Ishani, lost in the warmth of his embrace jerked as she realised what they were up to. 

They were kissing in a god damn dungeon, while they were actually supposed to be running away from Shakuni. She gently pressed her hand against his broad chest, signalling him to stop, which he reluctantly did so. "Dev.." She gasped for fresh air, his dark and obsessed eyes fixed on her.

"I apologize. If I was too rough and quick on you. I will listen to you and take things slow." Ishani's heart skipped a beat as his long fingers softly caressed her slightly red lips, as she flushed in surprise.

Dev could be so gentle at times that she just wanted to scream 'green flags' at him. She nodded, giving him a small smile. He smirked in response, pressing her to his chest.

"Let's rush. And thank you for comforting me. It really helped." She admitted softly, turning her head away as he chuckled in response.

Dev and his narcissism.

"Do you smell something burning?" He murmured, suddenly stopping. Ishani looked around.

The dungeons had a murky smell, but there was a scent of smoke. It only meant that Sahadev had found Shakuni. She looked at him, tugging at his hand as he frowned.

Ishani knew something major would happen. Since Shakuni already knew that Karna was adpoted, he'd surely leak this information to the royals. It would cause quite an uproar, if they were shrewd enough to understand that a suta couldn't have an impenetrable armour since his birth.

Her only fear was Kunti. If she didn't have the courage to openly claim her eldest son, Karna would surely be trapped in that vicious circle of pain and tragedy again. 

"Devi Ishani !" Sahadev's loud voice rung in the empty caverns, sending a shiver down her spine. Ishani looked at Karna, whose face was dead set with tension and rage.

"Let's go." She whispered, when his hand clutched hers tighter. Their slow footsteps clicked against the muddy ground, even as Sahadev raised his fire lit torch higher, getting a clear glimpse of their surroundings.

She quickly released her hand from his, seeing Bhisma, Vidura and all of the Pandavas, along with some elder Kauravas.

Shakuni laughed like a maniac, resulting in Vidura sighing in exhaustion. This man was always upto something.

"Now tell me, Pitamaha, do you truly presume Ishani to be an innocent woman ? She was bold enough to stake her claim on a suta whose background is too shady." His words definitely caused a commotion, for Ishani could feel Karna stiffening.

"Putri, what do you have to say about this?" Vidura asked her very calmly, but she sensed the raging storm underneath. Bhishma had an emotionless face, but Suyodhana nodded his head, offering her a small smile.

Shakuni clenched his fists, drawing out a trickle of blood. This woman was truly shameless. She managed to seduce too many men in a matter of few days.

"With due respect, Pitamaha and Mahamantri, I would like to speak the truth. It maybe the most shocking thing you've ever come across, but I swear on the heavens that if a lie is uttered by me, may I be burnt to ashes." Her strained and tight voice was proof of the emotional turmoil she was going through.

All of them held their breaths, as she looked at them.

"I do not know my true parentage. I have lost my memories, due to a disastrous injury. All I know is that I am a close relative of the Yadavas, who have been taking care of me ever since that horrendous accident occured. Vasudev had briefed me about Shreeman Karna, and my sole aim was to ensure the justice given to him. But there have been numerous assasination attempts on me, and it has been too exhausting for the past few months. As I was entering the dungeons, Shreeman Karna revealed some disturbing news to me." She looked at him, expecting him to continue.

"I found this in Pitashree's closet, Pitamaha." He pulled out a charred parchment, faded and dirty. 

'We are being taken to the dungeons. By Gandhar' Underneath the  incomplete and encrypted message was the seal of the head charioteer, Adhirath. 

All of them gasped in shock. Why would Shakuni imprison Karna's parents? Bhisma narrowed his eyes at Shakuni.

"Did you forge Adhirath's seal and force him to write a leave letter of one week ? " Shakuni's face twisted into an ugly expression as he tried to laugh it off.

"Pitamaha.." Bhisma's face was white with fury. How dare they plan such conspiracies against the innocents ? He wouldn't get away, not when they finally had ample proof.

"I NEED ANSWERS ! SHAKUNI !" His voice trembled through out the dungeons.

Vidura glared at Shakuni, who gritted his teeth, looked at the Kauravas.

"Why would I imprison that Suta's parents ? Mere Bache, tell them that I do not stoop to such low stratagems !" He gripped Suyodhana's shoulders, his nails painfully digging into his flesh.

Suyodhana calmly removed his hands off, his face bearing an inscrutable expression. Dushasan and the others too looked down silently.

"Mamashree, why don't you tell them yourself ? We weren't physically present to provide ample evidence." Shakuni's face turned green.

What had happened to these puppets ? Why were they suddenly turning against him ? Was it because of that woman? His face turned into a malicious smile. 

"Pitamaha, so what if I imprisoned his parents ! It was for a just cause, for I recieved a crucial piece of information. Karna is their adopted son; Adhirath found him floating by the river side, wrapped in a silken cloth. " Ishani lost it.

"So what, Gandhar Raj ? Do you know who his birth parents are ! You wouldn't dare to raise your voice against him, NOT WHEN HE'S THE ELDEST KAUNTEYA !"

Ishani stopped, huffing angrily. It was only then that she realised her mistake of impulsiveness. 

Crap. It was over. She was done for.

There was dead silence as all of them turned pale. Bhisma and Vidura looked at each other in shock and anger, while the Pandavas kept blinking at Karna in disbelief.

Shakuni's face showed shock for a moment, replaced by a triumphant grin. He laughed in hysteria, catching their attention.

"Did you hear that ? She deliberately hid the truth and approached us, claiming to instill and promote caste equality. While all of you admired her bravery and courage, she trapped him, saying his caste didn't matter, as long as there was pure love. All the while, she knew that Karna was the eldest heir, and by taking his side , she could happily live a life of luxury. What a brilliant plan, I must say."

Ishani held her breath in terror. How cruelly had he twisted her words to make her seem like a gold digger. She knew that no matter how much she'd say, the society always favoured men. And judging by the looks of them, they seemed to be tilting towards his explanation.

"Pitamaha, Vasudev had.." She stared softly, when Bhisma raised a hand to stop her.

"Is this true, Devi Ishani ? Are you sure of your words ?" Vidura enquired sharply, causing her heart to sink.

"Yes, Vidura. What she said is the truth." The soft, yet commanding voice of Kunti had her freeze in shock.

The men turned to the entrance, seeing the Rajmata with a lantern in her hand. Her face was tired and pale from exhaustion, but it also carried an agonised expression as she gazed at her eldest son.

"Bhabhishree.." Vidura looked at his sister-in-law in sympathy. How difficult life had been for her, he alone knew. Bhisma sighed, placing a hand on her head.

"You are our Kul Vadhu. So no matter what has happened, this shall be handled carefully. Do not hesitate."

There were tears in her harsh eyes, the creases  and wrinkles on her skin more evident. Kunti braced herself, her hands trembling in fear. 

It was finally time. For her to reveal the truth she had carried for so long.

"I was a curious girl in my maidenhood. When the benevolent Maharshi Durvasa had graced me with a boon to invoke any Deva to beget children, I was impulsive and childish. I invoked Surya Deva out of sheer surprise, only to be blessed with a son. I was unmarried and pure. Fearing my reputation and life for the unborn, I place him in a casket, leaving him by the river. My son.." Her eyes welled up as she burst into harsh cries, unable to complete her words.

"Mata.." The Pandavas whispered in terror at her words. Was she aware of her words ? Words that drastically changed their lives forever ?

Bhisma closed his eyes in frustration, his eyes slightly damp. Why were the fates always cruel ? How much had they ridiculed a so-called 'suta' for being better than their princes, when he was the eldest of them all ?

Vidura pinched his forehead, looking up. He didn't what to do. He didn't want to, eitherways.

"Bhrata Karna.." Suyodhana whispered in utter shock, and Shakuni stood still. 

He had a vague guess that Karna wasn't a suta, but to be their own prince was something he never expected.  How did Ishani know about this ? Before he could retort, Kunti wiped her tears, composing herself.

"My son was born with a Kavach and Kundals. I ..." She looked at Karna, who was standing like a lifeless statue. She suddenly seemed to have realised something, as her eyes fell on Ishani.

"But how did you know this, Ishani ?" Ishani stumbled for empty words, not finding a suitable reason.

What should she tell them ? That she was from the future ? That years later, they would be responsible for creating the biggest war in history that wiped out half the population on the earth ? 

Her mind went blank as she felt their piercing gazes. What should she do ? She couldn't allow Shakuni to smear dirt on her character.

"I..I." She looked at Karna, his blank, brown orbs scaring the shit out of her.

For the first time, Karna looked at her silently and whispered two words that shattered her being.

"You knew ?"

Dev was yelling and screaming at him inwardly; roaring at him that he also knew, but had to keep it as a sworn secret.

'Let me out, Karna ! You are in a state of grief and denial ! Do not do something that you will forever regret !  I told you that she too was aware, but she is from the future ! She cannot reveal stuff that could change our lives for the worst !Our love is in a tight spot now, you first need to clear her name.'

But a blank Karna was a dangerous one. He chuckled coldly, gazing at the woman he hardly knew. All his derananged emotions that he had hidden for so long, were finally out in the light. 

Throughout his life, he was called names. Ridiculed for dreaming of something he could never get. Despite all that, his parents supported him. Encouraged him to shine like a star in their bleak lives.

And now the very same royalty that had once humiliated him, claimed to be his blood family ? The woman he loved kept this from him. Couldn't she atleast steer him away from them ?

'That's what she tried all along ! But it wouldn't work, you imbecile ! So she tried her best to create peace among all of you ! Even if you'd get to know the truth one day, atleast all of you would be friendly enough to sought out this mess !' Dev hastily explained, knowing Ishani's state of mind.

What a cruel twist. Destiny was a huge sadist.

"You knew . It doesn't matter how. Then why did you keep quiet all this while ? One word, Ishani." He whispered sadly, shaking his head in disappointment.

Dev lost his calm and forcefully tried to take over, but Karna's consciousness refused to yield. While they fought a deadly tug of war, all the others gazed at Ishani for an answer.

Shakuni's smile widened. "Devi Ishani, all I want to know is how could a maiden be aware of age-old secrets ? When the Rajmata hasn't revealed this to anyone ?"

Ishani closed her eyes in frustration. She couldn't use Krishna's name again. It would only cause his image to plummet.

'Krishna, I am truly sorry.' She whispered in the confines of her shattered mind, when a soft voice replied.

'Say my name, little one. Though the consequences are disastrous, we cannot avoid the wheel of fate.' Ishani shook her head sadly.

'All my life, I lived horribly questioning the Gods as to why they were so cruel. Then, you came. You brought me here and showed me that life was so much more. I know that if I take you name, maybe they will believe me. But the odds stacked against me are too high, Kanha. I have no family to call my own. I cannot miraculously emerge as your sister and expect the whole Aryavart to respect me.'

'Ishani.. No.. I know what you are planning. Do not do this.. You shall not take the blame onto yourself.' She smiled blankly, hearing his stern voice float into her head.

'It's relieving to know that atleast you have my back. Karna's mind is shattered knowing the truth of his life. I cannot, and will not expect him to comfort me, not when he needs it. His brothers, the Rajmata and Pitamaha, with his adoptive parents are there to help him recover. But look at me, Krishna. If Karna needs to ascend the throne, I am afraid I do not want to become an empress and rule the kingdom full of conspiracies. My destiny lies elsewhere.'

Krishna sighed at her words. Why was this young girl so hell bent on sacrificing her happiness ?

'Ishani, do you know how devastated Karna will be, if he hears your words ? For him, you clearly matter a lot, more than his blood relations. Can you watch him heartbroken and forlorn ?' Ishani's heart hardened in steel resolve.

'Kanha, I know the weight of the decision I will be taking. But do you think I can afford to have my heart broken, once again ? He shall be a glorious emperor. And no emperor in history has observed monogamy. My self respect shall not tolerate him marrying another, even if he may not love her. He will have to carry his lineage, after all. I cannot see a happy life ahead, Kanha. He will suffer. Terribly. All because of me. I like him, enough for me to leave him so that he can be happy.'

Her eyes teared up as she realised how messed up their lives were, all because of her. If only she had controlled her feelings, maybe Vrushali and Karna..

She shook her head, blinking her tears. Ishani glanced at all the royals who were still looking at her for an explanation.

"Can you see her silence, Pitamaha ? it clearly shows that Devi Ishani isn't that simple and kind as you all presumed her to be. Or, are you indirectly responsible .."

Ishani just smiled in response, while Karna frowned.

"Stop slandering her, Gandhar Raj. Devi Ishani was personally sent by Vasudev, so I believe there must a valid reason for her silence.." He looked at Kunti for a second, before looking away.

"Ishani.." He whispered in concern. Sure, he was angry that he remained like a fool in the dark, but she always came first. The blank look in her eyes, and her empty smile scared him.

What was she upto ? What more did she know that it could shatter their future ?

Ishani looked up, whispering a sorry. 

"All my life, I have suffered due to a curse I never deserved. If I truly have been resilient and worthy, show me where I belong, O Gods !"

Karna stared at her in horror. Had he done something to make her unhappy ? Did she not like him anymore ? Devajit rumbled in the darkest confines of his personality. His ruthlessness would be out if she dared to leave them.

No one could take her from him, not even herself.

"Ishani.. No ! Don't !" he screamed, rushing to her side. He didn't care if they watched. 

Nothing mattered to him more than her.

"ISHANI !" He stumbled back as her eyes glowed golden, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her body trembled and twisted like a forlorn leaf, dry and withered.

"मम कामना फलं प्राप्नुयात् मा... मां विफलं कुरु, अन्यथा मम जीवनस्य उद्देश्यं नष्टं भविष्यति।" 

"(Let my wish reach its fruition. Fail me not, or my life shall lose its very purpose !)" 

The heartbreaking words gushed out of her mouth, as she lost her awareness of her surroundings.

Kunti rushed forward to reach out to her, even as the men looked on, in terror and fear.

What was she ? Who was Ishani that she called on to the celestials themselves to help her ?

An invisible barrier made them all stumble, the dungeons creaking loudly. Ishani stood un moved, immune to Karna's whimpering roars and the pleadings of the cousins. Suyodhana screamed at her to come back. Sahadev whispered words to ensure her well-being, knowing very well that they couldn't interefere. 

"Bhrata.. " Bheema and Arjuna whispered in disbelief, even as they tried to move forward.

"Bheem, Arjun. Stop.." Yudhishthira's steel voice cut in, through the tensed atmosphere.

Bheema shook his head, ignoring the twins protests.

"Stop it, Bhrata !" Bheema yelled as Yudhishtira looked at him in shock.

"Our Jyesht will die ! Can't you all understand ! Our Bhabhishree clearly isn't from here ! Because of our hesitation, we will lose her ! Once she returns to her world, do you think our Jyeshta can survive ! " 

Bheema's words were true. But what could they do ? Arjuna wiped his tears. How stupidly he behaved with his own brother and sister-in-law. 

Now they would never be the same. 

Karna would never forgive himself, not for the rest of his life.

Devajit lost control of himself and took over, screaming like a maniac. 

"Ishani ! You shall not leave me ! Or I shall cease to.." A loud crack in the ground made him pause.

The ground on which Ishani stood, cracked open and all of them screamed her name, but she only smiled.

"Come, my dear daughter. You shall finally reside in your true home." A woman's melodious voice echoed in the caverns, even as a blinding flash of light made them close their eyes.

Before they could react, the ground healed itself, Ishani no longer in sight.

Devajit's shoulders trembled in rage. How dare they ?

How dare they snatch his love from him ? The Gods had the guts to take her away. His smile deepened, the scar underneath his eye looking more deadly.

The Gods would witness their destruction today. For separating his love from him.

They wanted battle, right ? He would give them a war.

PS : I didn't feel like uploading any meme, not after writing an emotionally-draining chapter. 

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