Love Across Time

Eleven : Unexpected Meetings

~𝓤𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓜𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼~

Aanya stood on the terrace, relishing the gentle caress of the cool evening breeze against her skin. The moon bathed the night sky in its luminous glow, casting an ethereal light over the surroundings. It had been a week since the Pandavas and Kauravas had embarked on their journey to Panchaal. Aanya's thoughts wandered to them, filled with curiosity about their progress in the distant kingdom.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the unmistakable sound of arrows whistling through the air, their impact echoing through the stillness. Furrowing her brow, Aanya strained to comprehend the source of this unexpected disturbance. It was well-known that nighttime archery practice was solely the domain of Arjuna, but with his absence, she couldn't fathom who else could be responsible for such precise shots.

Intrigued and slightly apprehensive, Aanya followed the piercing sounds, letting her curiosity guide her toward the courtyard. With each step, the intensity of the arrow volleys grew stronger, filling the silence of the night with a sense of urgency. Her heart raced, a mixture of excitement and trepidation pulsating through her veins.

Arriving at the courtyard, Aanya cautiously peered through the entrance gate. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she recognized the figure unleashing arrow after arrow with unparalleled skill - it was Angraj Karna.

"Angraj, at this hour?" she whispered to herself, a mix of surprise and confusion engulfing her.

As she watched Karna's display of archery prowess, Aanya couldn't help but be captivated by the grace and power behind each arrow released from his bow. His movements were swift and precise, his focus unwavering. There was an air of determination about him that radiated from every fiber of his being.

Curiosity overcame Aanya's initial hesitation, and she quietly made her way closer, taking shelter behind a pillar to observe Karna without interrupting his concentration. She could sense an underlying intensity in his actions, as if he was channeling his emotions and pouring them into each arrow.

An unexpected surge of compassion washed over her. Though she had always regarded Karna as a formidable warrior, loyal to Duryodhana, she now sensed a profound sadness hidden beneath his stoic facade. It was as if the weight of unfulfilled dreams and unacknowledged desires burdened him.

Lost in her thoughts, Aanya barely registered the tightening of Karna's bowstring, which shattered the silence like thunder. Her eyes widened as she witnessed the arrow gracefully soaring through the air, hitting its target with unparalleled accuracy. But just as she thought it was aimed at her, it became lodged in a nearby pillar, causing it to crack under the force.

Her heart raced, a mix of relief and intrigue flooding her senses. As Karna approached her, there was a glimmer of recognition in his eyes.

As Karna approached her, his brows furrowed in surprise. But as his eyes met Aanya's, a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"It's you?" he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

Caught off guard, Aanya stammered, her words stumbling over each other in a desperate attempt to respond.

"Sorry, I, uh, didn't mean to interrupt your archery practice. It's just that, well, your skills are truly impressive," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

Karna's gaze softened, a twinkle of warmth dancing in his eyes. With a gentle chuckle, he replied, "Oh, no need to apologize, Rajkumari."

Aanya's curiosity got the best of her, and she couldn't help but blurt out, "Wait, weren't you in Ang Pradesh?"