Ishani needed an escape route. She needed to open her eyes first, but her whole body seemed to be going on a strike.

Of course, it hurt like a bitch. She wanted to grip someone's hand and yell for all of Aryavart to hear.

But first, she had to inform Krishna or Karna of the situation at Hastinapur. She was sure that Shakuni had secretly abducted them, to reveal Karna's true parentage.

Of course, with his skills and power, anyone could suspect if were really a mere charioteer's son. Kunti had to know and confess, to stop their torture. She preferred that way. But there were many other ways, like just silence Shakuni and make Duryodhana behave like before, to appease him. 

But the man's suspicious mind could never be put to rest. They had to do something quickly. If only she could open her eyes.

She tried to move her fingers. God, it hurt. Everything around her was blurry and dark, frustration building up in her heart.

The bed underneath her was soft and there were 2 glasses by her bedside. For what? She internally groaned when she remembered Ayesha and her desperate husband. 

She was previously injured, but this..was way too much. Those guards were ready to rape her. She lost consciousness, their lewd gazes reminding her of Arjun, except his smile looked good even as a psycho.

"Ishani.." Karna's baritone voice floated around, like a faraway dream. 

"Yes! I can hear you!" She wanted to reply, but her eyelids felt heavy to open. She jerked when she felt familiar warmth.

It was Karna. Touching her.

It spread to her forehead, enveloping her completely. She sensed strong warmth on her hand, he probably must be holding it. 

She tried to twitch her fingers. 

Please, give me control over myself. She prayed.

And she felt a strong current jolt her awake. Her body felt numb, but it was good.

She regained consciousness. And the pain had lessened too. She moved her right hand frantically, and Karna's eyes shot wide open.

Krishna, leaning against the pillar, smiled softly. Karna blinked repeatedly, looking back and forth between both of them.

"She woke up... Vasudev.." He stammered, making Krishna laugh.

"Because of your sincere feelings." He teased, gesturing to focus on her.

"Ishani.. Can you hear me.."

"Mm.." She moaned, her throat dried up. He quickly opened her cracked lips, allow cold water to trickle down her throat.

She shivered for a second, gulping it hesitantly. 

"It's Karna. I'm here." His words unknowingly relaxed her self as she laid back. He wiped her lips with his Angavastram, smiling at her.

"Th-Thanks.." She croaked out, blinking her eyes as she got a clear view of her surroundings.

It was late night, torches still burning halfway. It was rather a plain room, with blood red curtains draped around her bed for privacy. 

The chambers were big, with a study room and another bedroom. Her window provided a view of the centuries old-palace, and a small lake flowing by.

The ceiling above her depicted the history of their kingdom, their glorious victories and marriages.

"Are you feeling uncomfortable?" She shook her head, looking at him sheepishly. Karna blinked, asking her to continue.

She patted her stomach, gesturing to her mouth. His cheeks flushed as he realized she was hungry. He stood up, mumbling that he would immediately take care of it.

Her eyes widened as she saw Krishna, standing far by calmly, a small smile. 

She tried to get up when he shook his head, walking to her side. Patting her throat softly, he sat down.

She cleared her throat, feeling better. 

"I had a vision.." Krishna nodded, listening as she explained slowly.

"You need to wait for a week. Till you're completely alright, you cannot go with Karna to Hastinapur."

"Why can't he go alone?"

"He has to make a choice. Between his .. " Her face hardened.

"How can Shakuni accuse him of bearing feelings for me? We are friends for god's sake! There are some line one shouldn't cross." 

"Karna admires you." Krishna sighed when she froze. 

No, Ishani didn't want a repeat of the past. She was really tired of life, and she continued only because she wanted to save innocent lives.

"Let it just remain like that." She murmured awkwardly, wondering why it was her out of all the beautiful ladies out there.

'You never get what you always want.' Krishna thought, but didn't say anything. She would later thank him.

"He is a good man. You know that right?"

"Arjun was also good. But look how he turned out.." Krishna hugged her, knowing she didn't want him to see her tears.

"Arjun was a womanizer from the beginning, Ishani. You liked him just because he saved you from humiliation that day, failing to see all his wrong-doings. I don't blame you, but Karna would never abuse you on the pretext of being intoxicated, nor sleeping around accidentally. I admit, he has a bad temper and an alternate personality, but he controls it well."

"I don't know what to do anymore.. I want to rest.. Krishna.." He caressed her hair.

"Niyati is punishing them.. They are regretting crossing paths with you" 

"I'm glad." She wiped her tears, looking up at him.

"By the way, how are the cousins? I hope Nakul and Sahadev are not blaming themselves." Krishna chuckled, looking at the door.

"Karna's alternate personality took over, seeing you not responding. He warned them that if you didn't wake up, he would put all of them to eternal sleep." She raised any eyebrow, obviously surprised.

"Excuse me.. Food's here.." Karna cleared his throat, entering awkwardly. Their conversation made him jittery and nervous. 

Poor guy didn't hear their earlier talk. Otherwise, he would have surely suffered from 'turning red' syndrome. 

Ishani looked at Karna, scrutinizing him. He was a rare handsome type, with jet black, wavy curls down his neck, a sharp nose, thin lips, chiseled face and a light complexion. 

He was neither too muscular not too lean. Just her type. 

He liked silence. She too.

He liked history. Ancient stuff and all. She too.

She loved use of weaponry.

"He too." Krishna continued, smiling at Karna. 

Karna looked at Ishani in confusion. Her cheeks were red, and she looked like a blooming rose.

So cute. But because of who was she blushing? The thought of her blush for another man spoiled his mood.

"Ishani.." She was startled at his rough voice which sent her heart exploding. It was different from his usual warm voice, but she liked it.

"Yes.."

"I got you food. It's mixed vegetable and brown rice. And kheer."

"Uh.. sure. Thanks.." He scratched his neck as he realized she couldn't eat by herself. 

"Vasudev.. can you feed her?" Karna whispered into his ear, but Krishna nodded a no.

"Um Ishani, I have to rest for I'll be leaving to Dwarka morning. Kalindi's delivery is due." Ishani nodded but Karna frowned.

Wasn't the queen in the 8th month of her pregnancy? At least, that's what Vasudev told him.

Before he could retort, Krishna had already slipped away, leaving the two alone.

Karna's ears turned red, like a cute dog's. Ishani tried not to stare at him, but she felt it nice.

A powerful warrior was behaving like a teenager.

"I'll feed you.. I mean... you won't be able to eat by yourself... and it wouldn't be appropriate to ask the maids late at night.." She laughed weakly, enjoying his nervousness.

"I didn't ask you for a reasonable explanation, Shreeman."

"Karna." She blinked at him.

"I meant, please call me Karna. I'm sure I don't look that old."

"Last time I checked, you were older to me by 3 years." Karna looked at Ishani in shock. 

So she was 24 years old? Thank God. He thought she was 20 or something.

He forwarded a morsel to her mouth. Ishani mis takingly licked his fingers, not realizing it as she showed a thumbs up.

His hand froze. She looked up in confusion, only to see him clenching his jaw and his left hand was gripping the arm rest tightly.

Her eyes travelled to his face, only to see his red irises. Her eyes widened as it finally dawned on her. 

Shit. She had awakened his other personality.

"Sorry.. I.. wasn't aware.." She stammered, trying to shift back when he moved forward. 

"Don't move." He warned, trying to control himself. 

"Karna.. I.."

"I'm Devajit." She blinked. She could feel his warmth closer, which was not good. His hand didn't allow her to move an inch, and she looked into his red eyes.

Yet they held the same warmth Karna had.

"Dev or Karna.., pl-please leave.." He chuckled.

"I didn't hold you to leave.." Her eyes widened as Arjun's words flashed back.

Ishani stumbled around the college park, about to fall when a pair of arms caught her.

She looked up, to see Arjun staring at her.

"Uh.. excuse me.. please let go.."

"I didn't hold you to leave." She blushed at his words back then, and slowly began falling for him.

That's the biggest mistake she ever made.

''A woman of cheap character can never win my heart! You got it Ishani! I love only Samara! I don't care if she was your best friend or whatever, but I never loved you! You will forever remain a toy! To everyone!'' He pushed her to the ground, punching her stomach.

"Stop it!" She cried out, tears streaming down her swollen eyes. Her lip didn't stop bleeding.

"I told you not to talk back, you wench!" He yelled, looking around for his golf stick. She shifted back in terror when his eyes met hers, a gloated look as he pulled it from underneath the couch.

"This is for being delusional! This is for making my Samara cry! And this is for telling everyone I was your boyfriend!"

He didn't stop hitting her until she passed out, no longer begging him to stop.

Ishani's breath became frenzied. Her body trembled as her neck pained more. Her head shook wildly, and Dev's eyes widened in horror.

"Ishani.." He quickly stepped away, trying to calm her down.

"Don't touch me, Arjun. I'm sorry. Please.." She hyperventilated.

"It's me, Karna. I would never do anything to you.. Please look at me once again." He clutched her hand, looking at her softly.

Her breathing slowed down as she gazed at him. Indeed, it was Dev/Karna, not Arjun, much to her relief.

She quickly gulped water, trying to calm herself. 

Easy. Arjun is dead, and even his ghost doesn't know you're here. So no worries. She consoled herself.

His eyes turned brown, meaning Karna had come into charge again. He quietly fed her without a word, not wanting to make it awkward.

After the meal,

"Ishani... is it Pandav Arjun?" She looked at him coldly.

"No"

"Then.."

"Karna, you should leave. For the best." She spoke sternly, looking at the windowside.

"Sorry." He muttered, walking out dejectedly. 

As he stepped out, his irises turned red. Devajit looked back one last time, before flashing a calm smile.

"It's time to use my powers. This goody idiot needs to grow up, or we'll never find out what our love has gone through."

Laughing like a madman, he vanished instantly.

Meme of the day: