Aarvi's Reluctant Destiny

Chapter 6: Clashing Perspectives

Aarvi turned the corner briskly, nearly colliding with Janhvi, who looked startled, a hint of sadness clouding her eyes. Aarvi's irritation softened, and guilt tugged at her heart.

"Sorry," she murmured, her voice quieter than usual. "I... I shouldn't have snapped at you like that earlier."

Janhvi managed a small, understanding smile, though her sadness lingered. "It’s okay, Aarvi. Really. I know I can be... persistent." She hesitated, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "But it’s because I care about you. We both know what the Kauravas are capable of. Their actions, their intentions—they aren’t people we should be trusting blindly."

Aarvi sighed deeply, her gaze wandering as if looking for answers on the stone walls. "I get that, Janhvi. We know more about this time than anyone else here, sure. And yeah, I know the Kauravas aren’t exactly saints... but not everyone here is as perfect as you seem to believe." She looked back at Janhvi, her voice softening. "Not even your precious Pandavas."

Janhvi’s eyes narrowed slightly, a frown forming on her face. "Aarvi, what do you mean by that? The Pandavas... they have virtues. They’re noble, just, self-sacrificing—"

Aarvi held up a hand, shaking her head. "That’s your view, Janhvi. Look, I’m not here to take anyone’s side, alright? But I just... I don’t see the Pandavas in the same way you do. Sure, they’re heroes, but that doesn’t mean I need to worship them or overlook their flaws."

Janhvi opened her mouth to argue, but Aarvi continued, her tone more resolute. "And as for Duryodhan... he’s not the monster you make him out to be. He has his flaws, but who here doesn’t?" Aarvi’s gaze hardened, and without waiting for Janhvi’s reply, she turned on her heel and strode down the corridor, leaving her sister standing alone.

Janhvi shook her head, feeling a swirl of frustration and helplessness. She couldn’t understand Aarvi’s perspective, but as she took a steadying breath, a movement at the end of the hall caught her attention. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized Yudhishthira, who had clearly witnessed the exchange.

Forcing herself to stay composed, Janhvi approached him, her voice wavering slightly. "Yudhishthira... did you... overhear anything just now?"

Yudhishthira nodded gently, his expression calm and understanding. "I’m sorry if I startled you, Janhvi. I didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but yes, I heard part of your conversation with Princess Aarvi."

Janhvi’s cheeks flushed slightly, feeling exposed. "And... what exactly did you hear?"

Yudhishthira’s voice was warm, almost soothing. "Only that Princess Aarvi has her own way of seeing things," he replied. "She mentioned that she doesn’t look at us Pandavas in the same light as you do... that she doesn’t share the same admiration."

Janhvi's face fell, and a touch of sadness clouded her gaze. "I’m sorry if her words were hurtful," she said quietly, glancing away. "Aarvi... she’s a good person, truly, but she can be incredibly stubborn when it comes to her beliefs. I’ve tried to make her understand, to see things from our perspective..."

Yudhishthira offered a gentle, reassuring smile, shaking his head. "There’s no need to apologize, Janhvi. Aarvi has her own beliefs, shaped by her experiences. We can’t change her thoughts, and there’s no need to. People see the world in different ways, and sometimes, those differences are what help us see more clearly."

Janhvi looked up at him with a new sense of admiration. His calm acceptance was like a balm, soothing the conflict in her heart. "You’re... very understanding, Yudhishthira," she said softly. "I suppose that’s why people see you as the wisest among your brothers."