Love Across Time

Forty Six

-𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓪𝓭𝓮-

Aanya couldn't bear the thought of Dushala marrying Jayadrath, and her heart felt heavy with the weight of her concern. But with Duryodhan's unwavering determination and Dushala's resignation, Aanya felt like a tiny boat adrift in a vast sea of uncertainty.

One afternoon, as the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the palace gardens, Aanya found herself lost in her thoughts. She meandered aimlessly, her footsteps leading her to a hidden nook nestled among blooming jasmine vines.

Aanya's eyes widened in surprise as she spotted Dhruv and Dushala, their smiling faces and animated conversation catching her off guard. Aanya couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between them, if their hearts were tiptoeing down a path unknown to anyone else. She watched them, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Aanya's lips. "Maybe fate has other plans for Dushala," she whispered to herself. She mused to herself, "Duryodhan is truly clueless. He has the means to unite Dushala with such a fine man right in front of him, yet he remains blind to the possibility. They could be the perfect match, their souls intertwined like melody and lyrics."

Her thoughts turned to the potential for Dushala's happiness, and she couldn't help but grumble at the thought, "Why couldn't Duryodhan have arranged for Dushala to marry Dhruv instead? It's so obvious." The reality of Dushala's already arranged marriage brought a heavy sigh from Aanya as she pouted in disappointment, considering the missed opportunity.

While her mind was occupied with these thoughts, Aanya's attention returned to Dhruv and Dushala, and she observed Dushala blushing at something. Torn between curiosity and concern, she couldn't help but furrow her brows.

"Is that a blush I see on Dushala's cheeks?" Aanya wondered aloud, her eyes widening with intrigue.

Lost in her daydreams, Aanya's attention was jolted back to reality as the sound of footsteps approached. Her heart fluttered as she caught sight of Arjun making his way towards her. Without any hesitation, she couldn't help but impulsively spring towards him, caught in a whirlwind of fear that he might unknowingly disrupt this scene.

"Arjun!" Aanya exclaimed joyfully, her eyes darting back and forth between Arjun and the conversation taking place nearby. Perplexed, Arjun regarded her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity as she practically flew into his arms, needing his reassuring presence to steady her.

"Careful there, Aanya. You'll end up hurting yourself again," Arjun cautioned, shaking his head in disapproval.

With a mischievous sparkle dancing in her eyes, Aanya responded, "Can't help it, Arjun! I just had to show you something utterly enticing in the opposite direction. Trust me, it's positively captivating." She tugged at his hand, urging him to follow her.

As they embarked on their stroll, Aanya guided Arjun away from the garden, her mind abuzz with a flurry of excuses to extend their delightful diversion.

"What mischief are you up to now?" Arjun inquired, raising his eyebrows in amusement.

Looking at him through twinkling eyes, Aanya playfully replied, "Can't a girl have a little mystery now and then?"

"Oh, but you're the queen of mystery, aren't you?" Arjun chuckled, teasing her.

"Arey, aap bhi na! Shaanti se chaliye mere saath," Aanya retorted with a huff, trying to sound authoritative but failing as a hint of laughter danced in her voice.