Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 19 : The Mountain Climb

Location : Mithila Outskirts

**The Next Morning, on the Road Again...**

The group awoke early, with the first light of dawn peeking through the trees. The air was crisp, filled with the fresh scent of dew-covered grass and wildflowers. 

Karna and Avika were among the first to rise, still basking in the quiet contentment of their shared moment under the stars.

As the others began to stir, Draupadi noticed the subtle change in Karna and Avika. 

There was a new sense of ease between them, a quiet understanding that hadn't been there before. 

She exchanged a knowing glance with Aditya, who smirked in response. Their plan seemed to be working.

After a quick breakfast, they packed up their camp and resumed their journey. 

The path ahead was steeper now, winding up into the hills. The forest grew denser, the trees towering above them, their leaves forming a thick canopy that dappled the ground with patches of sunlight.

Karna took the lead once again, guiding them along the narrow trail. Avika rode beside him, her posture relaxed, a soft smile on her lips. Draupadi and Aditya followed closely behind, their eyes sparkling with amusement as they watched the pair.

As they continued to climb, the trail became more challenging, the incline sharper and the path rockier. At one particularly steep section, Draupadi's horse stumbled, causing her to lose her balance. She let out a small gasp, clutching the reins tightly to steady herself.

Aditya was quick to react, guiding his horse closer to hers. "Are you alright, Draupadi?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Draupadi nodded, though her face was pale. "I'm fine. Just lost my footing for a moment."Karna glanced back, his expression serious. "We need to be careful. The path is narrow and the rocks are loose. Let's proceed slowly."

The group continued with caution, the mood a bit more serious now. Karna's protective nature surfaced as he kept a close eye on everyone, especially Avika. He guided her horse over difficult patches, offering words of encouragement whenever the trail became particularly challenging.

Avika appreciated his attentiveness, feeling a sense of safety with him nearby. She admired his calm demeanor and the way he took charge, ensuring everyone's well-being. It was a quality she found increasingly attractive.

**Midday Break at a Mountain Overlook...**

As the sun climbed higher, they reached a wide plateau that offered a breathtaking view of the valley below. Karna decided it was a good spot to rest and allow the horses some time to recover.

They dismounted and gathered near the edge of the overlook, taking in the stunning scenery. The mountains stretched out before them, a vast expanse of green and blue, the peaks shrouded in mist.

Draupadi took a deep breath, her earlier fright forgotten. "This is incredible. I've never seen anything like it."

Aditya nodded in agreement. "It's moments like these that make all the hard journeys worth it."Karna turned to Avika, who was standing quietly beside him. "What do you think, Avika? Worth the climb?"

Avika smiled, her eyes reflecting the beauty of the landscape. "Absolutely. It's breathtaking. I feel like I could stay here forever."

Karna's gaze softened as he watched her. "Sometimes, the journey to a place like this is just as important as the destination. It's the challenges we face along the way that make the view so much sweeter."

Avika looked up at him, her heart warming at his words. "You're right, Maharaj Karna. I've learned that with you."

Nearby, Draupadi and Aditya exchanged another knowing glance. Draupadi leaned closer to Aditya, whispering, "They're getting closer, don't you think?"

Aditya grinned. "Definitely. But let's keep nudging them in the right direction. A little more time alone should do the trick."

Precap : The old ruins

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~Author Rishi ♥♥♥