Next day.....
The golden rays of dawn poured over the courtyard, illuminating the world in a serene glow. Maya rose early, her heart weighed with the burden of Karna’s anger. Determined to mend what had been fractured, she tied her hair back and ventured outside, where she knew he would be.
Karna was by his chariot, his movements precise but rigid as he inspected the wheels and adjusted the reins. The sight of him—so focused, so distant—sent a pang through her heart.
“Arya,” she called softly, approaching him.
He stiffened but didn’t turn to face her. “Maya.” His voice was cool, like tempered steel.
She swallowed hard, stepping closer. “I prepared breakfast for you. Sweet rice, just the way you like it.”
“I’m not hungry,” he replied, his tone clipped.
Maya hesitated, then placed a tentative hand on his arm. “Arya, I—”
Before she could finish, a loud, gleeful shout pierced the air.
“Mata!”
She turned to see Aagnik racing toward her, his small hands cupped protectively around something. His face was alight with mischief and pride.
Vrishaketu followed close behind, laughing as he tried to catch up. “Mata, look at what Aagnik has brought you!”
“Mata, isn’t he beautiful?” Aagnik exclaimed, holding up a tiny, squirming lizard. The creature’s dull brown scales shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
Maya’s eyes widened. “Aagnik! What are you doing with that poor creature?”
“He looks like Vrishaketu, Mata!” Aagnik declared, his innocent face breaking into a wide grin.
Vrishaketu gasped in mock indignation. “How dare you compare me to a lizard!”
“It’s not just any lizard,” Aagnik insisted, puffing out his chest. “His name is Vritik, and he’s my new friend.”
“Vritik?” Maya repeated, her voice a mix of amusement and exasperation. “Aagnik, put him back where he belongs.”
“But Mata—”
“No arguments,” she said firmly, taking the lizard gently from his hands and setting it down on the ground. “Vritik has a family too, just like us.”
Aagnik pouted, crossing his arms. “You never let me keep anything fun.”
Vrishaketu doubled over with laughter. “That’s because you bring home the strangest things! Last week, it was a beetle. Before that, a snake.”
“It was a small snake!” Aagnik retorted defensively.
Maya sighed, shaking her head at their antics. “Enough, you two. Go wash up before breakfast.”
As the boys ran off, still teasing each other, Maya turned back to Karna. His expression had softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“They’re just like you,” she said, her voice light but edged with tenderness.
Karna met her gaze, the warmth in his eyes betraying the anger he still held. “You know how to make it difficult to stay angry,” he said quietly.
Maya reached out, brushing her fingers lightly against his. “That’s because I can’t bear the thought of us being apart, even in spirit.”
He exhaled, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “We’ll talk later,” he said, his tone gentler now.
Maya nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. As the laughter of their children echoed through the courtyard, the tension between them began to ebb, replaced by a tentative Peace
(After a few hours)
The sun had begun its descent, casting golden hues across the palace. Maya sat by the window, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she combed it gently. The soft hum of birds returning to their nests filled the air, mingling with the faint laughter of children playing outside.
She was lost in thought when she heard the sound of footsteps. Turning slightly, she saw Karna entering the room. His presence, tall and commanding, momentarily made her heart skip.
“Arya,” she began, her voice tentative.
Karna raised a hand, stopping her. “Let me speak first,” he said softly. He stepped closer, his gaze fixed on her as though trying to decipher her soul.
Maya placed the comb down and turned fully to face him, her fingers instinctively curling around the edge of her saree. “I’m listening.”
Karna sat down beside her, close enough that their knees brushed. “Maya, you hurt me,” he said, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “You lied to me—not with words, but with silence. And silence can wound as deeply as betrayal.”
Maya’s eyes filled with tears. “I never meant to hurt you, Arya. I was afraid. Afraid you’d see me differently if you knew the truth.”
Karna tilted his head, his golden earrings catching the fading sunlight. “You think so little of me?”
“No!” she exclaimed, reaching for his hand. “I think the world of you. That’s why I feared losing you.”
He sighed, his fingers tightening around hers. “Maya, trust is the foundation of everything we have. Without it...” He trailed off, looking away.
Before she could respond, a loud crash echoed from outside the room.
“Mata! Pitashree!”
The door burst open, and in tumbled Aagnik and Vrishaketu, their faces alight with excitement.
“Mata, come quickly!” Aagnik shouted, tugging on her hand. “You have to see what we found in the garden!”
Vrishaketu, laughing breathlessly, added, “It’s even better than Vritik!”
“A lizard again?” Karna asked, arching an eyebrow.
“No, no, it’s not a lizard,” Vrishaketu said, waving his hands dramatically. “It’s a turtle!”
“And it’s huge!” Aagnik added, his eyes wide.
Maya sighed, glancing at Karna. “Our talk will have to wait.”
Karna chuckled, a faint smile breaking through his somber expression. “It seems our sons have other plans for us.”
As they followed the boys out into the garden, Maya stole a glance at Karna. He caught her eye, his expression softening. Though their conversation had been interrupted, she knew the bond between them was far from broken.
YOU ARE READING
Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale
Fiksi Sejarah(Discontinued) "When the dust of war settles, a new beginning unfolds and not every war is external,not every war is fought with bows, arrows,swords etc.for land....some tough ones are fought with your own heart for your happiness and Inner Piece" ...
