Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

71. Walls of Regret

It had been a month since Arjun's bold confession—more like a proclamation, really. In a way, it felt almost aggressive, but there was a fierceness in the way he claimed me as his own that I found... compelling. No one had ever looked at me that way, spoken to me that way, as if I were something so precious that they'd stake their heart on it.

But what surprised me even more was his persistence. Each day, a new flower appeared at my window—a different bloom each time, each one carrying a small note. Arjun didn't write long, flowery passages; his words were simple, just a few lines, but they carried weight, lingering in my mind long after I'd read them.

I hadn't thought anyone from this era could be so genuinely romantic, especially in a way that felt both ancient and timeless. It was almost as though he spoke a language of love that I was only just beginning to understand. Each new flower and note chipped away at my resolve, and though I told myself I'd ignore him, that I wouldn't be moved by gestures or words, my heart began to soften.

I thought maybe the flowers would stop eventually, that he'd lose interest if I ignored him, but they kept coming, each one more beautiful than the last, each note leaving my heart a little softer.

It warmed my heart so deeply that I cursed my fate. Why did he come into my life so late? Why couldn't he have come sooner? Still, despite realizing my feelings for him, I didn't react. I held back, unwilling to let down the walls I'd spent so long building.

Each night, I found him outside the gates standing as if waiting for me.I wanted to go really but i couldn't and I shouldn't .Thankfully, Rishi Ved Vyasa's guidance had begun to consume my thoughts. His teachings on the Panchkosh Vidya—a profound understanding of the five layers of existence: body, breath, mind, intellect, and soul—offered a welcome distraction. 

And now, with the anticipated arrival of Rishi Durvasa, my mind was further occupied. Durvasa, the revered sage and greatest devotee of Lord Shiva, was not just a teacher; he had once been the guru of Mata Parvati, teaching her about her existence as Adi Shakti. His insights into the Vidya would be invaluable, but he was still in deep meditation. I knew he would awaken only when the time was right.

Late one night, as I returned to my hut, I noticed Arjun was still there, lingering under a nearby tree, watching me . And one early morning, when I stepped outside, I found him asleep just beyond the ashram gates. He had waited all night, his dedication and patience far beyond what I had ever expected. I needed answers, so I confronted him during practice.

I knelt down beside Arjun, carefully reaching out to shake him awake. "Arjun," I said softly, reluctant yet resolute.

He stirred, blinking sleepily before his eyes found mine, his expression gradually shifting from grogginess to surprise.

"Arjun," I began, trying to keep my tone steady, "why are you doing this? This... this is all too much. Go back and rest properly—you might fall sick."

His gaze softened, and a gentle smile appeared. "Because you're worth it," he replied, his voice calm and unwavering. "But at least now I know you care about me."

His words caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless. I could feel my defenses wavering. "Enough, Arjun," I managed to say, my voice firmer than I felt inside. "Please. All of this is too much. You need to stop this, right now. Is this what you think will make me come to you?"

He chuckled softly, the sound so warm and familiar that it made my resolve tremble. "Tvarita, I don't need you to come to me. I just want to see you before I close my eyes at night and when I open them in the morning. That's all."

The sincerity in his words left me torn. I could feel myself slipping, the walls I had carefully built around my heart beginning to crumble piece by piece.