Daksh 's temper snapped as the guy he hated the most finally landed right in front of him. His eyes widened as this damn spirit used their curse words.

He launched a punch with his fist, only to stumble back as Devajit's barrier surfaced. He chuckled darkly.

Of course this damn guy was clever. Whom was he kidding ?

"Stop cursing me when you are responsible for her sorrows. If not for you, Shakuni wouldn't even have glanced at her." Karna's eyes flashed wildly for a moment.

'Control, Dev. He is her close friend.'

'Do I look like I care ? How dare he say that loving me has caused her misery ? I tried my best to prioritize only her. I am ready to snap that cunning man's neck to avoid her complications.'

Karna sighed, his frosty glare still fixed on Daksh. He was about to retort when a shrill voice stopped him.

"Enough. Ishani's life is at stake and you toddlers are busy fighting ." Karna looked at the elegant woman standing beside Daitya Guru.

So she was Daitya Guru's wife. That man was foolish indeed, to leave such a devoted woman.

Wait, she just called them toddlers. Maybe Daksh was, but him ?

He was the majestic soul no one dared to..

"Treat her, Devajit !" Shukracharya's low voice made him snap out of his thoughts.

"Excuse us, then. I need a moment of privacy." He smirked as he saw Daksh's furious expression.

"You bast.." Shukracharya dragged Daksh and the grinning doctor out, while Jayanthi slowly made her way out. Dev's breath literally came to a standstill as he saw her pale face.

Why did she always land herself into trouble ? His sweet little woman was sure too attractive and charming to be ignored, yet this wasn't good.

Without any hesitation, he grabbed her into his arms, flicking his fingers as they were teleported into a different chambers.

The entire room was dull black, a shade of monochrome throughout. He laid her on the soft bed, unpinning her odhani.

Her shoulder was dangerously turning a shade of bluish-black. His eyes darkened.

Ahur would pay. With more than his useless life.

He planted his lips onto her fresh wound, sucking out the poison. He clenched his fists in anger as those memories of her floated into the imprints of his mind. That Arjun guy needed to be taught a serious lesson, incase he ever met him.

"Arjun ! Stop it !" Her sub conscious instinct kicked in as she thrashed around, screaming in pain and fear as Karna tried to pin her down, holding her by the other shoulder.

"Ishani ! Ishu, my love ! Calm. Breathe." He whispered gently in her ear, planting soft kisses on her forehead. Her erratic breathing slowed, but her trembling visage and soft murmurs didn't go unnoticed.

He quickly continued to extract Ahur's essence until her skin turned normal. Her right shoulder was now a weak spot for her. God forbid something like this happen again. Her eyelids fluttered slowly, but she wasn't waking up.

Karna sighed. Today was a shocking day, from knowing his true identity to Ishani expressing her wish to reunite with her parents, it was so overwhelming.

He didn't have the heart to go back to Hastinapur again and face his newfound family. He never wanted to ascend that throne in his lifetime. It was simply too risky and not worth it. And he knew he was being childish when he threw a tantrum that she never revealed his true identity, but at that moment, he was deeply hurt and wasn't in a state to choose his words.

Either ways, he knew Ishani and him couldn't have a smooth life ahead. With Dev as a part of him, Karna had a harder task; he was now a dangerous weapon and was a part of a bigger conspiracy involving the gods and demons.

"Come back to me, as you always wanted to. You can't leave me alone, not after you promised to take things slow." His tone was full of longing and heartache as he look at her, sleeping so peacefully in her own world.

She had been injured too many times that he wondered if he should just marry her and keep her in his arms forever. But he knew he couldn't afford to cage her. She deserved much better, with all her talents and skills. He feared that he was starting to get obsessed with her, so much that he wished to kill any man who laid his filthy eyes on her.

It was scary, for a man like him who always wanted to be soft and loving towards the woman who held his heart. But Devajit was a different matter. His thoughts didn't have a tad bit of softness, always wanting to either claim every inch of her skin or gauge the eyes of his rivals.

Would she be okay with them ? Karna would lie if he said that he wasn't shocked by Dev's true identity. He worshipped the very gods this guy didn't pay attention to. He was the polar opposite of him, and he couldn't control his maniac behaviour at times.

But, both of them loved her; and she accepted them for what they were. Now, a single mistake of his had caused her to want her home.

Home was where the heart lived, right ? It was his fault. For not giving her the security and comfort she truly deserved. Of course, they knew she was meant to soar high, but him being the selfish bastard, couldn't see her apart from him.

He knew that even if everyone wanted him to be the crown prince of Hastinapur, he would never want to accept the throne. He didn't want to involve Ishani into palace politics, which were dirty and cruel. He was, technically speaking an illegitimate son.

And he wasn't qualified by birth to ascend that throne. That reason alone was enough for him to deny the throne, and even that old geezer couldn't say a word.

Karna promised himself that Shakuni would pay. Either with his life or a cruel punishment that he would never recover from. He didn't care if they royals disagreed. 

Enough of being soft and sweet. It only cost him a lot. He should have just shot an astra straight into his heart and pulled it out for him to see.

His heart quickened in worry and concern as he felt her fingers tremble lightly. 

There was no doubt that she would be extremely strong because of her training, but to him, she felt too vulnerable. She couldn't get attacked every time like this. It made his heart ache.

"Karna..I'm sorry.." He frowned in confusion at her soft whispers.

Why was she sorry when he was the one who had to apologize for his foolishness?

Before he could retort, she pulled her hand away, as if she realized something. Her eyes hardened in steel resolve, even as she tried to get up on her own.

"Ish.." His words stopped as he stood in confusion. Why was she resisting him?
His thoughts wandered as he clenched his fists. He just wanted to grab her by the waist, pin her to the bed and ask her what was wrong.

She looked at him from the corner of her eyes, blank and withdrawn. Ishani didn't know how she ended up in an unfamiliar room with Karna. The question was on her lips but she hesitated. She needed time. Away from him.

"How.. you.. " There was a sad yet cruel smile on his lips as he stared at her.
"You mean, how am I here when you are supposed to be at your true home? " She flinched as the tips of his warm fingers slid across her tense and sweaty skin.

She involuntarily sat back on the bed, forcing herself to look into his eyes.
Which showed angst, pain and anger.

"Why? " He exhaled harshly, but his anger was momentary as his eyes softened. Karna knelt by her side, clutching her hand in a frantic attempt to soothe her.

He couldn't afford to get angry at her. Not when that Ahur squeezed the life out of her, and situations weren't in their favour.

"What happened that you suddenly wanted to go home, even when you weren't ready? " She closed her eyes, gripping the quilt nervously. What could she tell him? That she already gave up on her task which seemed impossible and risky? Or that she'd rather endure his hatred and leave him than watch him marry multiple times and get heartbroken?

"Ishani? Are you..No. Don't tell me that you.. Did you leave because you. . "
She opened her eyes, straightening her back. She knew that the truth was always the most painful to tell, but what other choice did she have?

"I knew no one would believe me. Now that you are the eldest heir to the throne, it is inevitable.. No.. I can't do this.. We can't.. I'm sorry.. " Her eyes watered as she mumbled profusely, her knuckles turning taut and white from the pressure she exerted.

Karna stilled. He would have hugged her and tried to calm her down, if not for her words that turned his emotions upside down. Devajit's thoughts turned so dangerous that Karna's irises flickered between his identities.

"Ishani.. Don't.. Not now. " He whispered hopelessly, but her expression turned stern and cold.

"I refuse to become a prized possession. I tried to.. But everything seems to go against my favor. Everyone thinks of me as a woman with loose morals! "

"Ishani!! " Karna's breaths grew ragged, hot with fury, his eyes blood red in color.
He gripped her chin firmly, forcing her to look into his eyes.

"They are narrow minded fools who cannot discriminate.. "

"That's not the problem! This.. I'm talking about us.. " Her voice softened while his hold on her loosened. Both Dev and Karna didn't like where this was going.

"You shall become the overlord. Their emperor. And I will be expected to become an empress, if we develop feelings that we marry. But you see, I don't want to weighed down by the palace politics. And, polygamy is a common practice. But.. I.. can't.. Forgive me. " He chuckled darkly in response, humming quietly.

"Did you actually think that I'd allow that to happen? "She frowned momentarily, showing her shock and confusion. His lips stretched into a blank smile as he watched her try to comprehend his words.

Silly kitten. 

"What if I say that I want to be an emperor ? Would you desert me ? After all that we've been through? Really, Ishani ?"

She flinched at his words. He spoke those words so calmly, but she sensed the sharp threat beneath his words. The air around them changed, a hint of danger and frostiness. 

"You promised.. To take things slow.." She stammered weakly, knowing she was wrong this time. But she couldn't endure another heartbreak.

His eyes hardened at her words. Karna exhaled harshly, laughing coldly.

"I promised to give you time. Not for you to leave me. Remember this, Ishani. Devajit and I love you. With more than what we have. A relationship is always two-sided. I dare not say that I am the best, for I know your true identity. Tell me, have I ever forced my feelings on you? Now too, I wait for you, because I understand that you have gone through a lot. But you just wanted to leave me for what I am going to become. Is that fair ?" 

She bit her lip in guilt. Honestly, Karna was right. It wasn't fair for him. 

"Karna. I think you need to know this. In Kaliyuga, I was a woman who had gone through a lot. All because of chauvinistic men who never failed to to teach me lessons. I have seen it all, Suryaputra. Power corrupts. In the worst of ways. It makes a sweet man into a cruel devil with no emotions. Maybe you will not turn out like that. But polygamy is a normal ritual here. I cannot impose a unheard rule on you, to safeguard my interests. Many kingdoms will want to establish martial alliances. That is why.."

Karna sighed, caressing her soft hair. She was right; in her own way, she had a point. But how could he tell her, that what he felt for her was beyond what he thought ? As twisted as it sounded, he would gladly leave the kingdom if she ever wanted that. 

He gently wrapped his arms around her, cajoling her to sleep. "We'll talk about this later, I promise. Sleep now. You need this."

Ishani closed her eyes, allowing herself to rest in the confines of his arms. Their insecurities could wait. Right now, she needed closure.

Meanwhile, 

The Kuru Kingdom was a chaotic mess. Bhishma and Vidura were in deep contemplation, while Gandhari and Dushala were busy consoling a sobbing Kunti.

"Jiji.. My fault..I couldn't .." She cried miserably, know her one mistake had cost her son, and the woman she came to accept as her daughter-in-law.

"Kunti, I am sure Ishani is safe, and so is Karna. Please have you food. You are already weak and fasting will worsen your health."

Gandhari's soft words did not help Kunti. She only slipped into a state of agony even as the day went by. She knew that she was paying for her deeds, but fate was cruel.

Shakuni was temporarily imprisoned, and a search party was issued for Adhirath and Radha. Vidura employed his spies to ensure no leakage of this secret, but he knew that someday it would be out, and they would have a hard time controlling the consequences.

"Jyesht.. I mean Bhrata.." Nakul murmured sadly, seeing Yudhishthira furiously scribble something on the scroll. His face was tense and hard, and all of them knew he was angry at himself. 

"Are we so cruel that our own mother couldn't trust us enough to tell us about our elder brother? We insulted him. Called him names and humiliated him. How are we ever going to atone for our sins ? The elder brother is like a second father. Our destinies are indeed twisted."

Bheem and Arjuna looked at each other in a silent agreement. In moments like this, they needed to be together. Suyodhana may not be the best brother, but he was changing, and that's all they needed.

It was time. Time for the cousins to have a serious talk.

In the Kauravas' Residence,

Suyodhana, Dushasan and Vikarna sat together, their faces grim and tired. Even if Karna wasn't in the picture, Suyodhana had finally come to a grave understanding : he never deserved the throne, and his uncle was more cruel than he imagined. They seriously needed to stay away from him, even for their own good. 

Also, he realized that the Pandavas weren't so bad as he thought. They were fine to get along with. Yudhishtira was stoic and calm, but he had his own nerdy sense of humour. Bheema, the arch rival he supposedly despised, was actually a good cook and a total softie. Arjuna, the most talented and perfect among them, had his own flaws and insecurities, apart from his sharp intellect and witty sense. Nakul, the handsome twin had more to him than the physician self. He was a funny man who could light up any crowd, and had a way with women. But the most confusing one was Sahadeva. He was the more shy and soft spoken, always immeresed in reading and star gazing, but Suyodhana knew there was more. He was the most intuitive and fierce among them, if a calamity ever occured.

"Bhrata, we need to have a talk with the our brothers. After all this, it is better we try to get along." Yuyutsu mumured from the corner of the room, making all of them look at him. 

Suyodhana stared at him for a while, before nodding quietly. He wondered how Ishani must be doing. Had Jyesht already reached her, or was he battling against them ?

He couldn't digest the fact that there was an alternate personality inside Karna. A very devious one who didn't care one bit about them. All he looked and wanted was Ishani, and it was terrifying.

"Rajkumar Suyodhana, Rajkumar Yudhishthira summons you to the common chambers, along with all the Princes."

Suyodhana sighed, clutching his angavastram. This needed to happen, for their brother who had been wronged throughout his life. He readied himself.

For confrontations and reconciliations.