The Unexpected Bride : Mahabharat

Sixty Six : Between Fire and Rain

"Where are you off to, little explorer?" Arjun's voice teased, his arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me snug against his chest. I glanced at the mirror, his eyes glinting with that familiar mischief, lamplight dancing in their depths. His thumb traced lazy circles on my stomach, sending a giggle bubbling up.

"To meet Maa, Arya," I said, swatting his arm, my bangles chiming. "And you're all sweaty from training. Let me go, I'm ready!" My dupatta slipped, the lilies in my braid swaying as I squirmed.

He grinned, tugging me closer, his sandalwood scent mingling with the jasmine air. "What was that, Parthavi?" he murmured, feigning deafness. "I couldn't hear you."

I huffed, glaring up at him. "Arya!" I protested, my pout puffing out.

"Closer?" he teased, leaning down, his breath tickling my ear, his mischievous smile daring me to retaliate.

I narrowed my eyes, then nipped his jaw, my teeth grazing his skin. He stepped back, rubbing the spot with a wince, and I grinned, triumphant. "Oh, you'll regret that, little explorer," he warned, his voice a velvet growl, eyes sparkling with challenge.

I squealed, bolting for the door, pausing to stick out my tongue, teasing him with a giggle. My anklets sang as I darted into the corridor. Arjun followed, his leisurely strides infuriatingly calm, his smirk promising mischief as I ran, my heart racing with delight.

I didn't realize where I was headed until Mata's chamber loomed ahead, its carved doors aglow with torchlight. I spun around, my breath hitching. "Arya, I'll run inside and complain to Mata if you keep chasing me," I declared, hands on my waist.

He stepped closer, his smirk widening, the glint in his eyes as dangerous as it was dear. "Complain, little explorer?" he drawled, closing the distance, his shadow falling over me. "Mata might side with me, after all, who could resist me?" His wink sent my heart fluttering, and I stifled a laugh, torn between fleeing to Mata or staying lost in his teasing gaze.

My giggles echoed as I darted toward Mata's chamber, Arjun's teasing smirk and leisurely strides setting my heart racing. The torchlit corridor shimmered, my anklets chiming with each step. I reached the doors and glanced back, ready to taunt him again. His shadow loomed closer, eyes glinting with mischief, but I pressed a finger to my lips, stifling a laugh, and slipped inside, my bare feet silent on the cool marble to avoid disturbing Mata.

The chamber glowed dimly, oil lamps casting golden flickers on silk drapes. I paused, my breath catching as Mata's voice drifted from the inner room, heavy with a sorrow that stilled my heart. "Priyamvada, how can I bear this any longer?" she murmured, her tone trembling with an edge of despair. I froze, my bangles hushed.

Arjun's warmth pressed close, his chest brushing my back as he clasped my hand. I glanced up, his usual mischief replaced by a furrowed brow, his eyes searching mine. He stepped forward, but Priyamvada's voice halted him. "Maharani, you mustn't speak of it," she urged. "The truth would shatter your sons' hearts, fracture their unity."

Truth? My heart thudded, confusion knitting my brow. I gripped Arjun's hand, my fingers trembling against his palm. Mata's voice broke, a despairing whisper. "Karna, my eldest, my first son, abandoned to the river's mercy. How can I watch him and Arjun clash at every turn, knowing they're brothers?"

The words crashed like thunder, my breath catching, shock icing my veins. Bhrata Karna? Mata's son? Arjun's brother? My eyes widened, meeting Arjun's, his face ashen, his grip tightening until it hurt. His lips parted, soundless, a storm of disbelief swirling in his gaze. He released my hand, stepping back, his shoulders rigid.