A Journey To Mahabharata

Three days later,

It had almost been a week and I was slowly getting comfortable in the combustible palace. I tried to train myself a bit but then realized how severely I needed a teacher. Arjun was also constantly pointing that out and telling me to go to Yudhisthir. Why Yudhisthir? God knows. I would have even gone to him, but during the entirety of my stay, I didn't even catch a glimpse of him.

On the night of fifth day, I got so bored that I started keeping back all my things in a trekking bag. In case of emergency, I think I should be ready to run.

I heard a knock on the door and shouted, "Enter."

I heard a new voice say, "Princess Aarohi you are being called by Rajmata Kunti."

I turned to look at the person who entered my room. He was not someone I had encountered on my stay here and also not in the castle guard uniform. Also, only female maids or official high-ranking guards are sent to my room or any other royal blooded female's room. Even at that time a few maids accompany them.

Odd, quite odd.

I was looking for something as I asked him, "Did Rajmata Kunti return from her daily visit to temple?"

"Yes, she has returned before time and wishes to see you."

You can leave I'll go and meet her." I told him.

But instead of going out, I could hear him come in. I turned towards him this time hiding a knife behind me.

"Princess Aarohi, it is urgent. You have to come with me." He spoke calmly.

I won't lie, I was scared. But I took in a deep breath and said sternly, "I've heard that now I order you to go out of my room. You are not permitted inside."

His smiled which just looked plainly cruel as he ignored my order and stepped towards me. At this point I was the one stepping back. "You are quite intelligent. But of what use is that to you. It will only bring misery."

"I didn't ask your opinion. Now, leave." I shouted.

"I don't listen to your orders." saying that he grabbed my hand which was in front. I quickly brought the knife in my other hand and stabbed his hand with as much force as I could muster. His hold weakened and I stepped back with the knife now pointing towards him.

"You bitch," He shouted as he held his palm out of which blood was dripping. I wish I had cut his neck instead.

As if this wasn't enough right at that moment I could see the fire behind him. There was time. It wasn't supposed to happen right now. Have the Pandavas even completed the tunnel? Are we all going to die here?

That was where I blundered. I shouldn't have paid attention to the fire. By the time I noticed him it was already too late. He first grabbed my hand which held the knife and then my neck. I could smell his stinky breath as he said, "I could kill you right now. But I won't, because I always wanted know what it was like to fuck a princess."

I couldn't breathe. I was getting dizzy and glimpses of past started coming to my mind. Each more real then the last. Not right now. Not right now. But I couldn't stop my brain from going there and then I screamed.

I screamed full of pain of the past of the present. I couldn't see anything, I couldn't feel anything and I just screamed. Until I felt a hand shaking me and then someone hugged me.

I could feel someone picking me up. Everything was blurry. I then realized that I was crying. But realization didn't stop it. I started sobbing and I knew I couldn't stop even if I wanted to.

I felt myself being lowered against something cool. The one who picked me placed a bottle near my mouth. I then realized how thirsty I was as I gulped the water.

I rubbed my eyes and then saw Yudhisthir sitting in front of me. I didn't know what to say and he didn't say a word either. I realized I was in a tunnel. It was the tunnel which was built to create safe route when Duryodhan set fire. It was not the question of if but when.

I took in what had happened in the silent dark tunnel. There was a bit of light which means we might be near the end. How far did he carry me? I had no idea how much time had passed.

I towards him this time noticing burn marks on his left arm and how there was blood on his clothes. He answered the silent question in my eyes.

"That is not my blood." But he didn't say anything about the burn marks which might have been caused by me. Seeing concern on my face he said, "He's dead." I didn't correct him. But the news gave me some peace. At least the world is a better place with him gone.

How could I lose my cool? It had been more than a year since that day. I had worked hard, didn't I? Even then, in the end, I was still a damsel in distress. How long will this go on?

"I am sorry we couldn't ensure your safety in the castle." Yudhisthir said.

"You are not at fault here." I whispered in a cracked voice. I should be able to ensure my safety. Even though these words were not spoken. It was understood by both of us.

I was thankful that he didn't say anything. I was thankful that he didn't ask anything.