Duryodhan strode purposefully around the arena, his chest puffed with pride, while his uncle Shakuni and younger brother Dusshasan followed close behind.

"We are late, Mamashree," Duryodhan grumbled, his eyes scanning the throng of people searching for Suhasini, the enigmatic princess who had captured his attention.

"It's all Bhanje Dusshasan's fault. I told him to wake us up," Shakuni muttered, his frown deepening at Duryodhan's singular focus on the elusive lady.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, a melodious hum reached Duryodhan's ears, evoking an inexplicable sense of satisfaction. The song seemed strangely familiar, its haunting melody echoing in his mind from some distant memory. As additional voices joined in harmony with the female singer, however, the sweetness turned bitter to Duryodhan's ears, akin to salt rubbed on old wounds. He winced, involuntarily covering his ears in discomfort. What others found soothing was akin to poison for him.

Seeking refuge from the haunting melody, he pivoted towards a quieter corner of the arena but collided abruptly with someone.

Looking up, he found himself ensnared in a pair of honey-colored eyes. Before him stood a lady in a resplendent white lehenga adorned with intricate red embroidery, her demeanor radiating innocence as she childishly rubbed her forehead.

"She smells as heavenly as she looks," Duryodhan thought with a smirk, watching the beauty glide past him. "But none can compare to Princess Suhasini."

In a brash move, he seized the lady's hand, pulling her back to face him with an assertive tug.

"What is this behavior, Prince Duryodhan?" the princess questioned, her brows furrowed in disapproval.

"So, you recognize me, do you?" Duryodhan retorted, arrogance lacing his voice. "Don't flatter yourself too much. Just apologize and be on your way, woman."

"Apologize? And for what, Prince?" she shot back, a hint of defiance in her tone. "It was you who collided into me, future crown prince of Hastinapura. Shouldn't you be the one offering an apology?"

"Well, Your Highness, the title isn't official yet, and I am no ordinary prince," Duryodhan countered smoothly. "But since you have such a generous heart, I'll allow you to leave without an apology. Farewell, 'in-your-dreams' Yuvraj of Hastinapura."

With that, she pivoted on her heel and walked away, leaving Duryodhan seething with frustration. He clenched his fist, suppressing the urge to lash out, before regaining his composure and heading towards Suhasini, who stood gracefully by the food counter.

"Aha, there you are, Princess," Duryodhan greeted Suhasini warmly, a genuine smile gracing his face. "I've been searching high and low for you. By the way, your performance was nothing short of phenomenal."

"Thank you, Prince Duryodhan," Suhasini replied graciously, causing him to flutter his eyelids playfully and puff out his chest with exaggerated pride.

"Kindness and hospitality are hallmark traits of the Kurus, and I intend to uphold them," Duryodhan declared proudly as they strolled together.

"I only wish others would uphold those traditions," Suhasini sighed softly, her gaze drifting towards Nakul engaged in conversation with Bheem. Her eyes then fell upon the bloody knuckles of Duryodhan.

"What happened to your hand, Duryodhan?" Suhasini asked, concern evident in her voice as she gently examined his injury.

As Suhasini tended to him, a surge of warmth flooded Duryodhan's heart. "She truly cares about me," he thought, his smile widening foolishly.

"Let's see Raj Vaidyaji. Your hand is bleeding quite badly," Suhasini insisted, leading Duryodhan away, oblivious to the envy simmering in someone's heart at the sight of their closeness.

"Phew! Thank goodness you're alright. I was so worried when I saw your hand bleeding," Suhasini exclaimed, relief evident in her voice as she looked at Duryodhan with affection.

"You worry too much. It's just a minor injury," Duryodhan reassured her, his smile unwavering.

"I worry because I care for you," Suhasini admitted softly, her touch comforting as she held his hands in hers.

"You've been my first friend in Hastinapura, and you stood by my brother when others shunned him," she continued earnestly.

"I'll always be here for you, Suhasini. Your concern means the world to me. You will forever hold a special place in my heart," Duryodhan expressed sincerely, brushing her cheek tenderly before withdrawing his hand.

Though Suhasini found his actions slightly perplexing, she accepted them with a warm smile, interpreting them as gestures of genuine friendship.

"Well, I think it's time to call it a night, Prince," Suhasini suggested gently, bidding him farewell.

"For you, it's Duryodhan," he corrected with a fond smile, waving back at her before turning towards his quarters.

---
Suhasini changed into something more comfortable, letting her long and lustrous hair fall freely down her shoulders, having been tied up in a bun all day. As she prepared to retire for the night, a sudden knock on her door startled her.

Cautiously, she retrieved her dagger and approached the door, uncertain of who could be visiting at such a late hour. To her surprise, she found Deva, looking sleepy but earnest, and Nakul, flashing his usual charming smile.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Suhasini greeted them coolly, maintaining her stance by the doorway.

Nakul, ever the smooth talker, replied with a bow, "Your Highness, forgive our late visit. I come with a request, if you may spare a moment."

Suhasini raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "Speak then, Nakul. What brings you and Deva here at this hour?"

Nakul took a deep breath, clearly rehearsing his words mentally. "After much reflection and advice from my elder brothers, I've come to extend an olive branch, to mend our past misunderstandings and perhaps start anew as friends."

Deva, still rubbing his eyes from sleep, nodded in agreement, adding a mumbled affirmation.

Suhasini regarded them thoughtfully for a moment, weighing his words. "Friendship, Nakul? After all that has transpired between us?"

Nakul nodded earnestly, his smile unwavering. "Yes, Your Highness. I believe in second chances, and I wish to earn your trust and friendship."

Suhasini softened slightly, sensing sincerity in Nakul's words. "Very well, Nakul. Let's begin afresh then."

Nakul's smile widened, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Suhasini. This means a lot."

Before Suhasini could respond, Nakul produced a small box from his cloak and extended it towards her. "As a token of our new beginning," he said with a playful twinkle in his eye.

Curious, Suhasini accepted the box and opened it cautiously. Inside lay a small, potted cactus, its spiky leaves arranged in a neat circle.

"A cactus?" Suhasini couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected choice of gift.

Nakul shrugged lightly, his charm unabated. "They say cacti are resilient and enduring, much like our potential friendship, Suhasini."

Suhasini nodded, appreciating the symbolism. She placed the cactus on her dresser, a reminder of Nakul's gesture and their newfound understanding.

"Thank you, Nakul," Suhasini said sincerely, surprising even herself with the warmth in her voice.

Nakul bowed respectfully. "The pleasure is mine, Your Highness. Now, if you'll excuse us, Deva and I shall take our leave."

As Nakul and Deva departed, Suhasini closed the door behind them, her mind buzzing with the evening's events. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, a small smile playing on her lips. "Perhaps," she mused to herself, "friendship can indeed blossom unexpectedly, like a cactus in the desert."

Feeling a sense of contentment, Suhasini finally settled into bed, her thoughts drifting pleasantly as she welcomed sleep, knowing that amidst the complexities of palace life, she had found a moment of genuine connection and understanding.

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Words : 1300
Date : 08/06/2024