54 Exposed

While Aryan and Dushala were on their way to the temple, Kunti sat in quiet contemplation, her hands folded in prayer in front of Lord Vishnu's sculpture.

Her heart was heavy with worry for Dushala and Aryan. She had always known that Dushala was a strong-willed and independent young woman, but their decision to elope and face the unknown together had left her with a mix of emotions.

She prayed for their safety, for the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead, and for the love between Aryan and Dushala to grow stronger with each passing day. Kunti believed in the power of love and destiny, and she hoped that their unconventional path would lead to a brighter future.

As she lit a diya and offered it to Lord Vishnu, Kunti whispered her hopes and prayers into the quiet room, trusting that the divine would watch over her beloved daughter and the man she had chosen to love.

But unbeknownst to her, her words were overheard by a maid who worked for Duryodhan and happened to be coincidentally passing by from here. 

"Oh my god, this is unbelievable. I have to inform Prince Duryodhan as soon as possible. "

Without wasting a moment, she quietly slipped away from the room and headed to find Duryodhan.

She finally located him in one of the palace gardens, deep in thought. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, she approached him.

"Your Highness," the maid said, making Duryodhan turn his attention to her. "I overheard something of great importance. Queen Kunti was praying for Dushala and Udra naresh Aryan. It seems they've eloped and are headed to the temple."

"What? Dushala has eloped with that guy? How dare he kidnap my, Duryodhan's sister? "

Duryodhan's eyes widened in anger as he roared angrily. 

But even in this situation, Shakuni remained calm and told Duryodhan what to do to counter this situation. 

"Duryodhan my nephew, it's not time to be angry. We have to do something to stop that Udra naresh from kidnapping neice Dushala otherwise it will stain the Kuru dynasty's reputation. And your promise to Sindhu naresh Jayadarath will also be broken. "

"You're right Uncle Shakuni. Dushasan, immediately gather our closest allies. We must intercept them before they leave Hastinapur. "

Duryodhan finally calmed down his anger temporarily and ordered Dushasan. 

"Right away brother Duryodhan. "

Dushasan nodded obediently. 

But before he could leave he was stopped by an angry Shakuni who rebuked them , 

"Stop Dushasan, have both of you forgotten how that Aryan easily defeated Bheem and Arjun back then? What you're doing is simply giving away your head. "

"Then what are you trying to say Uncle Shakuni? Should we just let him kidnap Dushala? "

Duryodhan retorted angrily. 

"No, Duryodhan. All I'm saying is go and tell Mahaamahim Bhisma about this. He is the only one who can defeat that guy. And also tell Yudhishthir, as the crown prince, it's his duty to protect Hastinapur's reputation. It would be even better if we can get rid of a few Pandavs in advance through Aryan Bahubali. "

Shakuni said cunningly. 

Duryodhan, though still seething with anger, realized the wisdom in Shakuni's words. He knew that facing Aryan head-on without a solid plan would be reckless, and he couldn't let his emotions get the best of him.

"Uncle Shakuni, you're right. We need to approach this strategically. I'll inform Grandfather Bhisma and Yudhishthir," Duryodhan said, his anger giving way to a more calculated approach.

With a nod from Duryodhan, Dushasan and the maid were dispatched to relay the news to Bhisma and Yudhishthir, hoping that their intervention would prevent Aryan and Dushala from leaving Hastinapur.

As this information spread through the palace, the fate of Aryan and Dushala's escape grew more uncertain, and the tension in Hastinapur continued to mount.

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Meanwhile after Aryan arrived at the temple, he easily knocked the soldiers and maids unconscious before meeting with Dushala and boarded the chariot arranged by Karna in advance. 

And the charioteer was none other than Adhirat, Karna's father and Bhisma's ex-charioteer. 

However he was ruthlessly removed from his post on the grounds that his son Karna has collided with a foreign kingdom and their loyalty couldn't be guaranteed anymore. The other people in Hastinapur also started to ostracize them which further made their lives difficult. 

That's why Adhirat and Radha who originally didn't want to leave Hastinapur readily agreed this time around. 

Aryan acknowledged Adhirat and Radha, who sat beside her husband, and instructed them to drive the chariot.

With a swift departure from the temple, they headed towards the Udra kingdom, leaving Hastinapur. 

While Aryan and Dushala made their swift departure from the temple, the palace was in chaos as the combined force of Bhisma, Pandavs, and the Kauravs set out to intercept them. Soldiers and warriors were summoned, and the pursuit of the eloping couple began.

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Since the normal soldiers couldn't keep up with their pace, before long they were left behind by Bhisma, Pandavs , Duryodhan and Dushasan as they arrived at the temple. 

Seeing the unconscious soldiers and maids with no sign of Dushala, everyone understood that they were a step late. 

"Khyaahhh! "

Duryodhan roared angrily, expressing his frustation. 

"I think I know where they went. Judging from the tracks left behind by the chariot wheels and horses' hooves, they should be headed in South East direction. "

Just when everyone was confused, Nakul took lead and used his expertise. 

"After them! "

Bhishma instructed his charioteer and everyone rushed in that direction. 

After chasing for around fifteen minutes, they finally saw the shadow of Aryan's chariot as it was disappearing in the horizon. 

"I see them. "

Arjun was the first one to spot them along with Bhisma and immediately took action . 

As he pulled his bowstring and chanted a mantra, he launched Vayavastra which ended up creating a tornado, pulling back Aryan's chariot and slow down it's speed. 

But almost simultaneously, another arrow flew from the side and destroyed the tornado in an instant. 

As everyone looked towards the source of this arrow, Karna appeared on the field from the other side and stopped in front of them, blocking their way forward. 

"Your advance stops here. As long as I, Radheya Karna stand here, no one shall pass. "

Karna said domineeringly as he lowered his bow. 

Seeing this, everyone stopped their chariots and faced Karna while watching Aryan's chariot once again disappear in the horizon. 

"Karna, get out of our way. I think you don't understand the gravity of the situation. This is not some chariot race where you're helping your friend to win the race. That Aryan Bahubali has kidnapped our sister Dushala. So get out of the way while you still have the chance."

Bheem said loudly as he threatened Karna but he didn't even get a response as Karna completely ignored him. 

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