A Different Destiny - A Mahabharat/Karn Fanfic

CHAPTER - 38 : ALLIANCE

A couple of days have passed since the wedding of Arjun and Draupadi. It was safe to say that Isha did give quite a scare to a lot of people that day. Her wound was opened bleeding again and she lost consciousness due to that and the pain.

"No one should know... No one should know..." she kept chanting even when she is not conscious, which literally scared Karn. 

Isha's chief maid immediately ran towards them that day and Karn was quick to order her to bring either Shikhandini or Dhrishtadyumn near while he literally raised an unconscious Isha in his arms and managed to get of the dining hall without grabbing any attention towards them.

He was quick to take her towards her chambers with a few maids and gurads escorting them. As soon as Karn placed Isha on her bed, Dhristadyumn barged into the chambers and his eyes widened when he saw Isha.

Isha's chief maid who scurried after him, immediately filled in Dhrishtadyumn and Karn about the attack that happened on Isha when she went to the temple and how Isha ordered them all that nobody should be told about this until at least the wedding is done.

Soon, a Rajvaidya was brought who inspected Isha's condition. After treating her, he informed Dhrishtadyum that Isha needs to take it easy at least until the wound starts healing.

Over the next few days, the palace was a mix of celebration and concern. While the festivities surrounding Arjun and Draupadi's wedding continued, there was an undercurrent of worry among those who knew about Isha's condition. Dhrishtadyumn and Shikhandini were especially vigilant, making sure that Isha had everything she needed while also ensuring that no one outside their close circle learned of the incident. Dhrishtadyumn and Shikhandini kept giving different reasons everytime someone asked about Isha's presence, stating that she's either currently preoccupied with other tasks, or that she's at the temple, or she's doing some penance and shouldn't be disturbed.

Isha remained bedridden, her normally vibrant energy dampened by the pain and the effects of the wound. Despite this, her thoughts were constantly on her sister and the new responsibilities that Draupadi would be taking on as Arjun's wife and Kuruvansh's kulvadhu. Isha was determined not to let her injury overshadow the joy of the newlyweds.

Karn, who had witnessed her collapse, found himself unable to stop thinking about her. Her bravery in keeping the attack a secret to avoid ruining the wedding was admirable, but it also made him worry about her well-being. He couldn't shake off the memory of her chanting "No one should know..." even in her unconscious state. It made him question the extent of the pressure she put on herself for the sake of others.

One evening, Draupadi had enough of every reason and she decided that she's going to go and see her sister and Arjun decided to accompany her.

When they were about to enter Isha's chambers, Isha's chief maid stopped them.

"Kshama karein Rajkumari. Rajkumari Isha wishes to not be disturbed at the moment," said the chief maid making Draupadi scowl.

(Forgive me, Princess. Princess Isha wishes to not be disturbed at the moment.)

That made the chief maid to gulp in fear. Nobody has ever seen Draupadi that angry at anyone.

"I'm sure my sister doesn't mind if I come to see her. It's been days since I saw her face. Now, leave us, Dasi," ordered Draupadi, looking at the chief maid sternly.

The chief maid, in return, bowed to Draupadi and Arjun and moved aside, letting them inside. While Draupadi walked in without any reservations, Arjun walked in skeptically, not wanting to intrude his Sakhi - now his Sali.

(Sakhi - friend, Sali - Sister - in - law.)

As Draupadi entered the room, she was struck by the sight of her sister lying on the bed, pale and fragile. Isha, who had been staring out the balcony from her bed - lost in thought, turned her head at the sound of approaching footsteps. A fleeting look of surprise crossed her face, followed by a weak smile as she saw Draupadi and Arjun.