As Maya stood there, watching the two men laugh at her innocent pout, she couldn’t help but feel warmth rise in her chest. This wasn’t what she had expected for her evening, but seeing Angraj laugh—so carefree, so human—was more than enough to make her heart flutter. Still, she couldn’t ignore the undercurrent of anxiety as Duryodhan’s scrutinizing gaze lingered on her.
"You two seem quite close," Duryodhan noted, his sharp eyes narrowing as if testing her.
"Y-Yes," Maya stammered, feeling suddenly on edge under his intense stare. But then she looked at Karna, and his reassuring smile calmed her nerves. This was her moment. She couldn’t let it slip away. Gathering her courage, she spoke again. "Angraj has been a dear friend and guide. I'm... I'm very grateful for him."
Karna’s eyes softened, but Duryodhan tilted his head slightly, the smile on his lips holding something unreadable. "Well, Karna here deserves all the love and respect, doesn’t he?"
Maya’s breath caught in her throat at the word "love." It felt like Duryodhan was trying to pry something out of her, but she couldn’t show it. She glanced at Karna, hoping he didn’t catch her moment of fluster.
"Indeed," she said carefully, her voice steady. "Angraj has my deepest respect."
Duryodhan raised an eyebrow at her careful phrasing, but before he could comment, Karna interrupted. "would you guys,care to join me for a walk near the river? It's a beautiful evening."
Duryodhan's presence was commanding, and Maya knew there was no way to dismiss him from this moment.
Maya’s stomach twisted in knots. She had hoped for a quiet moment alone with Karna, but now with Duryodhan joining them, things were bound to get more complicated. Still, she composed herself, her smile not faltering. "I’d be honored to walk with both of you."
As they strolled by the banks of the Ganga, the setting sun casting golden hues on the water, Duryodhan walked with his arms crossed behind his back, his gaze occasionally flickering between Karna and Maya. Maya could sense that his mind was working, trying to figure her out. He wasn't just a warrior prince—he was a shrewd man who knew how to read people.
YOU ARE READING
Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale
Historical Fiction(Discontinued) "When the dust of war settles, a new beginning unfolds and not every war is external,not every war is fought with bows, arrows,swords etc.for land....some tough ones are fought with your own heart for your happiness and Inner Piece" ...
