MIRAGE OF HEARTSTRINGS

PERPLEX AXIS

Golden-hour light spilled through the lattice windows, draping the chamber in a warm amber glow. Dust motes drifted lazily within the slanting beams while the corners of the room dissolved into gentle shadow.

The light traced every contour of the Eldest Kaurava's face, setting his silhouette ablaze-as though a warrior long stripped of his fire had, for one fleeting moment, reclaimed the spark he had lost upon the battlefield.

"What do you mean by he is not here?!"

The words tore through the silence.

A thunderous echo crashed across the Right Wing Pavilion, shattering the fragile stillness.

For a heartbeat, it made the impossible sound like a lie even the Eldest Kaurava wished it.

The servant bowing in front of the Kaurava trembled with haste fear. While the Gandhariputra looked out of the window to catch his anger before it spills everything. All while comprehending the whole situation.

Just in the morning, the command from spear warrior pierced through his peace just like the weapon itself.

Throwed back by the abrupt altering order by the host of the Palace, Duryodhana had to follow the command. While having excited Lakshman jumping by his side.

Although, it doesn't change the fact that Duryodhana has to confront Yudhisthir about this sudden change. Nevertheless, it didn't worked out as he planned when the news of sudden departure of Yamrajputra, Vayuputra and Indraputra to Hastinapur came.

"You can go back"

The servant flees from there before another outburst could make its way. As the left alone man sat down on the cushioned chair while rubbing his forehead.

"It feels good here Pitashree!"

The father look at his son before sighing, anything for his son's happiness "if you like it then sure" and his Lakshman's bright grin made it all worth.

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NEXT DAY

"I can't go outside from here?"

"My apologies but Maharaj has instructed us to do so"

"But lakshman can roam around?"

"Yes, he has permission-"

"Wow!"

The servant flinched from the sarcastic tone from the Guest of Indraprastha while looking down.

"Just what I needed in my life after all this" Duryodhana huffed before glancing back at his new staying room.

Not even proper ten steps.

And he is already not allowed to walk around freely further.

He knows that staying in Right Wing Pavilion is risky and that being under the Maharaj of the Palace's sight itself is a radar point. But he definitely remembers not asking for this shift at all.

Staying at the Left Wing Pavilion at least felt like freedom but here it feels like a suffocating golden cage.

Sumptuous
But not Autonomy.

"[SIGH] Do you know until when will yu- Maharaj come back?"

The servant immediately shook his head fiercely "My apologies but I don't know that. Maharaj has been called to Hastinapur due to an urgent emergency"

Nodding, the former king of Hastinapur dismissed the servant before walking back to his room while his mind roam around Hastinapur.

"What would happen if I suddenly went to Hastinapur?" Duryodhana muttered to himself before chuckling under his breathe upon imagining his younger brothers reactions.

It felt easier to think of his home.

Home.
Since when he had lost it?

It makes him wonder if he would be able to see the same hollow lavish porcelain Filigree sitting at the Hastinapur's Throne or will this time it will change.

Maybe it would had been same cause he knew about the elders of his Kingdom. And they will never accept anything less than a benefiting obeying porcelain.

But isn't it same here too?

Just existing in a a gold palace, eating in golden utensils and wearing fine clothes.

However he can understand why it happened in the first place. Cause they were once living under the same roof, competing for one throne, hungry for each others blood without knowing why it started in the first place.

It is understandable cause he was the enemy. Maybe he still is.

But it didn't meant he didn't hoped for the change.
Maybe slight trust.
Or maybe a hand-

"They have already given you safe stay place"

True.

A stay place to a roaming ghost is a big thing.

But safe?

From world? Yes
From himself? Not sure

The only thing he can hope for is a day when everything comes halt. Even his running. And he will be back to his home.

With his family.
Friends.
Son.

.......................Maybe he should talk to Yudhisthir about this.

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