The next day,

"Bhrata Bheema ! Wake up! Ishani woke up!"

"WHAT!" Bheema roared in disbelief, the bed lightly creaking.

Nakul looked away from admiring himself to quickly combing his hair and running out with Sahadeva, who was already equipped with herbs.

Yudhishthira smiled softly at Arjun's words, getting up.

"I think we must pay the Devi a visit." Arjun and Bheema nodded, dressing up.

"I'm sure Shreeman Karna must have already gotten the good news." Bheema wiggled his brows, laughing loudly.

"He was the one who told us, dear Bhrata." He frowned at Duryodhana's arrival, his slight smile surprising him.

He wore a glittery gold paired with a red Angavastram, as if he were dressed for a wedding.

"Are you dressed to kill?" Bheema asked, a slight smile struggling to show itself.

Yudhishthira continued his scroll work, but the earring in Arjuna's hand dropped abruptly.

Duryodhana had no idea of what exactly Bheema wanted to imply, but he wanted to play along.

"Yes. To kill you." A slow smirk crawled on his face, but to his horror, Arjuna wheezed, Bheema's eyes widened in shock.

He looked at Jyesht, who put a hand over his mouth calmly.

Arjun chuckled, shaking his head.

"Bhrata Bheema, what is this I hear? Clearly Jyesht, it looks like we are in a very wrong misconception about these two." Bheema glared at him, gesturing him to shake his head.

Duryodhana did the same, but Arjuna howled.

"See, Bhrata Duryodhana seems to agree with me. Why don't you do the same, Bhrata Bheema?"

"Arjun, enough. We have to.." Yudhishthira stopped to see Nakul entering inside, gasping heavily.

"Kul.." Arjun started worriedly, when he raised a hand up.

"Ishani is able to speak without any restriction, but she is still weak. Are you going to visit her? Bhrata Bheema, dress up quickly. I can see everyone else is ready.. Oh.. Pranipaat Bhrata Duryodhana."

"Pranipaat." Duryodhana muttered silently.

"My darling Nakul, don't you see that some are dressed to kill?" Arjun gestured towards Bheema and Duryodhana, and Nakul smirked.

"Can you stop repeating it over and over? I don't even know what it means."

Nakul sighed in fake pity. "Poor Bhrata, 'Know-it-all' Nakul will enlighten you." He beckoned him to come closer.

Duyrodhana innocently came forward, when Nakul whispered in his ear.

"It means that you are so good-looking, meant to sweep your love off your feet. Like..."

Just then, Karna entered, thinking they didn't know about Ishani's health.

Nakul clicked his tongue in approval at Karna's royal blue angavastram and emereald dhoti. His wavy hair was combed roughly, but it looked good, like waves rolling off an ocean.

"Like how Karna is dressed for Ishani. That's what kill here means. To astonish her." 

"Oh." Duryodhana turned beetroot red, finally sense dawning on him.

"Pranipaat Shreeman." Yudhishthira first greeted, followed by the others.

"Devi Ishani expressed her wish to meet all of you. Before breakfast. So.."

"We're coming, Shreeman. Lead the way." Karna nodded, taking them to her room.

The stood outside, waiting for her to notice their presence. Her long, jet black hair lay open, she busy reading a book. 

"Uh.." She slowly shifted herself, her eyes widening at the guests.

"Please come in. Sorry to keep you all waiting. Dasi, get   chairs for them." The servant nodded, moving out.

There were only 3 chairs, and Karna, Yudhishthira and Bheema were forced to sit.

She smiled at Duryodhana, noticing his outfit.

"Why Rajkumar, looks like you're dressed to kill." Bheema groaned loudly,, while Yudhishthira sighed.

Arjuna laughed, clutching his stomach. Sahadeva smiled when Nakul informed him of the incident that had earlier happened.

"Today is my birthday." He murmured, looking down.

Normally, everyone in the palace would just wish him half-heartedly and decorate it. They would conduct a yajna, but it felt so ritualistic and mechanic for him. 

Ishani's smile wavered. The Pandavas looked down in embarrassment. They never bothered to greet him all these years.

Heck, they didn't even know.

"Happy Birthday, Duryodhana." She smiled softly, her eyes lightly watering.

"Happy Birthday.." The others wished him hastily, and Duryodhana was overwhelmed. He never bothered to remember it, but today..

He felt truly happy. Not the faking happy feeling when his father acted like he loved him.

His father doted on him because he was the strongest and was just like him. Otherwise, he would been a measly prince.

"I'll make you your favourite food. After all, consider this as a birthday gift." Bheema tried to sound rude, but everyone knew what a teddy bear he was.

Duryodhana nodded, trying not to grin.

Ishani winced as she tried to shift over. Her shoulder and neck hurt like hell. It was so frustrating that she couldn't do anything.

"Easy. Don't strain." Karna stood up, making her neck rest on a soft cushion.

By then, the maids had already got chairs, so everybody sat down, laughing merrily.

"So Devi, what type of administration your kingdom follows?" She stiffened at DharmaRaj's question.

Karna looked at her from the corner of his eyes. He wanted her to look at him; he would gladly answer it on her behalf.

But she just shrugged, nodding.

"Ours was not a monarchy. The people were given more importance than royalty. If the people weren't satisified, the public had a right to fight against the gove-err- ruler. But most of the rulers were the same. Power-hungry, squandering loads of money, they would be filthy rich."

"Oh." He nodded awkwardly.

"What is the name of your kingdom, Devi?" She smiled tightly.

"I lived in another country. All the customs there were completely different." Yudhishthira realised she didn't want him to probe further and kept quiet.

"Are you feeling better, Devi?" Arjun asked politely.

"Yeah. I mean, yes. But I don't get it as to why I'm wanted."

"Pardon me. Our uncle is generally impulsive since you were the first person to talk back."

'Yeah.. I know how impulsive he is..' She thought.

'So impulsive that he went to the extent of shipping your elder bro and me.'

"I really envy your ability to smile even in such pain, Devi. If I were you, I'd probably screech like a clingy cat." Nakul commented.

"Cats are clingy?"

"That's not the point, Sahadeva!"

Ishani smiled. 

"Could I request a favour? if anyone is going to the library, please get one or two fiction books on my behalf.."

"There's no need, sister. I've got you the librarian." Krishna walked in, followed by a petite, young woman.

She had delicate, cute features,  the usual brown complexion.

Her eyes lit up as she glanced at someone among the men.

"Radheya!" She exclaimed, her eyes brightening.

Karna looked up, not recognizing the woman who called him by his lesser known name.

"Excuse me Devi, I do not know you." She giggled softly, as if his words were the funniest joke ever.

"I am Vrushali, your neighbour." Ishani then put on a fake smile.

Such a lovely scene. What a way for their beautiful love story to begin. Ishani had no clue as to why she felt likw this.

"Oh. You must be childhood sweethearts then." The Pandavas frowned at her words. Did Karna actually like this over-chirpy lady?

It's not that they had a problem with ladies being over talkative ... But didn't it seem too unreal?

Who blinked their eyes repeatedly, showing too much of their teeth while smiling?

Vrushali's cheeks turned hue as she shyly looked at Karna, who seemed so confused at the situation.

"No, Ishani. You must be mistaken. I only knew that Satyasena had a younger sister." Vrushali looked dejected at his words. Ishani just decided to keep quiet.

Duryodhana looked at Vrushali in surprise.

"Satyasena is my charioteer." She nodded, bowing low.

"Pranipaat, Hastinapur Princes. Uh, Pranipaat, Devi Ishani."

"Pranipaat Vrushaali." 

"If you really like her, then .." Karna shushed Nakul.

"This is the first time I'm seeing this woman, okay? I had no idea about her. Please don't think I'm a type to like more than one woman."

"Okay. Okay." Nakul had to admit he was really impressed. Karna would be an ideal lover.

"If you'd list out some, then I would gladly pick out, Vrushaali." Vrushali smiled, her steel gaze not affecting Ishani.

She then turned to Krishna.

"Actually Vasudev, the rules require that one must sign in the library and then collect the book. "

"Vasudev, I'll talk to the King then. Ishani can't spend her time by listening to useless talk." Vrushali winced at his no-nonsense tone. Was he implying about her? But why was he so rude?

She had run like a mad woman when she heard that Karna had come, along with Krishna. 7 years, she had waited for him to glimpse at her, but he turned out to be a hard stone.

His gaze was terrifying. He was like a piece of art which could never be procured, one could only just stare in longing.

And yet, she found his eyes softening as he looked at Ishani. Deep inside, she knew he had fallen for the women all men went mad over.

She was jealous. Of her outstanding beauty. How did she manage to look attractive even while being heavily injured?

No, she clenched her fists tightly, drawing out blood. She wouldn't let go of Karna. She couldn't lose to a woman who had just entered his life weeks ago. 

She had to find a way out. What was the use of just being pretty ? Vrushali had become independent to survive on her own. Though her beauty wasn't that devastating, she was on her own feet. 

"Karna." She made her voice as soft as she could.

Karna just looked at her in confusion. 

"Look. I don't know who you are, and I haven't met you in these many years of staying at Hastinapur. You might have been my neighbour, but I have never met you or formed an acquaintance.So please don't pretend that you have known for a long time, or we share a close bond. I don't talk much to women. Excuse me. And please don't address me on first-name basis. You are practically a stranger." Vrushali smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to react to the men's stares.

Inside, she was exploding. Boiling with rage. How could he be so immune to a woman's tender expressions and alluring voices? How dare her act so rude to her ? Which man behaved so indifferently to a woman ?

Ishani wanted to laugh. If this was her way of making a man fall for her, it would take Vrushali a millennium.

Heck, even she knew the tactics. It's like a game.

Many played hard to get. But it worked differently for her. She wouldn't pay attention unless she was sure of his loyalty.

"Plan: Karna Ishani marriage. Mission: Eliminate unwanted figures from their love life." Nakul whispered to Arjuna, who hiccupped.

"Keep quiet." Arjun muttered, only to see Ishani blanking out.

"Okay, I think it's time for breakfast. Vrushali, we are grateful that you've come all the way here. You may go now. I'll speak to the Maharaj." Vrushali bowed at Krishna's stern voice, walking out hesitantly.

She had caused quite a ruckus, and she knew provoking Krishna wasn't something she could deal with. She would lay low for some time, and then rise when the time was right.

Ishani huffed in relief, looking at Karna.

Wait, why was she feeling so suffocated, angry, urge to kill someone?

She wasn't jealous. Nope.. Not at all.

"Why do I smell something burning?" Krishna spoke softly, laughing at her face.

"Because you cooked horribly." She deadpanned, looking down.

"Mata sent a letter. To return back to Hastinapur after a week." Vikarna informed, reading out the letter he had just recieved.

"Okay, then. Take care of yourselves. Pranipaat."

"Please be careful, Devi."

"Yes. Rest well."

"May you be healthy again."

Such polite people these royals were, she mused, watching them as they took their leave.

Krishna waved a goodbye, smiling mischeviously. What was he upto?

Nakul was busy arranging his herbal pouch, ready to leave. Karna stood still, watching her casually.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Pranipaat, I am the royal physician of Dwaraka . I've been summoned by Samrat Vasudev to take care of Devi Ishani." The trio looked at the door.

Ishani was startled, hearing the familiar voice. It was no doubt, Darsh's voice.

Who was Darsh, you may ask?

After she escaped from Arjun Mehta, Ishani was rescued by Darsh Roy, a famous black market operator. He taught her survival of the fittest.

He had a very painful past, but made sure he got her back. Even before Advay and Kriti. He would always take care of her.

He was the definiton of sin. Ishani knew many women tried to attract him, but he remained a stubborn mule. He hinted about his feelings many times, but she didn't want to get into a relationship.

It would be too messy and awkward.

"Sure." Her breath stopped as she came face to face with him. He was Darsh, with the same stoic expression and grey eyes, straight black hair with a slight stubble.

He had pink plump lips, an unusual masculine feature, but it suited him nevertheless.

He looked at Ishani, and kind smile graced his face. Her eyes widened as her heart sped up. 

What was this feeling ? Her eyes teared up, seeing someone familiar and comforting, yet her heart wasn't the same.

What in the world was happenning? She saw Darsh only as a friend, then why did this happen?

He turned back, pulling out his bag. 

"May I request you both to leave please?" Karna somehow felt this man weird. And it addened to his fury when Ishani's dilated pupils and tinted cheeks came into view.

Even Karna wouldn't deny the guy's attractiveness. He felt his confidence vanish into thin air as Darsh walked over to her, checking her vitals.

But he knew he had to leave. Vasudev didn't help him this time, and he was going to get it.

She stared like an owl as he adjusted his hair, pulling out a tiny vial.

"You're still the same." 

Her heart slowed down.

"Pardon?" He looked around, as if he realized the mistake he made.

"Samrat had briefed me about your situation, and your condition is still the same."

"Oh." She bit back the urge to tell him that she knew he was holding something back.

His eyebrows were furrowed as he bit his lips.

That expression meant he was lying.

"Do you want to say something?" He hummed, mixing various ingredients together. She hmphed, frowning at him.

"You are a bad liar." He only smiled, turning towards her.

"IR." She froze at his cool demeanour. Only Darsh called her by her initials.

"You..." He grinned, revealing his polished, white teeth.

"I know it's difficult for you, but I didn't take in for you to bawl your lungs out."

"You knew?" She felt betrayed. It literally meant playing with her emotions. He sighed, unwrapping the bloody gauze to apply the fresh paste.

"Let..me explain.."

"ISHANI!" Both looked at the dust covered Nakul, soot smeared on his face. He clutched the door, panting for breath.

"Mamashree is on the trail. Vidyut and Ayesha have been murdered. The Kingdom has retaliated against us, claiming that we were spies all along. Vasudev is trying his best, but in the midst of this chaos, it's their plan to take you. So."

"I'll be responsible." 

"What?' Nakul looked at the handsome man in front of him.

"I know a secret passage to Dwaraka. I'll take Devi thee. I'm the royal physician of Dwaraka." 

"How do I know you aren't an imposter?"

"Here." Nakul's eyes widened, seeing the royal insignia. Only a close royal had it.

"Okay. I'll inform the others. Please travel safely." Nakul yelled, making haste to the imperial palace.

"Wait. Give this to Karna." She ignored his teasing looks as she gave her favourite bracelet.

"My wrist is  injured, so somebody needs to keep it safe." She reasoned, but both the men clearly didn't believe her.

"Close you eyes." He instructed, and she followed.

After a few minutes , she felt a tap on her uninjured shoulder.

"Open your eyes." His guttural voice made her feel anxious.

She wasn't in Dwaraka. 

She looked at Darsh, who looked away.

"You cheated." She whispered accusingly, looking at the demonic architecture.

She loved studying ruins of ancient buildings and monuments. The place where she stood looked like private resting chambers.

Like a normal royal apartments. But everything was either black or red.

It meant only one thing.

She was in Pataal.

Meme of the day: