Chapter 10 - Anger and disappointment

Author's Note:

> Before starting the chapter, I think I should clear a few doubts 😅

This is purely a fan fiction. It has nothing to do with the original Mahabharat.

I don't have any bias—I love both Arjun and Karna equally. ❤️

Hope you guys understand.

Now, enjoy the chapter! 😁✨

Also... was this enough for today? Or should I update more?

You all aren't bored yet, right? 🙂

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Arjun's POV:

It didn't go the way I planned.

I think I just made Angraj Karna even angrier.

Just as I was overthinking every moment of it, someone suddenly grabbed me by the shoulders.

Of course—it was Bhrata Bheem.

His overflowing love can be... a bit suffocating sometimes.

> "What's going on between you and Rajkumari Subhadra, huh? And you didn't even think to tell your favourite brother?"

Why are all my brothers like this? One never learned how to smile, and this one's practically a walking drama.

Sakha… I hate you.

> "No, you don't."

Wait. Am I hearing things now?

> "Who even told you about Subhadra?"

> "Nakul. He always delivers the important news."

Of course it was Nakul. Who else?

> "He exaggerated. Nothing like tha— that happened..."

Why am I stuttering!?

> "Anyway, Bhrata Bheem—I want you to apologize to Angraj."

> "WHAT!? He's Duryodhana's friend! Have you lost your mind?"

> "And do you want to become like Duryodhana too? Be honest—what you did this morning was wrong."

He paused, thinking.

> "Fine. I'll apologize. But only if he ends this rivalry with you. Arjun… his power isn't a joke. Be careful."

> "You think he is going to hurt me? Don't I have enough strength to defend myself? You're hurting my pride, bhrata..."

> "No…"

> "Bhrata Bheem! Bhrata Arjun! There you are!"

Right on cue—Dushala and Subhadra arrived, followed by Nakul, Sahadev, and Bhrata Yudhisthir.

> "Meet Subhadra—my best friend. We went to kanyakul together. Subhadra, this is my Bhrata Vrikodar Bheem… and he is Bhrata Arjun."

Subhadra gave a shy nod. She looked... divine.

> "Subhadra, did you know about Arjun's musical talent? He plays the Veena so well! Bhrata, it's been long. Please play something!"

> "Yes, please play, Rajkumar Arjun," Subhadra added sweetly.

> "Yes, Rajkumar Arjun, please play~"

Nakul copied Subhadra's tone, clearly teasing me.

He's going to pay for that later.

So... I gave in.

As I played the Veena, I lost myself, as I always do.

And when I finished, the hall erupted in cheers.

Even Duryodhana clapped.

But then...

> "Bhrata Arjun, that was wonderful! You must be used to earning money from music, huh?"

He threw a gold chain towards me. I caught it.

My blood started to boil.

The Kaurava brothers started laughing and mocking me openly.

> "Mitra, they say you and Arjun are equal in skill. So... do you play Veena too?"

> "No, Mitra. As a true warrior, even thinking about that is shameful."

Karna said it with a sarcastic smirk.

I had already let the morning's humiliation go. But now… now, it was too much.

I had trained just as hard to become a warrior. My pride shattered.

I charged at both Duryodhana and Karna—with a dagger in my hand.

> "STOP THIS RIGHT NOW, ARJUN!"

King Dhritarashtra stepped in and halted me.

Mama Shakuni had a strange, satisfied smile on his face.

> "He must be punished for such behavior—raising a weapon at the Yuvraj of Hastinapur, and our guest Maharaj," Shakuni added.

> "Yes! He should be punished. Arjun, you will wash Angraj's feet, as a gesture of apology."

My brothers tried to protest, but Jyesth stopped them.

> "Arjun, do as told."

I saw Karna hesitate—maybe even try to object. But he gave in, as always, to Duryodhana's wishes.

So that's all I am to him.

I didn't look at his face as I washed his feet. I said nothing.

> "I didn't want this, Arjun... It was against my will…"

I didn't hear the rest.

I left the banquet. Straight to my room.

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Now I understand the original Arjun's hatred toward him.

We are meant to be enemies.

Even if he finds out who he truly is—he will choose them, not us.

> "What am I supposed to do now, Sakha? No one here understands. I'm not fit to be Arjun.

You should bring back the original one to complete this task."

> "But you are the original Arjun.

And call me Madhav, Parth."

He appeared—just like that.

Yes… He is the Lord of the Universe.

But… what did he just say?

> "How... how am I the real Arjun, Madhav?"

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