His muscular body hid his tender heart, calling out to Panchali with love and respect. “I cannot do this to him.” she thought to herself. Raising from her throne, her heart called out to her, whispering words that said ‘this man would protect you. He would love and respect you. Look into his eyes. You know it.’
“But I must” she thought to herself.
“I will not marry a sutputra (son of a chariot driver)” she announced loud and clear in the assembly. Her eyes were fixed on Karna who bent low and walked away. She knew that she had hurt him. She wanted to tell him how much she respected him. That deep within she wanted to be with him. To read his eyes and to spend her life with him but was tied in the chains of society. “I am sorry Karna” she whispered.
