Love Across Time

Thirty Two

-𝓐 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓯 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬-

Aanya couldn't help but burst into giggles as she mischievously threw water at Subhadra while they both sat by the pond, on a quest to gather the most beautiful flowers

"Aanya," Subhadra scolded playfully.

"Haan, bolo, Subhadra," Aanya said, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she cupped the water again to target her.

Subhadra responded with a playful glare, before retaliating with a splash of her own. Aanya couldn't contain her laughter as they got indulged in their watery game.

"Ab chalo," Subhadra announced, standing up on her toes.

With a sigh and a smile, Aanya followed suit. "You behave like a mother."

"Because you behave like a kid," Subhadra replied with a grin.

"That's because I am a kid," Aanya declared with an air of lightheartedness as she ambled behind Subhadra and Jeevika.

As they strolled through the lush gardens, Jeevika trailed behind, collecting fallen petals and pretending to be a gardener. A butterfly fluttered into view, instantly capturing Aanya's attention, her laughter ringing through the air as she dashed after it.

Subhadra watched Aanya with a fond smile before making her way into the palace. Meanwhile, Jeevika, observing the duo, decided to follow Subhadra, preferring not to exhaust herself by keeping up with Aanya's energetic exploits.

The sun radiated a warm glow over the surroundings, accompanied by the melodious symphony of laughter and the gentle rustling of leaves. Aanya, captivated by the butterflies frolicking among the blooming flowers, briefly glanced back at Subhadra and Jeevika entering the palace. She shook her head and allowed her curiosity to guide her pursuit of the butterflies, reveling in the brilliant sunshine overhead and shielding her eyes from its brilliance.

Moments later, her eyes widened with delight as a butterfly alighted on her outstretched palm. Grinning, she admired the yellow butterfly resting against her hand.

"Hey, your color complements my dress," she whispered in awe, savoring the enchanting moment.

As the gentle breeze danced through the garden, Aanya's heart swelled with joy and wonder at the natural beauty surrounding her. She marveled at the intricate patterns adorning the butterfly's wings, each delicate detail a testament to the artistry of nature.

With great care, Aanya encouraged the butterfly to take flight once more, watching it flutter into the sky. As she gazed upwards, her spirit soared alongside the vibrant creature, connected in a fleeting yet profound moment of harmony with the world around her.

As she wandered through the enchanting gardens, she found herself lost in a world of reverie. In just two short months, Dushala would be married to Jayadrath, and the mere thought of it filled Aanya with a sense of frustration and helplessness. She longed to confront Duryodhan for arranging such an unwelcome match for his sister. The burden of knowing the future weighed heavily on her, sparking fear and a deep sense of resignation. Though she understood that destiny could not be altered, the persistent desire to change it lingered in the depths of her mind.

Amidst her contemplation, she stumbled upon a secluded alcove, where a grand, majestic tree stood sentinel, its sprawling branches casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the ground below.

Approaching cautiously, she caught sight of a figure leaning against the broad trunk. His demeanor exuded a quiet strength and contemplation that drew her in.

"Horror movies ki heroine mat ban, Aanya," she chided herself, taking a step back.

"Par yaha bhoot thodi hoga, ye toh Dwarka hai," she attempted to reassure herself.