Dharmyudh : The Rewritten Destiny

9. Divine Astras

"You are a cheater, a deceitful person who has dishonored the trust we placed in you."

"Nothing but a coward, hiding from the truth and your responsibilities. How dare you raise your bow, Sutputra, challenging those who have always been truthful and honorable."

"He is a disgrace to our community, tarnishing the good name we have built over generations. You betrayed me, breaking the bond we shared and leaving me with nothing but shattered trust and heartache."

"How could you do this, disregarding the loyalty and love I gave you so freely?"

Karn suddenly woke up with a jerk, his breath coming in rapid, shallow gasps. His face was a ghostly pale, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead, glistening in the dim light. The echoes of the accusatory voices still rang in his ears, each word stinging like a fresh wound.

Suchitra, who was diligently immersed in her work nearby, noticed his distress and quickly came over, sitting beside him and placing a comforting hand on his back.

Suchitra :- Are you okay, Arya? Did you see a bad dream?

She asked softly, her voice filled with concern and gentle compassion.

Karn :- Yes... it was... a truly terrible one.

He managed to gasp, still trying to calm his racing heart and steady his breathing, haunted by the vivid images and harsh words of his nightmare.
Suchitra noticed the tension in Karn's expression and decided to address it with care. She gently urged him,

Suchitra :- First, you calm down, here, have some water and take a few deep breaths.

She reached for a glass of water, understanding that hydrating could help ease his nerves. Handing it to him, her voice was soothing, imbued with warmth and reassurance, like a gentle breeze on a hot day.

As Karn accepted the glass, taking small sips, Suchitra remained by his side, offering more than just physical comfort. Her presence was a calming anchor in his stormy sea of anxiety. She rubbed his back lightly as he drank the water, her touch a subtle reminder that he was not alone in this moment. Karn managed a small, grateful smile as he wiped the sweat off his face, feeling some of the tension begin to dissipate with each breath he took. Relief, while not complete, was beginning to unfurl its gentle wings amidst the turmoil.
With genuine gratitude, Karn whispered,

Karn :- Thank you, Suchitra.

His voice still a little shaky but infused with sincerity.
Suchitra returned his smile warmly, her eyes filled with understanding and encouragement. There was a stillness in the room except for the faint rustling of leaves outside, contributing to the tranquility she was trying to create. Karn turned his gaze towards the door, noting the soft, pre-dawn glow filtering through the windows. It was still early, with the sky wrapped in a deep blue hue, dotted lightly with the fading stars and promising a new beginning with the approaching sunrise.

Suchitra :- Will you not go for your morning prayer today?

She queried, breaking the silence that wrapped them. Her voice was gentle, yet it carried an underlying encouragement, as if the ritual could offer solace and clarity to the troubled spirit within him.

Karn pondered her question for a moment, looking beyond the immediate horizon.

Karn :- Thinking of that only.

He replied, his tone contemplative. The morning prayer was more than a routine for him; it was a time for reflection, a practice that offered peace and guidance. As the first light of dawn began its climb, illuminating the path ahead, Karn welcomed the idea with a quiet resolve, grateful for Suchitra's unwavering support that gave him courage to face the new day.