Later that night, as Maya returned home, her mind was still spinning from the encounter with Karna and Duryodhan. The walk by the river had been nothing like she had imagined. It felt like her every word and action had been under a microscope, particularly with Duryodhan's piercing gaze always watching. She sighed, untying her saree and slipping into something more comfortable, her thoughts consumed with Karna and what had transpired.
Just then, Vriti, her closest friend and confidante in this era, entered the room. Vriti had known about Maya's feelings for Karna from the start and had always supported her.
"Maya," Vriti said softly, noticing her friend's distant look. "You're back. How was the evening with Angraj?"
Maya looked up at Vriti, her eyes clouded with mixed emotions. "It was... complicated."
Vriti raised an eyebrow and sat down beside her. "Complicated? What happened? Tell me everything."
Maya sighed and began to recount the evening's events. "It started off beautifully. He invited me for a walk by the river-the place where we first met. I was so happy, Vriti. I thought... I thought maybe tonight would be the night I could tell him how I feel."
Vriti's eyes softened. "And did you?"
Maya shook her head, her frustration bubbling up. "No, I didn't get the chance. Duryodhan joined us."
Vriti's expression immediately shifted, her brow furrowing. "Duryodhan? The crown prince? What was he doing there?"
Maya shrugged, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Apparently, Karna wanted to introduce me to him. They have this... unbreakable bond. And Duryodhan, he made it clear how much Karna means to him. It was almost like he was warning me, testing me."
Vriti leaned in, her voice hushed with concern. "What did he say?"
Maya recounted the interaction, how Duryodhan had subtly questioned her motives, casting doubt on her intentions toward Karna. She described the way he scrutinized her, how Karna tried to defend her, but ultimately, how his loyalty to Duryodhan seemed to overshadow everything.
Vriti sat back, her expression serious. "I see what's happening. Duryodhan views Karna as his most valuable ally, and he's not going to let anyone-especially someone like you, who he sees as an outsider-come between them."
Maya nodded, her frustration evident. "Exactly. And Karna, he respects Duryodhan so much. It's like no matter what I say or do, Duryodhan will always have the final word. How can I possibly confess my love to Karna when he's so devoted to someone else?"
Vriti placed a comforting hand on Maya's shoulder. "Karna's loyalty to Duryodhan is deep, but that doesn't mean he can't have feelings for you. You've been there for him, Maya. You've been a constant presence in his life. Duryodhan may have power over him in a political and personal sense, but love is something different."
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Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale
Historical Fiction"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" When Maya, a bri...
