(I have added a bit in the last part so maybe you should read it too ) (it's a comforting conversation in last part between Maya and Vriti)
The next day, the vibrant atmosphere of the fair buzzed around Maya, yet she couldn't focus on any of it. She had come here to enjoy the day, but her thoughts constantly circled back to Karna. As if fate had heard her restless heart, she spotted him near a vendor, standing tall, his golden armor glinting in the sunlight.
Karna caught her gaze and smiled, making his way through the crowd to her. "Maya, it seems fate keeps bringing us together."
Maya managed a small smile, her heart fluttering. "It does, doesn't it? We keep crossing paths as if something is drawing us together."
Karna nodded thoughtfully. "We're alike in many ways, yet so different. I've thought about that often. You speak with such wisdom, and at the same time, there's this fire in you-just like in me."
Maya's heart warmed at his words, but before she could respond, a voice interrupted them. "Karna!"
They turned to see a girl approaching, her eyes wide with excitement. Vrushali, Maya had heard her name whispered by others. She was beautiful and had a presence that lit up the space around her. It was clear, by the way she looked at Karna, that her feelings were no secret.
"Karna, I didn't know you'd be here today," Vrushali said with a bright smile, completely ignoring Maya as she moved closer to him.
Karna returned her smile, and for the first time since meeting him, Maya felt an ache in her chest. There was something in the way he looked at Vrushali-a familiarity, a warmth that he had never shown her. It felt like an unspoken bond existed between them, one Maya hadn't been part of.
"I come here often," Karna said lightly, his attention shifting between Vrushali and Maya, though his gaze lingered longer on Vrushali.
Maya tried to keep her expression calm, but her heart sank deeper with each passing moment. The conversation continued, but she barely registered the words. All she could focus on was the way Karna and Vrushali seemed so comfortable together, and it hurt.
When the brief meeting ended, and Vrushali said their goodbye, Maya felt the weight of the day pressing down on her. She had come to the fair hoping for another moment with Karna, but instead, she had witnessed something she hadn't been prepared for-someone else who clearly held a place in his heart.
That evening, Maya sat alone under the stars, replaying the day's events in her mind. She had known this wasn't going to be easy. She had known that Karna's world was complex, full of loyalties and bonds she might never fully understand. But tonight, the reality of it all stung more than she could have imagined.
"Maybe I'm always meant to be on the outside," she whispered to herself, feeling the cool breeze of the night do little to ease the ache within.
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" ...
