Rewriting the Strings of Fate?[Mahabharat]

50: Wanting to go back.

Karna POV

I completed my Surya Puja and was heading out in search of Arshia. She must have not gone to my parents house and must be in Hastina's palace grounds.

The first place I thought she would be in was the horse stable. Mainly because there was no place where Arshia could possibly have been. Although I wished she somehow sought into the chamber I stayed in but she was too stubborn to her thoughts.

I entered the horse stable and I was right. There she laid, in front of the corner most stable and her head rested on her arm. Her legs were scrunched together, probably because it must have been so cold in the night. I slowly made my way to her and knelt down, putting a hand on her head.

What was the use of taking up this royal crown when I couldn't provide my own wife with the comfort and luxury?What was the use when she was still known as a sut's wife?What was the use of my valour when I couldn't defend her in the sabha?

I sat cross legged on the ground and still kept my hands in her head.

I thought about yesterday last night and the guilt kept eating me up. How could I let Shishupal continue?How could I have stayed quiet and open my mouth when Duryodhana was threatened with death?How could I betray my own wife?How could I let her get insulted?

But a part of me,the part that I hated the most,screamed why didn't Arshia speak up when Bheem called me a beggar?Why did she only give him a mere cold shoulder? Doesn't that make us even?

This part of me was blocked because my other part over powered this. There have been times where Arshia has stood up for me,in her own way.

Arshia stired in her sleep as she opened her eyes,maybe because of the discomfort. Her eyes fluttered at me and she blinked a few times to get a clear vision. She sat up and stared at me with confusion in her eyes.

"Arya,why are you here?" Her morning tone asked. She rubbed her eyes and stared at me. A smile made up my face and my hand rested on her cheek. She fell into my touch and closed her eyes, resting her face on my hand.

"I couldn't really sleep last night, knowing you must be sleeping somewhere that isn't a huge comfortable bed"

Arshia nodded at my words and stood up.

"I have to go. I will be in Mata Radha and Pitashree Adhiratha's house. I don't think I am welcome here,anyways"

Although her tone expressed humour,I knew she felt anything but humour.

"You are welcome here anytime Arshia"

.

No one POV

Both of them turned their attention at the voice and,out of reflex,joined their hands and greeted Bhishma and Vidur. Bhishma noticed the dirt on Arshia's clothes and shook his head.

"You shouldn't have taken his words so seriously Arshia. You are the queen of our most trusted ally kingdom and you don't deserve to sleep near the stables. This is Hastinapur's regret,Arshia" Bhishma expressed his sadness.

"Yuvraj was blinded with rage and hatred. It must have been insulting for him to experience that. His rage is understandable, Mahamahim. You coming here and apologising really doesn't make sense. If you are concerned about my stay in Hastinapur,the beautiful and love filled hut of my in-laws always welcome me. I shall stay th—"

"You are staying in Hastinapur's palace and that's final. Please take the pain to follow me Arshia" Bhishma turned and walked away with Vidur following him. Arshia stared up at Karna and asked for his opinion. Karna grabbed her hands and walked out of the stable, leading her to the palace.