Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 17 : The Talk

Location : Mithila Royal Palace

**Later that evening, around the campfire...**

The night had settled in, and a canopy of stars twinkled above them. 

The gentle crackling of the fire was the only sound, filling the cool night air with warmth. The group gathered around, finishing the last bits of their meal. 

Karna and Avika sat beside each other, while Draupadi and Aditya lounged on the opposite side.

Aditya leaned back, staring up at the stars. "It's a clear night," he mused. "Perfect for stories. What do you think, jyesth? Should we share some tales?"

Karna smiled, his face illuminated by the fire's glow. "Stories, huh? I suppose a journey isn't complete without a few." He glanced at Avika, who looked intrigued. "Do you have a story, Avika?"

Avika hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I do, but it's more of a memory than a story. Something from my childhood." 

She paused, her gaze drifting to the fire as if the flames held the key to her past. "When I was little, my father took me to a temple on top of a hill. The climb was steep, and I remember feeling so small and tired, but he held my hand the entire way. When we reached the top, he told me that sometimes the hardest paths lead to the most beautiful destinations." She smiled softly. "I didn't understand it fully then, but now I think I do."

Karna listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face. 

"That's a beautiful memory," he said quietly. "Your father sounds like a wise man."

Draupadi, sensing the shift in mood, decided to keep the atmosphere light. "What about you, Maharaj Karna? Surely you have an exciting tale or two from your adventures?"

Karna chuckled, leaning back slightly. "I suppose I have a few stories, but they might not be as inspiring as Avika's." He paused, then added, "There was one time, years ago, when I was traveling alone through the forests of Anga. I came across a wounded tiger caught in a hunter's trap. It was a fierce creature, but I saw something in its eyes—a plea for help, perhaps. Against my better judgment, I decided to free it. I wasn't sure if it would attack me once released, but I took the risk."

Avika and Draupadi listened intently, their eyes wide. "What happened next?" Draupadi asked.Karna smiled. "It was a tense moment, but after I freed the tiger, it didn't attack. Instead, it looked at me for a long moment, then turned and walked away. I've always believed that there are moments when even the fiercest beings understand gratitude and compassion."

Avika's eyes softened as she looked at Karna. "That was very brave of you. You took a risk to help a creature in need, not knowing what would happen."

Karna shrugged modestly. "Sometimes, we have to trust our instincts and do what feels right, even if it seems dangerous."

There was a comfortable silence around the campfire as everyone absorbed the stories. Draupadi glanced at Aditya with a grin, and he gave a small nod, understanding her unspoken plan.

"Well, speaking of instincts," Draupadi said, breaking the silence with a playful tone, "I think it's time for a little game. How about we share what we admire most about someone in this group?"

Aditya caught on quickly. "That's a great idea. I'll start." He pretended to think hard, then pointed at Karna. "I admire jyesth's bravery and calm demeanor. He's always so composed, no matter what happens."

Karna rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Thank you, Aditya. But let's hear about someone else now."

Draupadi smiled mischievously. "I'll go next. I admire Avika jiji's kindness and strength. She's always thinking of others, even when things get tough."

Avika blushed slightly but smiled. "Thank you, Draupadi."

Aditya then nudged Karna with his elbow. "Your turn, jyesth. Who do you admire and why?"

Karna hesitated, looking around the group. His eyes settled on Avika, and he took a breath. "I admire Avika for her courage and grace. She's been through a lot, but she carries herself with dignity and compassion. That's something rare and truly admirable."

Avika's cheeks warmed under his gaze, and she felt her heart flutter at his words. "Thank you, Maharaj Karna," she replied softly. "That means a lot to me."

Draupadi couldn't help but smile, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Alright, enough of the serious talk. How about we get some rest? We have a long journey ahead tomorrow."

Everyone agreed, and they began to prepare for the night. As Avika unrolled her bedding, she glanced at Karna, who was quietly tending to the fire. There was something different about him tonight—a gentleness that she hadn't seen before. It made her heart beat just a little faster.

Precap : The Hands Held Together

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~Author Rishi ♥♥♥