Days later, 

"Vasudev, I already sent a letter to my parents and they have no problem. But the thing is, what about Shakuni ? He must be hatching another plot.."

"Which is bound to fail, Karna. Don't worry about him and relax. And I have some important news. We'll be going to Somanth, I'm not sure about the exact time we'll be leaving. Besides, there are many programmes scheduled there, and the Maharaja is very ecstatic to have all of you there.. All the ladies thought of having dances and singing, and you all can go on hunts and picnics." 

"Oh." Karna nodded, fidgeting with the hem of his Angavastram. He wasn't interested, but he would try to talk.

"By the way, Ishani is being persuaded to dance. I'll tell you a secret. She is one of the best dancers. I'm going to watch her dance, secretly because men are forbidden. Do you want to come?" Krishna smirked, his eyes swirling in mischief.

Karna was at a loss of words; he badly wanted to see her, but he didn't want to be caught later. It would be embarrassing.

"Uh, Vasudev.." Krishna ignored Karna's pleas, dragging him to the dance hall. The guards looked at each other hesitantly; if the Maharani Rukmini got to know, their heads would be cut off. 

But it was the Maharaj himself; what could they do?
"Vasudev.."

"Shh, as soon as we enter, hide behind the curtains. Don't make a single sound."

The dance hall was filled with women, busy decorating the hall and many watching the dance practice. 

Rukmini and Satyabhama were seated on the highest seats, while Ishani stood nervously before them. 

"Ishani, will you dance? I thought the song must be the Sisodian style, to impress them. We have to show that we value their traditions. What do you say?"

"You are right, Jiji. But I am afraid I am not so familiar with their customs and their dances. Could I see a dance?"

"Of course. Malavika!" Satyabhama clapped her hands, and a young woman came forward. She was the best dancer in their kingdom and owing to her exquisite beauty, she was unparalleled. 

Her doe eyes, perfectly shaped lips and her voluptuous figure could seduce men in a blink of a second. 

Krishna looked at Karna to see his expressions. His face showed only distaste. 

"Karna, what's wrong? Don't you like her? She's the best." 

Karna frowned. "Her body language shows her arrogance and the way she portrays herself like an innocent person disgusts me. She is purposely walking that way to attract attention."

Krishna smiled; " Are you attracted by her?"

"Never.  Only only woman is capable of holding my attention. Even if I want to, I cannot look away." 

"Pranipaat, Maharani. I see a new woman. Is she the new courtesan? Do you want me to teach her the ways of the palace?" Karna glared, clutching the curtain tightly. Some women sneered at Malavika; she was too egoistic.

Malavika looked at Ishani mockingly, when both the queens frowned.

"Apologize right now, Malavika! She is our royal guest!" Malavika closed her mouth, bending before the queens.

"Please pardon me, I was not aware of it. Devi, if you want punish me, please go ahead!" Her face had a pitiful expression, and tears filled here eyes, as if she was bullied. 

Ishani chuckled inwardly; so here was another double-faced woman. She looked at the queens curiously.

"Jiji, who is she? Is she the disrespectful dancer, claiming to be pure but has a secret brothel in the deep passageways of her mansion?" some women gasped, and Karna grinned.

"Serves her right." He murmured.

Malavika fumed; how dare this puny woman degrade her? "You.."

"Alright. I hope you will show me your best performances because I am looking forward to it." Ishani spoke casually, sitting next to Rukmini. 

Malavika gritted her teeth; but began the dance. 

Ishani felt that the song being sung was strikingly similar to Ghoomar song of her time. 

Malavika moved her body in a sensuous way, smirking at Ishani. No one could defeat her in terms of being a seductress. 

Ishani looked at Malavika's dress. It was too revealing, with a low cut blouse and almost backless, it showed most of her dusky skin. Her lehenga was short, revealing her smooth and toned legs. 

But this dress was not suiting with the calm and soothing music. 

The song came to an end, and everyone clapped for her, except Ishani. The women murmured.

'Looks like she is jealous of Malavika.'

'Of course, I bet she can't dance like her.'

"That was okay. Your dance is not full of grace, which is the first pre requisite for a dancer. Second, your facial expressions are same through out, which means you haven't understood the meaning of the lyrics you are dancing for. Thirdly, your body oozes only sensuality, which is not necessary for a classical dancer. Am I right, my queens?"

Rukmini and Satyabhama smiled at each other; nodding at Ishani. The women became silent, realising Ishani was someone more different.

"You are right, Ishani. Now, can you show us your dance?" Malavika fumed, but sat back. She would get her revenge.

"Jiji, can I change my clothes? I need a folklore dress." 

"As you wish, Dasi, show her the embroidery room and ask Padmavati to show her the dresses." The Dasi bowed down, leading Ishani to the embroidery room. The room was filled with heaps of glittering dresses, and a woman sat in the corner, stitching a cloth.

"Devi, Maharani has asked you to show Devi Ishani the dresses." The Dasi bowed, exiting the room.

"Hmm, so you are the beauty everyone talks about. You are indeed a gorgeous woman. I think I have a perfect outfit for you."

Ishani looked at the mirror glittering, vibrant yellow dress; it was indeed a beautiful one, compared to the clashing colours Malavika wore. 

Padmavati began to put jewellery on Ishani.

"You look absolutely exquisite!" She exclaimed, looking at her. This was one of her best dresses, and Ishani looked so perfect in it.

"Thank you Devi!" Ishani smiled, walking towards the dance hall. Karna's jaw dropped, seeing her in a traditional attire. She looked too gorgeous to be true.

The women silently whispered in envy and admiration. Malavika glared at them, shutting their mouths. How could this woman look more prettier than her?

"You look beautiful, Ishani. But this much jewellery, can you dance in this?" Malavika scoffed when Ishani smiled.

"Jiji, this song expresses a queen's love for her king, not her attraction. The music tone is soft and melodious, so a revealing or a light lehenga will not suit. I wore this attire because the heavy jewellery that you all see, are actually light weight. Queens always wore grand dresses like these, so the theme also fits."

"I see. Good choice, Ishani. Smitha, begin!" 

Loud clang of anklets shook the room, as if a multitude of women were walking. It was actually Ishani's heavy anklets making the sound. 

She smiled at the audience, folding her hands. Both the queens nodded, and Ishani swung around, delicately.  She moved her body in a very gentle manner, her eyes conveying the deepest emotions.

It looked like she was floating on the ground. Midway, she erupted into a verse and the singers stopped in awe. Her body moved with her sweet voice, and the entire hall was transfixed. Only after her stare did they continue with the song, not able to forget the sound of her voice.

She turned around for a moment, smiling at the curtain. It was so swift that the others didn't notice it, but Krishna and Karna did.

"She knows we're there. Clever little girl." 

"Does she know that I am also there?" Karna asked hopefully. If she smiled for him, he would be the happiest.

"I doubt it cause she has eyes only for me." Krishna teased, and Karna frowned, looking down.

"Don't be so full of yourself, Vasudev." Karna grumbled, looking at her. 

All of a sudden, the curtains fluttered widely, revealing the two men. Many women gasped, bowing down to the King. 

Rukmini and Satyabhama sighed, seeing the duo. Karna looked down in nervousness, while Krishna walked to the high dais, sitting on another throne. Karna reluctantly sat next to him, ignoring the gazes women gave him.

Krishna looked at Karna. He sat on the throne like an emperor, unknowingly. Clad in a royal blue dhoti and Angavastram, the glow on his face increased all the more, hearing the words. It was as if she was speaking to him, her subtle expressions didn't go un noticed. Her eyes sparkled as she moved her waist smoothly. 

 Thaare Ehsaason Ki Raunak Hai Mhaari Diwali

When Your emotions/feelings light up, it's like Diwali for me

Mann Mehal Ki Saari Deewaarein Thaare Rang Rangwa Li

All the walls of the palace of my heart, I have coloured in Your colour.


Paake Thara Saaya Tann Hai Jagmagaya
After achieving/attaining Your shade, my whole body is shining/glittering
Taaron Bhari Ho Gayi Mhari
It has become full of stars
Saari Kaali Raat Bharke
This dark night of mine
Dhola Waale Thaath Ghoomar
I dance on the beats of the drummer
Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome Re
I dance ghoomar, I dance ghoomar
Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome Re Baaisa Ghoomar Ghoome Re...
I dance ghoomar, the girls are dancing ghoomar

Dhanak Preet Ki Sar Pe Odh Kar
Covering my head with the rainbow(veil) of my beloved
Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome, Haan Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome
I dance ghoomar, I dance ghoomar
O... Ralak Reet Sab Jag Ki Chhod Kar
Forgetting all the customs and rituals of the world
Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome Bharke
I dance ghoomar
Dhola Waale Thaath Ghoomar
I dance on the beats of the drummer
Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome Re
I dance ghoomar, I dance ghoomar
Ghoomar Ghoomar Ghoome Re Baaisa Ghoomar Ghoome Re...
I dance ghoomar, the girls are dancing ghoomar

Ishani rotated vigorously, at the end of the song. She stopped, looking at the audience before she bowed down. 

Everyone clapped for her, but Karna was clapping non-stop and Krishna chuckled.  Malavika glared at Ishani. She wouldn't let her go so easily. 

"You performed really well, little sister." Krishna complimented and the ladies were in shock. 

She must be really powerful when their King himself considered her as his sister. 

Ishani nodded, back to her blank face. 

"Pranipaat, Maharaj. Pranipaat Shreeman. May we know who are you? You glow like the sun." Malavika spoke, walking towards them. Karna took a step back, clearly not interested. Malavika clenched her fists but smiled innocently. 

"You aren't worthy of knowing me." Karna's stern voice shocked the women. Malavika looked down, acting as if she was blinking her tears.

"Shreeman, I am sorry. I can't understand why are you rude. Did I do something to offend you?" Her distressed voice could make any man weak, but Karna wasn't the type. 

He rubbed his forehead in irritation. "Look here, you woman. I hate to even glance upon such women who act so double-faced and seduce men. So don't even try such cheap tricks on me. It won't work. And you can wipe those crocodile tears of yours." 

Malavika looked up in anger. How dare he refuse her? She wouldn't spare Karna and Ishani. She stormed away in anger. 

Ishani looked at her retreating gaze; an angry woman was dangerous.

Ishani and Karna were walking to the garden.

"You shouldn't have been so rude." Ishani softly said.

"It was necessary, okay? She insulted you and I lost my cool, seeing her act so innocent."

"I guess you have a huge number of female admirers, Mr. Glowing Skin." Ishani chuckled, seeing his grumpy face. 

"But I hate such attention. I always wanted only my woman to admire me." Ishani stopped walking, looking at him blankly.

"I thought polygamy was common here?" Karna was anyways going to marry more than once.

"It is, but it disgusts me. I mean, how can your heart belong to more than one woman? Even though it may be for political alliances, I strongly disagree on that." 

"You believe in love?" She looked at him, waiting for his answer. 

"I don't call it exactly love. It's different for each one. Each of us may have experienced heart breaks or betrayal, but that doesn't mean love is non-existent. You heart just chose the wrong person once. It's like a connection, you know. You can understand their feelings just by their eyes. Sometimes, cheesy words are not necessary. And some believe love is between two good looking people. No, it's totally wrong. Love is something that's not at all about skin and looks. For me, only the heart and character matters. That's all." He said firmly, looking at her.

Ishani nodded, realising this Karna was so different from the one she had imagined. 

"I have to go to my room. I'll see you later." She spoke, trying to forget his words. 

"One last word, Ishani." Karna bent down, near her ear and whispered.

"Love transcends time. Including Yugas." With a blink, he walked away, leaving Ishani to wonder what did he mean by that.

"It's exactly what you are thinking, Ishani." Karna shouted back, and Ishani hiccupped nervously.

Meme of the day: