Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 21 : The Painful Departure

A Promise Before the Departure

The sun had just begun to rise, casting soft golden rays across the vast land of Hastinapur. The early morning air was crisp, and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees surrounding the palace. The day had come for the Pandavas to depart for Indraprastha, their new kingdom. It was a momentous occasion, but for Arjun, there was something else weighing heavily on his heart.

He had spent the last few days preparing for the journey, organizing the details of the upcoming move. Yet, amid the preparations, one thought lingered in his mind, one person who consumed his every thought—Aaradhya.

Their secret union, their quiet vows shared in the still of the night, had bound them together in a way that transcended mere promises. But there were still so many things left unsaid, and Arjun couldn't leave for Indraprastha without one final, heartfelt moment with her.

As the final preparations for the journey unfolded, Arjun made his way toward Aaradhya's chamber. The palace was buzzing with activity, yet he found himself drawn to her in a way that made the rest of the world seem distant. He could hear the soft sounds of the palace staff in the halls, but they all faded as he approached her room.

Aaradhya was sitting by the window, her back to the door. The light of the early morning sun bathed her in a soft, ethereal glow. She had always been beautiful to him, but in this quiet moment, she was more than that. She was his heart, his soul, and every part of him that had felt incomplete before her.

"Aradhya," he whispered, his voice soft but urgent.

She turned, a gentle smile forming on her lips as she saw him standing in the doorway. "Arjun," she said, her voice laced with warmth, her eyes reflecting the deep affection they shared. "You're here."

He crossed the room slowly, as if savoring each step toward her. The weight of the impending journey, the uncertainty of what lay ahead, pressed heavily on his chest, but the presence of Aaradhya made everything feel right. As he stood before her, he took her hands in his, gazing deeply into her eyes.

"I had to see you before I left," Arjun said, his voice tinged with emotion. "There are no words that can fully express what I feel for you, Aaradhya. My heart is yours, and I can't imagine a life without you in it."

Aaradhya's heart fluttered at his words. The weight of the promise they had made to each other, the bond they shared, had always been unspoken but understood. But now, in this moment, his words solidified everything she had ever hoped for.

"I know, Arjun," she replied softly, squeezing his hands. "And I am yours, now and forever. No distance, no separation can change that."

Arjun's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he gently cupped her face in his hands. "I promise you, Aaradhya. No matter where I go, no matter what happens, I will always return to you. I will make sure that we marry again, this time in front of everyone. It will not be a secret anymore. You will be my wife, and the world will know of our love."

Aaradhya felt the weight of his words settle deep in her soul. She had never doubted his love, but hearing him speak so openly about their future brought a sense of peace she hadn't known she needed. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a moment as she allowed herself to feel everything he had just promised her.

"Arjun," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I've always known we were meant to be. It's as if fate has brought us together in this life, and no matter what happens, I will stand by you, always."

Arjun smiled softly, his thumb brushing across her cheek as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "I love you, Aaradhya," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I will return, and when I do, nothing will keep us apart. We will stand before our family and the kingdom, and we will be together as we are meant to be."

Aaradhya's heart swelled with love and gratitude for him. She had always known their love was destined, but hearing him say it out loud, knowing that he was as committed to her as she was to him, filled her with an overwhelming sense of joy.

"I believe you," she said, her voice steady and full of certainty. "And I will wait for you, Arjun. No matter what comes, I will wait for you. And when you return, we will marry, as we are meant to."

Arjun's heart ached at the depth of her words. He knew he had to leave, but part of him never wanted to. He never wanted to be apart from her, to feel the weight of the distance between them. But he knew this was part of their journey, a journey they would both face with love and faith.

"I will never be far from your heart, Aaradhya," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "And no matter how long it takes, I will find my way back to you."

She nodded, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed up at him, her love for him shining through her gaze. "Promise me, Arjun," she whispered, her voice shaky. "Promise me that no matter what happens, you will never forget me."

"I promise, Aaradhya," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "I will never forget you. You are a part of me, and no force in this world can take that away."

With those words, Arjun leaned down and kissed her softly, his lips brushing against hers in a tender, lingering kiss that spoke of all the love and longing they shared. The kiss deepened as they both clung to each other, knowing that this moment, this connection, would sustain them through the trials ahead.

When they finally pulled away, Arjun pressed his forehead to hers, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. "I must go now, but I will carry you with me, always," he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion.

Aaradhya nodded, her heart breaking at the thought of their separation, but she knew it was only temporary. She had his word, and that was all she needed. "I will wait for you, Arjun. I will be here, always."

With one final, lingering look, Arjun turned and walked toward the door, his heart torn between his duty and his love for her. But as he stepped outside, he knew that no matter what awaited him in Indraprastha, nothing would ever be able to tear him away from Aaradhya.

And so, the promise was made: they would be together, no matter the distance, no matter the challenges. Their love would endure.