Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 41: Suspicion on Subhadra

The palace of Hastinapur glimmered in the soft light of dawn, the once turbulent night giving way to a deceptive calm. The events of the previous evening still echoed in Karna's mind as he stood by the window, watching the horizon. Though Avika had found peace in his arms after her ordeal, Karna could not quiet the storm brewing within him.

He was no stranger to battle, but this was different. This attack on Avika was not a challenge fought in the open—it was a cowardly act, a strike from the shadows. His mind raced through the possibilities of who could be responsible. He felt the cold, familiar sense of suspicion creep into his thoughts, and one name surfaced repeatedly: Subhadra.

Whispers of Doubt

In the quiet of the morning, Karna replayed the moments of the attack over and over again in his mind. Avika had been alone, targeted with precision, suggesting someone had intimate knowledge of her movements and vulnerabilities. Subhadra had been behaving strangely as of late. Karna had noticed her cold glances, her sudden withdrawals from conversations involving Avika, and most telling of all, her deepening association with those who might view Karna and Avika as threats.

Subhadra had never openly displayed malice toward Avika, but Karna had seen the subtle signs. A flash of jealousy in her eyes when she saw Avika's closeness to him, a faint flicker of resentment whenever the Pandavas praised his prowess. Could it be that Subhadra, beloved by many in Hastinapur, had conspired to harm Avika out of jealousy or spite?

His instincts warned him against leaping to conclusions, but the evidence, though circumstantial, was hard to ignore. Yet confronting Subhadra directly would only deepen the divide between himself and the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna. As much as Karna despised their ongoing rivalry, he knew the chaos such an accusation could bring to the already fragile balance within the court.

Seeking Counsel

That morning, Karna confided his concerns in Avika. After ensuring her safety the night before, he had spent every moment by her side, protecting her and offering comfort. Now, as they sat together in the palace gardens, the sunlight dappling through the leaves, he gently broached the topic.

"Avika, I fear there may be more to last night's attack than mere coincidence," Karna said carefully, his gaze fixed on her.

Avika frowned, her brow furrowing as she met his eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity and concern.

Karna hesitated, not wanting to alarm her but knowing she had a right to know. "I suspect that someone in the palace may have orchestrated it."

Avika's breath hitched, her hand instinctively reaching for his. "In the palace? But who would want to harm me?"

Karna took a deep breath. "There are many in this court who might see us as threats, especially those loyal to the Pandavas. But I suspect Subhadra."

Avika's eyes widened at the mention of Subhadra's name. "Subhadra? But why? She's always been kind... at least, I thought so."

Karna's jaw tightened. "I have seen the way she looks at you, at us. There is a jealousy there, something deeper. I believe she may feel threatened, or perhaps... resentful."

Avika shook her head, struggling to grasp the possibility that someone so revered in the court could harbor such dark intentions. "But how can we be sure?"

"We can't," Karna admitted. "Not yet. That's why I won't confront her directly. We must be cautious, Avika. If Subhadra is involved, she is dangerous. I won't risk your safety by provoking her."