A majestic eagle landed on the windowpane of Duryodhan's chamber in Hastinapur. It had a small scroll attached to its claw, sealed with a lion emblem, indicating that it bore a crucial message from Duryodhan's esteemed circle of spies.

Ashwatthama and Karna shared a curious look as Duryodhan broke the seal of the scroll.

"Who's sending you love notes, Mitra Duyodhan?" Ashwatthama teased with a smirk. But Duryodhan didn't respond; in contrast, his face turned grave as he skimmed through the message.

Karna frowned, "Is there any problem, Mitra?" 

-"Mitra Karna, prepare your army, we need to leave for Magadh right at this moment!" 

-"Alright, Mitra Karna, let's go, looks like that was enough Sura for Duryodhan today!" Ashwatthama stood up from his place.

-"I am not drunk Ashwattham!" Duryodhan hurried towards the entrance of his chamber. He shouted from inside, "Guards! Guards! Inform Pitamah Bhishma I want to meet him and wake up the horsemen and Charioteers, tell them to prepare my Chariot right now!"

-"Mirta Duryodhan..." Karna placed a hand on Duryodhan's shoulder, Duryodhan's sudden change in behaviour made him worried. What message could have possibly made Duryodhan so agitated?

Duryodhan turned to look at Karna. He seemed troubled as he slowly said, "Magadh raj Jarasandh has captured Sakhi Tiasha..."

The world went black in front of Karna's eyes for a moment. He took a step back trying to process what Duryodhan had just said.

-"Have you completely lost your mind?" Ashwatthama shouted as his face contoured in disbelief, "Do you have any idea what you are saying?"

-"Do you think I am joking?" Duryodhan argued back.

-"Yes, because how could you possibly get that news, even if it was true!" Ashwatthama threw a sharp look at Duryodhan.

-"Because, I had sent Chandradutta behind her..." Duryodhan shouted.

-"You have sent a spy behind her!" Ashwatthama's voice kept rising.

-"I wanted to make sure she will be safe during the journey!" Duryodhan too raised his voice.

-"Stop!" Karna's voice commended. Ashwatthama and Duryodhan both stopped and turned to look at their friend. "It is not the time to argue about any of this, we...we need to figure out how to get her out of there..." Karna backed down and sat down on one of the seats.

Duryodhan and Ashwatthama exchanged a worried look with each other.

-"Mitra Karna, if we gather all our armies together..." 

-"No, no, no, Tiasha is in disguise, if we gather our army and Jarasandh somehow gets the air of that he will be suspicious. He might think she is a spy or something, he...he can..." Karna's voice trailed at the end.

-"Then what do we do?" 

-"I will have to go...alone..." 

-"What!" 

-"Absolutely not!" 

Ashwatthama and Duryodhan said in union.

-"Try to understand..."

-"We can't let you risk your life alone!" 

-"Then what do you want me to do? Sit back until something bad..." Karna forced himself to stop the words coming out of his mouth.

Ashwatthama put a hand on Karna's shoulder, "We will figure out something together Mitra..."

--

"What is going on inside your head, my dear friend?" Jarasnadh asked as he sat down beside Sishupala with a glass of sura in his hand.

-"That young lad at the court this morning..." Sishupala thought aloud.

-"I know, quite courageous, isn't he? And he somehow managed to make a place in my subjects' hearts within just a few hours...quite charming, I must say!" 

-"No, no not that...he...he looked very familiar, like I have seen him somewhere before..."

-"Where?" Jarasnadh frowned

-"I can't place it exactly where, but he looks very familiar."

-"You could've; he has quite the face; I don't think anyone who has seen his face even once can ever forget it..."

-"He somehow looks very similar to that Dasi Shyama in Panchal..."

Jarasandh burst out laughing, "Looks like you are in love with that Dasi from Panchal, Mitra, you are starting to see her everywhere...quite scandalous if you ask me...the mighty Chedi Naresh fell in love with a Dasi while attending Panchal Kumari's Swayamvar..."

-"It's not love Mitra, it's not love..." Shisupala smirked, "If you had seen her, your condition would've been just like mine. Her body! what an intoxicating sight..." He raised the glass in his hand, "Much much more intoxicating than this. I can wait like a thirsty bird my entire life just for one sip and feels like my life would be a waste if I don't get it..."

Jarasandh finished his glass, "Then send your men, or if you want I can send my men to Panchal."

Shishupala thought for a moment then decided to change the subject, "Did you get to know who that boy is?" he asked.

-"He says his name is Maitrayo, some Marchent's son from the north. He was travelling to Banga; they have a merchant ship waiting for him in the port of Tamralipta."

-"To Banga Desh for business? And he was going all alone?" Sishupala voiced his surprise.

-"Doesn't seem very believable, is it?"

-"What are you thinking of doing?" 

-"I do not think he is lying about the incident. He wouldn't have had the guts to stand in my court and say what he said if he was not truthful. Besides, I have had a few complaints here and there about Sanatan. That boy is innocent."

-"So you are going to let him go?" Sishupala asked.

-"Pranam Maharaj, We have received a message from Angaraj." A guard appeared at the entrance of the Chamber, where Sishupala and Jarasandh were seated.

-"Bring it here." Jarasandh ordered, his face contoured in a frown. A similar expression appeared on Sishupala's face too.

The guard came in with a scroll containing a mark of the sun, indicating it was from the king of Anga himself.

Jarasandh started reading while Sishupala drank quietly.

-"What does it say, Magadh Naresh? Why is Angaraj Karna suddenly recalling you?"

-"He says Yuvraj Duryodhan is sending him to Kalinga as a messenger to settle some matters with Kalinga Raj, and the fastest way to reach Kalinga is through Magadh, so he asked if he could be my guest and rest here for a day..."

-"Strange!" A smirk appeared on Sishupala's face, "Nice pawn Kumar Duryodhan has got there, what do you say Magadh Naresh?" His entire figure shook as a burst of mocking laughter rose from his core, "Angaraj Karna! Jackal king of the empty forest!"  His face morphed in disdain, "Angaraj!"

-"I must disagree with you on that, Sishupala. He deserves that throne, and I believe he has more than proved his worth. I fought against him, and I can assure you that he possesses skills beyond your imagination."

Sishupala's face bore an unpleasant expression, but he didn't say anything further. 

Maitrayo's face didn't let Sishupala sleep that night. Something with that boy was off, but he couldn't put his finger on it. 

The next morning, Sishupala said, "I want to go see that boy, Maitryo, just once." This request shocked Jarasandh. The previous night, when Sishupala was comparing the Dasi from Panchal to the boy, Jarasandh thought he was speaking under the influence. However, Sishupala's insistence on visiting the boy in prison worried him. What was so special about this Dasi that had caused Sishupala to become so obsessed?

Reluctantly, Jarasandh permitted him. He then adjourned the court for the next two days to prepare for the arrival of the King of Anga. Jarasandh wanted to welcome him with grandeur.

Even at the brightest hour of the day, the corridors of the dungeons required the light of a touch to present itself in front of one's vision. The air was damp, filled with a pungent mix of mildew and decay. The cautious prison guards stood keeping an eye on even the smallest movement, their faces stoic and unreadable. Sishupala scrunched his nose as soon as he stepped inside the dungeons. He regretted his decision immediately. But still, his curiosity brought the best out of him. His obsession with that face—so hauntingly familiar—he was determined to figure out what bothered him so much about that boy.

Tiasha sat calmly in one corner of the cell. She hugged her knees and stared at the flickering torch in front of her. Soon the light coming from outside was obstructed by a long shadow. Sishupala's footsteps echoed on the stone as he reached Tiasha's cell. Tiasha looked up, her heart trembled. She took a deep breath and reminded herself for now she was Kumar Maitrayo and not Dasi Shyama from Panchal.

Sishupala took a moment to study the boy, searching for any sign that would confirm his suspicions. As soon as their eyes met, there was a flash of recognition, but it was gone as quickly as it came. Sishupala groaned, frustrated at his memory.

-"You," Sishupala began, his voice low and calculated, "Who are you? You can not be an ordinary merchant's son."

Tiasha maintained her composure. She replied, her voice steady, "My, my, look at my luck! What an honour! The mighty Chedi Naresh has come to visit. Tell me, Chedi Naresh, how did I get so lucky?"

The remark drew a sharp glare from Sishupala, "How dare you mock me, boy!"

-"Why would I want to mock you, Chedi Naresh? My life is too dear to me!"

Shishupala couldn't help a smirk. "Sassy! Just like..." he murmured, almost to himself.

He stepped closer to the bars, lowering his voice. "Have I met you somewhere before? Your face—it reminds me of someone." Tiasha's heart pounded, but she didn't flinch.

-"Dasi Shyama of Panchal. Do you know her?" Sishupala asked.

Tiasha's mind raced to find a response. "A Dasi? From Panchal? I am afraid I don't know anyone by that name. And you think I look like a woman? And that to some Dasi!"

Sishupala's gaze hardened, searching for a crack in the facade. "Strange. The resemblance is uncanny."

-"You must have made a mistake, Chedi Naresh." Tiasha said firmly.

Before he could press further, a guard appeared at the end of the corridor. "Chediraj," the guard called, bowing deeply, "Magadh Naresh requests your presence immediately."

Sishupala lingered, his eyes still locked on Maitrayo. Finally, he stepped back. "We will meet soon again" he smirked, his tone carrying a veiled threat. Then he turned on his heel and left. Tiasha sighed in relief.

--

An hour after Duryodhan received the message from his spies, Karna began his journey to Magadh. With a firm grip on the reins, he urged his horse forward, the sound of hooves breaking the silence of the still night.

As he travelled, the landscape shifted from familiar terrain to the expansive plains stretching toward Girvaraj. The moon hung high in the sky, illuminating his path, while the cool night air brushed against his face. Determined to reach his destination as fast as he could, Karna rode tirelessly, pausing only briefly to allow his horse to rest and catch its breath.

He had to constantly remind himself to stay calm. However, panic lingered in his heart; his beloved had been captured by Magadh Naresh Jarasandh. How could he possibly remain calm?

After three days of relentless riding, he finally reached the outskirts of Girvaraj. Tears filled his eyes as he thought of her.

Another hour later he reached in front of the Lion gates of Jarasandh's Palace. Jarasandh himself came to greet him, accompanied by an entourage of soldiers and ministers.

"Welcome, Angaraj," Jarasandh said warmly, folding his hands together.

Karna dismounted gracefully, bowing. "Magadh Naresh, it is an honour to be your guest."

Jarashandh welcomed him inside his court. All the esteemed members of the Magadh court came to meet the King the Anga. Karna greeted Sishupala but he did not bother to greet Karna back. He responded with only a curt nod. 

-"We won't hold you here for long Angaraj, I know you must be tired after such a long journey..." Before Jarasandh could finish everyone heard a commotion near the entrance. Jarasandh and Karna stood up from their seats and approached. A guard rushed inside, "Maharaj, the people from the market are trying to enter the court forcefully..."

-"Maharaj, it's been three days since that innocent boy has been in prison!" 

-"You can not keep an innocent man imprisoned any longer..."

-"We demand justice for him..."

The shouts of the people could be heard from outside.

Karna looked at Jarasandh and asked curiously, "What is this all about, Magadh Naresh? Who are they demanding justice for?"

-"It's a long story. You must be tired; please allow me to arrange for your rest..."

- "If you don't mind, may I stay in the court?"

- "As you wish..."

-"Guards, Let them in and bring that boy and Sanatan to the court." Jarasandh ordered. 

The people entered and stood on one side of the court exchanging glances among themselves. Soon after the accused were brought in front of Jarasandh. It took Every force in his body to contain himself when Karna saw Jarasandh's guards pulling Tiasha - disguised as Maitrayo by the handcuffs around her wrist. 

Karna's nails dug into his palm. He had to bring her out of this place. He knew he had to think fast. But a stream of questions swirled inside his head. What did she even do to get imprisoned by Jarasandh's guards in the first place? And all these people who stood there at the court, were they demanding justice for her?

Jarasandh turned towards Karna, "Angaraj..." Tiasha this whole time was looking around the court except for where Sishupala was sitting. As soon as she heard the word 'Angaraj' coming out of Jarasandh's mouth her eyes snapped towards him. Almost immediately following Jarasandh's line of vision, Her eyes meet with the owner of her favourite amber eyes, seated beside Sishupala. Her heart did a backflip but she tried her best to maintain a straight face. How did he even get here? She tried to read his eyes but he turned them away from her. He knew if he kept looking he won't be able to contain himself from running towards her and sweeping her off of her feet into his arms.

-"...I have personally heard a lot of stories about your just judgment in your kingdom if you could please do the honour to give your judgement on this..." Jarasandh then explained the entire situation to him. 

Karna cleared his throat and tried to remain calm and maintain a straight face. 

-"I would like to hear what the accused have to say, and also from the witnesses."

Tiasha stared into his eyes and had a small knowing smile playing on her lips. "My greeting to the revered king of Anga! I am a foreigner here in this kingdom, travelling through to reach the port of Tamralipta in Bangadesh as a merchant ship awaits me there. I was passing through the Market of Girivaraj when I came across this man, a tax collector in that part of the market abusing an elderly woman. I simply tried to stop him but he decided to attack me, so I had to use my weapons to defend myself."

-"He is lying, Your Majesty, he is lying, he attacked me out of nowhere!" Sanatan said quickly to defend himself.

-"Do you know this young lad?" Karna asked.

-"No, but..."

-"Then why do you think he attacked you? Did he have some kind of personal issue with you?"

He turned to question Tiasha, "Tell me, young man, Did you know this man before that incident happened?" Tiasha simply shook her head.

-"But your majesty, he could have..."

-"Did any of you know this Young lad before the incident happened?"He asked, addressing the crowd. The crowd replied in unison, "NO".

-"What gain is he going to have from accusing you falsely? He did not have a personal issue with you, He did not know you, and He did not conspire with the people in the market." Karna asked, his voice becoming sharp.

-"Bravo! Angaraj, Bravo!" Jarasandh clapped. A pleased smile appeared on his face. Karna folded his hands to thank Jarasandh.

-"Sanatan, you are removed from your position and will remain in prison for the next six years." Jarasandh turned towards Tiasha, "And Kumar Maitrayo, you are free to go...but as an apology for your harassment in Magadh I would like to offer you to stay here and accept our hospitality for a few days."

-"My journey has already been delayed Magadh Naresh, it's very kind of you to offer me to stay but I cannot remain here any longer." Tiasha said, looking at Karna.

-"At least stay for tonight..." Jarasandh requested.

-"Only tonight no more."

--

Tiasha was offered a chamber in the Magadh palace to spend the night. She sent all the attendees away and locked the door behind her. She took a long bath and changed into some fresh clothes. She fell asleep almost immediately as her back touched the soft mattress of the bed. 

At around midnight, she was awakened by a soft knock at the large window beside the bed.

-"Tiasha, it's me...Vasusena!" Tiasha heard a whisper from the other side.

She opened the window and Karna jumped inside, "What are you doing here...what if someone had..." Tiasha couldn't finish her sentence as she was pulled into a hug all of a sudden.

Karna felt Tiasha relax in his arms. A sigh came out of her lips. Tiasha felt like melting into the strong embrace of her Vasusena.

-"How did you know I was stuck here?"

-"Long story, I will tell you while we travel together towards Banga."

Tiasha looked up into his eyes. Karna looked back and smiled, "I can't live constantly worrying about you, so, please allow me to come with you, priye!"

-XX-

Only a few minutes remaining before 2025 starts. 

As promised,

Here is Real Tiasha for you.

Happiest New Year to all of you. I hope you liked this Chapter. Love you all so so much, You will have the best year ahead.

Time is running out...Bye, take care. See you soon.❤️