'Its.... it's my fault, how can I not know'

'Look, I know whatever happened, you were under his illusion...'

'No, how could I not recognise you, we've known each other for ages...'

'Relax, first you listen to me...'

'I can't just....'

Karn found himself in a dark space, he saw a woman walking towards a source of light.

Woman :- I'm sorry arya, I'll have to go.

She had her back towards him so he couldn't see her face, moreover the light was too much for him to even open his eyes properly.

Karn :- Wait... who are you ? How come I became your husband... excuse me....

Before he could ask further, water splashed on his face and he woke up abruptly, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. Looked around to notice familiar surrounding, he was in a chamber, on bed.

'He's awake, go and inform others'

A maid ran out and he turned to see Raj Vaidhya sitting next to his bed.

Vaidhya :- How are you feeling now, Maharaj ?

Karn :- Hot, I... like I'm burning up.

Vaidhya :- It'll be fine in a few hrs, just take some rest and try not do something that heats up your body again, it might be worse next time.

Karn :- When did I get here ?



Vaidhya :- About a day, your body was literally on fire, but now you seem better, now please excuse me, I may leave.

Karn noded and he went out, just then others came in. Krishna, Shalya, Vaadkshemi, Chitrayu, Chandrakala, Pallavi and Nandita came upto him.

Karn smiled at his friend, who sat beside him.

Krishna :- How you feeling ?

Karn :- I've been better, but still, I'm good.

Shalya :- You had us worried putr, after what your condition was, when we bought you back here.

Karn :- Ya, what about war, what happened there.

He said making everyone chuckle. Chandrakala caressed his head.

Vaadkshemi :- We won, and all thanks to you... you fought with that mighty asur, defeated and killed him.

Chitrayu :- And the scene there, was beyond any..... haven't seen anything like that before.

Karn :- I too didn't knew how that happened.... I felt powerful, energetic.... as if something inside me has awaken.

Krishna :- It happens, specially when you experience something like that for the first time.

Karn :- Not only me, you should be thankful to Madhav, without my friend, I don't think that would've been possible at all.

Chandrakala :- You both sure share a very good bond, just like siblings.

Vaadkshemi :- You better take your rest, we should leave and you may have something to eat.

After elders left, Krishna moved towards the door, Karn too put the blanket aside and slowly stood up.

Krishna :- Where now ?

Karn :- Uh... I think I'll feel better under sunlight out there in garden, will have my breakfast there only.

Krishna glanced at Pallavi, who was walking away.

Krishna :- Sakhi.

She turned to look at him.

Krishna :- I'm sure you won't mind helping my bhrata here for a walk in garden.

Karn :- What do you mean ? I'm fine...

Even before completing the sentence, he fell back on bed with a thud, didn't realise his body was still a little dizzy.

Krishna :- Whether you wanna accept it or not, but your body needs some time to recover.

Karn sighed in defeat, there's no point arguing. Pallavi nodded assuringly.

Pallavi :- Don't worry, I'll take care.

Krishna :- So nice of you.

He went away, leaving them alone, Karn looked at her waiting face.

Karn :- Fine, give me a hand.

She helped him get up and took him to the garden. ----------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere in Gadgundar forest,

A cave was hidden using illusion, which is capital of asurs living here.

Sumali sat on a raised platform, eyes closed as she tried to complete a mantra. A ball of energy appeared in front of her but vanished the next second. She sighed in frustration and went near a window.



Gajasur, who sat beside his unconscious brother, noticed his elder sister's sad face.

Gajasur :- I know this time is hard jiji, with all that happened, but it won't just pass away...

Sumali :- It can't be ignored either Gaja.

Gajasur :- For that you need to take a hold of yourself, you need to be strong to face it. Once my brother is all fit and fine, I'm not gonna leave that Karn, he's a one tough bastard. But how did he managed to kill jijashree...

Sumali :- No, it wasen't him, I don't think that fool could've done something like that. It was setup by the other person with him, one with peacock feather on his crown. Who was he ? His aura... his powers... he surely isn't any normal being.

Gajasur :- If you wanted, you would've crushed them all single handedly...

Sumali :- All, except the one with peacock feathers... he's something... need to find out... but...

She looked down at her hands, which now seemed powerless, she shook her head and sat beside him.

Sumali :- But... almost all of my powers is... just gone, hardwork of all these years is now... useless.

She caressed Makrasur's head.

Sumali :- You'll be fine soon and will take your revenge yourself. Seeing you reminds me of Karambha, although I didn't gave birth to him but... he was no less than a son to me and when I saw him lying dead... on his own pyre... couldn't believe if it was real. But his sacrifice won't go in vain... that Karn will get the first hand experience of how it feels when your son lies dead in front of you.

Gajasur :- Hmmm... But what untill then ?

Sumali :- I'll go and meet gurudev, he might be knowing a way I could get my powers back.

Gajasur stood up and left while she sat near her brother, preparing some medicines. ----------------------------------------------------------- Krishna entered the conference room to find others already seated along with many other higher officials.

Vaadkshemi noded to the guards, they went out and came back pulling tied up Jayadrath along. He was presented in front of all.

Chitrayu :- You wanna say something in your defence.

Jayadrath :- What are you waiting for ? Kill me already.



Krishna :- You very well know Sindhu Raj, that we won't, you are son-in-law of Maharaj Dhritrashtr. And I don't think anyone here would want enmity with Hastinapur.

Shalya noded in agreement.

Shalya :- You were the one to help Dantvatra, so why did he capture you only.

Jayadrath clenched his fist glaring at him angrily.

Chitrayu :- It dosen't seems to me like you're in any condition to negotiate, so just start talking.

Jayadrath :- That Ajeya Kameshti yagya, which he failed to complete.... we had a deal that I'll help him in attacking Koshal and in return, he will give me the procedure to this yagya. But when he himself decided to complete it, I tried to remind him of his promise and he ordered his soldiers to capture me.

Krishna :- Ajeya Kameshti yagya cannot be completed without a valuable sacrifice, and you know that. So, what had you planned to sacrifice, Sindhu Raj.

Jayadrath gulped nervously, looking at Krishna.

Vaadkshemi :- You don't have any option available here, Sindu naresh, so it'll be better if you answer the questions being asked.

Jayadrath :- My... my beloved wife... Dushala.

Krishna :- (narrowing his eyes) Only your wife, or someone else too.

Jayadrath wiped the sweat off his forehead.

Jayadrath :- She... she's pregnant.

All glared at him disgustedly, Krishna glanced at Shalya.

Krishna :- I hope now everyone here understood why I was suggesting not to include bhrata here in the sabha.

Shalya :- You only tell Vasudev, what punishment should we give him.

Krishna looked at Jayadrath for a moment and sighed.

Krishna :- Firstly, Sindhu will have to pay a war indemnity to Koshal for helping one of its enemy.

Jayadrath :- Fine.

Krishna :- And now that we are well aware of your mentality and motives, I don't think Maharani of Sindhu is safe, be it in her own kingdom.

Jayadrath :- What ?

Krishna :- Dushala won't be living in Sindhu anymore, from now she will be with her brothers and kakishree. She will go back only when you will come to Indraprasth, apologise to her, accept your sin and promise her to never repeat that again.

Jayadrath :- You can't do that Vasudev, no way I'm letting that happen.

Vaadkshemi :- Take him out.

A few guards surrounded him, forcing him to walk out.

Jayadrath :- You're not getting away with it, Vasudev, remember.

Sabha was called out and all went back to their respective works. ----------------------------------------------------------- A chariot stopped in front of magnificent palace of Indraprasth.

Maharaj Vyagradatt stepped down along with his wife, both looked amazed at the beauty of surroundings.

Royal family gathered there to welcome them, Yudhisthir came foreward joining his hands.

Yudhisthir :- I, yuvraj of Indraprasth, Pandu putra Yudhisthir welcome you to our palace. Hope you didn't had any trouble in the journey and please do the honour of accepting our hospitality.

Vyagradatt :- Thanks you very much yuvraj, for this warm welcome. And I apologise if any inconvenience was caused due to our sudden arrival.

As they were talking, Sanjana saw their daughter, who watched them with teary eyes. Awantika didn't knew what to feel, to be happy or suspicious of her father's sudden arrival. She noticed her mother's gaze, longings reflecting in her love filled eyes, then she looked at her father.

Vyagradatt couldn't make himself to utter a single word, standing in front of his daughter, whom once he considered a disgrace, but now... things were different. Keeping aside all his insecurities, he joined his hands, hoping for acceptance.

Awantika immediately hugged her father as she cried, feeling a father's supportive embrace, which she craved for, since childhood.

Vyagradatt :- How are you putri ? How have you been ?

Was the only thing he managed to ask, Awantika wiped his tears and smiled, all her insecurities washed away by father's love.

Awantika :- I missed you all a lot, not a moment passed when the thought of coming back didn't came to my mind but... I couldn't gather enough courage.



Vyagradatt :- I am sorry for all that I said to you putri, how I treated you... I don't know what I had in mind back then.

Awantika :- Please pitashree, please don't recall that again. I want to forget all that and move on, I want my family to be happy, I need my parents' blessings.

Sanjana :- Our blessings are always with you my daughter.

She too embraced her, patting her daughter's head lovingly.

Awantika :- I missed you Mata, I missed you a lot, what took you so long.

Sanjana :- I am here now, stop crying and smile, it's a moment to be happy, so no more tears.

Awantika noded with a happy smile and turned to see the royal family, who waited for her reunion to end. She led her parents to Kunti.

Awantika :- Mata, pitashree, she is rajmata Kunti, the lady you should be grateful to.

Vyagradatt bent to touch her feet but Kunti stopped him before he could.

Kunti :- What are you doing Maharaj ? Why are touching my feet ?

Vyagradatt :- Even if I keep my crown away and serve your feet for this lifetime, I won't be able to express my gratitude. How can I thank you rajmata, for saving my daughter, treating her as your own, giving her all the love and care she craved for.

Kunti :- There's no need Maharaj, had there been any girl in place of her, I would've done the same. Avni... well, she is now a part of our family too.

Vyagradatt :- Where is Maharaj Karn ?

Yudhisthir :- He is in Koshal for now, helping them in a war against Sindhu.

Awantika :- They are his younger brothers. Bhrata Yudhisthir, Bheem, Arjun, Sahdev and... Nakul.

Sanjana :- Oh... so you are our to be son in law, putra, will you not take our blessings.

Nakul and Awantika looked at them surprised and brothers laughed. He touched their feet and they blessed him wholeheartedly. Awantika them gestured towards other ladies present.

Awantika :- She is jiji Draupadi, bhrata Karn's wife, she is jiji Rukmini, bhrata Krishna's wife, they are his sisters, Jhanvi and Subhadra.

All joined their hands and greeted each other, they went in chatting happily. ----------------------------------------------------------- Karn sat on a bench with Pallavi's help, closing his eyes he felt warm sunlight caressing his figure in order to heal his wounds.

Pallavi sat beside, watching keenly as his pendant began to glow. Few rabbits came running and gathered near her feet, she picked one of them and caressed it's fur.

Karn :- I guess they like you a lot.

Pallavi :- They are not yet grown up, so they consider me as their mother. I've been looking after them since they were born.

Karn :- Seems like it.

He closed his eyes again, feeling the relaxing sunbathe.

Pallavi :- I... wanted to thank you, Maharaj.

Karn :- Why ?

Pallavi :- For, you know, saving me, helping my father in this war.

Karn laughed and shook his head.

Karn :- What are you waiting for then.

Pallavi :- I'm not joking, I don't think anyone here had any hope to win before you arrived here.

Karn :- Okay okay sorry, but there's no need. Like your father, someday I might be needing help, and I believe your father won't turn me down.

Pallavi :- He sure will, or if he doesn't I'll make sure he does.

He looked at her with raised eyebrows and she laughed. Just then Nandita came there carrying a plate of food.

Nandita :- Vasudev said that you might be needing something to eat, you can try it, I prepared it myself.



Karn :- Sure why not, I'm starving.

Pallavi looked at her sister sharply to which she made a puppy face. Karn took a spoonful of kheer and placed it in his mouth, but the taste... almost made him cough, forcefully, he gulped everything in.

Karn :- You sure you added sugar in it.

Nandita :- Yup, ain't it good, you can have some tea if you want.

She gave him a cup of tea, as soon as it touched his tongue, Karn spewed it out and began coughing, he quickly took a jug and drank all the water.

Karn :- Was it really sugar or you confused it with salt.

Nandita :- I'm pretty sure it was sugar, wait... what was in that white jar.

Pallavi :- Nandita!!! You always mess everything up, now take it back and bring the food which can be taken.

Nandita :- Sorry sorry sorry, I didn't mean to, actually... uh... I'll bring something else.

She took the plate and ran away.

Pallavi :- Try not to cook it yourself now.

She turned to look at Karn who sat scratching his head from the effect of excessive salt.

Pallavi :- Are you okay Maharaj, I apologise for my sister.

Karn :- It's okay, but please, stop calling me Maharaj every now and then. It's feels very odd you know, I'm not used to this.

Pallavi :- What can I call you then ?

Karn :- I have many names, Radhey, Vasu, Karn, you can called me by any.

Pallavi :- Won't it seem akward.



Karn :- Why would it be ?

Pallavi :- How about Radhey ?

Karn :- Well, fine for me.

They sat talking under the morning sun as rabbits hopped around. ----------------------------------------------------------- Draupadi reached inside her chamber to find Jhanvi sitting on the bed, probably waiting for her. Seeing her, she stood up.

Jhanvi :- Can we talk ?

Draupadi noded with a sigh and gestured her towards balcony. Both stood by the railing, watching the carts moving in and leaving from palace entrance.

Jhanvi :- Mind if continue the previous talk we had.

Draupadi :- What do wanna ask ?

Jhanvi :- I want to know what did you mean when you said that you won't interfere. Did I blame you or say something to you that I don't remember, or did Radhey said anything that he shouldn't.

Draupadi :- No Jhanvi, you're taking it in wrong direction, I never meant to say something like that. I know you will never willingly say anything that would hurt me, and arya, he never says anything at all.



Jhanvi :- Then what is it ?

Draupadi :- I... I know you both love each other, way before than I even got to know about him, and... would've got married if I didn't came in between.

Jhanvi :- What all this nonsense are going on talking sakhi ? Has something entered your brain, why would you even think like that. Me loving him has nothing to do with you, why are you blaming yourself unnecessarily. You are like my sister, I can never be angry on you.

Draupadi :- It's... it's not something that came in my mind out of nowhere. I... I saw a weird dream.

Jhanvi :- Weird dream ?

Draupadi :- Ya... kind of nightmare. I was in a dark space, there I saw a lady walking towards a source of light, and... there was a man who stood watching her with tear filled eyes. I... I fear that he looked like arya.

Jhanvi :- What ?

Draupadi :- That's why I was afraid for him, I just cannot see him like that, I want him to be happy and that isn't possible without you. I started to feel like I became a barrier between you two.

Jhanvi took a sigh of relief and smiled at her.

Jhanvi :- It was just a nightmare, okay, forget about it. Just know that you are not at fault, you are my sister and I am not at all angry on you.



She pulled her in a hug and Draupadi's lips twitched into a smile at her new sister.

Just then there was a knock at the door, Jhanvi noded and both went out. ----------------------------------------------------------- Krishna, Shalya and Vaadkshemi sat in a chamber, enjoying a game of dice.

Shalya :- Mitr, after Indraprasth and Koshal have joined hands, I don't think there would be any external aggression here in the near future.

Vaadkshemi :- Yeah, and Koshal will get enough time to recover from the losses and regain its power.

After some thinking, Shalya spoke again.

Shalya :- Don't you think it's putri Pallavi's age to get married.

Vaadkshemi :- What are you saying ?

Krishna sat suppressing his smile hearing their conversation.



Shalya :- She is now grown up and you should start thinking of her marriage.

Vaadkshemi :- Hmmm... but finding a perfect son in law is not as easy as this dice game.

Shalya wanted to slap his forehead.

Shalya :- Bagal mein hai chora aur sehar mein dhindora. (translate it yourself 😅)

Krishna began to laugh at this.

Vaadkshemi :- What do you mean mitr ?

Krishna :- He means to say can you find a husband for your daughter better than bhrata Karn.

Vaadkshemi :- Karn...

Shalya :- Yes, think about it mitr, lifetime relation will be established between kingdoms. Think about your daughter, how happy she would be to get a loving, prosperous family. She will be the wife of foremost warrior of aryavarth. Queen of Indraprasth.

Vaadkshemi took a slow breath, engrossed in his thoughts.

Shalya :- Have you thought anything about Karn and Pallavi's marriage.

Vaadkshemi :- I.... don't know what to say.

Shalya :- I being his mamashree, ask for your daughter's hand in marriage for my nephew Karn.

Vaadkshemi :- Won't you ask him, I mean what if he doesn't want to.

Krishna :- Leave that to me, it's my responsibility to convince him. What do you think ?

Vaadkshemi :- I need to talk to her before deciding anything.

He stood up and left silently, Krishna noded assuringly to Shalya. ----------------------------------------------------------- Duryodhan stood in front of dressing mirror putting his necklace around his neck, and combed his hair.

A blue angvastra with golden border was placed on his left shoulder, he turned aside to notice his wife, Bhanu, who gave him a faint smile. He noded silently and adjusted it, she then helped him wear his crown.

Duryodhan :- Mamashree called everyone to the conference room, don't be late.

She noded and he went towards the gate, before he could go out, Bhanu's voice made him stop.

Bhanu :- Arya.

He slowly turned to look at her.

Bhanu :- After.... the meeting today is over, can we have a talk, only us, there's a lot of misunderstandings that needs to be cleared out.



Thinking for a moment, he glanced at her again.

Duryodhan :- Fine, but first get ready and be there on time.

He went away leaving her alone to ponder about it even more. ------------ Bhism, Dhritrashtr, Gandhari, Vidur, Kripacharya, Dron, Duryodhan, Dussasan and Bhanumati seated themselves in the conference room and waited for Shakuni to start the discussion.

Vidur :- Gandhar naresh, can we now get to know the important news on which you wanted this urgent meeting.

Dhritrashtr :- Yes Shakuni, why was it this urgent.

Shakuni got up with a winning smile and came near his eldest nephew. Bhism observed his every moment, having a feeling that this wicked man is sure planning something big.

Shakuni :- It is urgent mahamantri Vidur, as it concerns the prestige of this virtuous kuru vansh, and already enough time has been lost due to some unknown conflicts.

Duryodhan clenched his fist noticing his mamashree's suspicious eyes.

Bhism :- Words like prestige and virtue dosen't sit well with your personality, Gandhar Raj, moreover there are many other concerned elders present who very well take care about our prestige.

Shakuni :- Tatshree... why are you being angry, I was saying that some things that I got to know, if got spilled out, can put a black spot on this kuru vansh's glorious past.

Gandhari :- What are you talking about, Jeysth ?

Dhritrashtra :- Come to point Shakuni.

Shakuni :- As you say jijashree, we recently visited Indraprasth, established by Pandavs. We stayed there for a day to explore it's magnificent beauty.

Duryodhan's head shot up and he glared at his mamashree to stop.



But Shakuni continued ignoring him.

Shakuni :- So putri Bhanumati, will you explain us all what you were doing in the arms of Jeysth Pandu putr Karn... ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

Wow wow wow 🥳🥳 Not for the ending 😅, actually I came back after watching Spiderman No Way Home exclusively in the theater. I can't just express my feelings right now, it just left me spell bound, hundreds of scenes that made me jump from my seat. The hall turned into a stadium, just OMG.

I will suggest, if you can, you should go and enjoy this movie, it surely deserves a standing ovation.

Okay okay, coming back to the story, what do you think is gonna happen ?

What was that weird dream ? Does it has any connection with past ?

Can Vaadkshemi convince his daughter for this alliance ?

What will be the reaction of elders on this revelation ? Will Bhanu be able to prove her POV ? What will Duryo do ? Will he go against his uncle and take his wife's side ?

Keep reading to find out.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

Will see you in the next chapter, untill then take care and bye.