Destiny or Accident?

Episode: 11 || Strange Meeting

"We feast on our fears,
then wonder
why we're starving for peace."

The woods behind the hotel stretched out like a hidden sanctuary, untouched and alive with a soft kind of magic. The air moved gently, almost lovingly, through the trees, brushing against their skin as if carrying whispers from another time. It wasn't the kind of wind that rushed with urgency—it was tender, playful, lifting strands of Advika's hair and tugging at her scarf as if to soothe her unspoken thoughts.

Advika and Karna walked side by side, their hands naturally finding each other's, fingers intertwined before they even noticed. It felt right, as if their connection had always been there, waiting for this quiet moment to reveal itself. The woods enveloped them in peace, with only the soft crunch of twigs beneath their feet and the distant calls of birds keeping them company.

Above them, the trees filtered the fading light, casting soft, dappled shadows on the forest floor. The earthy scent of moss and wildflowers filled the air, wrapping the scene in a tranquil stillness. The world beyond—the hotel, the celebrations—seemed far away, as if it belonged to another time. Here, in the embrace of nature, it was just the two of them, walking in a quiet harmony neither had anticipated.

They exchanged shy glances, each sneaking a look when the other wasn't watching. When their eyes met, they quickly looked away, smiling at the unspoken understanding between them. Advika's right hand nestled in Karna's felt like she was holding onto something rare, something more precious than she had ever known.

As she absentmindedly traced her fingers over his hand, a sudden curiosity rose in her. She realized how little she knew about him.

"When's your birthday?" she asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled around them and the woods.

Karna glanced at her and smiled softly. "Two days before Aashadhi Ekadashi," he replied, the warmth in his voice making her heart flutter.

She blinked, momentarily confused, before he laughed lightly, clarifying, "It's my birthday, astrologically."

Advika nodded, amused by his explanation but thoughtful. "I still have more questions," she said with a smile.

He hummed in response, encouraging her.

"Why do you wear a ring on your index finger?" she asked, lifting their joined hands slightly, her curiosity growing.

Karna looked at his hand and shrugged. "No particular reason. It was a gift from a rishi. I wore it to show my gratitude."

Without a word, Advika gently removed the ring and slipped it onto his ring finger instead. Karna bit his lip, a smile playing on his face at the gesture but said nothing.

"And your next question?" he asked, though his tone suggested he was enjoying this exchange.

Advika hesitated, fumbling with her words. "Why did you lie?" she asked, her voice more serious as she stopped walking and faced him. Karna raised an eyebrow, prompting her to elaborate. "You initially refused the idea, but when you agreed, either Chandu or I would've introduced you. You didn't have to lie."

Karna smiled, but Advika continued before he could brush it off. "It's not okay," she insisted. "It goes against your dharma, something you value so deeply. I don't want to be the reason you compromise that."

He stepped closer, untwining his hand from hers, and gently held her left hand. "It's okay," he reassured her, but she shook her head, still troubled.

Karna gazed at her, his eyes softening as he raised her hand between them. "Do you know why I did it?"