s e v e n t e e n - i n v i t a t i o n

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A/N: mild intimacy in this chapter.

It had been few days, and Karn had overstepped his boundaries. He hadn't asked for forgiveness, and with that he was just a DronShishya accompanying DronPutra.

"Rajkumar Karn," Karn turned to see Arjun standing behind him. It was quite early in the morning, and Karn had just got back from his SuryaPooja.

"Maharaj Arjun," Karn sounded a bit unsure, it wasn't like he was intimidated by Arjun, he was just -well- intimidated by his prowess.

Arjun gestured the man to continue walking, he himself started walking beside him. Karn wasn't a genius, but nor he was a fool to not know what Arjun wanted to talk about. 

"I hope you have enjoyed your stay, here at Indraprasth," Arjun's voice was calm, and commanding. 'have enjoyed' not 'are enjoying' Karn did not miss that subtle indication of what can be ruthlessly translated to 'Get lost/Goodbye'

"It is beautiful," Karn commented, his reply www sarcastic unlike Arjun who held his decorum.

"I'm glad you have enjoyed," Arjun said, his voice calm and not sarcastic, yet.

"Though I assume you must miss your family, and it ain't like you have any work here. Or do you?" Arjun was straight and bluntly questioned.

He had every right to do, this was staying at his home, had insulted his wife, and still dared to talk to him sarcastically.

"I was wondering the same, Maharaj," Karn stated, "I will be leaving this afternoon,"

Arjun nodded, one tension less. He briefly glanced at Karn once again and walked off in another direction.

Karn noted that Arjun hadn't ended with pleasantries, like we were pleased to have here or something alike.

The lack of enthusiasm in Arjun's voice was subtle but visible. Karn sighed, his plan of apologizing was wasted. He walked back towards his room and packed the required stuff.

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The next morning was pleasant, Uloopi had the best sleep in past few days. The day started particularly good, and Uloopi wished the day to remain pleasant till end.

She entered the court with a smile on her face. Arjun smiled as she sat down next to him.

"Maharaj, we have a guest from Ayodhya," Said a soldier and following him was a man, dressed in luxurious clothes, adorned with riches.

"Greetings to the slayer of Takshak, I am Aniruddh, messenger from Ayodhya." The man greeted politely.

"We welcome you to Indraprasth Aniruddh Mahoday." Arjun replied back.

"With the blessings of Shri Ram, I Aniruddh, on behalf of Maharaj Brihadbala and Maharani Sumitra, I invite you to the Swayamvar of Rajkumaari Nayantata."

Arjun's face turned pale and white, his eyes carrying an unknown emotion. No one noticed the subtle change, no one but Uloopi.

"Aniruddh Mahoday, we would be pleased if you would like to stay here, in Indraprasth for a day," Uloopi said looking a very surprised Arjun.

Aniruddh nodded, after all who would deny the hospitality of Indraprasth?

Uloopi turned towards Arjun, "Lunch?" She asked. Arjun nodded, food was a good distraction.

Arjun was surprised when he entered the dining hall, there wasn't even a single servant. Not even his sister was in sight. There was only one person, Uloopi, who was adjusting the food plates on the table.

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