Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

52.Fractured Serenity

One month later...

Varuni's anxiety had only grown, and Arjun, too, was becoming increasingly agitated. The other Pandavas and Kauravas tried to focus on their responsibilities, but the looming absence of Tvarita weighed heavily on everyone's minds. However, the arrival of Ved Vyas had brought both hope and tension to the palace. His decision to stay for some time led to the construction of a grand ashram in his honor, and his presence brought a strange calm over the kingdom.

Yet, beneath the surface, Arjun's mind raced with thoughts of Tvarita.

"We need to search for her, it's been a month!" Arjun declared as he paced restlessly.

"Arjun," Yudhishthir said softly, his voice tempered with reason, "She needs time. After what happened, it's understandable that she would want to stay away for a while."

"But what if she's in danger? What if—" Arjun's voice cracked with desperation.

"She's strong," Yudhishthir cut him off, trying to soothe his brother's worry. "We have to trust that."

Arjun shook his head. "No. She didn't just leave. She vanished. How can we trust anything when she's out there, and we don't know where she is?"

The other princes shifted uncomfortably, the uncertainty unsettling them too, but none dared voice it.

"Let me go," Arjun insisted. "I'll search for her myself. I won't return until I find her!"

Before Yudhishthir could respond, Ved Vyas entered the hall. His presence immediately commanded attention. He approached Yudhishthir, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "She will come when the time is right," he said, his voice steady with wisdom.

"But Tvarita is a woman, alone out there!" Sahadeva spoke up, his face creased with worry. "How can we just wait like this?"

"Yes, Rishi," Bheem added, his tone firm yet edged with concern. "We don't know what dangers she might be facing."

Ved Vyas raised his hand gently to silence their rising anxiety. "Putro," he said with a serene smile, "she is safe. You have my word. She will return soon—do not let your hearts be troubled." His words were spoken with a quiet certainty, though his gaze drifted across the room and lingered on Karna.

Karna sat in silence, his eyes cast downward, seated beside his friend Dushasana. The weight of his sadness was unmistakable, his usual composure shattered by guilt. Ved Vyas's glance seemed to pierce right through him, as if sensing the storm of regret raging within.

The sage's assurance was meant to ease their minds, but for Arjun, the words, though cryptic, only deepened the unease in his heart. Doubt churned in his chest. How could anyone truly know Tvarita's fate when she was so far beyond their reach?

Meanwhile, Aaji was overseeing the preparations for Karna and Vrushali's wedding. The palace buzzed with activity, the air filled with the sounds of joyful anticipation. Yet, Vrushali found little joy in it. Her heart was heavy, her thoughts constantly drifting to Karna and the troubled expression he wore during their last conversation.

Flashback:

It had been just a few days after Tvarita's departure when Karna came to see Vrushali, his face lined with worry.

"Karna, what's wrong?" Vrushali asked the moment she saw him, concern replacing the usual warmth in her voice.

Karna hesitated, as if grappling with the right words. He took a deep breath, his confidence nowhere to be found. "I need to tell you something."

Vrushali's heart skipped a beat. "What is it, Angraj?"

With great difficulty, Karna began to recount everything—his actions, his misunderstandings with Tvarita, and the pain he had caused her. Vrushali listened carefully, her face growing more somber as the story unfolded. She could now see the reason behind Tvarita's behavior, the torment she had endured. In Tvarita's place, Vrushali knew she would have acted the same.