Chapter 43

I tried a few quick attack patterns on him to which he responded with ease. He even found some openings and slipped in a few attacks. From what I could analyse so far, he didn't rely much on brute force. He was quick, with a sharp eye, his skills somewhat similar to mine.

After a few back-and-forth exchanges, he said, "I respect your intelligence and courage to be the challenge of your own swayamvar."

Still watching for openings, I replied, "I can accept the courageous part, but I don't think anyone here will believe I made an intelligent decision by being the swordfighter myself."

This point we were circling each other, our words were whispers only heard by each other.

He took a moment before answering, "I saw your fight with Jarasandh. I remember you making small movements in the beginning, portraying yourself as less skilled. That was an intelligent move, even I was deceived by you. Also, I don't think being capable enough to take your fate in your own hands is a bad thing."

I went forward with an attack pattern I had practiced many times in gurukul. As our swords clashed again, I replied, "Thank you for your compliment. I've heard you don't go to many swayamvars, then why this one?" It was a genuine doubt I had.

He smiled still keeping up with me. He was seriously good at sword fighting. "I had heard about a princess who was trained under lord Parshuram. To be honest, I was intrigued. And you are better than the stories that have travelled across kingdoms."

I asked, "So you researched about me?"

He answered, "Yes, I did. If someone is to rule the kingdom of Matsya, I'd like to know they are capable, and someone I can trust. You are quite capable. Matsya would be honored to have someone like you."

I hesitated. He noticed my hesitation and continued, "Even if it's a no from your side, I'd like us to be friends. But that doesn't mean I won't try my best to win you over."

I replied, "I'd be honoured to have a friend like you."

And then the fight got serious. Neither of us showing mercy to the other. It went on for five minutes. At the moment I could feel myself getting tired, I need to end this fight soon or I'd lose by stamina.

The next time our swords clashed. I left mine fly tilting it in the proper direction. His stance loosened for a moment. That was all I needed, I grabbed the sword by my left hand and swung it right in front of Virat's neck.

I repeated the same trick Duryodhan had used on me. It worked only because, up until now, I had fought solely with my right hand. I took my sword back. The fight was over.

Virat chucked, "So you still had something up your sleeve. I am impressed, princess Aarohi. I hope the one you choose, deserves you."

I smiled, "Just Aarohi."

He nodded in acceptance. I guess I found a friend.

Thirty minutes and countdown to one~

Okay. I accept it. I am tired. I genuinely just want to go to sleep. Where the fuck is Yudhisthir? I am going to kill him. I could take a break now. But it won't matter. I would still be tired also I'd lose the form I have right now. One match to go. The only problem was, the person up next was-

"Prince Duryodhan of Hastinapur."

He walked down his seat, sword in his hand. Not giving me a second to breathe, he slammed his sword to mine. He had a lot of brute force; I took a few steps back to lessen the impact, which I could still feel in my bones.

He was not someone I could fight in this exhausted state. He attacked relentlessly, but I kept up. I still kept up. This is not a fight I'm allowed to lose. My life is on line.

Between his attacks, he hissed, "What is going on Aarohi? I am the last one here. I thought you had someone in your mind. Where is he?"

I replied between breaths, "On his way."

His sword didn't stop as he spoke, "If he cared, he would have been here first. At this point, I'm questioning if that person even exists. Don't tell me he's Arjun. No one knows where Arjun is right now."

I need a break. I am tired. Did I have to answer him? Just let me be. And why the fuck everyone assumes it's Arjun?

Talk Aarohi, talk. Distract him. You will not win this fight head-on.

"That person is not Arjun. And he will come." I answered. If he doesn't then he won't exist in this world.

"It doesn't matter." Duryodhan said. "You will be the one facing defeat in this match. We both know it."

I knew it. He didn't have to rub it in my face. "I won't be defeated easily."

He replied, "I never said it would be easy. But I'm not giving up."

In the duration of our fight, I realized I had left several openings (not intentionally. I repeat, I'm tired). Openings where he wouldn't exactly defeat me but could injure me. I received quite a few scratches today as you do in matches. Was he trying not to injure me?

I intentionally left another opening. He didn't take it. He was actually not trying to injure me. During his next attack, I deliberately turned so his sword would land on my right arm. It did. And it hurt like a bitch. I was definitely bleeding heavily. Shocked, he took a step back.

I looked at my injury and then into his eyes, as I whispered. "You hurt me."

He still looked shocked and quickly replied, "I didn't—I didn't intend—"

I cut him off, being a little loud, "You hurt me. You always hurt me."

I am sorry Duryodhan. I decided to give him another chance. He waited for me. I took a step towards him.

"And that is why I will always choose Yudhisthir over you."

The moment of shock was all I was waiting for and I was close enough. I swung my sword towards his neck and then whispered.

"I am sorry Duryodhan."

I didn't look in his eyes I didn't have the strength to. After a few seconds, I took the sword back and walked up to the podium. The entire hall was silent.

Krishna and Bal Dau were not there, then I guess Subhadra ran away with Arjun. Good for her. Blood was dripping from my right hand as I walked. I sat in my seat. No one approached me.

A few seconds later the spell of silence broke and the inevitable chatter took over.

One of the princes, I don't even care to remember from where, stood up and shouted, "You have to select one of us to be your husband."

And then Jarasandh continued, "Call your brothers they have to make a decision."

I looked at Jarasandh, then at the rest of the hall. My gaze lingered on Duryodhan for a few seconds longer. He was still standing where I had left him.

"You lost. Each one of you here lost. You don't get to tell me what to do." I declared.

Jarasandh still not shutting up continued, "If you don't choose right now. You will die alone. No one will be with someone like you."

I looked him dead in the eye and said, "You don't get to tell me that either, Jarasandh. If I remember correctly, you didn't even last a minute."

His voice boomed, "That is not a way to talk to a king."

Virat stood up at that, "And that is not the way you talk to a lady, let alone a princess."

"She," Jarasandh said pointing his finger at me. "is not a lady. A lady does not do whatever she does."

I answered, "I didn't know I was a man. Thank you for informing me."

Jarasandh sputtered, "You- You-."

His voice was cut by the announcement.

"King Yudhisthir of Hastinapur has arrived."

Finally.

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I am so sorry for the delayed update. Some things came up and I couldn't complete the chapter. Thank you for waiting.

Word count: 1400