Chapter 103 – Karn and Ishita—Song of Ice and Fire
The first rays of dawn spilled across the palace of Mahishmati painting the high marble walls in shades of gold and crimson. From the balcony of his chamber Rudra looked out over the training grounds. The clash of steel rang faintly in the distance where the Kuru princes sparred under the watchful eyes of their appointed mentors. Dust rose shouts echoed and young arms and legs moved with the rhythm of warriors-in-the-making.
Yet Rudra's eyes seemed to look beyond the scene. His gaze was steady but his thoughts were far away.
Their progress is steady he mused silently, Yudhishthir has gained composure, Duryodhan is finally learning to temper his strength with control, Sahadev sharpen himself like an axe ruthless and precise, Even Subhadra and Dushala though yet to awaken their Siddhis are walking steadily on the path.
But despite the progress of his disciples another matter weighed heavily on his mind. A matter more personal less straightforward. His brow creased as he folded his hands behind his back.
Behind him the faint sound of footsteps entered the chamber. "Rudra?"
He turned slightly. His mother Bela walked in with her usual grace. Even age could not dim the warmth that clung to her presence. Draped in a simple but dignified sari she carried with her the calm authority of the matriarch of Mahishmati.
"You look lost in thought" Bela said studying his face. "What is troubling you this morning?"
Rudra hesitated for a heartbeat. There were few in the world before whom he allowed himself to be vulnerable. Bela was one of them. He sighed softly and said "I was thinking… about the training of the princes." He paused then admitted "And also about Ishita's marriage."
The words slipped into the air heavier than he intended.
Bela blinked surprised at first then her lips curved into a smile of delight. "So you too have been thinking about it!" she exclaimed gently. "I had wanted to bring up this matter with you for some time but you are always burdened with duties. I held myself back. But if you yourself are considering it Rudra then perhaps the time has indeed come."
Rudra gave a small thoughtful nod. "Yes but it is not as simple as arranging a match. Ishita is not an ordinary girl maa. She is strong trained and her spirit is unlike most. On what basis do we find a husband for her? Status alone is not enough. Nor mere lineage. She deserves someone who understands her heart."
Bela listened her eyes softening with maternal affection. "You speak wisely my son. And you are right—our Ishita is special. But surely the gods will guide us toward the right path."
Before Rudra could reply a faint sound reached his ears. His senses sharpened. Someone was just beyond the door. Listening.
On the other side Ishita pressed herself against the wall her hand clamped over her mouth as if to hold in a gasp. Her eyes were wide her heart pounding furiously.
Marriage? Bhaiya… is planning my marriage?
A wave of shock rolled through her. She had never once imagined this day coming so soon. Breathless her eyes blurred with sudden tears Ishita turned and fled her anklets jingling faintly as she ran through the corridors.
Inside Rudra tilted his head slightly and a faint knowing smile tugged at his lips. "I believe someone overheard our discussion maa."
Bela chuckled softly. "Then perhaps it is good. Some truths find their way to the heart only by accident."
But Rudra only gazed toward the distant doorway his eyes reflecting both amusement and thought.
---
Ishita's sandals slapped against the stone steps as she ran through the palace her breath ragged her thoughts spiraling. She didn't even know where her feet were taking her until she burst into the personal training grounds of Karna.
There he was— Karna her companion her friend her silent strength. His bare chest gleamed with sweat as he drew his massive bow in a sweeping arc. With a sharp twang his arrow sliced through three wooden dummies shattering them in succession.
The moment he saw her disheveled state he dropped his bow slightly. "Ishita? What happened?"
She stumbled closer her words tumbling out. "Bhaiya… bhaiya wants… he wants to get me married!"
The bow almost slipped from Karna's hands. He stood frozen staring at her. "What…?" His voice cracked raw with disbelief. "Gurudev said that?"
Ishita nodded rapidly her eyes welling up. "Yes! I heard it myself. He was talking to maa. He said he was thinking about my marriage."
For the first time in years Karna felt his chest tighten painfully. The bond he had shared with Ishita since their childhood days in Gokul had been pure playful and filled with trust. Somewhere along the way it had transformed into something deeper something unspoken yet undeniable.
And now the thought of losing her… it was unbearable.
His fists clenched. His throat went dry. So this… this is heartbreak.
Ishita looked at him her own heart racing. She saw the turmoil in his eyes and whispered "What should we do Karna? What will you do?"
Karna wanted to speak but fear tangled his tongue. Between his love for Ishita and his respect for Rudra he felt torn apart. Rudra was not just his guru—he was the one who had given Karna purpose who had given him dignity when the world denied it. How could he defy him?
Yet looking at Ishita he knew he could not remain silent either.
Finally Ishita's trembling voice cut through his storm. "If you cannot say it then I will. I will tell bhaiya everything myself. I cannot keep this inside me."
Her words struck him like lightning.
Karna took a shaky breath. His heart pounded but resolve began to steady in his chest. "No. We will tell him. Together."
---
Rudra sat in his chamber scrolls and reports spread before him. He wrote with steady strokes though his mind lingered on the earlier conversation with Bela.
The door creaked open.
He looked up. Karna and Ishita stood in the doorway. Something about their posture their nervousness told him this was no ordinary visit.
Rudra leaned back in his chair a faint smile on his lips. "So. Both of you together. Tell me what brings you here?"
The words made Karna's throat tighten. His palms were slick with sweat. He glanced at Ishita who gave him a firm nod.
Rudra's eyes narrowed slightly waiting. "Well?"
Karna's heart hammered. His respect for Rudra clashed violently with the truth he needed to say. But Ishita's gaze urged him forward. Summoning every ounce of courage he bowed deeply and said "Gurudev… I… I wish to ask for Ishita's hand."
The words fell like a thunderclap in the silent chamber.
Rudra's face was unreadable. Slowly he rose from his seat. Every step he took toward them made Karna's breath catch. Ishita clenched her fists but her eyes stayed locked on her brother.
Rudra stopped just before Karna his face stern his eyes burning with an intensity that made Karna shut his own eyes in fear.
The silence stretched unbearably.
Then—Rudra's hand came down on Karna's shoulder.
Karna's eyes snapped open. Instead of anger he saw a flicker of amusement in Rudra's expression. His lips curved into a sarcastic smile.
"Well well" Rudra said slowly. "Don't you think… you both are rushing things a little too quickly?"
For a moment both Karna and Ishita were stunned into silence. Then Ishita burst into nervous laughter her tension breaking. Karna on the other hand released the breath he had been holding and nearly collapsed in relief.
Rudra shook his head sighing. "You two… sometimes even I don't know what to do with you."
He turned away walking back to his desk but a faint smile lingered at the corner of his lips.
Behind him Ishita and Karna exchanged a look—embarrassed relieved but also full of unspoken hope.
New chapter in evening