(Sorry guys actually I was occupied by my 10th class boards exams and now my eleventh is opening from 25th 😭but this time I'll make sure at least one episode is published in one week love you all, Thanks for being supportive and lovable keep sharing your wonderful ideas and respectful opinion you all are amazing love you guys you are wonderful and have my heart there might be typos in this message but the chapter will not have any typos (hope so!!💓✨✨) Thanks ❤🌹you are the best 🤞💗🧿 love!)
The laughter of the children seemed to fade into the background as Karna and Maya followed Aagnik and Vrishaketu into the garden. The golden light of the setting sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, but Karna’s mind wandered, drawn back to the weight of the situation at hand. Despite the fleeting peace between him and Maya, there was an undeniable unease settling in his chest.
Just as the boys showed Maya the large turtle they had found, Karna heard the soft thud of a messenger’s footsteps approaching. He turned, his senses sharpening, and saw a soldier enter the garden, holding a scroll sealed with the unmistakable insignia of Duryodhan.
Maya noticed his sudden shift in demeanor and glanced at him, concern flickering across her face. "What is it, Arya?"
Karna took the letter from the soldier, his jaw tightening as he unsealed it with a swift motion. As he unrolled the parchment, his gaze darkened, and his voice grew heavy with each word he read aloud, despite the cheer of the children around them.
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Letter from Duryodhan, Yuvraj of Hastinapur
To my most trusted companion, Karna,
The winds of war are no longer a distant whisper. They have begun to roar, and with them, the fate of our kingdoms. You, the one who has stood by my side through every challenge, know well the gravity of the moment. The Pandavas, though they have lived in exile, now stir in the shadows of Viratnagar. They have come out of their concealment, no longer mere exiles but men preparing for their return to the land they were robbed of.
We have received word from our spies—Bhimasen, Arjuna, and Yudhishthir, all alive and gathering strength. They are not alone; the kingdom of Viratnagar now harbors them. It is only a matter of time before they are emboldened and strike against us. The time for negotiation, if there was any to begin with, has passed.
Our enemies are no longer in hiding. They will come for what they believe is their rightful claim. The war we have dreaded for so long is no longer a mere possibility—it is imminent. Duryodhan, your loyal friend, has taken the necessary steps to ensure that Hastinapur is fortified, but we need your strength. We need the force of your arm to strike before the Pandavas can rise fully.
Gather your men. Ready your chariot. The battle we have been preparing for has arrived.
Your Mitra , Duryodhan
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Karna's eyes lingered on the letter, the weight of the words sinking deep into his soul. The thought of the war, the one that had been brewing for so long, now felt unavoidable. The Pandavas, his brothers, were no longer in hiding. They were in Viratnagar, and soon, they would march against Hastinapur.
Maya watched him closely, her heart heavy with the realization of what the letter meant. The tranquility of the moment shattered, and she reached for his hand, her fingers trembling. "Arya... This... this is it, isn't it?"
Karna nodded silently, his face etched with the burden of duty. "The war that I’ve longed to avoid has finally come to us, Maya. It is no longer a question of choice—it is a question of fate."
She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "You will fight."
"I must," Karna said, his voice firm, but there was a flicker of something deeper—a pain that Maya recognized but could not fully grasp.
Aagnik, having grown tired of the turtle’s antics, ran up to them. "Mata! Pitashree! Look! I found another animal!" He held up a small, wriggling insect in his palm.
Karna’s gaze softened momentarily at the sight of his son, and he forced a smile. "We have enough creatures in this house already, Aagnik," he said, trying to push away the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.
Maya, sensing his inner turmoil, gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Let us not worry about what we cannot change yet," she whispered. "For now, let us hold on to this moment—however brief."
Karna took a deep breath and turned back toward the children, his face once again a mask of strength. "Let them play, Maya. The storm will come, but for now, I will enjoy this peace... with you and our children."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting its final golden rays over the garden, Karna held Maya's hand tightly. His mind was already on the battlefield that awaited him, but in that fleeting moment, he allowed himself to be anchored in the present, surrounded by his family.
The letter from Duryodhan had delivered its message—war was on the horizon. But for now, Karna would hold onto the peace of this moment, knowing that the time for battle would soon come.
YOU ARE READING
Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale
Historical Fiction(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" ...
