Empire of Righteousness ( The Beginning)

Chapter 188 : Their Last Meet

Each day the mood gets shifted. More and more their conversation and thoughts shift about the war completely forgetting other matters.

Krishna will leave with peace treaty tomorrow morning. Duryodhana has send a formal letter for Karna to return. With Krishna he will return tomorrow.

Draupadi has noticed, except Yudhisthira others have slowly distanced themselves from Karna. Not because he is fighting along their enemy, because they are trying their hardest not to break down and change their mind. Specially Arjuna, who isn't anywhere near Karna is.

Karna has laid brief instructions and strategies to her sons. They are also taking every opportunity to learn something useful at the last moment.

"Is he inside?" Draupadi asks Malini.

"Just the way you left dinner to him hours ago," Malini answers.

Draupadi nods before entering his chamber. She sees her sakha sitting beside him looking straight. Karna is the same way he was hours ago. The untouched food is at the table. He didn't even take a sip of wine.

He is looking at nothing in particular. His gaze straight but hollow.

Draupadi at that moment couldn't help but pity his fate. Born as one of the greatest warriors to live, a very prodigious archer. His identification of birth became such an obstacle in his life. Years of insult, not being accepted, cursed words. He tolerated so much. Draupadi knows no matter how many years pass, the truth that his own mother floated him will always make his heart bleed. His friendship with Duryodhana is great but it has changed drastically after his identification was revealed. Just the way Kunti predicted that Kauravs will use him against his own brother.

Karna turns around feeling her presence. Her intoxicating fragrance begins to work in calming his nerves.

Draupadi sits in front of them looking at her sakha as well.

Trying to smile she asks, "What were you two talking about?"

Krishna smiles back only. Draupadi understands he had also tried his best to convince Karna against this suicidal war.

"Arjuna saw you coming here? He didn't tie you up?" Karna tries to joke.

Not Draupadi, nor Krishna, nor Karna tries to fake a smile.

"You can stay back..." Draupadi says softly, "Dao has decided to not participate. Stay away..."

"Why?" Karna asks directly.

Draupadi looks at him baffled, "..why..? What do you...."

"Why do you forbid me now?"

"Your brothers....your sons..."

"Only them?"

"Your son. What will I answer Vrisha in future? Don't make him an orphan!" Draupadi's voice turns desperate.

"You are enough. His elder brother are here. His uncles are here. I don't worry about him at all," Karna says gently.v

Karna leans back on the bed. Draupadi looks at her sakha not understanding the man in front of her.

"How close I am to you!" Karna touches his heart, "Our heart beats in one rhythm. I feel what you feel. Joy, sorrow, helplessness. I own a part of you. It's in me, in my heart."

Draupadi suddenly becomes conscious. Staying quiet for some time she says hesitantly, "If you...hold grudges against me... I understand... I apologize...after everything and that stage of life ... I couldn't bring myself to engage in another marital life..."