Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 32 : The True Faces

Bonds Torn and True Faces Revealed

The dark canopy of the forest cast eerie shadows over the secluded clearing where Aaradhya lay unconscious on the ground. Nearby, Ashwatthama stood with crossed arms, his mind a storm of emotions. His sister's pale face haunted him, and despite his misguided actions, he had no intention of letting her suffer further.

Duryodhan paced before him, his ornate armor gleaming faintly in the moonlight. His usual smugness was absent, replaced by a calculating intensity that sent a chill down Ashwatthama's spine.

"Ashwatthama," Duryodhan began, breaking the silence. "You've done well to bring her here. Now, it's time we discuss her future."

Ashwatthama frowned, his brow furrowing. "Future? What do you mean?"

Duryodhan stopped pacing and turned to face him, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Her marriage."

"Marriage?" Ashwatthama's confusion deepened. "To whom?"

"To me," Duryodhan declared, his tone filled with triumph as though the matter was already settled.

Ashwatthama staggered back as though struck, his face a mixture of shock and disgust. "You? You want to marry Aaradhya? Have you lost your mind?"

Duryodhan's grin faltered, replaced by a scowl. "What's so surprising about that? I've wanted her for a long time, Ashwatthama. Now, the opportunity has presented itself. She will be mine."

Ashwatthama's fists clenched, and his voice rose in anger. "I didn't bring her here for this! I brought her to remind her of her maternal family, not to force her into another marriage!"

Shakuni, who had been silently observing the exchange while idly playing with his dice, finally spoke, his tone oily and persuasive. "Come now, Ashwatthama. Is it not fitting? Aaradhya will gain power and protection as the queen of Hastinapur. Duryodhan will treat her well."

"No!" Ashwatthama shouted, his voice echoing through the clearing. "She is not a pawn in your schemes. I won't allow this."

Duryodhan's expression darkened. "You dare refuse me? After all I've done for you?"

"She's my sister!" Ashwatthama bellowed, stepping closer to Duryodhan, his eyes blazing with fury. "And I will not let you exploit her like this!"

Duryodhan's lips curled into a sneer. He nodded subtly to the soldiers standing nearby, and before Ashwatthama could react, they surged forward. He fought back fiercely, his anger giving him strength, but the soldiers overwhelmed him. They bound him to a tree with thick ropes, leaving him struggling helplessly.

"You'll regret this, Duryodhan," Ashwatthama spat, his voice trembling with rage.

Duryodhan ignored him, turning his attention to Aaradhya, who was beginning to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked in confusion before realization dawned. She scrambled to her feet, her hands instinctively going to her stomach as she looked around.

"Ashwatthama!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "What is the meaning of this?"

Ashwatthama's face contorted in anguish, but he couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes. "Aaradhya, I—"

"He betrayed you, my dear," Duryodhan interrupted smoothly, stepping forward. "But don't worry. I am here to make everything right."

Aaradhya's gaze snapped to Duryodhan, her eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about?"

Duryodhan's smile returned, dripping with false charm. "You and I will be married, Aaradhya. It's only fitting, don't you think? A beautiful princess like you deserves a king."

Aaradhya recoiled in disgust. "Marry you? Never!"

Duryodhan's smile vanished, replaced by a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Think carefully before you refuse me, Aaradhya. I have been patient for long enough. I have desired you since the first time I saw you. And if you won't come to me willingly..."

Aaradhya's stomach churned as his implication sank in. Her hands balled into fists, and her voice rang out with defiance. "I would rather die than give myself to someone like you!"

Duryodhan's face twisted in fury. "You think you can defy me? You think Arjun can protect you forever?" He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "I will claim you, Aaradhya. Your body, your soul—everything will be mine."

"Duryodhan!" Ashwatthama shouted, his voice cracking with despair. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled against his bonds. "Don't do this! She's my sister!"

Duryodhan turned to Ashwatthama, his expression cold. "You had your chance to be part of this. Now, you can watch as I take what should have been mine all along."

Aaradhya stepped back, her heart pounding. Despite her terror, she squared her shoulders and glared at Duryodhan. "You may think you can break me, but you underestimate the strength I carry. My husband's love is my shield, and you will never destroy it."

Duryodhan laughed cruelly. "Your husband isn't here to save you, princess."

Aaradhya's eyes darted to the ropes binding Ashwatthama. Her brother's anguish was clear, but she had no time to dwell on his betrayal. She needed to find a way to escape.

"Arjun," she whispered under her breath, her hope flickering like a fragile flame. "Come back to me."

At the Edge of the Forest

Arjun's horse galloped through the dense trees, his heart pounding as he felt an inexplicable pull toward his wife. Krishna rode beside him, his face calm but his eyes betraying the turmoil within.

"Krishna," Arjun said, his voice strained. "Why does my heart feel so heavy? What's happening to Aaradhya?"

Krishna looked at him, his expression unreadable. "Sometimes, Arjun, the bonds of love transcend distance and danger. Trust in your connection to her. You will find her."

Arjun nodded, determination hardening his features. "I will save her. No one can take her away from me."

As they neared the clearing, Arjun's grip tightened on his bow. His eyes burned with a fiery resolve, and his heart whispered a single prayer: to reach Aaradhya before it was too late.