The Unexpected Bride : Mahabharat

Sixty One : Between Fire and Rain

Parthavi

I sat beside Mata Kunti, her voice broke the silence, "Parthavi, take care of yourself." The warmth in her words caused a lump to form in my throat, and I could feel the sting of tears welling up in my eyes.

I looked up at her, trying to blink them away. "You should come with us, Mata," I whispered, my voice barely steady as I rested my head on her lap, seeking comfort in the familiar gesture. She smiled softly, her hand caressing my hair, a gesture so simple yet filled with so much love.

"I will, Parthavi. Soon," she promised, her voice soothing like a balm to my anxious heart. "But until then, won't you take care of my son for me?"

I nodded, my heart heavy but resolute. "I will," I whispered, though it felt like such a small thing to promise, given the depth of my feelings for Arjun. How could I ever not take care of him? He was as much a part of me as the air I breathed.

Her fingers continued their slow, comforting strokes through my hair, and after a moment, she added, "Trust each other, Parthavi. Be together. Be his strength." Her words settled in my heart like a sacred vow, each one laden with meaning and expectation.

I looked up into her eyes, feeling the weight of her wisdom and her love for Arjun. It wasn't just a reminder, it was a responsibility, one that I was ready to bear with all my heart. I wanted to be that strength for him, to stand by him through every storm, every challenge, just as Mata Kunti had done for her family all these years. I understood what it truly meant to be bound to Arjun, not just by love, but by the promise of always being there, of always supporting and believing in one another. A sense of calm washed over me, knowing that in this journey, I wasn't alone. We had each other, and we had Mata's blessings guiding us every step of the way.

I quietly excused myself from Mata Kunti's chambers as Draupadi entered, her presence filling the room. I offered her a small smile before slipping out, leaving the two women to speak in private. My mind still lingered on Mata's words, her advice echoing in my heart as I walked down the corridor, the soft sound of my anklets accompanying me.

I made my way toward my brother's quarters, a frown creasing my forehead as I caught sight of him, not in his usual royal attire but dressed more simply. He seemed lost in thought, staring at something beyond the window.

"Bhratashri?" I called out, my voice filled with concern. He turned, a warm smile spreading across his face when he saw me. But still, something felt amiss. I stepped closer, studying him carefully. "What happened, Bhratashri?" I asked, noticing the subtle weariness in his eyes.

Instead of answering immediately, he simply smiled wider, that protective softness in his gaze that always reminded me of how much he cared. "Come inside, little one," he said, his tone inviting and gentle.

I hesitated for a moment before stepping into the room, a wave of uncertainty washing over me. As the door closed softly behind me, the atmosphere shifted, it felt different, almost heavy, as if the weight of the world had settled between us. My brother sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed on the floor, deep in thought. I could sense something troubling him, a burden he always managed to hide from me, and my heart tightened with concern.

I moved closer, the silence pressing in around us, and broke it gently. "Bhrata Karna," I said softly, my voice laced with worry, "you look troubled. What is it?"

He took a deep breath, his shoulders tense and rigid. "Parthavi," he began, his tone steady yet heavy with an intensity that made my heart race. "I've made a decision." His words hung in the air, and I could see him searching for the right way to express his feelings. "I can no longer support Duryodhana. I've realized I was wrong about him."