Asmi: The Warrior of Fate

D-Day?

The grand hall of Kalinga was filled with an air of anticipation as the day of the swayamvar arrived. Kings, princes, and warriors from various lands gathered, each vying for Princess Bhanumati's hand in marriage. Decked in gold and jewels, the princess sat on her throne, her eyes scanning the room with quiet dignity.

Duryodhan, dressed in his royal armor, stood among the crowd. His mind was focused, but his heart- his heart was elsewhere. His gaze would occasionally wander, as though searching for something or someone, unknown even to himself. Karna stood beside him, his silent support was comforting.

Karna broke the silence, glancing at his friend turned brother. "Are you ready, Duryodhan?"

Duryodhan nodded but added with a sigh, "Ready? I'm here for Hastinapur, not for myself."

Karna looked at him knowingly. "Sometimes, duty and desire don't align. But you're here for a reason. Never forget that."

As the formalities of the swayamvar began, Bhanumati's father, the king of Kalinga, addressed the gathering. "Today, the bravest, the noblest, and the wisest among you shall have the honor of winning my daughter's hand. Let the competition begin!"

The hall brightened with excitement as princes and warriors stepped forward to demonstrate their skills- archery, swordplay, and feats of strength. Duryodhan participated with grace and power, each movement precise and calculated. His skill was undeniable, getting him the admiration of many, yet his heart remained still.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the grand palace, Asmi walked with Krishna, her eyes wide with wonder and unease. The vibe of Kalinga's royal court was overwhelming, but her thoughts were on Duryodhan.

As they approached the hall where the swayamvar was taking place, Asmi hesitated. "Krishna, all this feels odd. It is the second time, I feel that I don't belong here. This is not my world."

Krishna smiled gently, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Asmi, you belong where your heart leads you. Sometimes, fate takes us to unexpected places to find what we truly seek."

She looked at him, confused. "Aap, kehna kya chahte hain?" (What do you mean?)

Krishna chuckled softly. "You'll see soon enough. For now, just trust the path."

As they entered the hall, Asmi's eyes instantly found Duryodhan. He was engaged in a display of swordsmanship, his movements sharp and controlled, but she could sense the weight on his heart. She felt an inexplicable pull toward him, as though their souls recognized each other even amidst the chaos of the swayamvar.

Krishna noticed her gaze and whispered, "It seems the heart knows what the mind struggles to understand."

Duryodhan, exhausted from the endless formalities, paused for a moment and glanced around the grand hall. His eyes went over the crowd, and then he saw her.

"Asmi..." he whispered under his breath, his heart suddenly beating faster.

Karna, noticing the change, followed his gaze. "Is that... Asmi? What is she doing here?"

Duryodhan didn't reply. His feet seemed to move of their own as he began walking toward her, his heart pounding in his chest. Asmi, sensing him coming closer, turned to face him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of surprise and relief.

"Asmi," Duryodhan said softly, his voice filled with a thousand unspoken emotions. "Tum yahan?" (What are you doing here?)

"I- Krishna bhrata brought me," she replied, glancing briefly at her brother, who was watching the scene unfold with his usual serene expression. "I didn't know I would see you here."