Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 28 : The Chariot Ride

The dawn broke over the horizon in a cascade of soft oranges and gentle pinks, casting a warm glow over the landscape as Karna and Avika stood by the grand chariot that would take them to Hastinapur. The crisp morning air was laced with the scent of dew-covered grass, and the world around them was slowly coming to life. Birds chirped lazily in the distance, the earth still wrapped in the gentle embrace of night's lingering quiet.

Avika stood quietly beside the chariot, watching the rising sun as she pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Her heart was still a fluttering mess from the events of the previous night. Karna's confession, the kiss under the stars—it all felt like a dream, one she didn't want to wake up from. But here they were, setting off on a journey together. It wasn't just any journey; it felt like the start of something much bigger, something profound.

She glanced at Karna, who was busy instructing the charioteer on their route. He stood tall and confident, his strong frame outlined by the morning light, his features softened in the gentle glow. His usual playful demeanor was replaced by a calm seriousness that sent a shiver down her spine. There was something about the way he carried himself, the way he spoke, that made her feel safe—like nothing could harm her as long as he was near.

When Karna turned and caught her watching him, a small smile tugged at his lips. He approached her, his dark eyes warm with affection. "Ready to go?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with excitement.

Avika nodded, returning his smile. "I've never been more ready."

With that, Karna helped her into the chariot, his hand firm yet gentle as he guided her into the plush interior. He settled in beside her, his arm brushing against hers as he took his seat. It was a simple touch, but it sent a jolt of awareness through her body, her heart racing as they sat side by side in the intimate space.

As the chariot began to move, the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves on the dirt road filled the air, accompanied by the creak of wooden wheels. The world outside seemed to blur, the trees and fields passing by in a steady, peaceful rhythm. But inside the chariot, time slowed once again, and Avika was acutely aware of every second that ticked by—of every breath, every glance shared between them.

Karna sat quietly for a few moments, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Avika could see the tension in his shoulders, the way he occasionally shifted his weight as if lost in thought. She wanted to reach out, to ask him what was on his mind, but she wasn't sure how to break the silence. Instead, she watched him from the corner of her eye, admiring the strength in his profile—the chiseled jaw, the sharp lines of his features softened by the morning light.

Finally, he turned to her, his expression softening as he caught her gaze. "You're quiet today," he remarked gently, his voice breaking the silence.

Avika blinked, her cheeks warming slightly. "I'm just... thinking."

"About what?" he asked, his tone curious but patient.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "About us. About everything that's happened. It all feels so surreal."

Karna's lips curved into a small, understanding smile. "I know what you mean. Sometimes I still can't believe we're here, like this." He reached out, his hand covering hers in a comforting gesture. "But I'm glad we are."

Avika's heart fluttered at the contact, and she found herself smiling back at him. His touch was warm, grounding her in the moment. "Me too," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible above the sound of the chariot.

For a while, they sat like that, their hands intertwined as the chariot rumbled steadily along the road. The scenery around them changed slowly, the fields giving way to rolling hills and dense forests. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the land, but neither of them seemed to notice. They were lost in their own little world, the rest of the journey fading into the background as they shared quiet, stolen moments.