Tantra - a Dwapar yug adventure [Ongoing]

Chapter 14

Karna and Tantra travelled for a week to reach the Kalinga kingdom, they met rishis, common folk and merchants on the way.  Dushasan decided to start a few days after them, they would reunite in Kalinga. 

One day, just a few hours before they reached Kalinga, they heard a girl screaming. Tantra ran towards the hut from which they heard the commotion, a guy was slapping a woman and dragging her. The girl's clothes were tattered and blood oozed from her lips, Tantra hit the man's head with the blunt side of her sword. The man fell down and slumped on to the floor. Tantra hugged the girl and gave her dupatta for covering up her body. Karna gave her water and asked the villagers as to what happened. The man had abducted her and forced her to marry him, the girl whose name was 'Vishala' had refused to do so. Her parents had disappeared few years back, no one cared for her. Tantra took Vishala under her wing and decided that she would take care of her hereafter. 

Thus, the duo become a trio as they marched towards Kalinga. They entered the palace doors with joy, the Kalinga royals welcomed them with excitement. Maharaj Shalya and Maharani Akshara introduced the princess Banumathi to them. Tantra told them abot Vishala and her woeful situation, she was worried they would be unhappy with an unexpected addition to the entourage.  To her pleasant suprise, the king and queen were more than willing to help out the girl. 

Vishala, Tantra and Karna were led to the ceremonial hall and were served food by the queen and princess themselves. Maharaj conversed with Tantra about politics, public welfare and Hastinapur. They had organised for a festival in honour of the esteemed guests, folklore songs and classical dancers graced the stage. Bhanumathi was encouraged by the queen to join the dancers, to Tantra's apprehension, she was forced by a mischevious Karna to join the princess.

Tantra had learnt the ancient dances in Hastinapur during her education, the two women danced to a melodious song of the reunion of Satyavan and Savitri.  Karna and all the royal members of the kingdom saw them with unwavering attention. Once the song ended, Maharaj gifted Tantra 100 gold coins in appreciation. 

"Thank you maharaj, I will distribute these coins to the poor in the kingdom. They need it more than me", she said

"Gangaputr did not lie when he praised you, they are indeed blessed with a gem", said Maharaj Shalya

"Let Bhanumathi take you to your chambers, I hope you rest well", said maharani

Bhanumathi led them to the guest wing and showed them their chambers, she offered a kind smile and left afterwards. Tantra and Vishala entered their chambers, Karna went towards his.

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Changed the timeline slightly to include satyavan & savitri

Hope you all liked it :)