A new day at Indraprasth started with rush, workers running around preparing for the departure of princes and queen for their respective journeys. Gathered near the palace gate, brothers shared some small talk and teasing.
Yudhisthir touched Karn's feet, who smiled and pulled him in a hug.
Karn :- Always stay blessed dear brother.
He then turned to his wife, Maharani of Indraprasth, standing next to him.
Karn :- Please, be safe.
Draupadi :- I will arya, no need to worry too much.
Karn :- I know, I just can't help it... you should leave early, Sivi is far off and it's better to reach before sunset.
Draupadi :- You too take care arya.
He gave her a reassuring nod and patted Yudi's back, escorting them towards their chariots.
Draupadi looked back at her husband with confusion when she noticed Kapi Dhwaj resting next to Yudhisthir's chariot.
Draupadi :- What's your chariot doing here arya ? And where's my palki.
Karn :- My love, you are not only my wife, but also Maharani of Indraprasth, wherever you go, you represent this kingdom and its people. And so, let Kapi Dhwaj do its job.
She gave him a side hug and nod before taking her seat on the chariot. A group of horse riders surrounded the chariots and Yudhisthir signalled them to leave. And with snapping of whips, horses ran ahead, driving the chariots along.
'Jeysth'
Turning to face his other 4 younger brothers, Karn did fold his arms, watching them amused.
Karn :- I see, you all seem rather excited for your journeys.
Nakul :- I wanted to go with bhrata Yudhisthir... but, Sahdev's gonna need my help.
He said grinning at his younger brother, who raised his eyebrows at him.
Sahdev :- I never said that, neither did I stop you.
Nakul :- Oh come on, I've seen you grow up, I know what you want or what not.
Sahdev :- I'm surprised you were the only one who didn't remember my birthday.
Arjun and Bheem laughed at this, Karn shook his head.
'They'll never grow up'
He thought and looked at other two.
Karn :- What about you two ?
Arjun :- I've heard that there is a temple of Mata Annapurna on the way to Manipur, so why not go there and seek blessing.
Karn :- Hmmm... great!
Pristi came towards them followed by a few servants carrying Vikram on a stretcher, making the brothers glance at each other.
Karn :- What happened to this guy ?
Pristi :- Actually he drank a lot yesternight and fell ill, I had to give him some sleeping pills to help him get some rest.
Sahdev observed the fragile man lying passed out.
Sahdev :- Looks pretty bad, I don't think he's very much in condition to travel.
Karn :- Does he have a drinking habit, if... you don't mind me asking.
Pristi :- Uh... yeah, it's been years, no matter how much I tried, he won't give it up.
Arjun :- I don't wanna upset you but if he continues at this rate it's just a matter of time when there won't be anything left to save.
She visibily frowned, looking at her sleeping brother.
Karn :- Things haven't gone that far yet and there's still a lot of time for you to figure something out. And now don't waste your time standing, if you're here to start your journey early, better do it.
5 brothers shared a group hug before they mounted on their respective horses.
Another battalion of armed horse riders left following the prices along the highway.
Pallavi came to stand beside her husband as they watched the horses sped away towards their designated directions.
Karn :- So now only we are left here.
Pallavi :- Having spent so much time with your family, it's starts to feel lonely seeing them leave.
Karn :- Yeah.
He sighed and turned to face her.
Karn :- Lets get to work, I wanna finish it soon today so I can have some free time.
Pallavi :- If you need any help, I'm always there.
Karn :- Thanks.
He passed her a soft smile before walking away, Pallavi stood there gazing around, when something entering her brain made her smile.
Pallavi :- I should get some paintings done.
She thought and went towards her chamber with palace gates closing behind her.
Afternoon sun reached its zenith indicating the end of first half of the day.
Arjun spotted a flag, standing high up ahead in the way.
Arjun :- I can see a little crowd and some carts, maybe the temple's not far.
Bheem :- There must be a lake somewhere close, lets stop there and everyone can take some rest.
In the center of an open field, temple of Mata Annapurna rested with all its glory, decorated with carvings and statues, travellers and tourists going inside and out, kids playing around, horses and bulls resting in the shade of bulky trees.
They wound up near the lake at the back of temple, Arjun quickly cleaned up and got ready to visit. Bheem looked up at him and chuckled.
Bheem :- Go ahead anuj, I'll stay here for some more.
Arjun :- If that's what you want.
Saying so, he grabbed his bow and left, whistling carefree as he ignored the gazes of villagers, specially girls.
When climbing up the stairs, he noticed that the entrance was small enough that only one person at a time can enter through it. He shrugged it off and went ahead, only to be bumped by another guy. Annoyed, he turned to see a soldier, no, a warrior glaring at him.
He wore a golden armour with a matching dhoti, a sword tied to his waist, a quiver filled with arrows attached to his back, a medium sized bow that he tightly gripped in his palm. He looked rugged, as if coming straight from battlefield. Unknown to Arjun, he (actually she) is Chitrangada, Manipur princess, due to her horase voice, it's difficult to identify her in disguise.
Chitrangada :- Where do you think you're going Mr ? Can't you see that only one person can enter the door at a time.
Arjun :- Yeah, I can see that, and I am alone, I don't have anybody with me at the moment.
Chitrangada :- That's not what I meant.
Arjun :- Then ?
Chitrangada :- Both of us cannot enter together.
Arjun :- But when were we going inside together ? As well as I can remember I was going alone.
Chitrangada :- But you don't have the permission to step inside before me.
Arjun :- Why ?
Chitrangada :- Because I came here first.
Arjun :- How can you say that ?
Chitrangada :- How did you decide that you will go inside first, ha ?
Arjun :- Look, I am a traveller, I have to pray and proceed ahead. So will you please step aside so I can go.
He tried to step inside but princess blocked his way, making him irritated.
Chitrangada :- True devotees are not concerned whether the worship is causing them delay.
Arjun :- Same thing goes for you then. But if not this, I am elder to you, can I now step inside.
Chitrangada :- Being elder dosen't mean you'd get to snatch youngster's rights whenever you want.
Arjun :- And asking for your rights dosen't mean you should disrespect elders.
Villagers who were waiting in queue to enter the temple were getting irritated by their banter. An elderly man approached them.
Man :- Will you both keep arguing or proceed ahead too. Can't you see the increasing length of queue of devotees.
Arjun :- Kaka, I myself am very eager to go inside, but this boy is continuously stopping my way.
They all turned to look at her.
Chitrangada :- I stopped him because he was trying to go inside before me, when I was the one to come here first.
Arjun :- How can that be true, I never even saw you coming untill you bumped yourself on me.
Villagers gathered around them, and the elderly man spoke again.
Man :- Look, it's futile to argue like this, both of you are wasting everyone's time.
Chitrangada :- Tell him to let me go inside first, and this will all be over.
Arjun :- A few minutes ago, I might've given you the permission to go inside first, even now, if you think you can talk a little more respectfully.
Chitrangada :- You don't own me for imposing your so called words, I do whatever I want, however I want.
Man :- Why don't both of you step away, argue among yourselves and decide who will go inside first. Meanwhile let us proceed.
Chitrangada :- I accept, come on, show me that the dhanush you hold is not just a showpiece. Winner shall enter the temple first.
Arjun :- Look kid, I came here to worship Mata Annapurna, not to waste my time showing skills, I'd love to, but not at this time. Okay, you can go inside first, I'm giving you the permission.
Chitrangada :- I don't want your permission, I want my right.
Arjun :- What does it have to do with this ? If that makes you happy, I'm giving you the right to enter the temple first.
Chitrangada :- Rights are not given as alms, they are earned through merits.
Arjun took a deep breath, tapping his spinning head a few times.
Arjun :- You, are really out of your mind boy, neither are you going inside or are letting me. Are you noticing what's coming out from your mouth.
Chitrangada :- Either have a duel with me or keep standing.
Arjun :- Okay okay okay!!! Lets go. But, remember, you are the one dragging us into this, so don't blame me for wasting your time later.
She walked away without another word, followed by him, wondering what this kid might be upto.
Selecting a particular tough trunk tree, she drew her sword out and scratched a big cross. Arjun shrugged, wanting to slap his forehead but controlled.
Chitrangada :- Lets see who has a higher precision, the one whose arrow is more accurate, will be the winner.
Then they moved back to a reasonable distance and she gestured him to go for the first try.
Arjun :- You wanted to enter the temple first, then why this generosity here ? Why don't you take the first try ?
Chitrangada :- You will regret it the rest of your life if you give me the first chance.
Arjun :- We'll see that later, first you go.
She shook her head and picked up a grass weed, raising it up to take a note of wind force. Then raised her bow to take aim, tilting it slightly towards left to overcome the deflection, then swiftly released the arrow. The arrow went and preiced exactly the center of cross. To which she smirked, Arjun looked surprised.
Arjun :- Well done boy, that was awesome.
Chitrangada :- Now's your turn, show me how you won't regret giving me the first chance.
Arjun :- So let me see what I can do.
She gave him an arrow, which he gladly accepted and took his stance, aiming for his target. He pulled the arrow upto his ear and released it, followed by a loud twang from the strings, his arrow sliced her's into two halves, hitting the center of cross and proceeded to rip the tree trunk.
Her eyes seemed as if they'd pop out any second, her gaze wandered back and forth from him and target.
Chitrangada :- How did you do that ?
Arjun :- Practice definitely helps. But its not your fault, your dhanush cannot provide sufficient energy to your arrow so that it can overcome the wind force. Still your archery is commendable. Can I go for my prayer now ?
Chitrangada :- Not yet. It's still not decided who's the winner, both our arrows hit the target perfectly.
Arjun :- What do you want ? I don't know about that but now I'm pretty sure you'd need a good piece of mind.
Chitrangada :- I challenge you for a spar, defeat me and you can go.
'Anuj'
They heard a voice from behind and saw Bheem approaching them along with some soldiers.
Bheem :- I thought you'd be in the temple seeing how excited you were for your visit, but you're here fooling around with this bo.... princess ?
Arjun :- I want to go there but this kid here is.... wait, what did you say ?
Chitrangada :- Pandu putr Bheemsen.
Bheem noded in acceptance, noticing his brother's confused face.
Bheem :- I know you haven't met her before, she is Chitrangada, princess of Manipur.
Arjun :- Princess ? He is actually a woman...
Chitrangada :- I am my father's only son.
She then turned to face Bheem.
Chitrangada :- Are you here to only to visit this temple or there's something else, I'm surprised Maharaj Karn didn't think to inform us about this visit.
Bheem :- Topic of discussion is rather urgent, so we decided to act on it before it got out of hand.
She sighed and put her sword back.
Chitrangada :- Okay, now that you're here to visit Manipur, I welcome you to our kingdom, you can take your time for worship and then we can proceed ahead.
They all walked away towards the temple to finish up and continue the journey.
Hearing knocks on the door to her home, Shivangi opened the door to find Gandhar Raj Shakuni and yuvraj Duryodhan standing there. She immediately joined her hands and greeted them.
Shivangi :- Pranipat yuvraj, Gandhar Raj, here, please come inside.
Shakuni :- Kalyan ho putri.
He said as they entered and sat down on the sofa set in the middle of room.
Shakuni :- We're here to meet your elder brother, will you let him know.
Shivangi :- Okay, I'll go and inform him, he returned yesterday only.
Duryodhan asked her for a glass of water and she went away to get some sweets along. Few minutes later, Amrit came there followed by Sumali and greeted them.
Duryodhan gave his friend a warm hug and received it back. Shakuni stared at the woman standing there, with his eyes slowly widening in realisation.
Sumali :- Pranam kakashree.
Shakuni :- Putri Sumali ?
Sumali :- Yes, it's been years since we last saw each other, and you haven't changed, except for your walking style.
Shakuni :- But you putri, have grown up and matured, how have you been. I even sent my spies to search for your capital but they returned empty handed.
Duryodhan :- Do you two know each other ?
Amrit :- Yeah, she is Sumali, daughter of Asur Raj Devantak, apparently who is Gandhar Raj's friend. Am I right ?
Shakuni :- Yes, but how do you know her.
Amrit :- She is also a student of Shukracharya, like me.
Shakuni turned to her in surprise.
Shakuni :- You're also Shukracharya deciple.
Sumali :- He taught me the spiritual magic, hypnotism and other stuff.
Shakuni :- What a pleasant surprise!
Her eyes noticed Duryodhan's downcast eyes and slumped shoulders. He looked at her for a brief moment but when saw her observing him, turned away.
Shakuni :- How about you two go have a walk and chat, I want to talk to my niece, and its rather important.
Duryodhan :- She's you niece ?
Shakuni :- I will explain later on, go now.
Amrit noded and dragged him away while Shakuni followed Sumali out in the courtyard.
Sumali :- I think it's safe, so kakashree, why did you send spies to search for us.
Shakuni :- I wanted your father's help with a few things, situation is slowly getting out of hand for me to control.
Sumali :- Well.... he's... no more.
He got up and stared at her in disbelief.
Shakuni :- What!!!! When ?
Sumali :- Been a while, that was a major reason I went to guru Shukracharya, seeking his acceptance.
Shakuni :- How did he die ?
Sumali :- Killed... he was killed by... that backstabbing snake.... Shanku. But I avenged him, I married Dantvatra and made him powerful using all my powers, who defeated and killed Shanku.
Shakuni :- Hmmm... it must be hard, seeing your loved ones die in front of your own very eyes, and you couldn't do anything about it, it hurts, everyday, every hour, every... moment.
He stopped to hold back the chocking voice.
Shakuni :- Nevertheless, you are here now, and we can work together on my plan.
Sumali :- I... can't help you either.
Shakuni :- Now what's the matter ?
Sumali :- My husband... we, I don't think it was a marriage, he didn't love me, I didn't love him, it was more of an agreement. That he will kill Shanku for me and in return I'll help him marry Koshal princess.
Shakuni :- So that's the deal, not problem, Duryodhan will take care of it, that Koshal princess will be at your feet whenever you want.
Sumali :- That not the case.
Taking a heavy sigh, she turned to the other side.
Sumali :- We tried to win over Koshal, but our plan severely backfired. The two friends, Pandu putr Karn and Vasudev Krishna made sure nothing worked according to plan, and Dantvatra being killed by Karn was the result. Not only this, due to Ajeya Kameshti yagya not being fulfilled, all my powers were taken away and now I am nothing but an ordinary woman.
Shakuni :- Karn.... Vasudev Krishna... you met... fought with them. I want to know everything about it. Why don't you come with me to the palace, I'll order the servants to arrange for your stay. I want to know everything you know about Krishna. He is the biggest obstacle in my way. Come on, let us leave. ------------ Meanwhile,
Duryodhan walked along with his friend to a nearby 4 way lane, mostly deserted.
Amrit :- You know, I heard... what happened, about yuvrani Bhanumati.
Duryodhan :- Yeah..... I'm sure everyone would've known by now.
Amrit :- I'm, sorry to hear that.
Duryodhan :- You shouldn't be, you had nothing to do with it.
Amrit :- How did things get so bad, if you don't mind me asking ? I thought you were.... you know, peaceful. I never saw it coming...
Duryodhan :- But I did, probably a long time ago, I was just living in denial, false hope. And it's mostly my fault, I never trusted her, not completely, so how could I've expected her to trust me.
Amrit :- How are you holding up ?
Duryodhan :- Not so good, but not that bad either, can be better explained by the term 'temporary emptiness'. I was kinda used to, having her around, guess I'll have to revert back to old days.
Amrit :- I'm sure, one day you can find someone you can trust, and who can trust you.
Duryodhan :- I don't think that's even possible, I'm done with this marriage thing. It's better not to risk giving my trust and love to someone only to have it shattered on the floor.
Amrit :- Don't say that, you never know what might happen. Maybe there's someone born for you, you just haven't met her yet.
Duryodhan :- Well.... whatever, I don't want to talk about it anymore. Tell me, how was your trip...
They heard a commotion nearby and decided to check it.
'Burn down this house'
'How dare she stay with a man without being married'
'Such a disgrace'
'How could she do this'
A small crowd was gathered near Malini's residence, with people continuously muttering vile things, some men were shouting at the top of their voice.
Smell of something burning went up with smoke.
Seeing Duryodhan approaching, they hastily stepped aside, giving him way to front. Amrit saw Malini's standing there along with her parents, whose heads were bowed with shame. She had tears in her eyes as she looked at him. A small fire was lit in the center with most of her clothes already turned to ashes.
Duryodhan :- What's going on over here ?
A middle aged man stepped ahead and bowed.
Man :- Yuvraj, this woman has made our neighborhood impure, she stayed with a man even though she wasen't married to him. If you don't believe us, ask your Senanayak standing beside you. So we are here to evacuate her and her family away.
Duryodhan turned to his friend with a questioning look.
Duryodhan :- Mitr....
Amrit gestured the man come near him, who came upto him and stood in front.
Amrit :- What did you say ? I didn't hear you properly... say that again.
Man :- I....
Before he could say anything, a strong had caught his neck and lifted him up in the air.
Amrit :- What are you trying to say, I don't understand, say it clearly.
Man chocked as his air supply was cut by Amrit's tightening grip, his body withered in the air like a trapped snake.
Finally he released the grip and the man feel down, frantically gasping for air
Amrit :- Does anybody has to say anything else.
People stepped back, fearing who might be the next.
Amrit :- Just so you know.
He took a hold of struggling man's right arm and twisted it, cracking the shoulder bone, forcing a scream out of his mouth.
Amrit :- Next time I hear any of this nonsense, this (pointing to the injured man) will be your fate, now Get Lost!!!
After everyone left, he turned to face her and wiped her tears.
Amrit :- You know that you haven't done anything wrong. No need to go anywhere and I'll make sure no one as much as raises a finger.
Malini :- Thank you.
She said escorting her parents inside who looked visibly shaken, they thanked him and prince before leaving.
Duryodhan :- Well, that was one hell of a show there.
Amrit :- I don't take that crap very well, I know I was bit impatient but that's how I am. I don't like to wait, whatever's needed to be done, I'd do it right there and then.
Duryodhan :- Lets go the palace and have a good talk along with some tea, I'm sure Mamashree might be having something to tell us.
Amrit :- You're on, lets go. I could use some refreshment.
With sun moving down the western horizon indicating a fast approaching evening, Yudhisthir and Draupadi's chariots entered the palace of Sivi.
Devika welcomed her friend with an excited hug, maids raining flowers on them from either side of carpeted lane.
Devika :- Wow, Maharani of Indraprasth living with full sway huh.
She said pointing to the radiant Golden chariot.
Draupadi :- It's actually...
Devika :- Whatever it is, we'll talk later, it would've been an awful long journey, please come inside and let me show you a little of our speciality.
Draupadi :- Why not, I'm your guest here, it's your responsibility.
Yudhisthir greeted Maharaj Chandrasen.
Yudhisthir :- Pranipat, Maharaj.
Chandrasen :- Welcome, Yuvraj Yudhisthir. I'm grateful that you came here to take part in my daughter's swayamvar, I'm also very grateful to Maharaj Karn, to adhere to my request.
Devika :- Pitashree, here, meet my Sakhi Draupadi, and sakhi, meet my father.
Draupadi touched his feet, to which he blessed her wholeheartedly.
Chandrasen :- Sukhi raho putri (Stay happy).
Draupadi :- And I forgot to introduce, meet bhrata Yudhisthir, Mata Kunti's second son in line.
Devika :- Pranipat.
Yudhisthir passed an acknowledging smile.
Devika :- Now don't be standing here, come inside, I've ordered all the preparations for your stay.
As they walked inside, Devika glanced at Yudi, to find him looking at her, she gave him a wink before leading the way for her friend.
Few days pass away peacefully all around. Another night dawned upon skies of Indraprasth, beckoning the start of a day's end.
Karn entered the dining room all exhausted after whole day's work, only to see his wife waiting for him.
Pallavi :- Finally... I thought you were planning to stay there all night.
Karn :- Well, handling everything on your own is definitely hetic.
He pulled a seat and slumped down, pouring a glass of water for himself.
Karn :- Moreover I can't get this headache go away.
Fixing a plate, she began to serve him the dinner while he massaged his forehead.
Karn :- No no, not that much, I don't feel hungry today.
Pallavi :- Only this! Are you alright arya, you didn't even came back for lunch and now again.
She checked his forehead for fever but it felt nothing more than warm.
Karn :- It's okay, I just am not in the right mood. Last 12 hours all meetings one after the other.
He sighed and poured himself another glass as she took a seat beside him. Looking at her questioningly, he put the glass down.
Karn :- What are you waiting for ? Won't you have your dinner ?
Pallavi :- It's okay, you eat, I'll go get something for your headache.
Karn :- It'll be fine, take a plate, join me.
She shrugged and fixed another plate for herself and they ate silently together, slow breeze entered through the windows, trying to soothe his tensed brain cells.
Pallavi :- Any news from brothers ?
Karn :- Nope, I'm surprised none of them bothered to write back.
Pallavi :- Maybe they're too busy enjoying their stay that it didn't strike their mind.
Karn :- Maybe, I just hope they are fine and happy wherever at the moment they might be.
Pallavi :- That leaves us, sitting here in a room having a quiet dinner, bored to hell with nothing to do.
Turning his head, he glanced at her as she continued eating, looking adorable in dark grey saree covered with colourful decorations.
Diamond earrings swaying by the side of her beautiful face, it's probably the first time in the day that he properly noticed her. She looked at him via corner of her eyes and a smile appeared, making her blush.
A hand waving in front of his face broke his chain of thoughts. Pallavi had her eyebrows raised as she eyed him, making him realise he must've zoned out.
Pallavi :- Are you even there ? What happened ?
Karn :- Uh... oh nothing.
He turned back to finishing the dinner.
Karn :- I... uh... wanted to say... you look good today.
She checked her dress and glanced back at him, confused.
Pallavi :- Okay... thanks.
After another few minutes of silence, he looked at her again.
Karn :- You know, I was thinking. A small fair is being organized in adjoining village, some people came asking for donations and invited us for a visit. What do you think, should we give it try ?
He said washing his hands having finished and went for a towel.
Pallavi :- Why not, it'll be a great distraction from work stress and I haven't been to any such place in a long time. And I think we should go there disguised as common people, I don't want all that publicity and chaos.
She removed the plates and remaining food from the table.
Karn :- Sure, we can do that, so be ready tommorow morning, I'll divide the duties between courtiers, I hope this gives us enough time to roam around.
Pallavi :- But make sure to take some rest, you've been working a lot lately.
Karn :- I know, and you too.
She gave him a warm smile before walking away, he thought of asking her to stay but shook his head and left for his own chamber.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr8RaNuWjWc
------------
With first rays of sun in the morning, two people snuck away through a secret passage, avoiding the guards as they exited the royal palace.
They laughed when he told her about his childhood mischiefs, both had tried their best to disguise themselves. Karn wore a loose shirt along with white dhoti, a dagger tied to his waist for protection, a turban that had been tilted and pulled down to hide his earrings and some fake beard. Pallavi wore a pink dress with matching skirt and dupatta, and a bare minimum of makeup, making her look more ordinary.
Pallavi :- So, how's you plan for the day.
He pointed towards a cart standing nearby, which she looked at, in surprise.
Pallavi :- When did you do all these preparations arya ?
Karn :- Well, after Varnavrat, I have all this arranged 24 × 7, better not to take any chances, and we can use it now.
He motioned her to follow and helped her climb up then himself took his seat and patted the bull to start moving.
He gave her a tour of nearby villages all while laughing and chatting as they went, they also stopped at a small motel catching some breakfast before heading for the fair.
Children squealing with delight as they saw the cart sped up past their houses, Pallavi glanced up at the clear sky, cool wind caressing her face, a content smile made its way to her lips.
Visitors from far off places had gathered near the market place to take part, noise of surrounding was defeaning. Crowd was, indeed, so large that they couldn't continue on their cart anymore.
Different kind of stalls here and there everywhere, they went on from one shop to the other, checking out unique items. Spices, clothes and toys were centers of great attention.
Puppet shows, magicians and stuntmen handling their shows and children viewing them with excitement.
She tried on some dresses and also made him try some, and he purchased a golden necklace which she found attractive.
They enjoyed their time together roaming carefree, chatting, exchanging life stories etc, all in all things went peaceful and full of memories.
With the end of the day, they found themselves laying in a grassy field under the clear starry sky.
Karn :- Now that was a great day!
Pallavi :- Yeah, I loved it, thank you arya.
Karn :- No, thanks to you, your suggestion made this day memorable, at one point I wasn't even considering coming but see, here we are.
She smiled at him, eyeing his handsome face. With some hesitation, she rested her head on his broad chest, and he pulled her close, making her smile more as she wrapped her arm around him, feeling his heartbeats.
Pallavi :- This moment, it's so peaceful, I never want it to end.
Karn :- Neither do I.
He sighed and noticed that she was already asleep, and closed his own eyes, slowly drifting into land of dreams.
But just as he relaxed howling of a pack of wolves echoed from close by, alarming them both, she looked at him, concerned, to which he gave her an assuring nod.
Karn :- Stay near the cart, I'll go and check.
Pallavi :- Please be careful.
Karn :- Try not to make any sound, I'll be right back.
Saying so, he pulled the dagger out and went ahead, scanning through the bushes and around bulky trees.
It was there that he saw four, no five wolves who were staring at a Bramhan laying unconsious under a tree, his chest continued to rise and fall, indicating that he might be still alive.
Karn quietly took his stance, and whistled, grabbing their attention and began running as they followed with saliva dripping mouths, with some difficulty he managed to confuse them in the maze of tall trees and returned back.
'Arya... you okay ?'
Pallavi said as she saw him panting.
Karn :- I'm fine, but what are you doing here, I told you to stay back.
Pallavi :- I just wanted to check, you were gone for a while and I couldn't stop worrying.
He shook his head and gave her a hug before walking up near the Bramhan, patting his face to wake him up.
Karn :- Kaka... kaka wake up.
Pallavi :- I'll get some water, he looks weak.
She ran back and quickly bought a pouch of water, handing it to him.
He took a few drops and sprinkled it on Bramhan's face, making him squirm and then open his eyes.
Bramhan got up and looked around, then he saw a young couple sitting near him, man held a pouch of water in his hand.
He stood up and glared at them angrily, his eyes emitting fury.
Bramhan :- You fool!!!! Look what you've done.
Karn and Pallavi looked at each other, shocked inside out, why the man they helped is fuming at them.
Bramhan :- You broke my penance, all these years I spent in devotion for my lord, you made it all go waste. How could you!!!!
Karn :- Bramhan dev... it's... not what you think...
Bramhan :- Then what is it ?
Pallavi :- Some wolves.... were... going to... attack... my... husband... he saved you... by distracting them away.
Bramhan :- That was a very lame excuse to think of, before blessings their devotees with their divine presence, Gods take several tests to see if our devotion for them is true, that could've been one of them.
Karn :- What if it... was not ?
Bramhan :- I would've gladly accept what Prabhu thought would be best for me, but you had to interrupt everything. So go, I curse you both to turn into wolves and spend your life mourning for your deed.
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Oh my my!!!!! What now ? Will Karn and Pallavi be able to save themselves from the curse ? Or Will it change their lives forever ?
Ship for Arjun and Chitrangada has already left the shore, where will it end up ?
Poor Sahdev, who's going to be his better half, and how ?
Will Draupadi find out about secret between Yudi and Devi.
Scene is slowly setting for Duryodhan and Sumali, could two wounded souls heal each other.
Keep reading to find out.
Target :- 71 votes.
Word count :- 5497 words.
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Will see you in the next chapter, untill then, take care and bye.