Changing Of Course [✔]

33. Storm's approach

| Edited |

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As nightfall descended upon Anga, raindrops began to patter on the ground. The jasmine and orchid flowers swayed in the cool breeze, their petals quivering as the droplets caressed them.

Karna stood by the window of his study, listening to the rhythmic music of the rain falling from the darkened sky. It had been a few weeks since he had confided his secrets to Madirakshi. Since that day, neither of them had spoken about it again, avoiding the subject in every conversation.

But tonight, something else troubled him. His gaze drifted back to the table, where a rolled parchment lay waiting.

With a sigh, he picked up the parchment and stepped outside.

★

Madirakshi sat in front of her dressing table, her jewellery removed and her long, wavy hair let down, preparing for bed.

Each secret Karna had revealed to her had been a shock, especially the one about being the son of Lord Surya. She had always wondered how someone like him-radiating a divine aura, possessing striking looks, and unmatched as a warrior-could be the child of an ordinary being.

Now, everything made sense. Her husband was indeed a demigod, and she was still coming to terms with this truth. But one question lingered in her mind: who was Karna's mother?

She was deep in thought when Karna entered. The maids present in the room bowed their heads at the arrival of their king. But Madirakshi didn't notice him until he called her name.

"Gaurika," he said, catching her attention.

She looked up and stood. It was rare for him to visit her at night, and when he did, it usually meant there was something important to discuss.

"Ekant," she ordered, dismissing the maids. They nodded and left, closing the door behind them.

"What's wrong, Arya? You seem troubled," she asked, concerned.

"There's an invitation," he said after a pause.

"An invitation?" she asked, puzzled.

He nodded and handed her the parchment he was holding.

She unrolled it and began to read. It was an invitation from Duryodhan. Dhritarashtra was hosting a celebration for his son and daughter-in-law, Bhanumati, whom Duryodhan had married a few weeks ago.

"He's invited us to the celebration. I think we should attend," Karna said.

"Yes, we should. Yuvraj Duryodhan has personally invited us, after all," she agreed.

Since their marriage, Karna rarely visited Hastinapur, devoting his time to his wife and the well-being of his kingdom. This had pleased the members of the palace, who were grateful to Madirakshi for the positive influence she had on him.

"But it seems you're a little reluctant about this," she observed.

"I tend to avoid going there, but now we must. Still, it's fine. You'll have the chance to see your parents, Suchitra, and others. It's been a while since you've seen them," he said with a shrug.

"That's true," she smiled.

"Alright then, I'll take my leave now. We'll prepare to depart for Hastinapur in two days," he told her.

"Stay here tonight," she said abruptly, stopping him.

"Here tonight?" he asked, surprised.

"I mean, if you leave now, people might think we've had some sort of argument," she explained.

"The corridor is quite empty, but let's go with your suggestion. It's a better idea," he agreed as they made their way to the bed.

She lay on her side, feeling the bed shift as he settled beside her.

"Good night, Arya," she whispered softly.

"Good night, Gaurika," he replied, unaware of what destiny had in store for them.

★

Kunti couldn't sleep that night. She tossed and turned in bed, her mind consumed with thoughts of the next day. Tomorrow, she would be traveling to Hastinapur with her sons, Draupadi, and Suchitra.

There, her eldest son-unknown to everyone else-would also be present.

Once again, she would have to face her son, who still had no idea that she was his mother. The thought weighed heavily on her, and she longed to reveal this secret to Madirakshi.

Madirakshi had a right to know.

But how would she face Madirakshi? Could she bring herself to tell her the truth? And how would Madirakshi react?

A lot was going to unfold in Hastinapur this time.

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