Karna wanted to lock himself in his room. But his legs carried him to her chamber. He slowly pushed the door open, looking at the dimly lit room. Her dainty figure lay on the bed, motionless.

He moved towards her, hoping that she would respond. "Ishani.." His whisper carried so much heartbreak.

His fingers shivered, as he tried to touch her cheeks. Those long eyelashes which would flutter widely, weren't moving an inch. He withdrew, not having the courage to do so.

He was a coward in front of her. Yes, he was a beast but her presence was enough to melt him. One word from her and he would do anything just to see her slight smile. He touched her hand.

It was so cold and lifeless. He rubbed her palms trying to make her warm. But she was still the same. 

Not a single movement in her. "I am sorry. It's all because of me. I- wa-was suppo-supposed to protect you, but you saved me risking your life. Please, wake up. You know, if you don't wake up, I'll go mad. Please Ishani. You are my sanity. I-I am a bad man. I never wanted friends but you showed me that friends were the people who really cared for you. I never paid attention to any woman, for I had seen many after my looks and popularity. But you, you never knew me personally. Still, you defended me and stayed by my side. I don't think I can ever repay your favour." 

He pleaded and pleaded, but she didn't wake up. He looked down, closing his eyes.

His shoulders shook violently, and tears rolled down from his cheeks. Karna was crying.

For the first time in 10 years. 

"Shreeman Karna." He looked up, wiping his tears quickly. He glared, seeing Duryodhana.

"Please, I see her as a friend. Not more than that." He defended and Karna relaxed, but his swollen eyes refused to stop watering.

"She will definitely wake up. If not today, then tomorrow. She has to get up and bear our annoying selves. Devi Ishani is the strongest woman I have encountered. And though I feel ashamed to admit it, I'll still say it. You are the most powerful warrior in Aryavart. I know, you try to hide your skills so that we won't make out, but seeing your duel with Bheema was enough."

Duryodhana looked at Ishani. 

"I don't know why she is this stoic, but she is precious. More than a diamond. I hope she gets what she deserves."

He placed a hand on Karna's shoulder, patting him slowly. Karna looked at the so-called arrogant prince. He had changed, since they met. 

"I am sorry. Deep down, you are a good man. I hope you don't go back to your ways." Karna spoke, realizing Ishani was right.

You never know the other side of a coin. 

"Thank you for believing in my goodness. Even my own Pitamaha gave up on me. Thank you Mitra." Karna stilled, feeling a pair of arms around him. 

Mitra. The term sounded so genuine from his mouth that Karna was taken aback. He patted his head awkwardly, smiling.

"Can I call you , Mitra?"

"Yes. As long as you remain like this." Duryodhana nodded seriously.

"Of course. Thank you Mitra. I am sorry for my past actions. Please forgive me." Karna was about to say something when he gasped, feeling a slight twitch of her fingers.

"She's responding." He murmured, wiping his tears. 

Duryodhana smiled, getting up to call Nakul and Sahadev.

He smiled, seeing her opening her eyes. 

Ishani groaned, her eyes fluttering. Her eyes met Karna's.

"Ishani! Thank God you woke up." He mumbled, when she realized that her throat was dry.

"Wa-.." She pointed to the glass on the table. Karna quickly brought it close to her lips, holding her chin.

She squirmed, feeling a man's touch after so long. His touch felt warm and safe. Realising that he was helping her out, she opened her mouth, feeling refreshed as water trickled down her throat.

"Devi ! How are you feeling? Any weakness or discomfort?" Sahadev clutched her wrist, checking her pulse. 

But she flinched slightly, and Karna didn't miss that. 

"It's ok. You are safe." He whispered in her ear, smiling gently.

She nodded, relaxing against the headrest.

Krishna rushed in, pulling her close. "God, you made me so worried Ishani. I am not going to allow you on missions like that."

"Who said I need your permission?" She joked and he pinched the bridge of her nose playfully.

"Ishani!" Balarama entered quickly, looking for her. 

"Ishani, all are worried for you! Next time, don't do such dangerous stunts!"

"Ok! Adi." He smiled, kissing her forehead.

"So, please stop crying, Mitra. Devi Ishani got up." 

Everyone's head whipped at them in shock.

Duryodhana was calling Karna Mitra? And Karna cried?

"Uh.." Ishani looked at Karna in surprise. She couldn't imagine him bawling his eyes out for her. 

"It's good to see that you both are friends now." Krishna spoke, and Ishani nodded.

"Actually, I have something to say." All looked at her. 

"I think Shakuni planned this. I don't have evidence though. We need to do something to make sure he doesn't stir up trouble." 

"We have the evidence, Devi. Leave it to us. We'll send a rat to Hastinapur and we can relax then." 

Bheema frowned. "What is the codeword for rat, Jyesht? How come I never knew about it?"

Nakul laughed. "Bhrata Bheema, we will send a real rat with a message to Kakashree Vidura. He will take care of the rest." 

"Wah, my handsome brother is becoming smart at last, after gazing at himself in the mirror." Bheema taunted, earning a glare from Nakul.

"Nakul and Sahadev, thank you for saving my life. I owe my life to you both." 

"Oh, it's nothing Devi. You are like a distant family member to us now."

"Family? Loved one? " She chuckled, blinking her tears to their dismay.

Did they say something wrong? They admired the way she solved all problems and was kind to them.

Though they weren't.Their own Mamashree wanted her dead. But they would protect her, with whatever it took.

"I've never had a family, so excuse me." She looked away, and Krishna sighed.

"Stop waiting, Ishani. That someone is this fool standing next to you, refusing to speak out his heart in fear of being rejected. This fool's heart is so big, yet it belongs only to you." Krishna whispered, blinking his tears.

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