Anya's ancient antics: a mahabharat tale

chapter 35

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As the palace of Dwarka bustled with excitement, the preparations for Anya’s wedding were in full swing. Servants and royals alike were running around, enthusiastic about the grand event. But if you asked them why they were so thrilled, you'd discover it wasn’t because they adored Anya, oh no—it was because they hoped the wedding would mark the end of her pranks.

“I swear, if she makes me wear a frog costume again…” one servant muttered under his breath.

“Just survive the next few days,” another servant whispered. “She’s going to be a married woman soon. Maybe she’ll stop making us pretend the palace is haunted.”

Even the royal decorators were wary, double-checking every ribbon and flower, hoping none of them would magically turn into the fake snakes, as they had during a previous "incident" orchestrated by Anya.

Anya, however, was strolling through the palace halls, watching everyone scramble with delight. She sighed dramatically, completely over the entire ordeal. *Seriously, they’re all so excited like I’m going to marry Nakul and settle down like a *normal* person,* she thought, rolling her eyes. *Well, I’ve got news for them. Tomorrow, I’m going to say no. And if they don’t listen, well… I’ll elope!*

But as soon as that thought popped into her mind, she frowned. *Wait, elope? With who? Who’s even going to help me run away?* She let out an exaggerated huff, her thoughts drifting to a certain rude fox who had been suspiciously quiet lately. *That Duryodhan… He’s been too calm. I bet he’s planning something. Probably thinks I helped with Arjun and Subhadra’s elopement too!*

Lost in her dramatic musings, Anya didn’t notice Nakul approaching until she heard his voice. She turned around and there he was—glowing with happiness, a huge smile on his face. He looked like he was walking on air, clearly thrilled about the upcoming wedding.

Before she could react, Nakul gently took her hand and placed a beautiful diamond ring on her finger. He gazed at her with so much affection that it almost made her feel guilty. Almost.

Anya blinked, looking at the ring, then at Nakul. *Wait, what just happened?* She blinked again, her mind racing. *Did he just put a ring on me?*

"N-Nakul..." she stammered, trying to find her words.

Nakul grinned, clearly expecting her to say something romantic.

But of course, Anya being Anya, couldn’t help herself. "Oh, wow, a diamond ring? Nakul, are you trying to bribe me into saying yes? Because let me tell you—it’s working!" She held up her hand, examining the ring from every angle. "I mean, it’s shiny, and I do like shiny things…"

Nakul chuckled, clearly relieved. "I’m glad you like it."

Anya sighed dramatically, her mischievous smile returning. "But just so you know, if I get bored tomorrow, I might still elope. You’ve been warned."

Nakul’s smile faltered for a second, but he quickly recovered. "You wouldn’t do that to me, would you?" he asked playfully.

Anya gave him an exaggerated pout. "I don’t know… I do love a good dramatic exit."

Before Nakul could respond, Krishna, ever the prankster, appeared out of nowhere. "Now, now, Anya," he said with a mischievous grin. "If you do decide to elope, at least give us a heads-up. I wouldn’t want to miss the spectacle."