A girl was standing beside window, looking at a painting, a circular tray filled with different colours was in her left hand while her right hand holding a brush moved to add a few more stokes. Her lips curved into a content smile as she finally finished her masterpiece scenery.

Just then she heard some footsteps and turned around.



She is Pallavi, elder Koshal princess.

A tall elderly man entered, wearing black and yellow angvastra, a golden crown adorned his head and a small smile playing on his lips.

Pallavi :- Pitashree.

The man is Maharaj Vaadkshemi, he came and stood next to her, eyeing the painting with wonder.

Vaadkshemi :- You sure have inherited your mother's traits, it seems as if I am looking at a real scenery.

Pallavi :- Thanks, but what about you. I mean seeing your face no one can say that Koshal is going to be attacked by an asur army very soon.

Vaadkshemi :- It's because if people will come to know about it, they'll panic and we can't afford unnecessary troubles. But, there's some good news, Madra Raj Shalya have sent us letter that he will be arriving here with his army, and Maharaj Karn is on his way to Koshal along with Dwarikadheesh Vasudev Krishna.

Pallavi :- Maharaj Karn....

'Jiji, jiji here you are, and I'm searching for you everywhere'

Another girl entered, carrying a plate of sweets, food stains on her lehnga showed that she was trying to cook.



She is Nandita, Pallavi's younger sister.

Nandita :- Pitashree, what are you doing here ? Whatever, first taste this, I've made it myself.

She handed him a piece, urging him to eat, he first took a small bite to make sure it's safe to eat. But it didn't taste that bad and he could bring a smile on his face.

Vaadkshemi :- Hmmm... certainly better than before, but you need to practice more.

Nandita :- (pouting) Atleast it can be tasted now.

Pallavi :- Okay okay, first go and change your clothes, might as well take a bath.

Vaadkshemi :- I want you to do all the arrangements for their welcome.

Pallavi :- Pitashree, don't you think they will feel suspicious if we focused more on welcoming them, instead of security.

Vaadkshemi :- Topic of security is well taken care of, and I don't want to make him feel offended for not welcoming him.

Pallavi :- He is not that type of a person pitashree, he may be a royal but he was raised among common people. He very well understands other's situations.

Vaadkshemi :- (narrowing his eyebrows) You know very much about him.

She bit her tongue and smiled akwardly.

Pallavi :- (stammering) I should go and prepare for their welcome.

She went out with a group of dasis to prepare for their arrival.

Vaadkshemi :- Woo, what happened to this girl.

Nandita :- As if she tells me everything that comes inside her brain.

He looked at her with raised eyebrows.

Nandita :- I.... mean.... you know she doesn't talk much, with anyone. I should go and change, she might need my help.

She too went away, leaving her father behind, who shook his head and left to meet his son. ----------------------------------------------------------- An ashram was hidden in the middle of a forest.

Few medium sized huts, a huge banyan tree in the center, small courtyard for children to play, two small wells and a shed where 4 cows sat resting.

A particular medium sized hut at the far corner seemed different from others. A cute little baby was asleep comfortably on a couch, soft breeze coming in through window fanned him as little sunlight peeked through the gap between leaves of tree outside and wrapped his soft arms.

A square shaped hole was left on the roof, through which morning sunlight entered and feel on the silhouette of a lady.

Suchitra sat in Padmasan pose, eyes closed and lips continued to move as she chanted a mantra. Next moment, golden dust particles from nowhere, came and began revolving around her.

She slowly opened her eyes and lips curved into a smile seeing the effect of her practice. When snapped her fingers, dust moved and settled on a tiny plant in a pot kept aside window. After glowing for a few seconds, it dissapeared.

Baby shifted a bit, trying to rub his eyes with fumbling hands and began crying. Suchitra shook her head, picked up a towel and some oil as it was now time for his bath. He opened his eyes and looked at his mother's face, she picked him up and caressed his face.



He tried to snatch the oil bottle from her hand, she chuckled and walked out. ----------------------------------------------------------- Hastinapur,

'Are you even listening bhanje ?'

'What had happened to you ?'....

Shakuni clenched his fist in frustration but Duryodhan didn't listen as he was too engrossed in practicing with a mace.

He swinged his mace so hard that a nearby concrete statue was shattered into pieces with just a hit. He kept the mace down and wiped his sweat with a towel.

Shakuni :- Since two days I'm trying to talk but here you are, not even paying any attention.



Duryodhan :- I don't want to talk, so please leave me alone.

Shakuni :- What ? Don't want to talk ? Are you even in your senses ? First you didn't tell me what happened at Indraprasth, and when you did told me, you don't want to talk. And that stupid shameless girl, romancing with other men in front of her husband, these type of women are called....

Before he could say another word, Duryodhan's dagger was pointed at his neck. He gulped seeing his nephew's eyes, burning with fury.

Duryodhan :- Don't. Don't utter another word, or I'll forget you are my mamashree. (lowering my knife) Had you been someone else, I would've chopped the life outa you.

He released his grip on Shakuni, who stumbled down panting.

Duryodhan :- She is my wife, only I have the right to call her whatever I want and if I heard anyone else saying about her, that person would be inviting his death.

Shakuni :- You should be saying this to those Pandavs, that Karn, who dared to cast his eyes on your wife.

Duryodhan clenched his fist tightly.

Shakuni :- Use this opportunity mere bhanje, tell this to your pitamah and make it an issue, question his love for Pandavs, question the prestige of his Kuru vansh.

Duryodhan :- What will we benefit ?

Shakuni :- Jackpot bhanje, Jackpot! The respect, the image Pandavs have among the common people will be shattered within a second, no one will trust on them further, is this not what we wanted from very beginning ? Degrading the image of Pandu's sons in front of everyone.

Duryodhan :- What about my wife ? And children ?

Shakuni :- Is she really your wife ? Are those children yours ? Or a third person has entered your home.

Duryodhan :- MAMASHREE!

Shakuni :- Screaming at me won't help putra Duryodhan, desire for women had destroy greatest of men and history is evidence. You will get many more beautiful women for your bed, don't let this opportunity go from your hands.

Duryodhan :- This will remove the good image of Pandavs from hearts of people, but that won't give me any satisfaction.

Shakuni :- What else do you want bhanje ?

Duryodhan :- I want Karn to suffer the same pain as I am feeling, I want him to slowly burn in the fire of venegance and suffer. I want his wife on my feets, begging for her honour. The look on his face after that will give me the satisfaction I want.

Saying so, he went away, leaving behind a thoughtful Shakuni.

Shakuni :- Will have to mould him in a new way from now. ----------------------------------------------------------- Karn and Krishna arrived Koshal by the evening, security was hyper alert and soldiers were ready for attack any moment. As their chariot entered through the gates, senario was completely different.

Karn :- (chuckles) Well well, outside security is so tight while inside people don't even know what they're about to face.

Krishna :- I think it's a strategy put up by Maharaj Vaadkshemi to let the people be assured that they're safe and avoid unwanted troubles.

Karn :- Strategy is good but if the enemy would be one step ahead, this plan will severely backfire as they will not get any escape plan.

Krishna :- Lets see what they have in mind.

Maharaj Vaadkshemi stood at the palace entrance to welcome them both, along with him stood Maharani Chandrakala, Pallavi, Nandita, Chitrayu and other royals.

Pallavi noticed a chariot approaching, pulled by 4 beautiful white horses, a huge orange flag fluttering in air above it.



Narrowing her eyes, she could see the faces of divine looking men on it.

Krishna pulled the whips, urging the horses to stop, Karn stepped down and both were grandly welcomed. Maids rained flowers on them as they walked on red carpet laid on floor.

Karn :- (leaning closer to Krishna) Are we really here for participating in a war, it seems more like a welcome ceremony during a marriage function.

Krishna :- (laughs) Might be someone's marriage being planned, let's find out.



Now they stood in front of King and Queen.

Vaadkshemi :- Welcome Maharaj Karn, Vasudev Krishna.

Krishna :- Thank you for welcoming us Maharaj, admist all those tensions.

Chandrakala :- We will always be indebted to you for this help in the hour of need.

Karn :- Please don't make us embarrassed by saying this Maharani, if we won't help each other, who else will.

Chitrayu :- Please come inside and give us a chance to serve you.

Karn smiled at him and noded, they all walked inside. Gates were closed and guards again took their places to secure it. ----------------------------------------------------------- Amrit returned home, having done his work for the day, he sat down on a couch, feeling tired and sleepy.

Amrit :- Mata, I need something to eat immediately, I'm starving.

Radha :- I know, but snacks is not ready yet, take some fruits if you want.

He sighed and went to get an apple to eat, when returned, Radha stood there holding two pots.

Radha :- My son, you go and fill these pots, when you will come back, your food will be ready.

He made an irritated face at her sugar coated smile, she handed him the pots and ruffled his hair.

He mentally groaned and walked out, reaching near the river, he saw Shivangi playing with her friends. Seeing him, she tried to hide but couldn't, then smiled nervously.

Shivangi :- Bhrata....

Amrit :- I didn't expect anything either, roaming around all the time and where is Shon ?



Shivangi :- He's with pitashree, at the shop.

Amrit :- Well, atleast he knows where he should be.

Shivangi :- Please bhrata, don't tell mata, or she won't give me any dinner today.

Amrit :- That might teach you a lesson.

Shivangi :- It won't happen again, I'll do anything, but please don't tell mata.

He handed her the pots and she ran away to fill them. Sitting under a tree, he caressed the apple with his thumb.

Amrit :- You're my only friend for now.

As he was about to eat,

'HELP' 'HELP PLEASE'

A girl's screams were heard.

Amrit :- Shivangi!

He threw the apple away and ran towards the river, a girl was seen drowning in the deep waters. Without wasting a second, he jumped in and caught the girl before the flowing stream could carry her away with it.

Coming out, he laid her on ground and brushed aside the hairs, revealing a beautiful face, but she wasen't Shivangi.

Crowd had gathered around, he felt a hand tapping his shoulder and looked up.

Shivangi :- Is she okay ? Who is she ?

He took a sigh of relief and shook his head, she too looked at her face but couldn't recognise, maybe a newcomer.

Amrit :- Are the pots filled ?

Shivangi noded and they went away, as other women arrived to help the girl. ----------------------------------------------------------- Arjun practice archery in front of evening sun and reddish sky.

His strong hands pulled an arrow upto max and released it upwards, making it dissapear in the sky.

He sat on a rock to catch some breaths before going back. Taking a few gulps of water from a pouch, he closed his eyes, breathing in the fresh air. Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around his neck from behind, he felt a figure lean onto him and smiled.

Arjun :- Subu, we're out in the garden, anyone can come and see us here.

Subhadra :- Mr charming is scared if someone sees him with his.... to be wife.

Arjun :- So miss.... to be wife, what's the reason of this sudden boldness.



She came and sat beside, leaning her head on his shoulder, he wrapped his arm around her from back.

Subhadra :- You know we will return to Dwarika after bhrata Krishna comes back from Koshal along with bhrata Karn.

Arjun :- Hmmm, I heard from Rukmini bhabhishree, she said that Dau is having some trouble with Finance committee.

Subhadra :- Do you know, jiji too loves bhrata Karn.

Arjun :- (chuckles) What's new in it, everyone knows this.

Subhadra :- And now this kingdom is also becoming stable, bhrata Karn is planning for Rajsuya yagya very soon, that family trouble and conflict for throne is also not here. Don't you think we should talk to elders about.... us.... I mean....



Arjun :- We should get married, right ?

She noded, cheeks turning pink.

Arjun :- I too think the same, but it somewhat depends on Jeysth.

Subhadra :- How ?

Arjun :- What if he doesn't want to marry your sister ?

Subhadra slapped his arm lightly.

Subhadra :- Trying to underestimate my sister, do you think she will let him say this. She would literally fry up his brain giving him lectures.

Both laughed at the lame joke.

'So I am the frying machine now'

Arjun looked her but she shook her head telling this isn't her voice. A throat clear made them turn back, Jhanvi stood there, crossing her arms.

Subhadra ran away immediately, she looked at Arjun with raised eyebrows to which he smiled nervously.

Arjun :- I think.... mata is calling me.

He picked up his things and went away, now Jhanvi laughed at them both. ----------------------------------------------------------- Anga,

Pristi paced back and forth outside a chamber, from a window nearby, it can be seen that sky has now turned dark blue, with a few stars begining to twinkle.

Worry lines could be seen on her forehead as a parchment was held in her left palm.

Door opened and came out an elderly man.

Pristi :- How is he now Vaidhya ji ?



Man sighed and shook his head.

Vaidhya :- Due to deep wounds, he lost considerable amount of blood and needs utmost care.

Pristi :- Rest everything fine.

Vaidhya :- This is just the starting, princess. Last time too, I told him not to use all those local uncertified drugs but he didn't listen, moreover he did intake so much wine that toxic is slowly beginning to spread in his blood.

Pristi :- (joining her hands) Please save him, there's gotta be some way, I can't see him like this, it's been almost a day and he hasen't woken up.

Vaidhya :- I'm trying my best princess, I have sent letters to some know doctors, calling them here, meanwhile maids are taking care of medicines been given to him.

She wiped her tears, trying to stay calm.

Vaidhya :- Is there something he wants, or desire to have someone, I mean no common person has this level of madness, and if he/she has, either he/she is a patriot or is in love, obsessed about something.

Pristi :- Aa... woh... if there's something else you require, please do let me know.

She walked away with an uneasy face. ----------------------------------------------------------- Stars began twinkling as sky was now consumed by darkness.

Krishna laid down on a swing in garden, leaning his head on right hand (in his style) and closed his eyes.

Cool breeze began blowing, making sure that lord dosen't have any discomfort, bushes behind formed an umbrella above his figure. Trees swayed their leaves to add soothing music.

He opened his eyes when felt a pair of hands massaging his feet.

Krishna :- (smiling) What are you doing bhrata ? You are elder to me.

Karn :- Take some rest Madhav, you must be tired driving the chariot all day long.



Krishna :- A person feels tired when he does some work, a job. Driving your chariot to its destination is not my job, it's my responsibility and I will never be tired of doing it.

Karn :- Then I too have a responsibility.

Krishna :- And what is that ?

Karn :- To always make sure that I follow each and every advise by my charioteer in order to reach my destination.

Krishna again closed his eyes slowly, relaxing himself and welcoming the Goddess of sleep as Karn continued to massage his feet.

Pallavi and Nandita, who were passing by, noticed them in the garden. Krishna laid on swing with his eyes closed and Karn was massaging his feet.

Nandita :- They're very close friends, I think.

Pallavi :- Ya, the way they laugh and talk, behave with each other, seems like they've known each other for ages.

They went away, leaving the mashals with flickering flames. ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

Phew, most complicated chapter written by me till now. Has my writing style changed a bit, from what I used to write to what I write now.

Many of my readers were indirectly asking for Karn's family in the PM.

Don't worry Guys, when I said you won't be dissapointed at the end, then I mean it, there will be a happy ending.

And if you think this story will end after the war, then you're wrong.

I'm working on its sequel, Rashmi Rathi 2, which will follow the story of aftermath and it's effects, Ashwamedh yagya etc. But Karn won't be in lead role there, that part will feature Shatrunjay and other remaining sons.

Next chapter will be the war against asur army, which kind of action scene you want to see, Fighting type, like between Karn and Banasur or War type, like between Karn and Jarasandh.

Target :- 78 votes. (Now I will update only when it's complete)

Do comment if you have any suggestions.