Hey there guys, here is the 15th chapter! Please do vote and comment if you want another update soon. 💕

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It was late afternoon, the sun shone lazily through the clouds, warming up the whole palace pleasantly as the cold winter approached. Aarohi was in the Royal library, alone. She had a sudden desire to compare the medical knowledge of this era to what she had learned in the modern times. Rummaging through the large and intricately designed wooden bookcases she sighed wearily and proceeded to search for a book on medical practices and medicinal herbs that would fit her requirements.

All the bad things that had happened to her over the past week, even the past month since she started time traveling... everything that kept her up at night and stopped her from smiling during the day, was almost forgotten or at the very least... buried deep inside her heart, concealed from anyone and everyone. Aarohi had pulled herself together as if those moments of pain and weakness had never happened.

No, she wouldn't let this break her. Never.

"Aha! Found you." She exclaimed, clapping her hands together. She had found the perfect book! Her eyes twinkled, thinking about the interesting things she was going to study. Learning about something that had her interest could never bore her. She extended her arm and stood on her tip toes to reach for the book. But she quickly realised that it was not going to happen. The book was on the top shelf and she was too short.

"Ugh- why didn't I wear heels today? Like that was even going to help anyway. That bookcase is huge and the book I want is on the top shelf!" She huffed in sudden frustration. "Do I need to call a tall man for help now...?" Aarohi muttered crossing her arms and rolling eyes. She could almost hear a certain someone making fun of her height.

Not wanting to give up because of that minor setback, she scanned the room for anything that could help. Luckily she spotted a stool! Lifting, or rather dragging it with her, she brought it near the bookcase and carefully stood on it. Her legs shook a little, hence she found out the stool wasn't perfectly levelled, it was wobbly. Nonetheless, she attempted to stand upright and reach for the book, only to come an inch shorter.

"Seriously?! I hate it here!" Aarohi stood on her toes even as the stool underneath her shook. Everything was bigger in comparison with the future, even her bed here was enormous and could fit seven more people of her size.

Suddenly, an unanticipated laugh from behind distracted her. She stumbled and lurched to grab onto something but only loose sheets of paper came in hand. Flailing backwards, she lost her footing and fell downwards, right into the outstretched arms of the man who had laughed.

"Arjun...?" The sheets of paper floated around them unhurriedly like the time had slowed down. Their eyes clashed just for a moment before they both pulled away as if afraid of what might happen if they'd stared for another instant.

"What's so funny...?" She rolled her eyes artfully.

"Oh... nothing much, it was fun watching you struggle. What were you even doing up there? Getting a book?" He chuckled.

"Well, it is a library of you've payed attention to your surroundings instead of me."

"Oh? Are you insinuating that I only have eyes for you? That is a bold accusation, Kumari." Arjun remarked, raising his eyebrows. His grip on her waist tightened ever so slightly, making Aarohi suppress a shiver.

"Only if you want it to be... now please do me a favour and put me down." Aarohi calmed herself down and instead boldly whispered the sentence close to his ear, her arms were wrapped around his neck and she could swear she saw Arjun's face turn into a deeper shade than usual as his skin bumped up into goosebumps for just a second.

She smirked as he silently put her down, her eyes never leaving his. Aarohi was savouring that victory, he was no match for her. Did he really think he could unsettle her when she could catch him off guard that easily? Silly!

Arjun was quiet, waiting for what could happen next. Never had he experienced something like this.

"Now help me up, would you?" Aarohi continued cleverly, gesturing to the stool. She still wanted to get up to the book herself. Arjun subtly shook his head, trying to come out of a trance she'd unknowingly put on him and answered, "Wouldn't it be easier if I got the book for you? Just tell me which one it is, you'd probably fall again."

Aarohi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his words. "I only fell because I heard you laugh. Besides, if you hold my hand I won't fall." She nonchalantly explained, expectantly extending her hand, unaware of the deeper meaning behind those words and what effect they had. Arjun looked away, dazed and astonished at her request. Maybe that night with her had left an effect.

"You're asking me to give you my hand...?" Oh Aarohi... if only you knew how much Arjun would love to do so, in more ways than one...

No, wait, he couldn't volunteer so eagerly, she would sense something deeper stirred inside his heart, he couldn't let her know. It wasn't time yet.

"Are you carrying around someone else's hand to give rajkumar Arjun?" Aarohi teased, passing him a cheeky grin, while Arjun pretended to grumble. She wasn't the only one who could pull someone's leg. "Then ask nicely. What's the magic word?" He folded his arms.

"Are you being serious...? Fine, just because I want this book I'll entertain it. Give me your hand... please?" Arjun smiled and nodded, satisfied. He didn't make her wait any longer and put his hand in hers, supporting her arm as she carefully got on the stool a second time.

"Well look at that, you're finally as tall as me." The corners of Arjun's mouth twitched into a grin but Aarohi only scowled at him in response. His height jokes never seemed to end.

She eventually went back to reach for the book and proceeded to stand on her toes, successfully managing to get it this time. On the other hand, the stool beneath began to waver once more as Aarohi's weight shifted to one side. But Arjun, who was holding her hand, pulled her towards him before she could stumble.

"Oh, a book on medical history? Maybe you should keep a track of your history of falling on me instead." Arjun commented as he read the title, meanwhile Aarohi felt a sudden urge to smack him with the heavy book on his head, nevertheless she stopped herself, thinking that she would only be able to reach his shoulder and shouldn't take a chance since it seemed like her teasing words had awakened the annoying Arjun from his slumber.

"I guess this explains your skills. You really seem to have quite the interest in such topics related to medicine." He observed, remembering how skilfully she had treated his burn. It was impressive, to be honest. Most young women would have been nauseous looking at an injury but she did it so easily, which made him wonder, "Did you have any formal training for this? Since you bandaged my injury so tactfully?"

"I guess so..." Aarohi trailed off, shrugging. 'Well of course Arjun, I'm a doctor in training after all. But you won't know that.'

"That is amazing- "

"THUD!" An abrupt noise of a book dropping on the floor made the duo turn around. To Aarohi's surprise, it was Vrikasura. He was carrying various scrolls and books. Aarohi got annoyed and a bit scared, thinking that maybe he was going to create a scene now, but he just looked up, registered her presence, then looked to the person standing next to her, glowered and frowned, yet he walked out of the library within seconds. Realising she was missing a major piece of the puzzle, she turned to look at Arjun, only to see a smug expression on his features.

"What did you do?" Asked Aarohi as she noted the reaction. Arjun smirked proudly.

"Nothing much you know, I just gave him a little warning... See, if you'd told me about him any sooner, none of this would have happened."

"Do you really think this is an appropriate time to say I told you so?" Aarohi murmured sombrely and turned away, trying not to look at the faint bruises on her arm that kept reminding her of that wretched night. Arjun noticed the sudden change in her mood and felt the urge to take back his words.

"Aarohi- I'm sorry." He touched her arm, softly turning her back towards him. "That night must have been scary for you." Arjun gently, almost timidly took Aarohi by hand as if it was a butterfly's wing which cannot be touched. His voice was soft and quiet as he apologised, realising that she was still suffering, even though she pretended to be fine. Arjun also realised something else. If Aarohi wasn't feeling so miserable that night, she would never have allowed herself to be close to him like that. That thought made him sad. How awful she must have been feeling that night.

"What? What was that? Did the great self righteous archer Arjun apologise to me?" Aarohi's voice rang through the library, breaking the momentary silence. She tried to talk with her normal conviction, but the words came out all shaky. Her voice was cracking due to a sharp storm of emotions.

"I did, now when will you say thank you for getting Vrikasura out of your life?" Arjun joined in, sensing she didn't want to sulk or be sad about that incident anymore. She would rather joke about it, which according to him was an unhealthy way of dealing with things but if that was what she really needed to do... so be it.

"Hmm... let me think... in your dreams. I'd never even wish good morning or even goodbye, so why would I wish 'thank you'?" Aarohi raised an eyebrow at him, the expression made Arjun laugh. At least she felt a little better.

"I'm okay with you not wishing me goodbye." Arjun started, the words caught Aarohi's attention as he continued, "Because a goodbye from you would be such a shame." Arjun finally declared after a short pause, which revealed his vulnerability and honesty. The sentence came deep from his heart. He knew he was falling for her and... fast.

Aarohi didn't know how to respond to that. As she gazed into those shining copper shaded eyes, she was suddenly overtaken by an unknown desire to take a closer look at the man, and even more so, to see him looking at her. The air around them felt charged, electric even. Though she wanted the moment to last, Aarohi stubbornly looked away from his eyes, afraid and frightened by what she was feeling.

Arjun felt her hesitation and sighed, maybe it was his fault but he just couldn't bear to keep those overwhelming feelings inside anymore. The only solution would be to distance himself, the last thing he wanted was to come off as overbearing.

He turned away, to walk towards the exit of the library. "If you need more books, I can always ask Nakul and Sahadev. I'm sure they'd be happy to lend some to you." He muttered in a last attempt to rekindle a conversation between them, yet Aarohi was silent for several moments.

"Arjun- - wait." Aarohi called out finally, making him turn back.

"Yes?"

Aarohi lowered her eyes, looking away. She wanted to apologise to him for that night. He came to help her and she screamed at him, and yet here he was again. Helping her, supporting her, even offering her more books to gain knowledge from. Considering the timeline, it was a bit unusual as women were encouraged to learn different skills than what she wanted. "I wanted to apologise... for that night."

"Oh? Going soft on me now, are we Aarohi?" Despite his feelings, and her ignoring them, he just couldn't help but tease her again.

"Well, then remember this day Arjun because it will be the first and last time you hear that from me." Aarohi responded in her usual demeanour and it was the most she felt completely like herself.

"Oh, you bet I will." He chuckled.

And like that, all remains of doubts or misunderstandings left their surroundings. They both shared a silly little smile, feeling comfortable and then happily went on and about their own day.

***

The evening in the palace seemed to be more hectic than ever. Everyone had been busy preparing for Yudhishthir's coronation which would be held sooner than later. The Kauravas seemed restless and unsatisfied with everything and Duryodhan had managed to pick fights with the Pandavas more than once in the last three days.

He also got into a heated argument with his father asking him to withdraw the decision and then Pitamah Bhishma and Vidur had to step in as the voices of reason. They tried to explain as politely as they could, approaching the discussion as delicately as they could.

Of course, that would only work if Duryodhan's dear mama shri wasn't filling his ears about Pitamah and Vidur being biased towards the Pandavas. As much as anyone wouldn't want to say, Shakuni was really a mastermind. His ability to manipulate someone when they were the most decrepit was on another level.

Dushala picked up one single anklet from the dressing table, the same one Aarohi had lost when she time traveled for the very first time. "It's a shame you lost the other one. This anklet is absolutely lovely!"

The girls were chatting in Aarohi's room, passing time before dinner and helping each other choose dresses and jewellery for the upcoming coronation.

"Yes, it really is. I don't think that matters anymore because it's gone now." Aarohi responded, taking the anklet from Dushala's hands. She recalled that her second anklet was with Karna and could not be taken back unless she wanted to reveal herself, which was obviously not an option.

Sighing, she kept the anklet back on the table and moved to the bed where all the beautiful sarees were sprawled out. Minutes later, as they were picking out their clothes, a dasi entered the chambers.

"Rajkumari, Angraj has asked for permission to enter." She declared.

"Oh... alright, let him." Aarohi allowed it, she wasn't sure why he wanted to enter but she'd never know unless she let him in.

"Good evening." Karna said in greeting to both princesses.

"Angraj, what brings you here?" Asked Dushala. She was as bemused as Aarohi.

Karna revealed a letter from under his clothes and gave it to Aarohi. She took it, waiting for him to explain. "This letter came from Dwarka, for you Aarohi. If you're wondering why I'm delivering it to you, then you should know that the dasi that was supposed to do this was caught to be a spy. She was caught trying to open the letter, but ran away and threw the letter behind." He disclosed.

"What? A spy in the palace? This could be dangerous." Dushala worried.

"Were you all able to arrest her?" Asked Aarohi, clutching the letter in her hand. It was from Krishna!

"Unfortunately no, we couldn't even see her face. But the guards are trying their best. I would suggest you both to be careful and not to spread this information. It might cause chaos before the coronation. Since the spy tried to read your letter, you deserved to know." He stated, while the girls thanked him for the warning.

Done with his purpose, turning back, Karna gave Aarohi a concealed smile when suddenly his eyes fell onto the glittering anklet on the dressing table.

His eyes widened in recognition. Was... was that the same anklet that belonged to that mysterious girl from that night...?

He gazed back towards Aarohi, who had already turned away, chatting with Dushala.

Could it be...?

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How was it the chapter? There was a heavy rain of Arjun x Aarohi moments. How did they make you feel? 💫 ➡️

What do you think will happen next? Has Karna finally realised who the anklet belongs to? What's up with Vrikasura?

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