-𝓛𝓮𝓱𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓪'𝓼 𝓡𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮, 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽'𝓼 𝓕𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻-
Duryodhan closed his eyes in annoyance as Aanya stepped onto the terrace. Her anklets jingled with each quick step, and she muttered to herself irritably. The sound of her approaching footsteps made Duryodhan's irritation grow. He turned to look at her and couldn't hold back his frustration. "Do you ever stop talking? Or do you enjoy irritating people with non-stop chatting?" he asked.
Aanya looked at him, scrunching her nose in response to his harsh words. "For your information, that's my place where you are standing. Secondly, yes, I love to irritate people with my non-stop talks. Do you have any problem?"
"Yes, I do. I was standing here peacefully, and you are here to ruin it," Duryodhan said, his tone indicating that he had reached his limit.
Aanya's gasp filled the air. "Then find your peace in your room." She glared at Duryodhan, feeling her frustration rise. "Already you got that annoying Jayadrath in this palace. Creep," she muttered to herself.
Duryodhan scoffed, unable to contain his exasperation. "Look at yourself before calling someone else annoying."
"At least, I'm not a creep," Aanya retorted, her voice laced with lingering irritation as she remembered her encounters with Jayadrath from last one week. He always gave her the creeps, maybe because she knew what kind of person he was.
Duryodhan glared at her. "Have you not learned to respect people?"
"I've learned to respect people who actually deserve the respect," Aanya said with forced composure, trying to maintain a facade of politeness despite her growing frustration.
Duryodhan rolled his eyes, struggling to understand her attitude. "What is your problem with Sindhraj?"
Aanya's eyes brightened at the opportunity to express her grievances. "You want to listen genuinely? Wait! Let me start from the beginning."
Duryodhan groaned, feeling weary of the impending monologue. "Continue talking to yourself," he said before turning and stomping off in search of solitude.
"I seriously need to ask Mata Gandhari what she ate while carrying him. Then, I'll prohibit that item for pregnant women. God!" Aanya muttered, shaking her head in a mix of frustration and disbelief.
As Aanya turned around to leave, she halted abruptly upon noticing Jayadrath standing in her path. A look of displeasure crossed her face at the sight of him. She took a step to leave but paused as he stood in front of her.
"Sindhraj, what are you doing here?" she asked, her tone laced with annoyance.
"I simply wished to have a conversation with you, Devi," he stated with a disconcerting grin.
Aanya's expression hardened as she forced a smile and replied, "I'm not interested in having a conversation with you, especially at this hour."
Ignoring her dismissal, Jayadrath continued, "But I have something important to discuss."
Aanya's patience wore thin as she tried to move away. However, she found herself stopped as he grasped her hand.
"Let go of my hand," she demanded, her tone firm.
As she looked at his hand on hers, Aanya raised her eyes to glare at him before swiftly pulling her hand away. She shot him a piercing gaze as she walked off, leaving him in her wake.
Seething with anger, Aanya made her way into her room, her steps heavy with frustration. Collapsing onto the bed with a heavy thud, she let out an exasperated sigh.
Jeevika approached her, offering a glass of water. Aanya eyed her with a furrowed brow.
"To help calm you down," Jeevika murmured. Having been with Aanya for such a long time, it was easier for her to understand Aanya.
Aanya shook her head,"I don't need calming down," she retorted.
"What happened?" Jeevika asked, her tone gentle and probing, wanting to offer her friend a listening ear.
Aanya raised her head to look at her, "Nothing, maybe I just overreacted about something. You should go and take rest," Aanya said wearily.
"Rajkumar Arjun was looking for you," Jeevika informed her, trying to provide a distraction.
"I will meet him tomorrow," Aanya muttered, her words muffled as she covered her face with her blanket. Jeevika quietly left the room, tending to the lamps and leaving Aanya to find her own peace in the quiet of the night.
As Aanya drifted off to sleep, she found a sense of calmness descending upon her. The soft embrace of the blanket enveloped her, providing a comforting cocoon as her mind gradually quieted.
The gentle rays of dawn filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the room. As the first light of morning danced upon her eyelids, Aanya stirred, slowly awakening to the new day. She languidly stretched her arms, savoring the sensation of her muscles coming to life, and then closed her eyes for a moment, fully embracing the serenity of the morning.
After freshening up, Aanya made her way to the garden, where the vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves greeted her.
Seated on the edge of the pond, she spotted a cluster of beautiful lotus flowers and eagerly tiptoed towards the water's edge with the intention of plucking one for herself. However, in her enthusiasm, she lost her balance and nearly tumbled into the pond.
"Careful there! Need a hand?" a voice called out from behind her. Aanya turned to see Angraj Karna, a familiar smile gracing his lips as he approached her.
"Aha! Perfect timing, Angraj," Aanya exclaimed with a hint of amusement. "I was just about to secure myself a lotus, but it seems fate has other plans for me." Karna chuckled at her predicament and extended his hand, offering to assist her in retrieving the flower. "Allow me to be your gallant rescuer then," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Aanya smiled gratefully and accepted his help, carefully navigating around the pond's edge until they reached the perfect spot. With Karna's steady support, she leaned over and plucked a resplendent, vivid pink lotus, triumphantly holding it aloft. "Success!" she proclaimed, her laughter ringing through the peaceful garden. "Thank you, Angraj."
"It was my pleasure," Karna replied with genuine warmth.
"I noticed you have been absent for the past week," Aanya said, seizing the opportunity to engage in conversation.
"I had to make a trip to Ang Pradesh," Karna informed her.
"It seems like I'm the only one without any pressing matters here," she teased lightheartedly. "How is Radha Ma?" she inquired, to keep the conversation flowing.
"She's doing well. In fact, I'm planning to visit her today. Would you care to join me?" Karna proposed casually.
"Absolutely," Aanya replied with excitement. "I'm ready whenever you are."
Karna chuckled, "I wasn't referring to right now."
A sigh escaped Aanya's lips. "But I'm feeling utterly bored here. Everyone seems preoccupied with their own affairs," she confessed.
Karna sighed, "Alright then, let's go," he relented. "Really?" Aanya's eyes sparkled with delight. Karna nodded, his lips curling into a reassuring smile.
"Wait, I'll inform Jeevika and be right here," Aanya said with a quick smile, darting towards her room. Karna chuckled, shaking his head at her infectious excitement.
"Yo! Yo!" Aanya burst into her room, her eyes scanning eagerly for Jeevika. However, a frown soon etched on her face as she realized her friend wasn't there. Just as she was about to turn around, a gasp escaped her lips as someone gently grasped her hand and spun her around. Her initial glare softened as she locked eyes with Arjun, feeling a rush of warmth spreading through her.
"Why are you here?" she asked, trying to mask the hint of affection in her voice.
"Someone might have told me that you are angry with me," Arjun said softly, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Yes, I am," Aanya replied, attempting to maintain her composure as she turned to leave.
Her lips parted in surprise as she was pulled back into Arjun's embrace, the sensation of his cold hands brushing against her waist, causing her eyes to widen. "Arjun, leave me," she insisted.
"But what did I do?" Arjun asked, a puzzled expression crossing his face.
"Think for yourself," Aanya said with a teasing smile, gently extricating herself from his hold.
Arjun's eyes softened as he watched her step away, his heart aching at the thought of her being upset with him. "But if you won't tell me why you are angry, how will I make amends for it?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Aanya shrugged playfully, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I don't know," she replied, a smile dancing on her lips.
Her breath hitched as Arjun took a step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. "Then I don't think I should let you stay upset," he said, his voice filled with tenderness, his proximity sending butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
"What are you doing?" Aanya's words came out as a mere whisper, her heart racing as he continued to advance. She instinctively rested her hand on his chest, attempting to stop him, but at the same time not wanting him to go.
"I need to go. Angraj is waiting for me outside," Aanya said, her voice slightly wavering.
Arjun held onto the hand that rested on his chest, his touch sending warmth coursing through her. "Why is Angraj waiting for you?" he asked, with a hint of bitterness on his mention.
Aanya made a pensive expression, enjoying the look on Arjun's face. "Hmm, I guess I won't tell you that either," she replied mischievously, unable to resist teasing him just a little longer.
Arjun pursed his lips, his eyes filled with confusion as she walked out of the room. "Angraj and his sudden appearance," Arjun mumbled to himself, a tinge of jealousy creeping into his voice. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance whenever Angraj was around Aanya.
Aanya gently tapped her cheeks to compose herself, still feeling shivers cascading down her body from her moment with Arjun before making her way over to Karna. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Angraj," she said with a smile.
"It's okay," Karna turned around to look at her with a gentle smile.
"Shall we go?" she asked him, her eyes filled with excitement. Karna nodded with a twinkle in his eyes.
The journey was like a warm hug, filled with delightful conversations and the occasional shared laugh, as they strolled leisurely through the picturesque streets, taking in the tranquil ambiance of the Hastinapur.
"Isn't that Vrushali?" Aanya asked with curiosity as she spotted the girl at the doorstep of Radha Ma's home. Karna nodded, a hint of confusion on his face. "Yes, she is."
"Let's race and find out who reaches there first," Aanya suggested as she dashed towards the home without waiting for his response.
Karna walked behind her, smiling in amusement as Aanya gleefully reached the door first, looking back at him with a victorious grin.
"This is your house only, Angraj," Aanya teased, slowing her pace as she glanced at Karna.
Aanya grinned, turning to Vrushali, who was staring at her with amusement.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Aanya asked Vrushali with a frown, then gasped, "Don't tell me you forgot about me." She turned to look at Karna, "Am I that forgettable?"
Vrushali chuckled, "It's not like that, Rajkumari." She joined her hands in greeting, "Pranipat, how are you?"
"Do I look like an old woman?" Aanya teased, raising her eyebrows in mock offense. Vrushali shook her head with puzzled expressions.
Before Aanya could reply, Radha Maa came out from the house, her eyes widening in surprise upon spotting Karna.
"Radhey," she went towards Karna, embracing him warmly.
"I missed you, Radha Maa," Karna said, returning her embrace with affection. Aanya couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming scene unfolding before her.
Turning her attention to Vrushali, Aanya greeted her with a beaming smile. "Oh, it's absolutely wonderful to see you again!" she exclaimed, slightly bouncing on her tiptoes. Vrushali smiled back, her eyes twinkling with happiness.
As they stepped inside the home, a gentle breeze carried the alluring scent of incense, accompanied by the comforting embrace of familiarity. It was as if the atmosphere itself welcomed them warmly.
Aanya couldn't help but notice Vrushali's gaze continually lingering on Karna. However, Karna remained blissfully oblivious to her subtle admiration, lost in his own world of innocence.
Shaking her head, Aanya whispered to herself, unable to resist a teasing remark. "Oh, aren't men just dumb, no matter the era?" she giggled. Vrushali cast her a perplexed look, momentarily taken aback by Aanya's muttering.
As the evening descended, casting a soft golden glow over the surroundings, Karna and Aanya took a leisurely stroll back towards the palace.
"So, tell me, why do you think men are dumb?" Karna teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Aanya's eyes widened as she gave him a sheepish smile. "You heard that? Oh no!"
"It wasn't directed at you, really," Aanya said, mentally facepalming.
"I'm pretty sure it was about me," Karna chuckled, enjoying her embarrassment.
Aanya stepped onto the stairs. "Nah, do you really think you're dumb?" she asked, getting a laughter in response from him. She took her leave from Karna going towards her room.
Meanwhile, Arjun had stationed himself by the door of his room, having instructed Jeevika to inform him once Aanya returned. He gazed out at the darkening sky, growing increasingly worried about her prolonged absence.
"She should have been back by now. This is taking forever," he muttered to himself, his mind more focused on her return than on his own tasks. Unable to concentrate any longer, Arjun decided to take matters into his own hands and check on her himself.
Spotting Aanya, he let out a sigh of relief. "Where have you been all day?" he asked with a smile as he made his way towards her.
Aanya was just on the verge of replying, but then a mischievous twinkle danced in her eyes as she realized she wasn't supposed to engage in conversation with him. She spun around, unable to resist the urge to tease him, prolonging the delightful game a bit longer.
"Are you really mad at me?" Arjun inquired, tilting his head. Aanya nodded, biting her lip to stifle a smile.
"But why?" Arjun sighed.
"No, no, no, I'm not talking to you," Aanya declared as she made her way up the stairs toward the terrace, her mischievous grin peeking out from behind her hands, ensuring that Arjun was following closely behind. As she whirled around, the intricate embroidery on her vibrant turquoise lehenga caught the light, casting shimmering patterns across the walls. Each step she took caused her lehenga's fabric to rustle softly, adding a musical note to the scene.
"So, what am I supposed to do now?" Arjun asked with a frown, taking care not to step on her dupatta, which was trailing behind her like a fluttering ribbon. His eyes danced with amusement as he watched her antics. The delicate scent of lilies filled the air, surrounding them with its sweet fragrance.
"I'm not telling you," Aanya teased, turning to him with a pretend stern look, her eyes twinkling with mischief. The soft glow of the lamps wrapped around the staircase cast golden lights on their faces, adding a magical touch to the scene. A soft breeze played with Aanya's hair, causing it to cascade in gentle waves around her face, framing her smile.
Arjun smiled, "Okay, should I leave then?" He asked her, raising his brows. The flickering glow of the lamp flickered in the background, creating an enchanting ambiance around them.
Aanya gasped, turning to face him with a huff, "Haan haan jaiye," she replied in a theatrical way, emphasizing her sulking.
Arjun hid his smile, "Thik hai," he said, taking a small step back, playing along with Aanya's theatrics.
"Fine, don't talk to me then," Aanya said, stomping her foot in a display of her annoyance before turning around to climb the stairs. Arjun held her hand, stopping her with a gentle tug. As Aanya turned swiftly, she stumbled, and her hand instinctively went to Arjun's shoulder for support. As she regained her balance, Arjun held her by her waist. They both looked at each other with wide eyes.
"Why don't you use some of your magic to stop yourself from falling at every chance you get?" Arjun teased her, his voice filled with playfulness. The gentle twinkle of the stars above seemed to reflect the warmth and tenderness shared between them.
Aanya hit him on his chest, "You pulled me this time," she said with a glare. Aanya took a breath as Arjun pulled her closer by her waist, creating an endearing, tender moment between them. "Now, I have pulled you," Arjun said with a smirk. The soft, melodious sound of the nearby fountain, harmonizing with the beating of their hearts.
"Shut up," Aanya said, feigning a glare at him but unable to hide the affection and fondness in her sparkling eyes. Her face glowed under the soft light, mirroring the warmth and joy of being with Arjun. The gentle touch of her hand, resting on his chest, sent a flutter of butterflies through her stomach, and she savored the moment, wishing it wouldn't pass so quickly.
"Why are you upset?" Arjun inquired, breaking the spell, his hands reaching out to hold hers and intertwining their fingers.
Aanya gazed into his eyes, momentarily lost in thought, before being brought back to the present by his voice.
Aanya nodded, blinked, and parted her lips as she wiggled herself out of his embrace, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she realized how close they were. Just as she was about to take a step back, Arjun blocked her way.
"Oh no, you're not escaping until you tell me," he declared with a grin.
Rolling her eyes with an exaggerated sigh, Aanya teased, "Oh, so where have you been hiding for the past three days? Not a single visit to see me! I wasn't upset, just itching to tease you," she added in a whisper.
Arjun cocked an eyebrow at her. "Were you pining for my company?" he teased.
Aanya scoffed, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "No, it's just that without your witty commentary on my every stumble, it was impossible not to notice your absence."
Arjun chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Ah, I see how it is. So, you were just missing me," Arjun teased, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
Aanya put a hand to her chest in mock surprise. "Oh, the audacity! How dare you assume such a thing!" she exclaimed, trying to stifle a giggle.
Arjun raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come on, Aanya, admit it. You couldn't wait to hear my voice and indulge in our banter once more."
Aanya rolled her eyes. "I'll admit, your banter is tolerable at best," she replied with a smirk.
Arjun's gaze softened as he peered into her eyes, his hands gently tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Okay, I'll leave you for now," Aanya said, slipping out of his embrace. Reluctantly, Arjun let her go, watching her with a fond smile as she walked away. Arjun couldn't help but feel giddy as he watched Aanya walk away, his heart beating a little faster than usual.
Hi,
Just trying to bump up the word count here. Let me know if it gets boring, okay?
Don't forget to vote and comment. Bye!