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As they were on their way to Anga, Karna asked Madirakshi if she would like to meet his parents, to which she happily agreed to.

Adirath and Radha welcomed them wholeheartedly. Madirakshi could feel the tenderness Radha held for her. Even Adirath was treating her like his own daughter.

Madirakshi went inside the kitchen to help her mother-in-law. Though Radha initially refused, Madirakshi insisted on assisting.

"I'm so happy for my Radheya; he has married such a kind, and beautiful girl like you, my dear," Radha smiled.

Madirakshi smiled shyly. "Angraj loves you and Pitashri a lot."

"Yes, he really does," Radha agreed, smiling. "Could I ask you something, putri?"

"Of course, Mata."

"Out of all the princes and kings in the swayamvar, why did you choose to marry my son?"

Madirakshi smiled before giving a clever answer. "You yourself know your son, Mata."

Radha smiled at her response.

"Your son is courageous, righteous and loyal— especially he's proud of who he is. Being called Radheya is his pride," Madirakshi said in a deep yet soft tone.

"Yes, dear, he is everything you said. And yes, he is righteous and loyal. That's why, at times, he faces a dilemma whether to stay loyal or support what is right," Radha said, concerned. Madirakshi immediately understood she was talking about Karna's loyalty to Duryodhan and his conflict with the righteous Pandavas.

"My son is now your husband as well. It's a wife's duty to correct her husband when he's wrong, to show him what is right, and to help him take the correct path. Please, putri."

"I promise you, I'll always help him take the correct path."

Soon, both women finished cooking lunch, and the meal was served.

Karna and Madirakshi stared into each other's eyes before Madirakshi quickly averted her gaze out of shyness.

That night, Madirakshi and her husband strolled through the beautiful field behind the house. The cool breeze teased her locks, and Karna noticed Chandrajaa's ethereal face glowing under the moonlight.

However, he fell into some deep thought the moment after.

Noticing his silence, Madirakshi asked, "You seem deep in thought. What’s on your mind?"

Karna glanced at her and smiled. "Just pondering over everything that's happened recently. Our marriage, the journey ahead, and how everything will unfold."

She smiled reassuringly. "It's natural to have such thoughts. We’ve embarked on a new chapter together."

He nodded. "True, but there's more to it. How are you feeling about all this? The changes, the responsibilities?"

"I'm excited but also a bit anxious," she admitted. "Meeting new people, adjusting to new customs. But with you by my side, I feel ready to face anything."

He looked at her, his expression softening. "Your strength and confidence are truly remarkable, Gaurika."

"Thank you, Angraj. But I’m curious. What do you see in me?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

He smiled, his eyes reflecting admiration. "From the moment we met, I was drawn to your grace and strength. You possess a rare combination of kindness and resilience. You follow your heart and stand by your principles, regardless of the challenges."

Madirakshi blushed slightly, touched by his words. "And you, Radheya, are a man of honor and courage. Your dedication to what you believe in is inspiring."

Karna reached out and gently took her hand in his. "Together, we will face whatever comes our way. With you, I feel stronger and more determined than ever."

Madirakshi squeezed his hand, her heart filled with warmth and love.

Under the moonlit sky, they stood there, hand in hand, their hearts beating in unison, ready to face the journey ahead together.

★

It was mid-afternoon, and the sun was shining brightly in the palace gardens. Draupadi and Suchitra sat on a marble bench under a large banyan tree, enjoying the shade and a light breeze.

Suchitra looked at Draupadi with curiosity. "Panchali, you mentioned something about Narad Muni's visit. What did he say?"

Draupadi's eyes became thoughtful as she remembered. "Narad Muni came to our court recently. He had an important story to tell Yudhishthir, a story about Sunda and Upasunda."

Suchitra adjusted her saree and settled in, ready to listen. "What is the story about?"

Draupadi began, "Sunda and Upasunda were two powerful asura brothers. They loved each other very much and were always together. They did hard penance to please Brahma and were given great power. With this power, they caused a lot of trouble in the three worlds, defeating gods and demons alike."

Suchitra's eyes widened. "Were they unstoppable?"

"Almost," Draupadi continued. "Until they met Tilottama, a beautiful celestial nymph. The gods created her to be so beautiful that even the strongest hearts would be captivated. When the brothers saw her, they both wanted her. Their strong bond started to break."

Suchitra leaned in, eager to hear more. "What happened then?"

Draupadi sighed. "Their desire for Tilottama led to their downfall. They fought each other over her and, in their jealousy, ended up killing each other. The gods' plan worked—Tilottama's beauty was the weapon that ended their reign of terror."

Suchitra thought for a moment. "So, Narad Muni's story was a warning."

"Yes," Draupadi said. "He reminded Yudhishthir about the dangers of uncontrolled desire and the importance of staying united. It was a lesson for all of us."

Suchitra nodded. "It's a powerful reminder. We need to be careful, even when things seem peaceful."

Draupadi continued, "Narad Muni used this story to persuade the Pandavas to follow a rule regarding me, their common wife. He wanted to make sure that they wouldn't end up like Sunda and Upasunda, fighting over me. So, they agreed that each brother would spend time with me for a set period, and during that time, the other brothers would stay away."

Suchitra's eyes softened with understanding. "That was wise. It helps keep peace among the brothers."

Draupadi smiled warmly and took Suchitra's hand. "We're lucky to have each other, Suchitra. As sisters, we must always support and protect one another, no matter what happens."

Suchitra returned the smile and squeezed Draupadi's hand gently. "Together, we are stronger. Let's always remember that."

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the garden, the two women sat in comfortable silence, their sisterly bond stronger than ever.

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Hello there!

Sorry for making you guys wait for so long. I've been busy with semester exams, and some or the other things remain coming up.

Unexpected events keep interrupting my life. What to do! -_-

Well, anyway, please comment your delightful thoughts and hit the star button to vote.

Stay tuned! ;)