Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

78.Twilight's Reckoning

Meanwhile, in Hastinapur...

When Arjun woke up, the stark emptiness of the secluded ground struck him like a cold gust of wind. Tvarita was gone. Panic clawed at his heart, squeezing it tightly as he frantically searched for any sign of her. Just when despair began to settle in, he noticed a scroll lying delicately on the pillow beside him. His hands trembled as he reached for it, dread pooling in his stomach.

Did she leave without saying goodbye? The thought sent a shiver through him, but he quickly unraveled the scroll, feeling the weight of his heart in each unfolding crease.

Arjun, my beloved,

If you are reading this, it means I have left your side. I can already imagine the hurt in your eyes, and it tears me apart to know I caused it. Please, forgive me. I would give anything to be there with you right now. But I had to make a choice. If you were there, standing before me, I couldn't have gone through with it. I wouldn't have. What I must do is important, something far greater than you or me.

I promise you this: I will return. My love for you is a fire that cannot be extinguished, a light that will guide me back home. Every moment apart feels like an eternity, and I ache to hold you again, to feel your warmth beside me.

There's something I need you to promise, Arjun—no matter how heavy the sadness feels, don't let it consume you. This separation is only temporary, a bridge we must cross to reach our future together. I dream of the day we can stand before your mother and brothers, declaring our love openly, and embracing the joy we deserve. That vision is what keeps me going, even when the shadows loom large.

With me gone, you must guard my secrets fiercely. I know this is a lot to ask, but you are strong—stronger than you know. If you could watch over my brother from time to time, I would be at peace. I trust you to care for him as I would.

My only regret is that I didn't have more time with you. But when I return, I will be yours, and I will never leave your heart again, even for a moment—I promise.

You are my heart, Arjun. While distance may separate us, nothing can diminish the bond we share. Stay vigilant and brave; I have faith in you. Trust your instincts, and remember that I am always with you, even in spirit.

I love you more than words can express. Take care of yourself and hold my love close, for it is yours to keep.

Please, after you read this, burn this scroll. It is a piece of my heart, and it must not fall into the wrong hands.

Yours forever,
Tvarita

Tears began to fall as Arjun read Tvarita's heartfelt letter, each word wrapping around his heart like a warm embrace. A bittersweet smile tugged on his lips, his trust in her unwavering as he burned the letter, letting the flames consume his doubts and fears. With renewed determination, he made his way back to the palace, each step resonating with hope for the future they would build together.

Meanwhile, in Shakuni's Room...

An unsettling sense of unease slithered through Drikasha's/ Shakuni's mind as he paced back and forth in the dimly lit chamber. His thoughts were entangled in the gnawing knowledge of Tvarita's decision to embark on her journey which they had prevented in the past —a path that could alter everything. Anxiety coiled around his insides like a serpent, tightening with each passing moment, constricting his chest and making it harder to breathe. The walls, heavy and suffocating, seemed to close in on him, mirroring his growing distress.

A surge of anger ignited within Shakuni, dark and consuming. His thoughts spiraled in frustration and betrayal. "I placed my trust in that woman, and she vanishes without a trace?" His voice dripped with contempt, each word laced with bitterness and doubt. "I've given her too much faith, far more than she deserved..." He clenched his fists, his mind simmering with resentment as he mulled over her betrayal, the feeling of being played gnawing at him like a slow poison.