Destiny Reborn : Love Beyond Time

8. The Royal Palace

Ragini closed her eyes in a moment of panic, her hands instinctively reaching out to shield her face. She felt a sharp pain in her abdomen, but it lasted only a moment. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw a towering figure of a man standing in front of her with his back facing her. The smell of rose scent filled her nose, oddly soothing despite the chaos.

The man's toned back muscles strained as he used his strength to hold off the bull, his strong hands gripping its horns. The bull groaned and tried to push him, but the man stood his ground, unyielding. Soon, the crowd rushed to help him, and together they managed to lead the bull away.

As the tension eased, Ragini recognized the man by his unique royal clothing and glinting earrings. It was Karn, the King of Hastinapur. The crowd began to cheer, praising him for saving them from the chaos the bull would have caused.

Karn joined his hands, accepting their praises with humility. He gestured to the workers to continue the work of placing the Shivalingam in the temple and began to walk back to his spot. Ragini watched him with a mix of relief and awe, her heart still racing from the near miss, her eyes following Karn as he moved with an air of authority and grace.

Ragini followed Karn, calling out to him. As she was about to be stopped by his guards, Karn turned to look at her and immediately recognized her. He gestured for the guards to let her through. She walked towards him, her heart still pounding from the recent encounter.
Before she could introduce herself, he spoke.

Karn :- I know you. You are the girl my uncle found near the river.

Astonished that he remembered her, she replied,

Ragini :- Yes, my name is Ragini. Thank you for saving me from the bull.

Karn smiled gently, dismissing her gratitude with a wave of his hand.

Karn :- Do not think too much about it. I would have done the same for anyone in your place. But tell me...

He continued, his tone becoming more serious.

Karn :- While others ran to save their lives, why did you not move ?

Ragini hesitated, then admitted,

Ragini :- I have never faced anything like that in my life before. I panicked.

Karn nodded, understanding.

Karn :- Be careful in the future. Last-minute help does not always arrive.

Ragini nodded, a bit embarrassed but appreciative of his advice.

Ragini :- I will definitely take care.

Seeing her standing under the scorching sun, Karn gestured towards his umbrella.

Karn :- Stand under this to avoid the blazing sun rays.

Ragini politely accepted his offer, stepping under the shade of the umbrella. As they stood together, a conversation sparked between them.

Karn :- My uncle said you're new here. So tell me, Ragini, how are you finding Hastinapur ?

Ragini :- It is a magnificent city. Everything is so grand and lively. It's unlike anything I've ever seen.

He chuckled softly.

Karn :- Hastinapur is indeed a city of wonders. But it is the people who make it truly special.

Ragini smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Despite his royal stature, Karn's demeanor was kind and approachable, making her feel at ease in his presence.

As Karn and Ragini continued to talk, Anuketu made his way towards them and greeted Karn with a respectful bow.

Anuketu :- Are you okay, Ragini ?