Destiny or Accident?

Episode: 23 || Execution

"The purpose of pain
is to move us into action.
It is not to make us suffer."

The palace kitchen buzzed with activity, but today felt different. While the usual sounds of clattering pots, crackling fires, and lively chatter filled the air, the dynamic had shifted. Normally, the Maharani or Kunti would command the kitchen with practiced precision, instructing cooks on what meals to prepare for the royal household. Today, however, Advika and Subhadra had seized control, their excitement palpable as they set the kitchen in motion with their own culinary plans.

The night before, after pacing her chambers out of boredom and skipping dinner, Advika had approached Maharani and Kunti with a daring request. "Maharani, Kunti Mata," she had said, her tone light but persuasive, "would it be alright if I take over tomorrow's lunch preparations? I'm feeling a little restless." Kunti had raised an amused eyebrow, and before she could respond, Subhadra, lounging nearby, eagerly chimed in, "I'll help too! It'll be more entertaining than sitting around all day!" Maharani had relented with a bemused smile, warning them, "Very well. But you're responsible for whatever chaos ensues," her eyes twinkling with mischief.

After breakfast, the kitchen transformed under the enthusiastic direction of the two princesses. Advika and Subhadra met in a small alcove away from the bustling palace to discuss the menu. "Let's make all my favorite dishes!" Subhadra announced gleefully, rattling off an endless list. Advika, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of Karna. Leaning closer to Subhadra, she whispered conspiratorially, "I think we should make a few special dishes... ones I know Karna would like." Her heart raced at the thought of him, the memory of his subtle smiles lingering in her mind. Subhadra smirked knowingly, teasing, "Ah, now I see what this is about. Trying to win over someone's heart through their stomach, are we?" Flushing, Advika protested weakly, though the thought of Karna enjoying the meal she prepared filled her with both excitement and nerves.

They settled on a combination of dishes. Advika suggested Sheer Khurma, a rich dessert she had learned during her missions. She also chose Makhana Kheer and Badam Halwa, both of which she recalled Karna enjoying back in her world. She poured her heart into the menu, secretly hoping Karna would take multiple servings and perhaps soften his stance toward her. Subhadra, not to be outdone, requested her own favorites—motichoor ladoos, coconut ladoos, and doodh peda. The gleam in her eyes hinted at more than just a sweet tooth. "Let's just say I have my own reasons," she said with a wink, leaving Advika guessing about her intentions, though she had a strong suspicion.

As the kitchen roared to life, servants scrambled to follow the princesses' instructions, the aroma of roasting spices and boiling milk filling the air. Advika felt a nervous thrill; she had never felt this anxious about cooking before. Everything had to be perfect for today's lunch. Several hours later, an attendant hurried over to Advika, bowing deeply. "Rajkumari, everything is ready," he reported.

Advika exchanged a look with Subhadra, her heart pounding in her chest. Together, they made their way to the covered area of the kitchen where the final preparations took place. The sight that awaited them was magnificent—dishes laid out in perfect order, each gleaming and fragrant, an array fit for a grand festival. Just then, Maharani and Kunti arrived, drawn in by the mouth-watering aromas wafting through the palace halls. Maharani raised an eyebrow, her expression amused. "Are you sure it isn't a special day for either of you?" she teased, her eyes darting between the two women.

Advika and Subhadra exchanged glances, trying—and failing—to hide their grins. They shook their heads, but their eyes betrayed their excitement. Kunti smirked, sensing there was more to this than met the eye. "And the abundance of sweets... no special reason for that either?" she asked, her tone light but probing. Subhadra bit her lip to suppress a giggle, while Advika shifted nervously, praying her intentions weren't too obvious. "No reason at all," she said, though she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks.