Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale

Bhanumati 's Swayamvar

This fateful day held the Swayamvar of Princess Bhanumati-The Fairest Princess Of Aryevarth.. She was adorned with jewels and a heavy golden -Red lengha she looked like a goddess herself, even before the Swayamvar, she had made her mind to marry the pandava Prince Kuntiputra Arjun, who was renowned Archer, he had stolen her heart when she First saw him, and she waited for him along with her bestfr Supriya on her side

"Has he came yet? " Bhanu asked excitedly
"No, Bhanu I don't want to upset you but maybe after What all Happened At varna varth
He may not come" Supriya said concerned
"But he was there in the Swayamvar of Yagyaseni Draupadi, then why not here " She said as tears filled her eyes
"Well, It's fine bhanu, Other warriors, king and prince are here" Supriya hugged her friend
"Are they as good as him? " She asked with a pout
"Well one of them maybe" Supriya said with a hint of blush
"Who?" Bhanu asked curiously
"Angraj karna " Supriya said blushing
"So you say I select him? " Bhanu asked
"Maybe, Well I don't think he will be participating" Supriya said thinking
"Why?" bhanu asked with a bigger pout
"He had recently got married to a girl named Maya, everyone whispers about her beauty, they say she had roses like eyes, beautiful Figure and a lovely personality, she is said to be the most beautiful girl of Aryevarth"Supriya added
"Well I have heard of her, They say she has very long hair which flow off her back like a waterfall, she must be wayy beautiful , I didn't knew she was Angraj 's wife" Bahumati said
"Why don't you choose someone else like the yadav prince Satyaki Or Yuvraj Duryodhan? "
"Yuvraj duryodhan is a power hungry man I would never ever choose him and I never thought about Satyaki "
"Give it a thought bhanu maybe... Just maybe"

Bhanumati’s heart fluttered with excitement as she continued to glance toward the entrance, still holding onto the hope that Arjuna would arrive. The grand hall was filled with kings, warriors, and princes, but her eyes searched only for him. Supriya remained by her side, trying to keep her grounded.

Bhanumati's expression faltered for a moment, but then she straightened, determined to see the Swayamvar through. She began walking along the rows of princes, evaluating them one by one, though her heart was not in it.

As she moved, her eyes skimmed over familiar faces—Satyaki, Kritavarma, and many others. When her gaze reached Yuvraj Duryodhan, a wave of unease washed over her. His sharp eyes followed her every movement, and there was a certain intensity about him that made her uncomfortable. She turned away quickly, trying to suppress her discomfort.

But behind Duryodhan, standing quietly and almost out of place, was Angraj Karna. The moment Bhanumati saw him, something stirred within her. He stood with a quiet, commanding presence, his face expressionless, yet there was a hidden intensity in his eyes.

Still, something about him drew her in, and as her gaze lingered on him, she felt the strange pull that neither jewels nor titles could explain.

"Supriya, Karna looks so... distant," Bhanumati whispered. "Do you think he would ever—"

Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden gust of wind filled the hall, and before anyone could react, Duryodhan moved swiftly. Without warning, he grabbed Bhanumati’s wrist in one strong motion.

"Yuvraj Duryodhan! What are you doing?" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with shock and anger.

But Duryodhan only smiled, his grip tightening. "You belong with me, Princess. I won't let anyone else have you."

Supriya gasped and tried to pull Bhanumati away, but Duryodhan’s strength was unmatched. In a flash, Karna stepped forward, his eyes sharp and unwavering.

"Angraj karna how can you support him in this Ill decision!" Bhanumati pleaded, her heart pounding in panic.

But Karna, though torn by the sight, remained silent, his loyalty to his friend shackling his will. He glanced at Duryodhan, whose eyes were filled with determination. Karna’s face was stoic, yet conflicted.

"I am bound by friendship, Princess," Karna said quietly, regret etched in his voice.

Before anyone could react, Duryodhan nodded to Karna, and in one swift motion, Karna assisted in the escape. With unmatched speed and precision, he created a diversion, knocking down several guards and clearing a path. Duryodhan, dragging Bhanumati behind him, made a break for the exit, with Karna covering his escape.

Bhanumati struggled, her voice drowned in the chaos of the hall as she was pulled away from her people, her Swayamvar, and her kingdom.

"Let me go!" she screamed, but Duryodhan’s grip tightened as he dragged her toward the chariot waiting outside the palace.

Karna followed closely behind, his face unreadable. He wasn’t a man of ill intent, but his loyalty to Duryodhan clouded his judgment. He had vowed to stand by his friend, no matter the cost.

As they sped away from the palace, Bhanumati’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with fear and betrayal. She had never imagined her Swayamvar would end like this—kidnapped by a prince she despised, with no one to save her.