chapter 23
Anya and Subhadra rode in a grand chariot toward Dwarka, with Krishna leading the way. The golden city sparkled under the sunlight, its towers and palaces reflecting the sea’s blue shimmer. Anya, in her usual energetic fashion, couldn't contain her excitement.
As they approached the city gates, Anya leaned out of the chariot and gasped dramatically. “Look at this place! It’s so shiny and beautiful! I feel like a honey bee who’s just come back to her golden hive!”
Krishna smirked. “Welcome home, Anya. Dwarka is yours to enjoy.”
Subhadra chuckled. “We’ll treat you like the queen you always act like.”
Anya puffed her chest. “Of course! I expect nothing less. I’ll be lounging in golden beds and eating grapes hand-fed to me by palace servants. Oh, and maybe a pet peacock or two!”
As they passed through the gates, the people of Dwarka lined the streets, welcoming Krishna, Subhadra, and Anya with garlands and cheers. Anya waved enthusiastically, causing several onlookers to laugh at her exaggerated royal demeanor.
“Ah, yes, my dear subjects!” she called out dramatically. “You may rise in my presence!” She raised her hand like a queen. “I shall bless you with my endless charm and humor.”
Krishna chuckled, shaking his head. “I see you’ve fully embraced your royal role here, Anya.”
Anya winked. “What can I say? Dwarka is a place where I truly shine!”
---
Inside the grand palace, Anya marveled at the luxury. Gold and silver décor adorned the halls, and the servants greeted her with deep bows. As they prepared her chambers, Anya sprawled on a plush velvet couch, sighing contentedly.
“This is the life,” she declared. “I could get used to this.”
Subhadra laughed as she sat beside her. “You already have.”
Krishna, ever playful, leaned against a pillar, watching his sister. “Enjoy your rest, Anya. It seems we have some work to do soon.”
Anya, with a mischievous grin, popped a grape into her mouth. “I’m always ready for work! Especially when it comes to matchmaking. But first, I’m going to take a nap on this ridiculously soft bed.”
---
**Meanwhile, in Hastinapur…**
Dushala sat in her chambers, clutching a letter tightly. Her heart raced as she reread the words from Drishtadyumna. She had started exchanging letters with him after learning that he, too, was open to the idea of their union. His letters were thoughtful, kind, and full of respect, and they stirred feelings in her heart she had never expected.
But every time she thought of her brother, Duryodhan, her resolve crumbled. He had been so happy about her marriage to King Jayadrath, believing it would make her a queen and secure their family's political alliances. Duryodhan always looked out for her happiness, and disappointing him felt impossible.
*How can I tell him?* she thought to herself. *How can I break his heart when he’s so certain this marriage will be good for me?*
Her mind was torn between her growing bond with Drishtadyumna and the heavy weight of her brother’s expectations. Every time she considered speaking to Duryodhan, fear held her back. She imagined the disappointment in his eyes, and it hurt her more than she could bear.
*But I like Drishtadyumna... no, I care for him deeply,* she thought, her heart racing again. *I want to marry him, not Jayadrath.*
The conflict raged within her, and with a heavy sigh, she began writing another letter to Drishtadyumna. She hoped that, through their words, she might find the courage to face her brother and speak her truth.
---
**Back in Dwarka...**
After spending a few luxurious days lounging in the palace, Anya received an invitation. It was for Dushala’s wedding to King Jayadrath.
Anya sat up in her bed, her face scrunching in annoyance. “Oh no! They’re actually going through with this?” She crumpled the invitation in her hands before tossing it across the room.
Krishna, who had just entered, raised an eyebrow. “Trouble, Anya?”
Anya flopped back onto her bed dramatically. “Trouble? It’s a disaster! Dushala’s actually marrying that… that Jayadrath! Ugh, he’s not right for her. My whole plan could be ruined!”
Krishna sat beside her, smiling gently. “And what is your grand plan, Anya? Abduction?”
Anya sat up, grinning mischievously. “Exactly! We abduct Dushala, marry her off to Drishtadyumna, and boom! Happy ending.”
Krishna laughed softly. “You always make everything sound so simple.”
“Because it is!” Anya said, throwing her arms out. “We just need a fast chariot and a distraction. I can handle the rest with my natural charm.”
Subhadra, who had overheard the conversation, entered the room with a smirk. “Your natural charm? Oh, I must see this plan in action.”
Anya grinned widely. “Trust me, it’ll be legendary!”
---
As the days passed, Anya lounged in luxury, enjoying the life of Dwarka. She roamed the palace gardens, indulged in feasts, and teased the palace staff. But her mind never strayed far from Dushala and the wedding invitation she had tossed aside.
One afternoon, while lazily swinging in a hammock, Anya suddenly jumped up with renewed energy. “Krishna! I’ve got it! It’s time to put our plan into motion.”
Krishna, amused, looked up from his scroll. “Already? I thought you’d be too busy living like a queen to think about the wedding.”
Anya waved her hand dismissively. “Nah, I’ve had enough of luxury. Now it’s time to save Dushala and give her the life she deserves!”
Krishna smiled fondly. “Always the hero, aren’t you?”
Anya grinned cheekily. “Only when there’s matchmaking involved!”
---
**In Hastinapur…**
Dushala sat in her chamber, gazing out of the window as the wedding preparations continued around her. The conflict in her heart grew stronger each day. She wished for the courage to stand up to her brother, but each time she saw the joy on Duryodhan’s face as he spoke of her future as Queen of Sindhu, her resolve faltered.
*He’s happy,* she thought, guilt gnawing at her. *And he truly believes this is what’s best for me. How can I hurt him?*
But her heart ached for Drishtadyumna. Their letters had become a lifeline, a secret connection that kept her grounded amid the whirlwind of her impending marriage.
*I must decide soon,* she thought. *But how?*
Her mind was a storm of doubt, fear, and longing.
---
**Back in Dwarka…**
Anya, now fully energized, stood before Krishna and Subhadra with her hands on her hips. “Alright! Time to finalize our abduction plan!”
Krishna raised an eyebrow. “You still think this is a good idea?”
Anya grinned confidently. “Of course! What could possibly go wrong?”
Krishna chuckled. “Famous last words.”
Anya waved him off. “I’ve got this, Brother! Trust me. We’ll save Dushala and get her the happy ending she deserves.”
Subhadra crossed her arms, smiling. “I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.”
Anya flashed a mischievous grin. “Oh, it’s going to be legendary.”
The grand halls of Hastinapur buzzed with excitement for Dushala's wedding to King Jayadrath. Among the throngs of guests, Anya kept her cool, all while hiding a devious plan beneath her innocent smile. The plan was set, and now was the time for action.
As the wedding ceremony was about to begin, Anya found Dushala in a quiet corridor, the bride visibly nervous in her ornate attire. "Dushala," Anya whispered with a mischievous grin, "ready for a little adventure?"
Dushala furrowed her brow, confused. "Anya, what are you talking about?"
But before she could fully process what was happening, Anya took her by the hand. "No time to explain! Just trust me!"
Anya led Dushala outside, and in a well-coordinated move, they whisked her away under the guise of fresh air. Within moments, they were in a chariot, speeding away from Hastinapur.
Hours later, under the moonlit sky in a small, secluded temple, Dushala and Drishtadyumna exchanged vows. Dushala smiled softly at her new husband, feeling relief that she had chosen the right man for her heart.
Meanwhile, Anya beamed with pride as she watched the ceremony. "Well, that went perfectly. I should really consider a side job as a matchmaker," she muttered to herself.
---
**Back in Hastinapur...**
As word of Dushala's sudden disappearance spread, Jayadrath stormed into the palace, seething with rage. He confronted Duryodhan, demanding justice. "Your sister has dishonored me! She has run away with Drishtadyumna! I demand retribution!" Jayadrath shouted.
Duryodhan’s eyes flared with anger. "I will kill Drishtadyumna for this! He dared to humiliate me?"
But before Duryodhan could storm out, Bhishma and Vidur stepped in, warning him to stop.
"Drishtadyumna is now your sister’s husband," Bhishma reminded him sternly. "To harm him is to harm Dushala’s honor."
Vidur nodded in agreement. "We must think of the kingdom’s reputation, Duryodhan."
Defeated, Duryodhan clenched his fists, rage boiling inside him, but knowing they were right. He left the hall, eyes burning red with humiliation and anger.
Anya, watching the drama unfold, felt her heart twist with guilt. She had successfully married off Dushala, but seeing Duryodhan's rage and pain made her feel conflicted.
Later that night, unable to sleep with the weight of her guilt, Anya decided to meet Duryodhan.
---
**Night in Duryodhan’s chambers...**
Anya slipped into Duryodhan's chambers quietly. The air was thick with the scent of wine, and she saw him sitting in the dark, his large frame slumped in his chair. A half-empty goblet sat in his hand, and his expression was one of deep sadness, anger, and exhaustion.
She approached him carefully, her heart pounding in her chest. Softly, she took the goblet from his hand and set it aside. "You’ve had enough for tonight," she said in a quiet, soothing voice.
Duryodhan chuckled darkly, his voice low and slurred. "You must be enjoying this, Anya. Watching me suffer like this. Pathetic."
Anya shook her head and, with a teasing smile, replied, "No, actually. You look more like a wet rabbit than a king right now. It’s not a good look."
Duryodhan’s lips twitched at her words, and a chuckle escaped him. "Still so full of jokes, even now."
She smiled, but there was a softness to her expression. "Someone has to lighten the mood around here."
In a swift motion, Duryodhan pulled her into his lap, wrapping his strong arms around her. His breath was hot against her skin as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Anya gasped softly, surprised by his sudden action, but her body instinctively relaxed into him.
He held her tightly, as though seeking comfort from the storm of emotions swirling inside him. His lips brushed lightly against her neck, and Anya felt a shiver run down her spine. His touch was soft, but it ignited a familiar warmth in her. Duryodhan gently kissed the skin of her neck, the sensation making her close her eyes and lean into him.
A soft moan escaped her lips, barely audible, but it didn’t go unnoticed by Duryodhan. His kisses grew a little more deliberate, and he whispered against her skin, "Did you miss me?"
Anya’s hands instinctively found their way to his hair, her fingers threading through the dark locks as she replied with a breathless laugh, "Miss annoying you, maybe."
Duryodhan pulled her closer, the tension between them thickening with every passing second. His lips traced a line from her neck to her collarbone, each kiss more lingering than the last. Anya’s heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming out in soft, shallow gasps as she felt the intensity of his touch.
For a moment, they were lost in each other, the weight of the world forgotten. Anya's hands moved down to his shoulders, her nails lightly grazing his skin as she whispered, "Duryodhan... I—"
Before she could finish, Duryodhan’s grip tightened on her waist, his voice breaking the moment of intimacy. "It’s all because of them," he growled, his tone laced with anger. "Pandavas. They are behind all of this. I know it."
Anya froze, her heart sinking. Now was the moment she dreaded. She had to tell him the truth.
Taking a deep breath, she pulled back slightly to look him in the eye. "It wasn’t their plan," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was mine."
Duryodhan blinked, his expression hardening as her words sank in. "What did you say?"
"I planned the abduction," Anya said, her voice shaking slightly. "It was my idea to marry Dushala to Drishtadyumna. I wanted her to be happy, and I thought it was the right thing to do."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, in one swift motion, Duryodhan pushed her off his lap, fury blazing in his eyes. "You? You planned this?" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and rage.
Anya stood up, tears stinging her eyes. "I did it for Dushala!" she cried, her voice cracking. "I wanted her to be happy, to have the life she deserved. I never meant to hurt you!"
But Duryodhan’s anger only grew. "You betrayed me!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Get out, Anya."
Anya’s heart shattered at his words, her tears flowing freely now. "Duryodhan, please—"
"I said *get out!*" His voice was cold, final.
Her chest ached with a pain she couldn’t describe as she turned and fled the room, leaving Duryodhan alone in the dark, her tears soaking her cheeks. She had done what she thought was right, but in the process, she had hurt the one person she hadn’t wanted to lose.
And as she walked down the empty corridors of the palace, her heart heavy with regret, she realized that some decisions came with a price too high to bear.
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