Ishani scrolled through the smart tv boredly, almost dozing.

Why were business news so hyped ? She glanced at her half- eaten millet noodles, groaning at the fact that she couldn't bring herself to throw it. Shifting it to another container, she put it in the refrigerator.

"Alexa, TV off please." She mumbled, walking upstairs. A whizz sound made her stop.

Who had dared to sneak inside, when a elite squad of men guarded her? Or was it her imagination that she saw a shadow sneak past?

Mustering up courage, she picked up her phone, about to activate the security when the phone slipped.

A pair of slender hands was the last thing she saw.

Dwapar Yuga,

"Why can't I prove myself, Acharya? Is it because I am a lower caste filth?" The crowd stood silent at the young lad's words.

Clad in a simple dark blue dhoti and white angavastra, locks of hair adorned his lean, broad shoulders. His dark brown eyes burned in fury, holding his bow and arrow.

Shakuni smirked, rolling his dice but Drona was at a loss of words. "Whose disciple are you, Sutputr?"

"Bhargava Parashuram." The crowd burst in gasps and Kripacharya tried to intervene.

Kunti's eyes watered. It was her eldest son, she could feel it in her veins. The one she loved the most but was forced to abandon. Must she tell the truth to everyone? Her heart wavered.

A slight jingling of anklets made everyone turn towards the entrance. A young woman walked inside, clad in a royal outfit. The public murmured in wonder as to why she came in, uninvited.

"Is she a royal Princess?" Vidura shook his head at Bhisma's question.

"I've never seen this Devi anywhere, Pitamaha. Besides, her features don't resemble any royal family I know."

Ishani 's posture was confident and graceful, but inside she was a nervous mess.

'Oh Hell, it's worse than a catwalk. Do I have to bow down like Deepika in Padmavat? But they don't even know who I am. Or should I walk upto the King and introduce myself as the scapegoat sent by their diplomatic relative?'

She recollected as to why she came here in the first place. Possibly he must've left some clues.

FLASHBACK:

Ishani opened her eyes, finding herself on a comfy bed.

The walls gave off an ancient vibe. There was a lamp burning and the curtains were in mural style. She could make out that something was seriously amiss.

"Ishani?"

"Who are you?" She looked at the intruder smiling at her. He was of a dark complexion with a peacock feather. It didn't take her long to realize his identity.

"Vasudev Krishna. What is happening here?"

He smiled, running his fingers across his flute.

"Good question. You are in a different dimension altogether. You are in Dwapar Yuga."

Ishani chuckled in mirth.

"Don't fool me. You could be an imposter too wearing all the paraphernalia." She glared at him when he just laughed.

"So you don't believe me?" She tilted her head as it was the most obvious thing she ever heard.

"Yeah. You can't infer?" Krishna smiled.

"You said you hated god, but every time Arjun Mehta abused you , you cried out to me for help." Ishani stilled when he softly patted her head.

She only prayed to him inside. Not a single soul was aware of it. Maybe, gods did exist. Sure thing they were sadistic.

"You believe me now?"

Ishani gulped. "Yeah, but why me?"

"I brought you where you rightfully belong. Go to Hastinapur and go on with the flow. Tell everyone that I sent you there. Don't worry Ishani, you will always be safe. The most powerful warrior will protect you. Either ways, you don't need protection."

"Excuse me? I don't know anything about celestial weapons." He chuckled.

"You'll laugh at your own words one day. Go now. Close your eyes for a minute."

Ishani closed her eyes in uncertainty; she had no clue what to do.

Opening her eyes, she looked at her attire. It was different. Like a noble woman dressed to go out in public.

She walked towards the entrance, hearing that the Kaal Pradarshan was taking place.

She had to stop Arjuna and Karna from facing each other.

END OF FLASHBACK.

"Look at the audacity of this wench, to barge into our arena! Such filth deserve to die!" Trivikram, the Kashi Prince sneered, his hand at his scabbard, yet his eyes gazed at her lustfully.

"So even women of this era have to deal with brainless perverts; how sad." She muttered, gazing at the maids in sympathy. Trishul roared angrily, hitting his thigh.

"You dare call me a pervert, you insolent whore..."

"Rajkumar Trivikram. Moun." Duryodhana hissed, when Ishani raised an eyebrow.

"A pervert is a man who can't stop eyeing women. That applies for you. A whore is a woman who sleeps around shamelessly. But I haven't allowed a man near me. Now tell me, Rajkumar, who's spewing nonsense?" Her eyes burned like a ravaging forest fire.

"Insulting a chaste woman's honor is a sin even the worst of men fear to committ. Yet I find the Rajkumar blatantly speaking on something he isn't even aware of. Is this what the royal etiquette has taught? My bad." Karna shrugged, clenching his wooden bow firmly.

He gulped when her icy gaze was fixed onto him. She was the first woman to look into his eyes. So bold and daring was her gaze that he wondered who she was.

Enchanting. Her black locks fell down her shoulder, acting like a glowing halo.

But he wouldn't simply go by her beauty. Was she a spy his enemies sent, to destroy him?

"A misbehavior of one foolish Prince is not enough to question us, Soot. Know your position." All froze as they heard her chuckle.

"What was funny, Devi?" Ishani tched, looking at the audience.

"He know his position, Acharya. But, do you?" Vidura's eyes widened, but Karna just flinched.

Either she was too stupid or too brave.

He looked at her in incredulity, while she just nodded. It was as if she was protecting him.
The thought felt so silly, but it warmed his heart when a woman was behind this.

He didn't need to be looked down for no reason. She would ensure justice this time.

"They say a Guru is equivalent to God, who doesn't discriminate between any being in this universe. But you seem to be doing the exact opposite. Wait, Gandhar Raj may enquire as to which text my words are based on."

Shakuni's face turned green. Unfortunately, he was actually going to say that.

"Brahmavidya Upanishad."

"Do not show off your skills in repeating like a parr.." Her gaze shut Duryodhana's mouth.

"And that brings me to my question. I know I'm a nobody here, but I'm here on Vasudev's request. I thought Vasudev and His allies weren't narrow minded people who judged a being by their caste. " Vidura began, trying to explain.

Karna was relieved yet shocked. Vasudev Krishna sent her to fight on his behalf? Just who was this woman? Her fierce retorts amazed him.

"Devi, the caste system is based on the.." She interrupted him.

"Maha mantri, Bhargava Parashuram was a Brahmin by birth; yet he is the best warrior in the world. Aren't Brahmins allowed to take up arms?"

"Enough! How dare you disrespect our Guru? Shut your insolent mouth!" Drona spat.

"Disrespect? Acharya, I think you've heard wrong. I simply asked why your guru was an exception to the law, but his dear disciple isn't. Is it not tragic?"

Karna's eyes teared up. The woman he never knew was fighting on his behalf.  People like her were hard to find.

She probably dropped from the heavens.

Dead silence. Even Vidur was speechless.

"Devi, we follow the laws of our illustrious ancestors. The Manu Smriti has laid down prescribed codes for each caste."

"Pardon me for my interruptions, Maha mantri. But Samrat Manu had urged his kingdom to follow it because mankind had just evolved, and the world was in a chaos after recreation. He did it to stabilize the empire. So that every man had at least a decent living. Now, we have become more advanced. Where every man can think for himself, what he wishes to become. I am sure not every adept physician's son is as great as his father or even wants to become one. What if he wants to become a Guru? Would you deny him of his wants? The Manu Smriti also warns the royals to heed the wishes and wants of every single subject of his/ her kingdom. Of course, I'm not saying every random person's silly qualms must be fulfilled. If a man/woman is qualified enough, due attention must be given. I hope no one disagrees."

All were tongue tied. Shakuni was the first to break the silence. Vidur sat back in his seat, not having a valid answer.

 Bhisma's eyes narrowed; who was this woman who was so bold?

"Devi, may we know with what authority do you say such bold words? What is your royal lineage? If you are so qualified, you can spar with Arjun. For right now, there's no one qualified enough. I take it that you are highly skilled in warfare too." Shakuni failed to notice Karna's glare.

Ishani gulped; why did her mouth get her into trouble? Karna was about to say something, but her one stern look shut him up. It was as if she knew his thoughts.

The Pandavas nudged Arjun; who didn't want to cause a fight for no reason. 

"Arjun Go." His elder brother's words made up go up down the dais, facing Ishani.

Ishani shivered, picking up the bow and arrow. She knew nothing, how could she even fight?

It was archery, not zumba dance that she could imitate and get away with it.

Drona raised an eyebrow at her clumsy actions. This woman only had a loud mouth.

She observed the way Arjun held his bow and arrow. She did the same, and the crowd watched on.

Karna could make out this lady had no inkling of archery. She sure was bold, but she stood no chance of winning, unless the Gods intervened.

Ishani closed her eyes, trying to think of an Astra.

That's it. Aindrastra. Indra's weapon, known not to fail.

She thought of it and an arrow materialized. Drona gasped, how could she summon an Astra without a mantra?

Arjun shot the Agneyastra and Ishani muttered. She used all her strength and released the arrow. All froze when the Astras exploded and blasted Arjun away. Arjuna coughed, trying to get up from the mess. He got up, dusting his clothes. He released Vayu Astra and Ishani was clueless.

"Uh, I invoke the rain god. Please protect me." A shower of rain fell upon the assembly, and Arjun gritted his teeth.

How could she match his speed? He was the best archer in the entire world !

Drona was about to get up from his seat, when Bhisma stopped him. "Pitamaha, she's using black magic! She's a witch! "

"Pardon me, Mahaguru Dron, if someone is superior to your disciples that doesn't mean they are black magicians. " Ishani looked at the young man who spoke so boldly.

She sighed, thanking the Gods that Karna and Arjun hadn't become enemies. Though they weren't friends, it was better than enemies.

Karna sensed her gaze and smiled back softly. He really needed to give her credit. His perceptions of her were completely wrong.
Ishani just stared, not expecting this.

"Competition adjourned. All the competitors, please come to the Royal dining hall. "

Ishani looked clueless. "Devi, the dining hall is this way. "

Why was he hell bent on helping her?

"Uh, thank you for your support. "

"No problem. It's my pleasure. "

She nodded, following him.

The dining hall was filled with the royals, chatting loudly. It became silent when the duo entered.

"Welcome. You both are great warriors, who deserve the best. Please help yourselves. " Dhritrashtra spoke, trying to be cordial, but Ishani saw through his mask.
She sat next to Karna, looking around.

"Is it okay if I don't take everything of what is served?" She whispered to Karna.

" Devi, please feel comfortable to eat what your desire to." Trivikram spoke with a sick smile, but Ishani frowned at him.

"I asked him, not you." She looked at Karna, who nodded awkwardly. Again the atmosphere became tense. Kunti watched warily.

Who was this reckless and bold girl, having the guts to back answer all the royals? Of course, her beauty would make her popular and powerful, since men would relentlessly puruse her.

And her boldness would attract them more.

"Devi, please follow the maids. They will show you your chambers. "
"Kshama, Mahamantri. I prefer to stay outside, due to personal reasons. Thank you. "
Her statement raised eyebrows; denying royal hospitality meant inviting trouble.

Karna frowned; what was her real identity?

Ishani tried to be calm. She didn't know where to stay, but staying in the palace wasn't good.
She got up, taking the elders blessings and left. Karna too took his leave, trying to catch up with her.

"Devi, you can stay in my home. If you wish to." He quickly added, seeing her blank gaze.
He knew it was a stupid idea. The woman sent by Vasudev wouldn't stay in such humble...

"I'd prefer that."

Karna nodded, leading her to his cottage.
Being a royal charioteer's son had it's own quirks: A huge cottage greeted them. Creepers hung from either sides and the walls were painted in light golden.
"Radheya, you naughty boy! Every time you go out and get lost in the forests. You come back drenched and your poor horse has to save you! Enough of staring at the sun. Come.. "
Her words got stuck, seeing a beautiful woman by his side.
Ishani chortled, hearing Karna's escapades.
"Mata, this Devi is unfamiliar to Hastinapur so i brought her here. "
"Radheya, but her caste.. "
"Umm, I don't mind about your castes. I believe in equality. " Ishani spoke softly, and Radha smiled in surprise.
She would be the luckiest mother if she was her daughter.
"Please come in. I shall make all the arrangements. "
Ishani nodded, sitting on a couch when Radha pulled her son inside the kitchen.
She bore a teasing smile, seeing his lost face.
" So Radheya became a knight in shining armour today. How come you yourself invited a woman? I thought you hated them? "
Karna struggled to explain himself.
Radha pinched his cheek.
"It's okay, I'm glad you didn't cause a big scene at the Kaal Pradarshan. Just be careful of royalty. We have to respect them. "
He nodded, hugging his mother. She understood him more than himself.
"What's your name, dear? " Radha sat beside, trying to make her comfortable.
"Ishani. I belong to a place outside Aryavart. "
Karna whispered her name.
Ishani.
Such a rare, beautiful name.
Radha nodded, cracking jokes.
Ishani didn't smile, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Please, I can sleep on the floor; there's no need to make these many arrangements. "
It was night, and Radha had prepared a room for her. The bed was covered with the softest quilt and the windows were left open, as light wind breezed through.
"No dear, you are our guest. Please don't deny me. "
Ishani reluctantly accepted, lying on the bed.
There was silence everyone.
A strange silence which sent chills down her spine.

Meme of the day: