- What can go wrong for me putri ? But the question is, is everything well with you ?

Sumali :- What can be hidden from you gurudev ? You already know about Karn and Dantvatra, because of which I lost almost all my powers. Technically, I have been thrown back to where I started.

Shukracharya :- I warned you before that Mayalok is itself made up of illusions, it can't alter the reality, nature has some specific rules that govern the laws of universe. You mess with the rules and nature is compelled to restore order.

Sumali :- I... apologise gurudev. I think I've learnt it the hard way, I understand that we can't compel the nature to work according to us.

Shukracharya :- I know Sumali, that's the reason you are one of my best students, but... you knowing alone ain't gonna help. Aryavarth is filled with people who just keep doing, unknown of the consequences their actions would be bringing.

Sumali :- Is there no way I can get my powers back Gurudev, that's my penance of years, I can't just let it go.

Shukracharya sighed and got up, hands held behind back as he walked towards his hut.

Shukracharya :- One of the two ways is to start over, acquire it again, it'll do you only good, you'll get better at it. Other way is to find powerful asurs who are hiding from Devs, tell them to give up their powers.

Sumali walked beside him, a tint of hope on her face.

Sumali :- Will I get all my powers back after this.

Shukracharya :- But... you or I don't know where they are taking refuge among the realms created by Lord Bramha.

Sumali :- There's a way gurudev, we can open a portal and bring them here, then it'll be a lot easier.

He stopped and turned, looking sharply at her, making her flinch, surprised by the sudden reaction.

Shukracharya :- I thought you understood that laws of nature are not to be messed with.

Sumali :- I don't understand, what laws of nature have to do with it.

Shukracharya :- After Prabhu Sri Ram killed Ravan and Vibhishan proclaimed the throne of Lanka. Devs wanted to finish the asurs all for once, but then asurs were forced to accept an ultimatum that whatever is between them and Devs, should not have any impact on mrityu lok. If any asur tries to cross this line, Devs will find a way to hunt him down. That's why when Dantvatra tried to cross the line, he was killed and all your powers taken away. Now if you open a portal to bring them here, Devs will get an excuse to go on a rampage against asurs and finish them off. They are probably waiting for this opportunity.

Saying so, he went inside, leaving Sumali behind, engrossed in her thoughts. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'Putri'

Bhanu turned to see Kunti standing near the door.

Bhanu :- Please Mata, if you're here to try and convince me, I'll request you to just leave me alone, I don't want to be here anymore. What am I here ? Am I a second grade lady who just fusses around behind her husband's back ? Am I a ***, who keeps guessing my child's father ? I'm done here.

Kunti :- I understand putri, and I'm not here to try and convince you, after whatever happened today, no woman would want to live with it. I'm glad Krishna was there, if it wasen't for him, Gandhar Raj would've succeeded in whatever he had planned.

Bhanu :- I don't know anything about Gandhar Raj, Maharaj, Maharani, but even the elders didn't believe me, my own husband questioned my dignity, yet Maharaj or Maharani didn't dare to correct him, they just stayed silent. I warn you Mata, if this continues, destruction if kuru vansh is on the way.



Kunti shook her head with heavy eyes cast down as Bhanu packed her stuff and gestured her maids to carry it out.

She touched Kunti's feet who embraced her tenderly, Bhanu felt the motherly warmth breaking her bitter walls of hatred and she burst crying.

Bhanu :- How could they do this Mata, why is this happening, why me ?

Kunti :- I know putri, I know, please get a hold of yourself, you need to stay strong, if not for yourself then for the bundle of happiness growing inside you, please.

Bhanu somehow regained her composure, wiped her tears before heading out.

Pallavi noticed Bhanu walking towards them as they stood near the palace entrance.

Bhanu :- I didn't get the opportunity due to all the chaos, congratulations Maharaj, for your marriage, I hope your family remain as happy as always.

No matter how much she tried, sarcasm came dripping from her voice, Pallavi couldn't do anything except to feel sympathy for the woman standing in front, Karn joined his hands reflecting a morose face.

Karn :- Bhanumati, I know whatever happened, I cannot reverse the time, I cannot undo what all you had to go through, just because of me, I can only say sorry...

Bhanu :- It's a little late for apologies Maharaj, have a good day.

She walked past him to her chariot, glanced back at him for one last time, he still had that guilty face on. Climbing to her seat, she gestured the charioteer to move.

Horses neighed before pulling the chariot out on the road. ----------------------------------------------------------- Standing near the balcony, Duryodhan watched the dissapearing chariot, sped towards the other end of village, tears leaving his eyes fell on the floor underneath his feet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgASxM_Ju_c

He picked a glass of wine and smashed it on the wall, screaming in agony. Stumbling down he slapped him hard on his right cheek.

Duryodhan :- How.... how could I not trust my own wife ?

He banged his head on a nearby pillar, marking the impact point with his blood.

Duryodhan :- Why you did this Mamashree ?

He picked a jug of wine and emptied it in one go before falling back on ground, tears continued to blur his vision but couldn't wipe Bhanu's smiling face flashing in front of his eyes.

Feeling a hand caressing his head, he looked up to see his mother kneeling beside.

Duryodhan :- Mata....



Gandhari :- Yes putr, I'm here, your mother is here.

Without another thought, he hugged her tightly, crying his heart out as he poured his tears on her shoulder, she patted his head and caressed his back.

Gandhari :- It's okay putr, eventually everything happens for good, let her go, I will find a better wife for my son, it's just a bad time, will eventually pass on...

As she wishpered calming words to her son, curtains fluttered due to winds, signalling an approaching rain. ----------------------------------------------------------- Radha wiped the sweat off her face before opening the door to find her son waiting.

Radha :- Vasu!

Karn smiled and touched her feet before giving her a hug.

Radha :- How are you my son ?

Karn :- I miss you a lot, can't just say how much.

She noticed a woman standing there, smiling at the mother son reunion.

Radha :- Who is she putr ?

Karn :- Oh, sorry I forgot to introduce. Meet your putra vadhu, Koshal princess, Pallavi.

Radha blessed her as she bent to touch her feet.

Radha :- Sada saubhagyavati bhava putri.

She turned and looked at him sharply.

Radha :- What's all this Vasu ? Have you decided that you will never invite me to your wedding, can't I bless my son when he walks around sacred fire.

Karn :- It was quickie, all just happened.

Radha :- Okay, just come inside first.

Shivangi came running and hugged her brother excitedly.

Shivangi :- Wow Jeysth, you're back, and where's my gift, I can't see any.

Radha :- Your brother is here to meet you, ain't it a gift itself.

Shivangi pouted, making others chuckle.

Karn :- If you want, you can come with me to Indraprasth, I'll make sure that princess is well taken care of and given a good tour across the kingdom.

Shivangi :- Cool.

Radha :- You're just spoiling her more.

Shivangi passed a puppy smile.

Shivangi :- (pointing to Pallavi) Who is she by the way ?

Karn :- She's your bhabhi, won't you greet her.

Shivangi :- Bhabhi ? I thought you were already married, where's bhabhi Draupadi ?

Karn :- It's a long story, I can say that it just happened.

They all settled chatting, Shivangi took Pallavi for a walk in backyard.

Karn sat next to his mother as she peeled some peas.

Karn :- I want to... say something, Mata.

Radha :- And what is it.

Karn :- I... I don't feel good...

Radha :- Why ?

Karn :- I... this unknown guilt is now eating me up, I don't know, I want to forget it but it's impossible, and I can't even just let it go, what shall I do.

Radha :- Did you do something wrong ? Or something that you think you regret.

Karn :- Kind of, I regret that I thought of helping someone, I regret tried to do something good, I regret unknowingly becoming the cause of someone else's trouble.



Radha :- That's your problem Vasu, anything happens and your thinking takes you to another level, you start to imagine things that ain't gonna happen. I understand putr that you want to keep yourself prepared for whatever's to come but there's a difference between imagination and reality, we can only predict future, we don't know what will actually happen.

Karn :- It's not that Radha maa, its... I don't know how this happened but....

He narrated the tale of their conversation with other members.

Karn :- I really didn't knew everything will turn out this way, and I would become a third person in my cousin's marriage.

Radha :- Hmmm... okay answer me, did you see her differently...

Karn :- No, not at all, I had nothing to do with her, I had my own wife to look after.

Radha :- Did you had any other thoughts while helping her, did you wanted to take advantage...

Karn :- What rubbish are you just blabbering ? Why would I do that ? No.

Radha :- Then you are worrying unnecessarily, whatever happened has nothing to do with you, so, just try to forget about it.

Karn :- But..

Radha :- You didn't do anything wrong, you didn't had any bad intention, you didn't had an eye on her, so why feel guilty when did nothing wrong.

Karn :- Yeah, probably right. But... I've noticed something.

Radha :- What ?

Karn :- The way she looks at me, her eyes, they seem to be saying something to me, I don't know what but her gaze always makes me uncomfortable, that isn't how someone looks at an acquaintant.

Radha :- Maybe she has something for you, who knows.

Karn snapped at her to see her sniffling a laughter, which broke as she looked at her son's face.

Karn :- What's so funny ?

Radha :- Oh my son, you're impossible, stop imagining stupid things and go, meet your father and brother before leaving.

Karn :- Fine, going.

He made an annoyed face and went out. ----------------------------------------------------------- I a cold dark room, the only source of light was a small lamp hanging next to wall with help of a nail, it's fluttering light showed weapons all around, indicating that it was an armoury.

A man in white dhoti could be seen practicing with a sword. Tensed posture and taut muscles radiating his aura, his feet tapped the floor as he sped across the hall, slicing dummy soldiers with his sharp blade.

Curly blackish brown hair tied up in a ponytail behind his head probably to confuse his enemies.

Suddenly the door creaked and entered a soldier, bowing his head.

Soldier :- Yuvraj, we found her.

His lips curled up forming a smirk as his sword ripped open the last of rag toys lying across the hall. His laughter echoed within the rough dark walls, as he stabbed the sword in ground.



He is yuvraj of Ajmer, Danddhar, son of Maharaj Alambush.

He took a necklace and tossed it to the soldiers, who happily accepted it and went away, closing the door behind.

Danddhar :- Time for some payback princess.

He laughed touching the scar on his right eye. ----------------------------------------------------------- Evening passed by and night slowly descended, dense clouds adding to the spreading darkness.

Leaving a trail of dust behind, Kapi Dhwaj entered the palace of Indraprasth.

Shivangi :- Wow.

Lanterns burning across mirrors illuminated the entire palace as if during a day, reflecting it's beauty to farthest lands of aryavarth.

Krishna halted the chariot and they were welcomed by family members. Brothers shared a group hug, before 5 of them took elder's blessing.

Karn saw Draupadi standing there with folded arms, probably waiting for him to notice, he took a deep breath before deciding to speak.

Karn :- Panchali...

He stopped seeing her raised palm, clear indication that she wasen't in mood to listen any of excuses.

Draupadi :- Come with me to the garden, lets have a talk then.

He nodded, not before glancing at his friend to get a wink, then followed her to the royal garden.

Rukmini :- You seem a bit tired arya, should take some rest.

Krishna :- No, I'm not tired at all, rather, I am more refreshed and looking forward for some entertainment.

She blushed and gave him a 'will see you afterwards' look.

Bheem put his arm around Shivangi's shoulder.

Bheem :- Good that you came Shivangi, I was so in of a person to help me with the new recipes.

Shivangi :- Ya, I'm so excited to taste those.

Arjun :- But I was thinking someone would like to have a tour of kingdom.... I think I'm better off alone.

Shivangi :- Bhrata Arjun, I know I'm a bit childish, but I'm sure as hell not stupid, and don't you dare leave without me.

She tried to put up a threatening face, making others chuckle.

Jhanvi turned to go but Krishna caught her arm. She looked at her brother, who pointed at Pallavi.

Krishna :- She's your friend, won't you take her in.

Jhanvi made an irritated face, but went to see her sakhi as they went inside. ----------------------------------------------------------- Sitting on a bench surrounded by flowers swaying in the light monsoon breeze, Draupadi pulled out a scroll, same one that she had kept with herself since morning.

Draupadi :- So, how did it happen ?

Karn :- It just happened, there's no explanation, all of a sudden everything was decided, events followed one after the other and just went by.

Draupadi :- Were you up for it ?

Karn :- What do you think ? Would I be ?

She scanned her husband's expression, trying to find some guilt, but all she could feel was inexpressible melancholy.

Draupadi :- If you wern't, then why did you agree to it, you could've just said no, or any other excuse, why simply accept ?

Karn :- Because your Govind would've convinced me anyway, moreover it was my Mamashree's wish to get me married to princess, how could I've simply rejected it, won't it be a clear disrespect.

She got up, looking at him with fuming eyes, he sighed knowing that his words were rather fuelling her anger.

Draupadi :- So your Mamashree's wish is more important that your wife's happiness, your Mamashree's respect has more priority than your wife's approval. Do you even know how much hurt your actions have caused me, do you know how I felt hearing of that proposal, I just couldn't believe that you agreed to it right away, atleast you could've asked me once, talked to me, why arya.

She turned and went near other block of flowers, taking long breaths to calm her anger.

He noticed the scroll lying on her side and picked it up, his eyes widened in surprise as he read the letters printed with red ink, then glanced at his wife again before a smile broke on his relieving face.

'So Madhav had everything prepared beforehand'

He chuckled mentally before walking towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist, he rested his head on her shoulder.

Karn :- I'm sorry for whatever happened and you didn't get to have a say in it, that you wern't beside me when all that was going on, I'll do anything to make it up for you.

She squeezed herself from his embrace and turned to the other side again.

Karn :- Look, I know you're angry and hurt, Panchali, I'll accept any punishment you have for me, I won't even question it, but please, don't punish our child for the mistake I did.

She looked at him with pure surprise.

Draupadi :- How.... did... you... know ? I never said a word about it.

Karn :- I was probably 5 when Amrit was born and 11 when Radha maa gave birth to twins, Shon and Shivangi. I have seen that women start to have some anger issues, irritation, their demeanor starts to change and all that.

She thought for a moment before putting up a stern face again.

Draupadi :- It still dosen't change whatever you've done, whatever the hurt you've caused me.

Karn :- Panchali, atleast listen...

Draupadi :- I don't wan to talk arya leave.

Karn :- You want me to leave huh. Well, it's probably the best thing to do, just leave.

She slowly turned to look at him.

Karn :- When I went to Dronacharya to ask, he told me to leave, my gurudev told me to leave, Suchitra told me to leave, Radha maa told me to leave, to join my blood family, Mata told me to leave, to establish a kingdom here. Wherever I go, I hear one thing 'Just leave', is 'leaving', the only solution to a problem, then I shouldn't be anywhere. I know that I've always caused hurt, not only to you, but almost everyone who's been close to me, no matter what I do, I will always cause hurt. That's why I asked you before our marriage, that you mind marrying me or not, because I knew I will cause hurt, no matter how much I try to avoid it. I'm sorry, you're... you're right, I should just leave.

He wiped his tears and started walking away, just then, with a loud thunder roar, it started raining.



Draupadi watched her husband's retreating figure through glassy eyes.

Draupadi :- Arya!

He stopped, slowly turning around, not expecting what he saw, she immediately ran and hugged him tightly, sobbing in the safe embrace of her love.

Draupadi :- Where are you going ? Will you leave me again ? I can't live without you. I love you arya... I you love...

She managed to confess between her sobs.

Karn :- Never, I will never leave you, how can I live happily, leaving my bundle of happiness behind in the darkness.

Tilting her head up, he kissed her softly, holding her trembling figure to himself. ------------ Rukmini sadly looked at the couple in garden and turned to her soulmate.

Rukmini :- Is it really necessary arya.

Krishna sighed deeply caressing her left cheek.

Krishna :- Some promises are meant to be broken.



----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

Such a long chapter (wipes my sweat) I guess it should be enough to compensate for late updates.

How was Bhanu's choice ?

What will Shakuni and Dussasan do to convince Duryodhan ?

Will Duryodhan try to move on or will he try to convince Bhanu ?

Seems like Awantika's past will come face to face soon.

What did Krishna mean to say ? What's gonna happen ?



Guess who ? Vrushali's twin sister, Mitravinda.

One more thing, Shivangi's character is inspired by my sister Ambalikeya_Priyaseni Not for now, but it'll be clear as she will grow up.

Target :- 75 votes.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

Will see you in the next chapter, untill then, take care and bye.