Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 13 : The Answer

The Promise of Forever

The golden light of the setting sun stretched across the land, casting long shadows over the majestic palace of Hastinapur. The peaceful serenity of the evening seemed to embrace the royal gardens, where Arjuna and Aaradhya found solace, away from the noise of courtly duties and the burdens of destiny.

In the quiet seclusion of the garden, the scent of roses and jasmine hung in the air, mingling with the soft rustling of the leaves as the wind danced through the trees. Arjuna and Aaradhya walked side by side, their hands brushing occasionally, sending a spark of warmth through them both. Despite the calmness of the world around them, their hearts were filled with a whirlwind of emotions—an unspoken connection that neither had ever experienced before, and neither would dare to break.

The tension that had been building in Aaradhya's chest since Arjuna's return had only grown stronger with each passing day. She had tried to push it aside, tried to tell herself that everything would be fine. But deep down, she had always known that Arjuna's heart was torn between duty and desire, between honor and love. His duty to Drupad, to Draupadi, had created a rift between them, one that neither could deny.

But today, as they walked in silence, Aaradhya knew she could no longer hold her feelings back. The storm within her needed release, and Arjuna, with his quiet strength and unwavering presence, was the only one who could calm it.

"Arjuna," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken words. "There is something I must ask you."

He turned his gaze toward her, his expression soft but serious. His hand, large and warm, brushed against hers, and for a moment, their fingers interlaced, the simple act grounding them in the moment. "What is it, Aaradhya?" he asked gently, his voice low, as if he already knew the nature of her question.

Aaradhya hesitated, her heart beating erratically in her chest. She had never been one to shy away from difficult conversations, but this was different. The uncertainty that clouded her thoughts made her feel vulnerable in a way she wasn't used to.

"Draupadi," she began, her voice faltering slightly. "She is a woman of great strength, beauty, and grace. I know that she has been promised to you by Drupad, and I... I have heard that you are expected to marry her. But I cannot help but wonder, Arjuna..." She paused, trying to steady her breath. "Will you marry Draupadi?"

The question hung in the air, the words themselves heavier than she had anticipated. She searched his face for any sign of the answer, but Arjuna remained calm, his gaze unwavering. For a moment, he didn't respond, as though weighing the depth of the question.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Arjuna spoke, his voice filled with a sincerity that reached deep into her heart.

"Aaradhya, I know the weight of the duty placed upon me," he began, his voice steady. "I understand that Draupadi is the daughter of Drupad, and that there is an expectation for me to marry her. But..." He turned to face her fully, his hand gently cupping her cheek, his touch sending a wave of warmth through her. "My heart, my soul, they belong to you. I cannot ignore what I feel, and no matter what obligations are placed upon me, I cannot marry Draupadi."

Aaradhya's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she felt as though her world had shifted. His words were a balm to the wounds she hadn't even known were there, and yet, hearing him speak so openly, so honestly, filled her with a sense of both relief and disbelief.

"Arjuna," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You mean that?"

His smile was soft, almost tender, as he nodded. "I do. My duty as a warrior, as a prince, may be to protect my kingdom and honor the requests of others, but my heart is mine. And it has always been yours, Aaradhya. No matter what happens, I will never betray the love I have for you."

Aaradhya felt a rush of emotions—relief, joy, and a deep sense of love that threatened to overflow. She reached up, her hand brushing against his, and then she stepped closer, closing the gap between them. The heat of his body, the steady rhythm of his heart—it was all so real, so tangible, and yet, it felt like a dream.

Her fingers brushed against his jaw, and her gaze locked with his. There was no need for words now. The space between them had already been filled with everything they needed to say. She could feel his breath on her lips as he leaned down slightly, his presence overwhelming her senses in the most beautiful way.

"I love you, Arjuna," she said, her voice a soft confession. "And I will stand by you, no matter what."

He smiled, the warmth in his eyes matching the depth of her feelings. "I love you too, Aaradhya. And nothing—nothing—will ever change that."

With that, he closed the distance between them, his lips gently meeting hers in a kiss that was soft, tender, and filled with the promise of a future together. It wasn't a kiss of obligation, or one forced by duty; it was a kiss borne of love, of mutual respect, and of the understanding that they had found something rare and precious in each other.

As they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other, Aaradhya felt a sense of peace settle within her. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she felt truly seen, truly understood. The chaos of the world outside didn't matter anymore, not when she had Arjuna by her side.

But even in that moment of calm, Aaradhya couldn't shake the feeling that the world was shifting beneath them. She could sense that there were greater forces at work, forces that would test their bond in ways they couldn't yet foresee. Still, in the depths of her heart, she knew that no matter what came their way, they would face it together.

"Arjuna," she said softly, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. "I'm glad you told me this. I needed to hear it."

He nodded, his hand gently brushing her hair away from her face. "I'm glad too, Aaradhya. I've carried this burden of duty for so long, and I thought I had to carry it alone. But now, with you, I know I don't."

Aaradhya smiled, her heart swelling with love for him. "We will face everything together," she said, her voice strong and resolute. "Nothing will separate us."

As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the horizon, Arjuna and Aaradhya stood together, their hands intertwined, their hearts beating as one. The future ahead of them was uncertain, but in this moment, they had everything they needed—each other.

And as the night began to fall, the stars slowly revealing themselves above them, Aaradhya knew one thing for certain: she would stand by Arjuna's side, no matter the trials they would face, for their love was their greatest strength, and it would guide them through whatever lay ahead.

Arjuna's lips curved into a gentle smile as he gazed at the woman who held his heart. "Together, always," he whispered.

And in that whisper, Aaradhya knew that their love, their journey, was only just beginning.