Aarvi's Reluctant Destiny

Chapter 4: The Unexpected Encounter

Aarvi had spent most of her morning sulking about the palace. She hated crowds, and today the palace was packed with guests—the Pandavas and Kauravas included. She had already overheard the gossip swirling around about how glorious and handsome the princes of Hastinapur were, but she couldn't care less.

She had successfully avoided the festivities until now, wandering the quieter hallways. As she reached the grand terrace, Aarvi paused at the sight of her sister, Janhvi, performing an elegant dance for the guests below. The courtyard was alive with murmurs of admiration, and as her gaze drifted toward the audience, she spotted the infamous Pandavas seated together, mesmerized by Janhvi’s grace. Aarvi wrinkled her nose in mild disgust. Ugh, those calamity magnets.

Deciding to slip away unnoticed, she turned sharply—only to almost crash straight into Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas.

He caught her by the arm, steadying her before she could stumble. "Are you alright?" he asked gently, concern lacing his voice.

Aarvi yanked her arm free, scowling up at him. "I'm fine. Watch where you’re going."

Yudhishthira blinked, taken aback by her brashness. "I... I apologize. I didn’t mean to—"

"You shouldn’t sneak up on people," she interrupted coldly, brushing her sleeve as if his touch had dirtied it. Her eyes flickered to the rest of the Pandavas, who were now standing beside their brother, all staring at her in surprise.

Arjuna, ever polite, stepped forward. "We didn’t mean any harm. You’re...?" He trailed off, not knowing who this fierce young woman was.

Aarvi raised an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest. "None of your business."

Nakul, confused by her attitude, frowned. "You’re from this palace? A servant, perhaps?"

Aarvi rolled her eyes so dramatically that even Bhima caught it. "Servant? Honestly?" Her lips twisted into a mocking smirk. "Do I look like a servant to you?"

"Then who are you?" Bhima asked, his booming voice filled with curiosity. "You’re definitely not part of the guests."

Aarvi’s smirk widened. "Wouldn’t you like to know."

Sahadeva, standing at the back, raised an eyebrow, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "You’re younger than us. You should speak more respectfully when addressing your elders."

Aarvi scoffed. "Oh, elders. My bad," she replied with exaggerated sarcasm. "Should I bow and scrape to show proper respect?"

Yudhishthira frowned slightly, trying to keep the peace. "We didn’t mean to offend. We were just curious. You don’t seem to be part of the main festivities."

"Good observation," she replied dryly, turning away. "I have better things to do than entertain guests."

As she moved to leave, Nakul called after her, "Wait! Who are you, really?"

Aarvi paused for a moment, glancing over her shoulder. "If you have to ask, then maybe I’m not important enough for you to know." With that, she strode off, leaving the Pandavas staring after her, stunned by her audacity.

Nakul was the first to break the silence, shaking his head in disbelief. "What just happened?"

Bhima chuckled, though there was an edge to it. "She’s got some nerve, doesn’t she? Who does she think she is?"

"Whoever she is, she’s certainly no Janhvi," Nakul muttered, still bewildered. "That was... unexpected."

"More like rude," Bhima grumbled. "Janhvi’s warm and kind. This one? She’s the complete opposite. Arrogant."