𝙺𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙰 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙾𝚁

࿇ ✥ ࿇ CHAPTER-53 ࿇ ✥ ࿇

Draupadi returned to the royal palace accompanied by her maids and sister Shikhandini , preparing to journey to her husband's kingdom of Magadh the next day.

Karna, now considered a son-in-law of Panchal, was urged to remain there, though his thoughts were still preoccupied with Subhadhra. Despite his inner conflicts, he was determined to be a dutiful husband.

While many kings had already set out for their kingdoms at dawn, some remained behind, all sharing a common sorrow over the loss of the exceptionally beautiful maiden .

Arjuna, unwilling to remain in Karna's presence, departed immediately with his brothers as soon as the swayamvar concluded .

Though Duryodhana lamented the loss of the Panchal Princess, he found solace in Arjuna's humiliation before all of Aryavart. Additionally, he took delight in witnessing the powerful warning delivered to Yudhishthira by the king of Magadh .

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As Draupadi reclined on her bed, her graceful form bathed in moonlight, she gazed out through the balcony, where the moon cast its ethereal glow upon the tranquil scene below .

The gentle breeze carried the fragrance of jasmine, mingling with the faint melody of distant musicians. Lost in reverie, Draupadi's thoughts wandered through the events of her swayamvar, each memory a shimmering constellation in the vast expanse of her mind .

As Draupadi's thoughts drifted back to the swayamvar sabha, she couldn't help but be consumed by the memory of the King of Magadh. Among the sea of eager suitors, his presence had radiated a magnetic charm, drawing her gaze like a moth to a flame.

Despite her initial neutrality towards the suitors, she found herself captivated by him, his every movement weaving a spell around her heart .

As she replayed the scene in her mind, she was awash with the enchanting sight of the King effortlessly hitting the mark. His prowess had stirred something deep within her, igniting a flame that flickered and danced with each passing thought. And as she remembered the moment he claimed her as his own, her cheeks bloomed with a blush as vivid as the most vibrant sunset, the realization of his victory sending her heart a flutter with a mix of anticipation and longing .

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In the tranquil embrace of Panchal's garden, Karna wrestled with insomnia , haunted by the unexpected turn of events that led to his marriage to the Panchal Princess.

Reluctant to participate initially, declining the invitation wasn't an option, especially with Madhav's request weighing heavily on his conscience. However, victory was the last outcome he anticipated, yet in the heat of the moment, fueled by Arjuna's provocation, he completed the task and claimed Draupadi's hand.

As he gazed up at the mesmerizing moon, Karna pondered the complexities of his emotions. Should he have confessed his feelings to Subhadra instead? The sight of her growing closeness with Arjuna stirred a sense of insecurity within him, fueling doubts about the status of their friendship. Now bound by marriage, he grappled with the conflicting responsibilities of being a husband to Draupadi while his heart yearned for another. Caught in a web of emotions, the son of Surya found himself adrift in a sea of uncertainty .

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At dawn, the sky blushed with pink and orange hues as the sun peeked through. Dew-kissed petals released a delicate fragrance, mingling with the crisp morning air. Leaves rustled softly, blending with birdsong, signaling the start of a new day.

In the tranquil morning light, Karna, dressed in saffron robes, offers prayers to the rising sun. Surrounded by nature's beauty, he finds peace and strength in his devotion to his father .

Turning around, his gaze fell upon his stunning wife, adorned with minimal jewelry and draped in a beautiful yellow saree. Her waist-length hair cascaded down, meticulously combed to perfection, adding to her enchanting allure .

"Princess, is there anything you require?" Karna inquired of Draupadi, who had found herself unwittingly captivated by the sculpted contours of her husband's body, admiring his unparalleled beauty.

Emerging from her reverie, Draupadi met his gaze, her eyes locking with his warm, tawny orbs. "No, nothing, Maharaj," she replied softly, her gaze flitting everywhere but to him. "I was simply taking a stroll and happened upon you ."

Observing her hesitance and shyness, Karna empathized, with a gentle smile, he spoke, "I am heading back to my chambers, Princess. Would you care to join me ?"

Draupadi nodded in acknowledgment and fell into step beside Karna, the silence thick between them as they walked.

Karna stole glances at his wife, sensing her hesitation. " If there's something on your mind, my princess, don't hesitate to ask ," he said, offering her a reassuring smile .

Draupadi met Karna's gaze, her expression a mix of contemplation and uncertainty. Summoning her courage, she inquired softly, "Do you perform Surya pooja every day?"

"Yes, I do," Karna replied gently, sensing her hesitation.

As they continued their stroll, Karna turned to Draupadi with a gentle smile . "Princess, what brings you joy? What hobbies or activities do you cherish the most?" he asked, inviting her to open up .

"Hmm ," Draupadi pondered, her voice reflecting a hint of uncertainty. "I don't have any particular hobby in mind. I enjoy painting and cooking, but my father and sister rarely allow me to indulge in cooking . Being relatively new to this world, having only been here for about a year and a half , perhaps I can explore new hobbies in your kingdom," she explained with a smile .

"So, what's your hobby, Arya?" Draupadi inquired, her gaze turning towards Karna. His eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across his features as she inadvertently let slip the affectionate nickname.

"I'm sorry, Maharaj," Draupadi quickly corrected herself, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Karna chuckled softly, a playful glint dancing in his eyes. "For what ?" he teased, enjoying her flustered reaction.

"For calling you Ary...a," Draupadi stumbled over the name, her words trailing off awkwardly.

With a mischievous smile, Karna leaned in closer, his voice laced with humor. "I'm not your Arya, at least not yet," he teased, referring to their impending marriage.

"But I suppose winning your swayamvar does come with certain privileges ," he added, watching with amusement as Draupadi's cheeks turned as red as ripe tomatoes .

"If you want to call me that, I have no objections, Princess ," Karna teased further, his tone light and playful, adding to Draupadi's embarrassment.

Draupadi's cheeks continued to burn with embarrassment, but a shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'll keep that in mind, Arya ," she replied softly, the endearment rolling off her tongue more confidently this time.

Their playful banter filled the air as they continued their stroll, each moment deepening the bond between them, paving the way for a future filled with laughter, love, and endless teasing .

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How was the chapter ?

so what's will happen between subhadhra and Karna ?

How is draupadi going to take this if she ever come to know this , what will be the consequences ?