THE CHARMER • ♘ Mahabharat fanfiction ♘

[𝟒] ~ ☆ 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ☆

The water enveloped her entirely, pulling her relentlessly into its depths. Her chest burned as the icy liquid invaded her lungs, each second making it harder to breathe. She thrashed against the current, desperate to break free, but her limbs felt like lead, her strength draining with every futile attempt. The surface seemed impossibly far, and the last flicker of energy left her body as she surrendered to the overwhelming pull of the abyss.

She couldn't breathe or even twitch a finger. Her eyelids grew impossibly heavy, the encroaching darkness offering a cruel solace from the agony in her chest. Surrendering to the void, she let her eyes close, the weight of her misery dragging her further down. The pull to the bottom was relentless, and as her body succumbed, she felt her soul being gently extracted, slipping away from its earthly confines, embarking on an unknown journey to another realm.

Krisha jolted awake, gasping for air, her chest heaving as she frantically scanned her surroundings. Terror gripped her for a moment, but it ebbed slightly when she realized she was lying in a bed. 'It was just a nightmare' she told herself, 'a terrible dream'. Yet, as her eyes roamed the unfamiliar, outlandishly beautiful room, a new wave of unease started creeping in—only to dissipate as quickly as it came, when the realisation took over her.

A whimper escaped her lips as Krisha clutched the blanket tightly to her chest, her tears soaking into its fabric. She cried silently, her heart aching for the family she knew she might never see again, maybe not even when she dies. Their absence felt like a wound that refused to heal, and the memories of their love and care only deepened the pain. She could almost hear their voices, feel their warmth, but the distance between them now felt insurmountable, leaving her with nothing but the bitter sting of longing.

Her life had always been a harmonious melody, filled with laughter and joy, a song woven with the love of her family and the warmth of her friends. But now, in the blink of an eye, everything has changed, her world, her identity, her very existence. The life she knew felt like a distant dream, replaced by an unfamiliar reality that left her feeling adrift and alone.

She cried silently, her heart aching with the weight of loneliness, unaware that someone could feel her pain... a divine presence attuned to her sorrow. As her muffled sobs filled the early morning, a gentle, knowing smile graced his lips. Krishna opened his eyes, sensing her anguish, only to find his beloved wife Rukmini touching his feet. Her tender gesture brought a loving smile to his face, even as his mind lingered on the fragile soul now under his care.

Rukmini gracefully performed her daily rituals, adorning Krishna's forehead with a tilak and reverently did his aarti. In return, Krishna lovingly filled her hair parting with vibrant vermilion, a gesture that spoke volumes of their bond. She bent to touch his feet, a symbol of her unwavering devotion, while his gaze held a profound respect for her. Her love was in the quiet devotion she offered, and his love was in the honor and fulfillment he bestowed upon her, a balance so perfect, it transcended words.

Krisha wiped her tears, when her gaze fell on the polestar necklace nestling around her neck. A sad smile crossed her lips before the chirping of the birds drew her attention. The faint light outside suggested it would be around four in the morning, the hour of early risers in this era. Resolving to begin her day, she moved towards her belongings to find suitable attire.

As she stepped forward, the delicate jingle of her anklets alerted a dasi who entered the chamber with a soft knock, her head bowing respectfully. "Rajkumari, do you need any assistance?" She inquired politely.

Krisha smiled gently. "Not much, but if you could help me find my clothes, I'd appreciate it," she replied, her tone kind yet tentative.

The dasi, still unfamiliar with Krisha's preferences since it had only been a day since her arrival, nodded obediently. She quickly set to work, not wanting to risk being scolded or reprimanded.