The sunlight fell on his face making it glow twice than usual. A pair of muscular hands dropped the water from kalash and touched it to his forehead.



He turned around only to find his Pitamah waiting for him to finish. He smiled before touching his feet.

Bhisma :- Kalyan ho putra. You pray everyday in the morning ?

Karn :- Got used to it, have been praying since I was 5. You here at this time ?

Bhisma :- I came here to meet my mother.

Karn :- Maha mata Ganga, can I also meet her please.

Bhisma :- ( chuckles ) Ok putra, come with me.

He moves foreward and closes his eyes. Suddenly devi Ganga emerges from water, both of them greet her.



Bhisma :- Mata, meet my eldest grand nephew, Vasusen.

Ganga :- Oh, you are the same baby boy whom I left with Radha.

Karn :- You know me mata!

Ganga :- ( smiles ) I am your great grandmother putra, I know everyone who comes to me for help and who could forget you, blessing of Suryadev, you are born for great works.

Bhisma :- Putra, can you give us a moment, I need to talk to her, you can go and join your brothers, they are at the arena.

Karn noded and turned to go when devi Ganga stopped him.

Ganga :- Wait putra, I want to tell you something.

Karn :- What is it ?

Ganga :- Putra, coming time can be tough, but remember one thing, you are the eldest of your brothers, your role is of the head of family, never retreat from your role only because you feel you are not capable, you are born for this.

Karn didn't understand but noded and went away. Reaching the chamber he changed his clothes then went towards arena. After a few minutes, he got lost, not knowing where to go.

He was hurriedly walking through the corridor when he felt a piece of cloth covering his face and someone bumped onto him.

Jhanvi was observing the intricate designs carved on walls, suddenly a wind blew and her utariya flew off her shoulders, her eyes widened and she ran to catch it, but next moment she got bumped and lost her balance. Closing her eyes she waited to hit the ground but instead a warm muscular hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her to a broad chest. She slowly opened her eyes and saw her utariya was hiding a face.

She caught it softly and pulled it down revealing handsome features. A pair of beautiful brown eyes fluttered open and looked at her with concern. Both of them stared at each other, for a moment, she got lost in those beautiful pair of eyes. His one hand was around her milky waist while other clutched the curtain for support, she held his broad shoulders to steady herself. For the first time Karn noticed that beautiful face from up close, those rosy lips, slightly pinkish cheeks and hypnotising eyes.



A loud throat clear bought them to reality, Karn left her immediately, wondering why he thought like that. Jhanvi felt embarrassed by her action, she couldn't understand why she behaved this weirdly.

They looked up to see Subhadra standing there looking at them with teasing eyes and smirk on her lips.

Karn felt some nervousness, 'did she saw me like that ?' he thought and smiled akwardly.

Karn :- ( stammering ) Pranipat princess.

Subhadra :- Pranipat, may I know, what was going on here or I should come later.

Karn :- Oh, nothing like that, I was kinda lost searching for the arena.

Subhadra :- You can go straight and then turn right, you will reach there.

Karn :- ( smiles ) Thanks.

Subhadra :- Remember the way prince, next time my jiji won't be there to bump onto.



Saying so she started laughing, Karn flushed red and immediately went away while Jhanvi glared at her.

Subhadra :- Jiji, what was that ?

Jhanvi :- What ?

Subhadra :- Don't act so naive as you don't know what I am talking about.

Jhanvi :- Don't be crazy okay, bua must be waiting for us.

Saying so she immediately walked away, Subhadra smiled and went after her.

Karn reached the arena where ground was divided into two parts, one part was for those who were practicing melee weapons, other part was for archers and spear weilders, 5 brothers grinned seeing him. They all came and touched his feet.

He looked at the entire arena with wide eyes, a huge lot of weapons and equipments piled up, now he doesn't need to hide and practice in the forest, he can come here whenever he wants.

Nakul :- What are you seeing Jeystha ?

Karn :- This is amazing, never been to a place like this.

Bheem :- Then how did you practiced in gurukul.

Karn :- My gurudev used to teach me in the forest.

Arjun :- Leave that, come with me let's practice archery.

Sahdev :- Did you ever went on a war Jeystha ?

Karn :- Not really, but I killed an asur named Banasur, defeated Devraj Indra in a duel.

He told them about some fights he had been into before all of them went back to their practices.

Bhisma thoughtfully walked towards the arena, he didn't seemed convinced by his mother's words. When looked up, he couldn't suppress his smile as he saw all the brothers practicing together for the first time.

Yudhisthir practiced spear with some Kauravs, Nakul and Sahdev were sparring. Bheem was doing pushups along with Yuyutsu, Duryodhan and Dussasan showed some mace swings to each other. Arjun was teaching Karn how to shoot arrows with left hand. Others spread around, training whatever they want.

Smiling, he took a deep breath, everything was fine for now. What he didn't notice was, a man stood behind nearby pillar and kept watching him with an evil smirk on his face, rubbing a pair of dices between his palms.



After that all of them went back to their respective rooms, to bath, have breakfast and gather at the rajya sabha. Karn took a quick bath before coming out to find his mother waiting for him. He touched her feet. She smiled and caressed his hair.

Kunti :- Ayushman bhava putra. Look, I have bought you new clothes, wear them and come out for breakfast, today will be your first day at rajya sabha. You should look like a royal.

Saying so, she went away, Karn looked at clothes kept on bed, there was a golden angvastra with orange dhoti. He quickly got ready, and stood in front of his father's bow, joining his hands he prayed to always give blessings to his family. Just then brothers entered and took him to the dining hall. Everyone was gathered there, waiting for him, Kunti gestured him to sit beside her.

Jhanvi was sitting right in front of him, both couldn't look at each other after what happened this morning, he noticed Subhadra, who was looking at him teasingly, he immediately looked down, trying to hide the embassasment.

Food was served and all started to eat. Karn felt the food tasted different, he tried his best not to show this on his face but Kunti noticed it.

Kunti :- Putra, is the food not to your liking ?

All looked up at him.

Karn :- No mata, the food is amazing, just that it tastes a little different. Food prepared by Radha maa feels a lot better.

Duryodhan :- Well, that's the difference between royal life and common life.

Except Kauravas, all were angry on the comment.

Bhisma :- Putra Duryodhan, the food which you are eating is also prepared by same items used by everyone and Karn said true, I had a dinner at Adhirath's place, his wife does make delicious food.

Karn smiled while Duryodhan gritted his teeth silently, now his only hope was his mamashree.

Kunti :- Putra, taste this, I made it myself for you.

She fed him besan ka ladoo, and then gave to all her sons.

Karn :- Mata, it is so good, it is one of my favourite items from now.

She smiled and caressed his cheek.

After the breakfast was over all of them headed towards the rajya sabha. Everyone took their places after greeting Dhritrashtra. Bhisma stood up for the announcement.

Bhisma :- To all the courtiers present here, I want to introduce eldest prince among Kauravs and Pandavs, so welcome eldest son of late Maharaj Pandu, Karn.

He entered walking gracefully and all the courtiers stood up for him, he joined his hands in respect and went straight to his place, i.e aside Bhisma.

Bhisma :- Yesterday, all of you have seen my eldest grand nephew perform at the competition. So I think there is no need to describe him to members present here.

Karn :- Pitamah, I have a request.

Bhisma :- Tell me putra.

Karn :- I want to include my brother, Amrit in the list of members.

Ruffling and mumbling could be heard all around, Bhisma was confused, Duryodhan wanted to object when Shakuni held his hand and mumbled in his ears.

Shakuni :- No, mere bhanje, let it happen, I am very well aware of the enemity between brothers, the only person who could stop this storm is Amrit, but for that he needs to be present here.



Duryodhan noded but was still not convinced.

Bhisma :- Putra, for that we need to ask him a few questions first and will have to assign him a post, where is he by the way.

Karn :- He is here Pitamah, I sent him a letter calling him here. Dwarpal, can you please send him in.

Amrit was called in, Karn smiled at him to which he just rolled his eyes.



Before anyone could say anything, Senanayak Madanjay stood up to speak.

Madanjay :- Maharaj, if you give me permission, I want to say something. Dhritrashtra noded.

Madanjay :- Maharaj, Mahamahim, how can you assign any post to a sutputra, who is only made to drive a chariot.

Elders were resented, Amrit looked at him furiously but before he could speak Karn's voice boomed in the hall.

Karn :- MADANJAY! how dare you speak about my brother like this.

While saying this he walked upto him. Bhisma was shocked at the sudden outbrust.

Bhisma :- Putra calm down....



Karn :- I won't tolerate any other word about my brother, this was your last time Madanjay, next time you won't be alive to see the upcoming sunrise. He will raise his weapons and do whatever he wants, I take the responsibility, is that clear.

Madanjay gulped as Karn threatened him, before he could sit down again, Karn pulled out the badge on his angvastra.

Karn :- Post of Senanayak shouldn't be given to a man who dosen't knows to respect the warriors, from now on this post belongs to Amrit.

Madanjay :- Prince, how can you remove and assign someone on any post.



Karn :- Anyone sitting here has any problem with my decision ?

All the courtiers shook their heads like obedient kids, no one could think of saying anything after seeing his anger.

Madanjay :- I mean how can you declare a post to anyone without Maharaj's consent.

Everyone looked at Dhritrashtra, but Shakuni had already told him about situation and advantages.

Bhisma :- Putra ?

Dhritrashtra :- Ok tatshree, I agree with Karn's decision.

Madanjay :- This is against the rules Maharaj....

Karn :- Go hell with the rules, in the sabha where I will be present, I need descipline. If you want to be here then just sit down silently or just GET OUT!



Madanjay sat down fisting his hand, he didn't wanted to show his anger but will certainly not let this go, so easily.

Karn then walked upto Amrit and gave him the badge with a proud smile.

Bhisma, Kunti and Vidur were amused at the scene while 5 brothers chuckled silently. Kunti smiled seeing her son, despite being raised in common atmosphere, her eldest son managed to have grace of a king. Bhisma was most happy, his eldest grand nephew had all the qualities which is required by a king. An unmatched warrior, kind hearted, respectful, a great commander, and above all a wise soul but still an angry young man.

The princesses who were present, looked at him without blinking their eyes, one the first day itself, he had a great impact on almost everyone. Jhanvi noticed that all the girls were ogling at him, she didn't knew why but she felt annoyed.

Rest of the day was a normal one, brothers showed Karn around, after that they had a tour of Hastinapur and went to have kheer prepared by Radha. Bheem was most intrigued by it, he requested her to show him how she cooks, everyone chuckled at him, Radha was happy that her son had such a loving and caring family.

They returned to palace and soon the sky was covered dark, everyone retired to their chambers.



Jhanvi was unable to sleep, she got up and looked aside to see Subhadra engrossed in deep slumber. Moonlight fell on her from the window beside bed, she felt something weird inside her, she couldn't understand why she felt different when she sees prince Karn, why she feels shy, what was so special about him, she couldn't help but smile thinking about him.



'Oh my god Jhanvi, you are going mad, you are thinking about prince Karn at this time, this isn't Jhanvi who used to threaten the boys who dared to look at her and you are shying and blushing in front of him, hey, don't tell me that you have started to have feelings for him, don't be crazy, you haven't even talked to him for once. That dosen't mean he is not special, okay, he is handsome, tall, muscular, charming, dashing, not flirting type though, she chuckles mentally. His eyes, why does it feels he is hiding something behind them, his dark locs that run smoothly till his shoulders, his lean body that has complexion like gold'.

Jhanvi :- ( murmurs to herself ) You are going crazy Jhanvi, just go outside and get some air.

She got up, quietly sneaked outside the chamber and started roaming in corridor, her fingers involuntarily played with the end of her silky smooth hair as she was thinking about the man with golden armour. Suddenly she heard some sounds and followed it to the garden, her eyes widened as she saw Karn, he was busy practicing with his sword, his hands flipped as he slashed his imaginary enemies with speed of light.

After sometime, Karn, completely topless, with sweat running down his body exhibiting his perfectly curved muscles, was standing still, heaving due to continuous practice.



She couldn't just take her eyes off him, he looked so sexy in the moonlight, it was a sight for sore eyes. She was lost looking at him.

He suddenly turned around and smirked at her to which she raised her eyebrows. He kept the sword down and slowly walked towards her, his penetrating gaze scanning her body making shivers run down her spine. She moved back as he approached her, till she realised that her back was hitting a wall behind her. Before she could think of anything, he trapped her between his arms.

She gulped looking at his handsome face as his pupils dilated, she felt her cheeks start to heat up as his warm breath removed the strand of hairs on her face. His lips moved near her right ear and he wispered huskily.

Karn :- Ogling at me huh.

Jhanvi :- No.....I.... was... just.....

He kept a finger on her stammering lips, her breathing stopped as he caressed those soft rosy lips.

Karn :- (same tone) You were caught red handed, get ready for the punishment.

His lips brushed against her cheek, turning it scarlet. Before she could say anything, he wrapped his one hand around her waist while other hand cupped her back as he crashed his lips on her's. Her eyes widened and mind went blank as she felt his cold lips move against her's, sucking and nibbling, she became numb to react, after a few moments, she too closed her eyes and reciprocated, her one hand went around his neck to the dark locs while other hand held his shoulder. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, she moaned inaudibly in his mouth. Both of them sucked out each other's breaths, she was pressed against his muscular chest, as she felt his pounding heartbeat. The kiss was deep and passionate, but suddenly she was startled out of her thoughts as someone shook her.

She opened her eyes to see Karn standing in front of her, looking at her weirdly, she glanced around to notice the she was in the middle of garden, while Karn was wearing his angvastra and held a sword in one hand.

That's when reality striked her, all that happened was just her dream, she felt extremely embarrassed and wanted to slap her forehead at this stupid imagination. (😂😂😂 Who all thought they kissed for real) There was an akward silence for a moment.

Karn :- Princess, what are you doing here at this time, you know it is not safe to roam around in the palace at night.



Jhanvi :- Same goes for you, don't you know it's not safe at night.

Karn :- Well you can see that I am armed but you didn't answer me.

Jhanvi :- (bites her tongue) I wasen't feeling sleepy so thought to have a walk in the garden.

Karn looks at her confusingly but nodes.

Karn :- Mind if I join your garden stroll princess.

Jhanvi :- First of all stop calling me princess, my name is Jhanvi and you can call me that.

Karn :- Same goes for you.

Jhanvi :- So what can I call you.

Karn :- Anything you like, Vasu, Karn, Radhey etc.

Jhanvi :- Okay, I think Radhey would be better.

Karn :- Fine for me.

Jhanvi :- Shall we move on.

Karn :- Oh ya sure.

Both of them walked beside eachother, cool breeze blew slowly to lighten the atmosphere, silence engulfed everywhere, only the fluttering of mashals and moving of feet could be heard. Jhanvi glanced at Karn who seemed thoughtful.

Jhanvi :- Thinking about something ?

Karn :- Of today's rajya sabha, that wasen't cool of me, I... I over reacted.

Jhanvi :- Ya, it was a bit too rude, as no one dared to speak up.

Karn :- I wish I could just make this anger vanish away, it bursts out every now and then, I fear that someday I might loose my control and did something like..... (sighs) I don't know what will happen then.

Jhanvi :- Hmmmm..... you should first figure out the cause of this anger.

Karn remembered the last day at gurukul and Suchitra's face, his guru's resentment.

Karn :- I hate these stupid rules of society, it erks me to a level that I feel like ripping off that person who follows them blindly.

Jhanvi :- That's it, just think that if each and every person will start raising their weapon for such small matters, will there any peace exist in this world. So, instead of showing your anger, you can show them how useless these rules are.

Karn looked at her thoughtfully.

Jhanvi :- Power and anger will only earn fear and resentment. If you want to earn support and trust, you must invest love, if you want others to understand your perspective, you should first try to understand their problems. No one becomes the person he/she is without any reason, like you have this motivation to change and develop the society, did this come into you like that, No. You had to go through those bullies and insults before realising that, similarly there must be some reason behind their belief, they too must have gone through somethings.

Karn :- (thinking) You're...... right..... I never thought like that.

Jhanvi :- Forcing them to follow what you say will only make them against you.

Karn thought for a moment then smiled.

Karn :- Thanks a lot for explaining it, I think I need to work on everything from a new perspective.

Jhanvi :- It's okay, I think we're even now.

Karn :- Sure, but what if someone was one of those, who just follow it for nothing.

Jhanvi :- (chuckles) What will be the use of that angry little boy inside you.

Karn :- I'm not an angry little boy okay.

Jhanvi :- I don't think anyone will believe that.



He made some fake sad faces, she burst out laughing, he too chuckled seeing her.

Jhanvi :- (laughing) Please don't do it again, you're worse at that, I tell you what, you look like a kid, posing himself for a potrait.

He made a pouting face and looked away. She couldn't help but laugh at his behaviour, she stumbled on a nearby tree to catch some breaths.

Next moment he noticed a snake fussing around her shoulder, but she being in her own world of laughter, didn't noticed it. Jhanvi, on the other hand, felt some tingling on her shoulder, she thought it was Karn and turned around immediately only to find him glaring at her.

Karn :- Don't move Jhanvi, just stay still.

She stood numb, unable to understand what was happening, but the next moment she felt something on her shoulder, her body began to tremble as she realised it was a snake.

Karn :- It's okay Jhanvi, relax, stay still or it's gonna sting you, just slowly give me your hand.

She immediately caught his wrists, she wanted to get rid of that serpent, he slowly came near her and kept his other hand on her shoulder. She could feel butterflies in her stomach at his touch. His hot breathe fanned her face, his one hand rubbed her palm to calm her anxiety while other one slowly caught the snake's head and next moment he threw it away. She hugged him immediately, he was taken aback. Both of them froze with the touch of each other, cold wind blew and showered cherry blossom over them as if nature too wanted to enjoy the moment.



Karn tapped her shoulder to bring her to reality, she immediately seperated.

Jhanvi :- Umm.... Sorry, I was sacred and thanks for saving me.

She looked everywhere except him. He noticed the tears in her eyes and felt daggers preicing his heart.

Karn :- What happened ?

Jhanvi :- No, it's just, I told you I got scared. Thank you very much for saving me, I don't know what would have happened if you wern't here.

Karn :- It's second time, but, everything's alright, haven't you heard that there should be no sorry or thank you among friends.

Jhanvi :- Friends ?

Karn :- Ya, I thought we were friends.

Next moment they heard a coughing sound. They turned around to see Kunti smiling at them teasingly, both of them were taken aback.



Karn and Jhanvi :- Mata, Bua.

Kunti :- May I know what was going on here.

She kept a stern face but wanted to laugh seeing their reaction, she could feel something brewing between them.

Karn :- Uhh... nothing mata, just having a walk in the garden.

Kunti :- At midnight, and you too putri.

Karn :- What you too, she is the real culprit mata.

Jhanvi :- Haaw... It was you practicing at this time.

Karn :- You were the one, roaming in palace at night.

Jhanvi :- You wanted to join my night stroll, I never asked you.

Karn :- I was very person to save you from that snake.

Kunti couldn't suppress her smile as she saw them banter like kids.

Kunti :- Okay stop both of you, it's late enough, go back to your chambers.

Karn :- Mata I am not feeling sleepy, can you sing a song for me.

Jhanvi :- Kid!

Karn :- What did you just say ?

Jhanvi :- Nothing, I should go now subhratri.

She turned to go when Karn stopped her.

Karn :- Jhanvi.

She turned around and looked at him.

Karn :- What trouble have you planned for yourself at next meet, I mean forest and snake are out of list now.

She flushed red and looked down while Kunti held his ear.

Kunti :- You naughty, teasing my putri.

Karn :- Aaah mata it hurts.

She left his ear and he smiled sleepishly while Jhanvi chuckled seeing them.

Jhanvi went to her chamber while Kunti and Karn went opposite. She slowly entered the chamber and closed the doors. Suddenly she noticed a necklace clinging to her saree, she knew whose it was and kept it underneath her pillow to return it to the owner tommorow, laying down on bed she closed her eyes.



Remembering the night stroll her cheeks turned red and she covered her face with another pillow.

Karn on the other hand kept his head on his mother's lap. She ran her fingers through his hair and sang a lullaby for him to fall asleep. His eyes got closed as his body was consumed by deep slumber, Kunti kissed his forehead as she saw his innocent sleeping face. Her happiness knew no bounds today, all she wished was her family remain united in every situation of life.



Did you like the chapter ?

How was the night stroll ? Can anyone guess a nickname for Karn and Jhanvi, I didn't came across any.

Is my story started to get boring, not much enthusiasm is seen in readers and voters.

Are you all ready for Panchal war, if not then prepare yourself.

Target :- 35 votes.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.