THE CHARMER • ♘ Mahabharat ♘

[𝟐𝟑] ~ ☆ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐒 ☆

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श्रीराधायै नमः

Karna stood at the entrance of his humble house, the moonlight draping him in an ethereal silver aura. Beside him, Sitara stood with a carefully crafted smile, her voice filling the quiet night with idle chatter about weapons, random questions, and even the stars above them.

Her mind raced, searching for ways to divert his attention, to keep him away from the palace and the inevitable confrontation that awaited there. She knows his unwavering devotion to loyalty and duty would compel him to intervene if he discovered Dushala and Dhrishtadyumna's flight.

Then amidst her trials of keeping him occupied, the faint but unmistakable sound of a horse's hooves reached their ears. It was rapid, urgent, and sharp against the stillness of the night.

Karna's expression changed instantly, his warrior instincts immediately on alert "Who would be here at this hour?" he muttered, his voice edged with suspicion.

Sitara quickly stepped forward, a nervous smile flickering across her face "Oh, it's probably just a soldier on a round. Nothing out of the ordinary." she said, her tone unnaturally light and a little too quick. But Karna wasn't convinced "I think I should check" he said firmly, his voice calm but resolute, leaving no room for argument.

And then, with a sharp gasp, Sitara acted like she stumbled, her steps faltering as if the ground itself betrayed her. She cried out, her voice laced with a convincing note of pain. The anguished sound cut through the night like a blade, shattering Karna's focus.

"Sitara!" he exclaimed, spinning around with urgency, his sharp instincts instantly redirected. In two swift strides, he was at her side, his movements a blend of precision and care "What happened? Are you hurt?"

Sitara winced, clutching her ankle as though the pain was unbearable "I think I twisted my ankle." She murmured in mock pain. "Don't move" he said gently and knelt beside her, his hands moving carefully searching for any sign of injury.

Sitara glanced discreetly toward the horizon, her heart lifting in quiet relief as the faint echoes of galloping hooves disappeared into the stillness of the night.

But her breath hitched as Karna, without any hesitation slid his arms beneath her, effortlessly lifting her into his embrace. "You shouldn't strain yourself, I'll take care of you" he said, his voice calm as he carried her toward his house. "Angraj, it's not necessary. I,'m fine, really." Sitara protested weekly.

But Karna didn't reply, as he stepped through the doorway and gently sat her down on a cot and knelt down, examining her ankle "You need to stop pretending you're fine when you're not." His voice contained a faint edge of reprimand beneath it as he spoke.

"Rest here. I'll bring something to ease the pain" Karna said softly. As he walked away, Sitara released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Tonight she glimpsed a side of him she hadn't known existed, a gentle, caring man beneath the armor of duty and resolve.

The unguarded concern in his gaze sent a pang through her chest. The weight of guilt pressed down on her, she had deceived his kindness, all to shield a secret he had every right to uncover. Yet, despite the ache in her heart, she knew she couldn't falter now. And silently, wished with all her heart for them to reach safety soon, praying that the night would shield their escape and guide them far from harm.

Beneath the shroud of night, Dushala and Dhrishtadyumna eloped and moved towards Panchal, their hearts pounding in unison. The reins of the galloping horse were gripped firmly in his calloused hand, while his other arm encircled her protectively, anchoring her to him as if shielding her from the storms of uncertainty that lay ahead.