"She is destruction incarnate-everything she touches turns to ash."
Ishani, a sharp-witted and fiercely independent businesswoman from the modern world, trusts no one, least of all men. But fate has other plans. Thrust into a treacherous era of warr...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Gandhari stepped forward. "Enough," she said. "You speak of dharma, yet forget basic traditions. We have not even welcomed our guests properly." She gestured to a servant, who brought forward a thali. Gandhari took it and approached Karna and Ishani.
"Kalyan Bhava," she said, performing the aarti. "Welcome to Hastinapur, Putr Karna. And welcome, Putri Ishani. I apologize for the oversight. In our grief, we have forgotten our manners." Her gaze lingered on Ishani. "How are you, my dear? Are you well? You must be truly celestial and enchanting, for I sense the power radiating from you."
Ishani bowed her head. "I am... recovering, Rajmata," she replied. " Your words are a source of comfort."
Gandhari smiled. "Come," she said, gesturing towards the inner chambers. "You must both be exhausted and hungry. Let us have lunch, and we can talk more in private."
Karna and Ishani exchanged a look, then followed Gandhari.
The lunch was incredibly lively. The Pandavas, eager to establish a good rapport with Karna, whom they now acknowledged as "Jyesht," went out of their way to make him and Ishani feel welcome. There was an undercurrent of respect, mixed with a desire to please the eldest brother they had only just discovered.
Bhima, ever boisterous, clapped Karna on the back, though this time with slightly more restraint. "Welcome, Jyesht! It's good to finally have you here with us. We've heard tales of your strength – truly magnificent! Tell us, Jyesht, is it true you once wrestled a wild elephant? I'd love to hear the details!" Karna simply raised an eyebrow at Bhima's hand on his back, who grinned sheepishly and withdrew his hand.
Arjuna, with a gleam of respect in his eye, turned to Karna. "Your skill with the bow is legendary, Jyesht. I've always admired your technique. Perhaps, in more peaceful times, we could train together? I believe I could learn a great deal from you."
Yudhishthira offered a warm, genuine smile. "Welcome, Jyesht, and Rajkumari Ishani. We are truly honored to have you both here. I trust the journey was not too arduous? Hastinapur has much to offer, and we hope you find a sense of belonging here. We value your presence."
Nakula, always charming, spoke up, his voice filled with excitement. "Jyesht, I must show you the royal stables! We have some of the finest horses in Aryavarta. I think you'll truly appreciate them. Perhaps we could even take a ride together?"
Sahadeva, ever the pragmatist, added, "And I would be pleased to discuss the kingdom's trade routes with you, Jyesht. And with you as well, Princess. Your insights into trade and strategy would be invaluable, I believe, in ensuring the continued prosperity of our kingdom."
Karna only quietly nodded to all of them, but it didn't faze any of them as they continued to chat and try to impress him.
Duryodhana, ever the schemer, turned his attention to Ishani, his voice a silken caress. "Rajkumari Ishani," he murmured, his tone a low symphony designed to charm, "Your radiance graces Hastinapur like the dawn. Allow me to ensure your...delight during your stay. Perhaps the royal gardens, under the moon's gaze, would offer a suitable setting for... deeper acquaintance?"
