time travelling back to Dwapara Yuga (on hold)

Arjuna getting on Aarya's nerves

~First Encounter ~

On her fourth day in Hastinapur, Aarya wandered through the palace grounds with a sense of determination. She wanted to ensure she knew every corner of her new home, not just the main halls and courtyards, but also the hidden nooks and serene gardens. Punctuality was important to her, and getting lost was not an option.

While she had already familiarized herself with the basic layout of the palace, Aarya sought to uncover any places she might have missed during her initial days. Her exploration was both practical and driven by curiosity; every new discovery made the grand palace feel a little more like home.

Krishna had left for Dwarka the previous day, and Aarya felt his absence keenly. His departure left a void, as his presence had been a source of comfort and wisdom. She looked forward to his return for the upcoming competition, a grand event that promised to shape the future of the kingdom. Aarya found solace in knowing that Krishna would be there again, guiding her through the intricate web of events and decisions she was bound to encounter.

On her second day in Hastinapur, Aarya had met the Pandavas and the Kauravas during breakfast. Observing the dynamics between the brothers was a revelation. The camaraderie and subtle tensions gave her insight into their relationships and hinted at the roles they would play in the unfolding drama. This encounter helped Aarya understand how she might support them and what her place in this complex story would be.

Aarya's mind wandered back to the vivid memory of that morning. The Pandavas, with their distinct personalities, radiated a sense of unity and strength. Yudhishthira's calm wisdom, Bhima's robust energy, Arjuna's sharp focus, and the twin's playful intelligence formed a balanced group. In contrast, the Kauravas, led by the ambitious Duryodhana, displayed a different kind of unity, one marred by undercurrents of rivalry and ambition.

As she continued her walk, Aarya pondered over the role she was meant to play in their lives. She felt a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that her actions could influence the course of events in Hastinapur. The palace, with its grandeur and history, seemed to whisper secrets of the past and future, urging her to be vigilant and wise.

She was lost in her thoughts as she carried on her walk trying to explore. While doing so she bumped into the one and only Arjuna. 

Lost in her thoughts, Aarya continued to explore, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished floors. The palace was a labyrinth of hallways and chambers, each corner a potential new discovery. It was during one such moment of reflection that she abruptly collided with someone, jolting her back to the present.

"Watch where you're going!" she snapped instinctively, before realizing she had bumped into none other than Arjuna.

Arjuna, with his sharp features and intense gaze, looked equally surprised. "Perhaps you should do the same," he retorted, a playful smirk curling his lips.

Aarya felt a flush of irritation. She had heard much about Arjuna's prowess and focus, and now she was experiencing firsthand the intensity that others admired. "I was exploring," she said defensively, "trying to learn my way around."

Arjuna's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Exploring, or daydreaming?" he teased, leaning a bit closer. "You know, there's a difference."

Aarya's annoyance flared again. "I am aware," she insisted, her voice tight, "just...lost in thought."

He chuckled, a sound that was both infuriating and strangely infectious. "Well, you should be careful with those thoughts. They might lead you into more than just physical collisions."

Determined not to let him get the better of her, Aarya squared her shoulders. "I can handle it," she declared.

Arjuna raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "I'm sure you can. But remember, in a place like this, vigilance is key. You never know when someone might sneak up on you."