The morning sun bathed the city of Ujjain in a soft golden glow, casting long shadows across the narrow streets. The air was crisp, scented with jasmine and sandalwood, while the bustle of early risers added to the sense of calm anticipation that lingered over the city. It was a new day, and a day of peace—at least for Karna and Purnima, who had managed to steal away from the burdens of their royal duties for a brief reprieve.
In their chamber, Purnima stood before a small mirror, adjusting the folds of her robe, her dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders. Today she wore simplicity with grace—an unadorned garment that reflected the tranquility she sought at that moment. She had been wanting to visit Mahakaleshwar for years, to stand before the great Lord Shiva and feel the peace that so many spoke of. And now, after the chaos surrounding Subhadra's wedding and the tensions that followed, the opportunity had finally come.
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As she adjusted a stray lock of hair, Karna approached from behind. His presence was a steady comfort, and today, as he stepped into the room, there was a gentleness to his demeanor that contrasted with the formidable warrior the world knew him to be. He took a small basket filled with fresh mogra flowers from the table beside her and, with the tenderness of someone who had memorized every curve of her face, began to weave the white blossoms into her hair.
Purnima closed her eyes, a soft smile curling at the corners of her lips as she felt his fingers at work. She had long known the power of his touch—how it could soothe her in ways words never could.
"You always know how to make me feel at peace," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Karna's hands paused for a moment as he finished placing the final flower. Then, without a word, he lightly brushed his lips against the soft skin of her neck, a gentle kiss that was more of a promise than a gesture. "I've always known how to make you feel loved," he said softly, his voice rich with affection. "But today, it is not the world's chaos that matters. Only this moment—only you and me."
Purnima opened her eyes, meeting his gaze in the mirror. There was nothing but sincerity in his eyes, the kind of sincerity that had been the bedrock of their marriage since its beginning. Despite the storm that always seemed to rage around them, in his presence, she had found a quiet refuge.
"Shall we go?" Karna asked, his voice breaking the silence between them.
Purnima nodded, taking his hand as they stepped out into the bright morning light. The city of Ujjain was waking up, the streets slowly filling with the sounds of vendors setting up their stalls, the clink of coins, the soft murmur of devotees making their way toward the temple. There was a serenity to it, a sense of devotion and purpose in the air.
They walked side by side, their steps in sync, the distance to the Mahakaleshwar Temple not far. Purnima couldn't help but feel a quiet thrill in her chest. The temple had always seemed like a distant dream, something she had read about, heard stories of, but never thought she would see with her own eyes. And now, here she was, walking through the streets of Ujjain, hand in hand with the man she loved, toward a place of great spiritual significance.
