One month passed, Drupad was very happy to get a son who will behead Dron. He was planning to attack northern Panchal with his son as senapati, this enraged Srikhandini as this position was held by her.

One day, Srikhandini was in her room, looking at the sword which was given to her by her father.



Just then Draupadi enters the room.

Draupadi :- Jiji.

Srikhandini kept the sword down and smiled at her younger sister, but Draupadi noticed her sadness.

Draupadi :- What happened jiji ?

Srikhandini :- What will happen my dear sister ? Nothing.

Draupadi :- I know you're hiding something, please tell me, I am you sister.

Srikhandini :- (sighs) Pitashree dosen't trusts me enough.

Draupadi :- No, that's not true.

Srikhandini :- Do you know little sister, like you play with your friends, with these dolls and toys, I never got that opportunity to enjoy my childhood.

Draupadi :- But why ?

Srikhandini :- Because an akashvani happened at the time of my birth that I will be the reason of death of most experienced warrior of aryavarth. Pitashree started my training since I was probably 4, so that I would be trained enough to face his wrath.

Draupadi :- Who is he ?

Srikhandini :- Eldest kuru, son of Maharaj Shantanu and maha mata Ganga, deciple of 7 great teachers, Devavrath Bhisma.

Draupadi :- But why pitashree dosen't trust you now ?

Srikhandini :- Whenever Panchal was attacked, I was the one to defend it but when kuru princes came, I couldn't stop them and pitashree was defeated by one of them. The eldest prince was extremely powerful, we realised that we wern't capable enough to withstand him, so pitashree did a yagya to get a son capable enought to behead acharya Dron. After birth of Driystadyumna, pitashree dosen't trust me anymore.

Draupadi :- That dosen't mean you will lose hope, just come with me, I will talk to pitashree, he will surely listen to me.

Srikhandini :- He will not listen to anyone now, they are going to attack northern Panchal.

Draupadi :- Jiji, just come with me, pitashree loves me a lot, he will surely think about my word.

Saying this, Draupadi pulled her by hand and took her to sabha, where Drupad was going to declare Driystadyumna, the senapati. He smiled seeing Draupadi enter along with Srikhandini.



Drupad :- Putri, you are here at the right time, come and do the tilak of your brother, he is going to be senapati from now.

Draupadi :- But pitashree, I am here to say something.

Drupad :- Okay.

Draupadi :- The post which you are assigning to Jeystha, belongs to jiji and she had been handling the post till now.

Drupad :- Putri, that's the reason you both are born. Your jiji needs more training, she is not trained enough to defeat even kuru princes, how will she kill Gangaputra Bhisma. So I am assigning your brother as senapati, he is born to behead Dron.

Draupadi :- Is there any confirmation that he will be able to defeat acharya Dron, teacher of those kuru princes who defeated you and your army.

Drupad :- I don't want to talk about that.

Draupadi :- But, you're doing wrong with jiji.

Drupad :- DRAUPADI! you have crossed your limits, my love has spoiled you, go away from my eyesight and don't return before I call you back.

Draupadi :- (looks down) As you say pitashree.

Srikhandini :- Pitashree, please stop her, I don't want to be senapati. Forgive her please, she is naive.

Drupad didn't listen to anyone, Draupadi kept walking out of the palace, after a while, she found herself near a river. She sat down on a rock beside and thought about her father's anger.

Suddenly, sound of a chariot reached her ears. She turned around to see a beautiful white chariot, on which was swaying a yellow flag, was pulled by 2 brown horses.



She then noticed the person standing on it. He wore an orange angvastra with a yellow dhoti, beautiful ornaments adorned his body. A golden crown with peacock feathers on it was placed on his head, he was tall and fair, his eyes glitted in mischievousness.

Man :- Hellow devi.

Draupadi looked around but no one else was there.

Draupadi :- Me ?

Man :- Yes, can you tell me the way to Panchal palace.

Draupadi :- Who are you ? Why do you want to go there ?

Man :- I think I was the one to question first.

Draupadi :- You were the only one to ask for help, so introduce yourself.

Man :- (chuckles) Very well, I am Vasudev Krishna, and I heard that Maharaj Drupad's life is in danger, so I am going to save him.

Draupadi :- (shocked) What happened to him ?

Krishna :- Nothing happened till now but surely something is going to happen.

Draupadi :- Can you please take me with you, he is my pitashree.

Krishna :- Ok, but only if you won't tell your pitashree to kill me.

Draupadi :- It's not the time to joke, drive fast.

Krishna :- Listen devi, this is my chariot, so it moves according to my choice, if you have any problem, you can come by your own.

Saying so, he slightly pulls the whip and horses began to move.

Back at the palace, Army was ready to march off but suddenly the gates opened and there stood two people on a grand chariot, one was his friend Dron while other was Karn.

Drupad was confused at their sudden arrival.

Dron :- Drupad, I came to know that you were blessed with a son and a daughter, so I am here to see them and give my blessings. You can forget about our friendship Drupad, I can't.

Drupad :- (angry) My son is born to behead you and you want to give him your blessings. Driystadyumna, attack him.

Driystadyumna raised his bow and shot an arrow, but Karn caught it in the air, he was extremely furious.

Karn :- (roars) MAHARAJ DRUPAD!

Drupad got shocked at his anger filled face, he got a feeling that something was coming, but his ego didn't let him step behind.

Karn :- Don't make me loose my patience. You think we Parsuram deciples are fools, just roaming around here and there. How can you have the audacity to talk like that with my guru bhrata, that too, in front of me.

At the same time, Krishna and Draupadi reached there but were unnoticed.

Drupad :- I don't fear any consequences, today Dron will die and my revenge will be completed, no one can stop me.

Karn :- You haven't seen wrath of a Parsuram deciple till now, I will show you a glimpse of it.

He strung his Pinak, which sounded like hundreds of thunder claps.



Dron was just watching the scene with amusement, he wondered what was Karn upto.

Drupad :- Soldiers, attack him.

Karn summoned Aadi-parashakti astra. Weather changed immediately, sky was filled with dark clouds, winds began to blow and lighting sounded fearsome.

Karn's astra disarmed the entire army within no time, all the soldiers and warriors stood dumbstruck at what just happened, all their weapons were thrown on ground.

Before they could pick them up again, Karn shot two astras and created a wall of arrows, seperating the army. Now only people in the view were Drupad, Driystadyumna, Srikhandini, Draupadi, Krishna, Karn and Dron.

Draupadi was astonished seeing this, she wondered who this young man is, having a fierce aura and deadly personality. Though she felt angry that he was arguing with her father but something about him was special.

Drupad picked up his bow to fight but before he could shoot, Karn fired an arrow and broke it. He then looked at Driystadyumna and took out his sword.

Karn :- So you're the kid who is born to behead my guru bhrata, lets see how much nerves you got.

He jumped down from his chariot, and both began to duel. Driystadyumna was really good with swords but couldn't match Karn's experience and was defeated. Karn knocked him on ground.

Karn :- (chuckles) Hey kid, you will behead him, guru of 105 warriors. I'll suggest you to go and wash your face, you're probably in a dream and need to wake up seriously.

Srikhandini, who was a silent spectator till now, had it enough and decided to attack.

She fought bravely and removed Karn's sword, who was shocked at her skills. Draupadi was very happy for her elder sister.

Srikhandini :- (smirks) You too should go and get some lessons from your guru before teaching someone else.

She flicked her sword to injure him but Karn broke it with a punch.

Karn :- Princess Srikhandini, my brothers will hesitate before attacking a woman, I won't, I am not the person who differentiates between warriors. So think 10 times before coming in front....

Before he could complete his sentence, a bright light spread and his golden armour appeared, he came to know that Drupad had shot an arrow to wound him from behind.

Everyone was amazed by his dazzling armour that suddenly appeared and saved him. Karn turned around and looked at Drupad, who was confused at what to do next. He walked upto Drupad.

Karn :- (while walking) Maharaj Drupad, one thing I absolutely hate, which neither I do nor I appreciate, is attack from behind. I tell you, let aside your arrows, no weapon exists in three worlds which can penetrate my armour. Wanna see ?

When he flicked his fingers, wall of arrows dissapeared and army came into view, they were trying to break the wall.

He stretched his hands and closed his eyes, next moment ground began to shake and all the nearby weapons went up in the air.

All were shocked at the sight except Krishna, who was smiling.

All the weapons striked his armour and were destroyed, Drupad gulped as he saw the power of armour. Karn opened his blazing red eyes as his armour dissapeared again.

Karn :- You know what, it'll take me not more than a second to chop that head off your neck.

Saying so, he looked up at his previous astra, which was still in the air, he signalled it towards Drupad.

Draupadi immediately ran and stood in front of her father.



Draupadi :- If you want to kill him, you will have to kill me first.

Karn glared at her for a moment, then noded a no to his astra, which dissapeared. When soldiers ran to attack him, Krishna's kaumodaki mace knocked them all unconscious.

Everyone looked at the gates to see Krishna standing on his chariot, his index finger was controlling the mace.

Dron :- Vasudev Krishna!

Karn's eyes widened as he saw the man with peacock feather on his crown. An unknown happiness bloomed in his heart, it seemed to him as he met his own soul. Krishna then stepped down from chariot and stood beside Karn, who just kept looking at him, open mouthed.

Krishna :- Have a look Maharaj Drupad, your daughter saved you from bhrata Karn, your daughter fought for you when your son was defeated, still you think son is superior than a daughter.

Drupad realised his mistake.



Krishna :- Your ego, anger and frustration snatched all your precious things, your friend here stands as your enemy, your children are now nothing but revenge taking instruments.

Drupad :- You're right Vasudev, I lost all my sence because of my anger, I'm sorry my friend, I'm sorry.

Dron hugged him.

Dron :- In friendship, there's no place for sorry and thanks.

Drupad :- What sin did I do, I asked for a son to behead my best friend.

Krishna :- Mahadev's boon can never go in vain Maharaj, reason for your son's birth will surely be fulfilled, he will be the one to behead acharya Dron.

Drupad :- I became blind to see love and care of Draupadi, where did she go by the way.

Srikhandini :- She went outside the palace, I'm afraid, she might do something.

Drupad :- Soldiers, go and find her immediately.

Krishna :- No need of that Maharaj, I will go and bring her back.

When he was about to go, Karn's voice stopped him.

Karn :- Vasudev....

Krishna now turned towards Karn and chuckled seeing his over excited face.

Krishna :- Oh bhrata Karn, sorry I forgot.



He bent to touch Karn's feet but was stopped by him.

Karn :- How can you touch my feet Vasudev...

Krishna :- Bhrata, first of all don't call me Vasudev, you're like my brother, you can call me with any other name but not this.

Karn :- Then.... Madhav, how's this.

Krishna :- Excellent.

He hugged Karn, who was surprised, this embrace seemed like he longed for it since ages but it was lost somewhere, he too hugged Krishna tightly.

Tridevs smiled at the beautiful scene, two brothers, seperated by time, finally met. After few moments, they broke the hug and Karn smiled happily.

Krishna :- Bhrata, you can go inside with acharya, I'll be back in some time.

Karn :- Okay.

Krishna went to bring Draupadi while others went inside the palace where Drupad welcomed them best he could at the moment. He was extremely impressed by Karn's skills.

They sat in the main hall to talk.

Dron :- How did you get the Aadi-parashakti astra, it's extremely difficult to obtain and I don't remember gurudev having it either.

Karn looked at all the faces which showed keen interest and sighed.

Karn :- Long story short, Mahadev himself gave it to me.

Srikhandini :- What ? But how ?

Karn :- It's a long story princess.

Drupad :- We all are sitting free here, so you can tell us.

Karn then narrated his story of Banasur confrontation, hiding Suchitra's name.

Dron :- I heard that he had a daughter, who was blessing of devi Prithvi.

Karn :- No.... I don't know about any daughter of his.

Just then trumpets were blown to announce the arrival of Krishna along with Draupadi. Krishna gestured her to go and take blessings, she went and touched Drupad's feet.

Drupad :- Saubhagyavati bhava putri and I'm sorry, in my anger I punished you for no fault of yours.

Draupadi :- No pitashree I'm your daughter, I am here in this world because of you, so you have all the rights to be angry on me.

Draupadi then takes blessings from Dron, Driystadyumna and Srikhandini.

Karn :- Well if everything's settled, I should get going.

Everyone looked at him, now Draupadi noticed his face clearly which looked extremely handsome with a soft smile.

Drupad :- Why ? How can I let you go like this Karn, you came just now and you are leaving.

Karn :- Thanks for your concern Maharaj, but Mata and my brothers must be waiting for me, we have to leave for Varnavrat soon.

Dron :- I'll drop you till gates.

Karn :- No guru bhrata, I think you should spend some time with your friend.

He went towards Drupad.

Karn :- (joining his hands) I'll take my leave now, lets hope next time when we meet, we'll be on the same side. I also apologise if I went too far.

Drupad:- No, not at all, infact you helped me realise my mistake by breaking my ego.

He then went towards Krishna.

Karn :- Mata, I and brothers will come to Dwarika after returning from Varnavrat.

Krishna :- Well then, I will be waiting for you there, but Jhanvi told me many more things, Dau were a bit surprised.

Karn :- (stammering) Oh, she must have told you, I should leave now.

Krishna :- Let me come with you till gates.

Karn :- Sure.

They walked through the corridor to the garden outside.

Krishna :- So planning for vacation at Varnavrat.

Karn :- We didn't get much time to spend recently so I think it's better.

Krishna :- Ya, sometimes we should enjoy this life, away from worldly tensions, in a place where no one can disturb or recognise us.

Karn :- (confused) What does that mean ?

Krishna :- (chuckles) Nothing, I just said to enjoy the vacation to fullest, don't let it get wasted with this anger.

Karn smiles sleepishly.

Karn :- I know, and I'm trying to control it. It just bursts out at times.

Krishna :- Try meditating, it'll help you a lot.

Karn :- I will, for sure.

He hugged Krishna once again, then went to chariot and drove away while Krishna kept looking at his vanishing chariot.

Suddenly Draupadi came there running.

Draupadi :- Where is..... he.

Krishna :- Take some breaths sakhi, he's gone.

Draupadi :- But he forgot his pendant.

She showed the sun pendant in her hand. Krishna smiled and shook his head.

Krishna :- You should keep it for now, return him on next meet.

She looked at the deserted road and an unknown dissapointment came inside her.

They walked back where others were waiting.

Dron and Drupad were busy talking but latter's mind was rolling somewhere else.

Krishna couldn't suppress his mischievous smile at Drupad's thought.



Krishna :- Maharaj Drupad, you protected your daughter since she was born, if you want to see her happy forever, you should find a suitable groom for her.

Drupad :- Yes, I will organise the biggest swayamvar of this yug for my daughter.

Dron :- Northern Panchal will also help you in preparation.

Krishna :- And Narayani Sena will protect your kingdom during swayamvar.

Drupad :- I wish to marry my daughter to a person who will be her sheild, who would be the greatest warrior in the world, but I have seen only one person with such quality.

Dron :- The person who has glow of dharm on his face, mark of sun on his forehead. Shine of values on his body, whose muscles are built by melting rocks of continuous practice. The man with golden armour and glinting kundals that adorn his body, Vasusen Karn, blessing of Suryadev.

Drupad :- I will set such a difficult task that none other than him could complete it.

Draupadi just kept wondering about description given by Dron, she caressed the glinting pendant, then glanced at Krishna, who noded with a smile. ----------------------------------------------------------- Karn reached Hastinapur by evening.

Brothers welcomed him happily, he touched the feets of elders.

Bhisma :- Will you not give me a hug, putra.

Karn :- But pitamah, my clothes are messed up with dust and dirt from travelling, your white clothes with get stained.

Bhisma :- Putra, my white clothes are always eager to take away all the dirt and stains from your clothes as well as from your life.

Karn :- Pitamah!



Both hugged each other emotionally, no one could suppress their smile seeing the love between grandfather and eldest grandson.

He then touched Kunti's feet, she caught his ear and twisted.

Karn :- Mata... Owww....

Kunti :- 1 month, you returned after 1 whole month, didn't even think of your mother.

He made a puppy face and hugged her.

Kunti :- Go and take a bath, we will leave for Varnavrat tommorow only.

They all went in, rest of the evening passed discussing about various things.

Night finally arrived and hid the blue sky behind twinkling stars.

Karn was lying on his bed, changing sides, unable to sleep. He got up and came out in the garden, taking a deep breath, he watched the starry sky. Suddenly, sound of approaching payals entered his ears.

He smiled and looked aside to see his wife standing standing next to him.



Suchitra :- So, how was the day ?

Karn :- Just fine, not that much of thing happened, yours ?

Suchitra :- I was bored, no one was there to give me lengthy lectures so I could fall asleep.

She looked at her husband to notice him gazing a particular star.

Suchitra :- Thinking something ?

Karn :- I was wondering, mata said it right, love can even happen on the very first sight.

Suchitra :- Hmmmm.... Who is that unlucky girl.

Karn :- The woman, who stands beside me today, my wife, my love, Suchitra.

Saying so, he pulled her in his embrace.

Karn :- You've gained some weight.

She looked at him with raised eyebrows.

Suchitra :- I'm pregnant.

Karn :- Ya, but I am saying that you've gained some weight.

She slapped his arm lightly as he chuckled. They sat down beneath a tree, she leaned her head on his shoulder, he wrapped his arms around her. She snuggled closer and kept her hand near his heart, he closed his eyes, feeling the moment.

Karn :- Suchitra.

Suchitra :- (eyes closed) Hmmmm....

Karn :- I love you.

Suchitra :- I know that.

He kissed her forehead and together, they lost themselves in the land of dreams. ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

How was Karn and Draupadi's first meet. I know they couldn't talk to each other but their next meeting will be a lot more interesting.

So Krishna and Karn finally met each other, it took 26 chapters though.

How was the Karn Suchitra scene ?

Note :-

1. In my story, Balram is elder to Karn.(Lakshman's last wish)

2. Anga is an independent kingdom, ruled by a valiant king, Vikram. (Another villian) He will be introduced later on.

And a question. I have to introduce a girl named Awantika, princess of Mahendrapuri.

Whom should I pair her with ? Nakul or Sahdev.

I have a princess in mind for Yudhisthir. Bheem is going to be married as you all know. Arjun is set with Subhadra. Karn, you all know better.

Target :- 41 votes.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.