49 Dushala's dilemma
Ultimately, due to Dhritarashtr's indecisiveness and his guilt towards Duryodhan for not being able to make him the Crown prince, Duryodhan won the argument in the court and Dhritarashtr gave him the permission to do what he wanted.
Although everyone else was dissatisfied with this decision but they couldn't go against the King's decree after all.
While Yudhishthir blamed himself as the reason why Duryodhan insulted his role model Bhishma and Duryodhan rejoiced on the success of his plan along with Shakuni and Dushasan, as the one who is at the center of this storm, Dushala was facing the biggest dilemma of her life.
On one hand was her elder brother who requested her to follow his wishes and marry Jarasandh for his sake, while on the other hand were her own dreams, of being able to marry her true love, which seemed to be slipping away from her reach.
What made her situation even more challenging was the feeling of isolation. Dushala had nowhere to turn, no one to confide in, as she was well aware that both her parents would unquestionably support Duryodhan in whatever he decided.
Dushala's tears flowed freely as she contemplated her situation. She couldn't help but feel the weight of the expectations and political pressures placed upon her, leaving her with little control over her own life decisions.
"Is this the fate of every princess who can't freely make her own life decisions ? Sob.. Sob.. "
She whispered in a voice choked with emotion and misery.
"Dushala! "
A gentle call interrupted Dushala as she quickly wiped her tears to hide the fact that she was crying and turned around to geet the guest.
"Aunt Kunti? Why are you here? Uh.. I mean, you should have just called for me and I would have come to your room instead. "
Dushala said with a forced smile.
"Trying to hide your emotions from me? Don't forget that I have raised you since childhood. Do you now regard me as an outsider Dushala? "
Kunti said with a loving smile and approached Dushala.
"I... I... Waah..... waahh... Waaahh"
As Dushala's emotions overwhelmed her, she let out her pent-up tears, her cries echoing in the room.
Kunti, her loving aunt, held her tightly, providing the much-needed comfort and support to her vulnerable heart.
"Don't worry, Dushala," Kunti whispered soothingly, stroking her niece's hair. "I'm here for you. Just cry to your heart's content, let it all out."
In that moment, Dushala felt a sense of relief and security in Kunti's embrace. She knew that, despite the political turmoil and familial pressures, she had someone who genuinely cared for her well-being.
It was a brief respite from the storm that had engulfed her life, and for that moment, she allowed herself to be vulnerable and seek solace in her aunt's arms.
As Dushala's tears flowed and her sobs echoed through the room, Kunti continued to hold her niece close, offering a comforting presence amidst the turmoil. In this moment of vulnerability, Dushala felt the weight of her emotions lifting, knowing she had someone who understood and cared for her.
After a while, as Dushala's sobs subsided, Kunti gently pulled away and looked into her eyes with a warm, reassuring smile.
"Dushala, my dear, you don't have to face this alone. I may not have the power to change the decisions made in the court, but I can be your confidant and support you through whatever lies ahead."
Dushala nodded, her eyes still moist, grateful for Kunti's unwavering support. Dushala's heart felt a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that had surrounded her.
"First of all, tell me honestly Dushala, do you really love Jaydarath like Duryodhan claimed in the court? "
Kunti asked calmly.
Although Dushala hesitated at first on whether to tell the truth or not, but in the end she decided to come clean with Kunti.
"No aunt Kunti, I don't love King Jayadarath. It's just that brother Duryodhan wants to use this opportunity to forge ties with him and Sindhu kingdom. I couldn't bear to see big brother's tears as he requested me and that's why I agreed to his request. "
Hearing this, Kunti couldn't help but sigh helplessly.
After being silent for some time, Kunti asked another question.
"Dushala, do you have anyone you love? "
Hearing this, Dushala's tears once again resurfaced as they threatened to burst out from her swollen eyes.
"Does it even matter at this point aunt Kunti? "
Kunti's expression remained understanding and compassionate as she listened to Dushala's confession.
She could see the pain and turmoil in her niece's eyes, and she knew that Dushala had made a difficult decision out of love for her family.
"Dushala," Kunti began gently, "It matters, because your happiness matters. Love should never be sacrificed for political gain or the wishes of others. You deserve a chance at love and happiness in your life."
Dushala's tears flowed once more as she spoke, her voice wavering. "But what can I do, Aunt Kunti? I feel trapped in this situation. I don't want to go against my family, especially big brother Duryodhan, who means so much to me."
Kunti placed a comforting hand on Dushala's shoulder. "I understand your dilemma, my dear. Love can be complicated and sometimes it requires courage to follow your heart. But know that you're not alone in this. We'll find a way to navigate these challenges together."
Dushala looked up at Kunti with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Do you really think there's a way for me to be with the one I love?"
Kunti smiled warmly. "Love has a way of finding its path, Dushala. We'll explore all the possibilities, and I promise to stand by your side through it all."
With those words of encouragement, Kunti asked further.
"Is he a king or prince of somewhere or a normal citizen? "
"He is a king. "
Dushala said shyly as some rosiness finally appeared on her face.
Kunti's curiosity got the better of her, and she gently prodded, "Can you tell me his name?"
Dushala hesitated for a moment, her heart racing with both excitement and apprehension. But she trusted Kunti and knew that sharing her feelings might be the first step toward finding a solution.
"You know him too, aunt Kunti. It's Udra naresh Aryan Bahubali! "
Dushala said softly, the name rolling off her tongue like a cherished secret.
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