Hastinapur,

Sitting on a comfortable chair in her chamber, Sumali kept herself busy drawing something on a parchment.

She looked up hearing a knock on the door and went to open it, only to find Gandhar Raj Shakuni standing there.

Sumali :- Kakashree, you here, could've sent for me.

Shakuni :- I know, moreover I'm not that old yet for me to call anyone to my chamber to meet him/her.

He walked in and Sumali closed the door, following him towards the sitting area.

Placing himself on a seat, he took a slow deep breath.

Shakuni :- I've prepared a list of best doctors from Gandhar, they'll be here in a few days so you can take them to your brother.

Sumali :- I already knew you would, that's the reason I came here in the first place. But, you're not here just to tell me this.

Shakuni :- How can you tell ?

Sumali :- I've known you before kakashree, you never let your brain rest. Moreover, your expressions don't match the mood of news you just gave.

He sighed and glanced out to the partially cloudy sky through the window.

Shakuni :- I've heard that time has the power to heal worst of wounds, and from my personal experience, I found there still are exceptions to the case. There are wounds which get permanently etched into our memories that it becomes our fate.

Sumali :- What... wounds... memories..

Shakuni :- There are some... no words to understand... only suffer, knowing there's no cure available, nor will ever be.

Sumali :- What are you trying to imply kakashree ?... I don't... understand. What really happened ?



Shakuni :- Something which changed my life forever, something which became my fate.

He said touching his left leg, recalling the tortures of the past.

Shakuni :- But more than myself, I'm concerned about my dearest nephew.

Sumali :- Oh... what's the deal with him ? Doesn't like to talk to anyone, haven't seen him out of his room except for when called for supper, looks lonely... why is everyone so weird ?

He snickered, shaking his head.

Shakuni :- That is very true, not everyone is as thoughtful as you, so they seem weird. But the point is, I don't want him go through the pain I did. I want him to be happy and content in his life. And for that, he needs to talk to me, or anyone, atleast let his frustration out, which he's been building up inside.

Sumali :- So what's the matter ? Why is he like that ?

Shakuni :- He lost his wife.

Sumali :- Lost ?

Shakuni :- More like she left him, for someone else.

Sumali :- She left him!! And who is that 'someone'.

Shakuni :- The same person who killed your husband, Jeysth Pandav, Karn. The person to whom Maharaj Dhritrashtra gave away half of the kingdom which my nephew is entitled to, the same person who is Vasudev Krishna's friend. The person who is reason for the pains my nephew is going through. She left my nephew for him.

Sumali clenched her fist hearing his name.

Sumali :- Pandu putr Karn!! This man is involved in almost every problem of kuru family. And if he's not enough, Vasudev Krishna fills the other half, but they are not common obstacles. When together, there's no power in three worlds which can put a stop on them.

Shakuni :- That is not the cause of worry for now. Our time will also arrive, they're humans too, bound to make mistakes, even if they do not, I'll make them. And once I get a hold of his throat, I'll squeeze the life out of him. Entire family of Maharaj Pandu will have no other option but to suffer. Just wait for the right moment, we'll burn them upto the point they'll curse themselves. But at this moment, my cause of worry is Duryodhan's behaviour.

He stared at her with an expectant face.

Sumali :- Is it just help ?

He chuckled seeing her teasing smile.

Shakuni :- Whatever you wanna call it, just get him to talk.

Sumali :- I'll speak to him, but don't expect anything else.

Shakuni :- I didn't ask for anything else.

He said before moved out of the chamber and began walking towards his own. An evil grin appeared on his face.

'Gangaputr Bhism, I will stop at nothing short of your family's never ending misery'

Footsteps began resounding in the corridor as Dussasan came running towards him.

Dussasan :- Mamashree, where were you, I've been searching for you all around.

Shakuni :- What now ? Has Duryodhan done anything stupid again ?

Dussasan :- No no, it's about Karn, he's been exile.

Surprise grasped his facial features as he stared at his nephew.

Shakuni :- Are... you... sure ?

Dussasan :- 100%, I've heard kakishree Kunti speaking to Pitamah.

Shakuni :- Hmmm... where are they ?

Dussasan :- They were going to tell kakashree Vidur.

Shakuni :- Let's go, find out what's the entire matter.



"So you've decided you're not going to listen to me"

"That's not what I mean"

He sighed and took her hand in his', Karn stared in his wife's loving eyes.

Draupadi :- Then why is that I can't come along with you.

She caressed his cheek, reciprocating his stare.

Karn :- I already told you, that is not the option, the punishment for exile has been given to me, not you, not Pallavi, or anyone else. It's me who has to go. That is what the sage had said.

Draupadi :- I wanna meet him then.

Karn :- No idea where he might be now.

Draupadi :- This is all just nonsense!!

She took a glass of water and drank it in one go.

Draupadi :- I can't believe this is even happening.

She got up and turned away from him, wiping her tears.

Draupadi :- Did you even think how will it be without you ? How will I spend the next seven years without you ? Did you even think about our child ? What will I tell him or her when asked about you ?

He pulled her in a hug, with her head resting near his heart as he wrapped his arms around her.

Karn :- I wouldn't lie to you. I won't say that seven years will pass in the blink of an eye. I won't say that everything will be fine. I won't say that me not being here will not make any difference. It will, time will be hard, for all of us, but there's no other option, denying it will only delay the inevitable.

She broke the hug and caressed his face again, and he slowly wiped her tears.

Draupadi :- I'll miss you Arya, every day, all the time. Living without you will be like living in hell.

Karn :- Same goes for me, when you won't be there beside me, each and every second will feel like an eternity. Without my brothers, it will be lonely. The thought of all the precious moments that I'll be missing will never let me be in peace. Next seven years I will be at constant war, within myself.

They smiled at each other and joined their foreheads.

Karn :- But no matter how dark and scary the night is, sun is sure to rise the next morning to spread it's warmth. Same way, it won't last forever, seven years will come to an end someday. We will meet again, our family will be complete.

She looked up into his glistening eyes.

Draupadi :- Go then Arya, rise above times of despair, fulfill your destiny. I'll be here, waiting for you, I won't let our family crumble, we will be together and united as forever.

Karn :- Thank you... for being a part of my life.... thank you... for blessing me with your presence... thank you... for teaching me that courage doesn't always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says I'm here with you. I can't ever thank you enough.

He kissed her forehead and pulled her in a hug for one last time.

Karn :- Come on, it's time for me to take leave.

Reluctantly, she let go of him and he picked his stuff, which he'd packed in a saffron bag and took his Vijay dhanush, then they walked out towards the hall where others were waiting.

Yudhisthir sat on his seat looking down, Sahdev sitting beside him patting his back. Nakul seemed to be on the verge of tears, Arjun leaning on a pillar, his face having lost its colour, Bheem kept pacing around. Devika stood along with Pallavi whose eyes were swollen with dried tears marks on her cheeks.

All the heads snapped at him as they heard his footsteps. Brothers at once rushed to give him a hug, then they stood in front of him and he smiled, a tear rolling down his eye.

Nakul :- Is it really necessary Jeysth.

Karn :- It's not in my hands, Anuj.

Arjun :- Couldn't it be that I went in your place.

Karn shook his head and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.

Karn :- We talked about it, there's nothing you or I can do to avoid it. But before I leave, I want some promises from all of you.

Yudhisthir joined his hands.

Yudhisthir :- Please Jeysth, order us.

Karn :- It's not an order. You remember when we first arrived in Khandavprasth to establish our kingdom. People in thousands came along with us because they trusted us, they believed that we will build something strong and protective, a place that is peaceful, a place where everyone would want to live, a place where someone's cast or his birth won't be a barrier, a place where no child would die of hunger, a place where justice won't be denied to the aggrieved. I want this trust of theirs to remain.

Yudhisthir :- It will, Jeysth, we promise you.

Karn :- Knowing throne of Indraprasth will remain vacant for next seven years, some outsider might come up with the idea to fill it up. Bheem, Arjun, both of you are my most trusted warriors, it'll be your responsibility to protect Indraprasth in case of attack.

Bheem & Arjun :- Till the moment we're alive, no outsider can even take a handful of soil from Indraprasth.

Karn :- One last thing.

He patted Yudi's shoulder.

Karn :- You are the eldest now, head of the family, Nakul and Sahdev will be under you. So it'll be your responsibility to get them married.

Sahdev :- I will not accept to get married when you won't be there to bless me.

Karn :- My blessings are always will you all. What I want is when I return, my family should be complete.

Sahdev hung his head and sighed. Karn moved towards Pallavi, who gave him a faint smile.

Karn :- Please, take care of them.

Pallavi :- You too Arya, take care.

He then looked at Devika, whose face missed the smile and glow of a newly wedded bride.

Karn :- I apologise for all that's going on, it's not what a woman would like when she first steps inside her home. I'm sorry I couldn't avoid it....

Devika :- You don't have to apologise Jeysth, if it's the destiny, no one can do anything about it. I know you want your family to always stay united, being daughter in law of Maharaj Pandu, I will do my best to lend a hand in it.

Karn :- Yudhisthir is very lucky to have you as his wife. May you both be happy forever.

He then took a look at all the people present in the hall.

Karn :- It's now the time to take my leave.

They followed him out towards the palace gate, where they said their final goodbyes, before he began walking away, carrying his stuff. Leaving his family members behind, who watched his departure with teary eyes.

Draupadi felt her heart breaking with every step he took away from her, and if the pain of spending next seven years away from him was not enough, she will have to raise a child who won't get to play with his/her father during childhood. All he cared for was his family, she resolved to keep it safe from all kinds of misery.

Yudhisthir felt his heart going heavy with the weight of sorrow, never had he imagined since he met his elder brother that he will not have him to look up to. Time wasn't going to be easy but he will keep up with the promise given.

The thought of staying away from his elder brother, that too, for seven years was too much for Bheemsen, who felt a surge of frustration and sadness pass through him. No matter how much he wanted to scream and cry, this was the time to stay strong, for him and his family. When Duryodhan and his uncle Shakuni will get to know about this, they will definitely try some stunts. He vowed to be his family's sheild and protect them.

Arjun felt a rush of emotions seeing his brother walk away, tears slowly blurring his vision. He couldn't believe this was really happening, it felt like a never ending nightmare. All he could think about, was his elder brother, the person who became so close to his heart in such a short time. He closed his eyes and memories of all the moments with his elder brother flooded his mind. He recalled every conversation, every laugh, every moment of love and support they shared together. He knew they will meet again after seven years but for now, it did hurt.

Nakul's eyes had turned to a bright shade of red by now, but he couldn't make out whether it was from anger or sadness. He couldn't feel his senses for the thought of next seven years without his eldest had the good of his mind.

Sahdev stood behind trying his best to control the emotions that threatened to flow like a stream. Though he was the youngest of brothers and had some leverage, he couldn't break down at such moment, when everyone needs support.

Feeling her heartbeats going slower by every second, Pallavi's breathing quickened. Was she really falling for her husband ? Whom she didn't even knew properly before her marriage ? Why is this seperation so painful ? Her mind wandered aimlessly, searching for answers.

Devika stood beside her husband, holding his hand, she wouldn't leave it in this critical moment, not now, and ever.



Bhism opened his eyes, having finished his prayer to Surya Dev. A quiet and peaceful morning, echoed with chirping of birds and insects, coupled with cool monsoon winds.

'Tatshree'

A feminine voice addressed him and he smiled recognising it.

Kunti's eyes reflected worry and uncertainty, obvious for a mother whose son has been exiled. She shouldn't be though, for her sons are among the foremost of warriors in Aryavart, but Bhism knew those lines on her forehead were not for their safety, but for their unity.

Bhism :- If you're worrying about their bond, I'd say you're posing doubts on your own upbringing, putri. Sons of Pandu will always stand together and united, I trust them on this.

Kunti :- I understand Tatshree, but seven years... it's not a small time, many things can happen in that time. And more than him, I feel bad for his yet to be born child, raising a child without your partner is not easy, I've experienced it, and now my daughter will have to go through the same.

Bhism :- Didn't your son's had me and Vidur to teach and guide them, didn't they had their brothers to play with. Same way, Karn's child will also have his 5 uncles to look up for.

Kunti :- All I ever wished for was my sons to be together and happy, then why fate has to test them again and again, don't they deserve a break from all these troubles.

Bhism :- Troubles or challenges are terms which define us, they're not burden but opportunities to prove ourselves, to rise above and show this world that we can fight. You should be proud of your eldest son, he never for once tried to procrastinate it and went on for new adventures of life. And what I feel is, him getting exiled... is not a mere coincidence... maybe it's for... greater good. Who has seen the future ? But it's not Karn who snatches my concern.

Kunti gave him a subtle, resigned nod.

Kunti :- Duryodhan...

Bhism :- Hastinapur.

He cut her sentence, correcting the probable answer she would've given.

Bhism :- The kingdom of Hastinapur and it's future is what gives me sleepless nights and a mentality of constant conflict. From this point to where it's headed, I don't see any desired future for it. I fear something unimaginable awaits ahead, something which....

He released a deep sigh and looked up towards the sky, as if his father might be seeing him... with some hope, that his son would fulfill his promise.

Bhism :- I promised my father that I won't leave this mortal world untill I am convinced that Hastinapur is in safe hands and heading towards a stable future, and he granted me the boon of willful death in return. But... what if something does happen... grave enough to shake the very roots of foundation of my father's home... and I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. How will I face my father then .... sometimes I think it's not the case of 'if', rather 'when'.

Kunti :- You're putting it too much on Duryodhan, he ain't that incapable, he just needs some space too cool down and come to terms with the situation. He too, is an able administrator and hardworking, somewhat kind hearted too, except when he's with...

Bhism :- That's exactly what I'm worried about, I don't doubt his capabilities or whatsoever, but the people he's kept himself surrounded with, the people who call themselves his 'well wishers'. That wicked Gandhar Naresh Shakuni, who instead of managing his own business, is wasting his time here trying to get the Kauravs against the Pandavs. Dussasan, who does nothing except what his elder brother says, he could've been like anyone, but he choose to follow his brother and uncle. Then comes Adhirath putr Amrit, and I'm sure till he's here, Duryodhan will never accept his cousins, he's the one, relying on whom Duryodhan thinks he can go again the mighty brothers.

Kunti :- If it's deemed to happen, it will, we can't change it, untill some miracle does it, or atleast we should step ahead and try to divert its course

Bhism :- What shall we do putri ? No matter what I tell Dhritrashtr, he ain't saying a word to his 'beloved' son or 'sincere' brother in law. By keeping his quiet, he giving his silent approval to his son's stupid and peace disrupting acts, I'm worried where this silence is leading to...

He said and began to cough, feeling his parched throat, recalling that he hasn't taken even a glass of water today.

Kunti :- You don't look well Tatshree, take some rest and leave it upto almighty, he sure will open one way or the other.

He sighed again, turned and left, Kunti watched him walking away, she joined her hands before Suryadev.

Kunti :- Please bless my son to be safe, that's all I pray for.

Then she too, left the place.



Sumali handed the map to Amrit and he observed it for some moments.

Amrit :- Okay, it doesn't seen to be a long journey, I expected to get a chance to travel to some remote corner of the world.

Sumali :- Don't be too confident from now only, you'll know it once you get to the place. Such rare thing won't be kept without protection, or else it won't be rare.

Amrit :- Will see it there, I'll be out today only.

She gave him a nod in approval and he left wasting no time. Peeking a glance outside the window, she spotted Duryodhan walking idly in the garden, finding it the right opportunity to talk, she too, walked out the chamber and proceeded towards the garden.

Duryodhan absent mindedly kicked a small pebble and sighed looking up, but thoughts of Bhanumati were far from gone. After all that happened, she didn't deserve it, Vasudev Krishna's questions kept ringing in his ears.

"Was it her fault, that she was abducted from her swayamvar ? Still, she accepted her fate and moved on but what she gets in return, mere baseless allegations!"

He began to doubt himself, about his ability to judge people.

"Yuvraj Duryodhan"

Someone called out his name from behind and he turned to answer it, but surprise caught his face when he noticed Sumali standing there, he looked around, hoping someone else might've called him but no.

Duryodhan :- Hellow... uh...

Sumali :- You can call me by name, no problem.

He still stared at her strangely, not saying anything. She sighed and shook her head.

Sumali :- Princess... will this work...

Duryodhan :- Why are you here ?

His sudden answer surprised her, though she tried not to show it on her face.

Sumali :- You look sad and lonely.

Duryodhan :- So.

Sumali :- It's not always good to hold everything inside, you can talk to me, maybe I can offer some help.

Duryodhan :- You barely even know me, and I don't think stalking strangers is good for your image. You may be well versed in fighting or self defence... but not everyone will be good.

Sumali :- That was rude, but I'll let it pass. Considering you don't like to talk to anyone.

Duryodhan :- If you know that already, you're wasting your time here.

He said and began walking away.

Sumali :- Fine, walk away again, turn your back to every person who's there to help, but it won't change what happened...

He still didn't stop.

Sumali :- This ain't bringing her back.

He stopped abruptly and walked towards her with fire in his eyes.

Duryodhan :- Who are you to talk about my past ?

Sumali :- Sorry for that but... listen...

Duryodhan :- No! You listen to me. I did what I did back then, you don't get to tell me what should I do or should've done. If I talk nicely, don't mistake me for a stupid and when I said I don't want to talk then I mean it. Do you even know what happened ? Do have any idea how painful it was ? Do you have any idea what was it like ?

Sumali :- It's okay to be angry, just get it out, being lonely won't help, but talking will.

Duryodhan :- Even if I do want to talk, I have many others to talk to, why only you, so don't waste your's and my time arguing, just leave.

Saying this, he turned again but her voice stopped him again.

Sumali :- You're not alone, who thinks time is hard on him/her, just because they're not as expressive as you doesn't mean they're emotionless. World is not that bad, you just need a different view point. Try looking the other way and you'll see the difference.

Duryodhan :- Whatever.

He scoffed and went away. Sumali shrugged and took a long breath.

Sumali :- He really needs some good amount of work.



Dwarika,

The rising morning sun blinked through the gaps in the clouds, and the gentle breeze confirmed that the weather was nothing out of the ordinary.

Markets were busy as usual, with some vendors and customers arguing about prices, tourists looking through various artefacts, and children running around.

Jhanvi and Subhadra were also out and about in the market. Having a good time while talking about all the unimportant things in the world.

A little girl came running towards them as they walked away from a jewellery store. She passed a rose to Jhanvi, who knelt at her level and stroked her hair.

Jhanvi :- What's your name, dear ?

Girl :- Sudha.

Jhanvi :- Thank you for the gift Sudha, I love it.

Girl's face lit up with a happy smile and Jhanvi gave her a kiss on the cheek. But as she stood up, she began to feel dizzy, with vision before her eyes starting to blur.

Subhadra :- Jiji, you okay ?

She quickly caught her sister's arm, helping her stand.

Jhanvi :- I'm.... oka...

She tried but couldn't speak, and before she knew, her vision went black.

...



Heavy forehead thudding mildly, a little pain in her abdomen she felt when she slowly opened her eyes.

Jhanvi found herself back in her room, on her familiar bed.

"How do you feel putri ?"

Asked her mother, Devaki, who helped her sit up. She noticed her brothers, their wives, her sister, parents, all were present.

Jhanvi :- I feel better now, but... what had happened ?

Balram :- You fell unconsious, Jeevu, right in the middle of the market.

He said but with a somewhat grim look, as if he wanted to be angry but is trying his best to control himself. She realised except for Krishna, everyone's face reflected tension, rather than concern.

Krishna, as usual, had a calming smile, as he stood next to his brother.

Jhanvi :- What's wrong ? Is there something I'm supposed to know that no one wants to tell me about ?

Subhadra sat beside her on the bed.

Subhadra :- You never told us, Jiji.

Jhanvi :- What ?

Subhadra :- Jiji, you're...

She took a glance at her parents for approval, Jhanvi couldn't help but feel her nervousness rise.

Subhadra :- You're.... gonna be a mother...

These words would've been a surprise, if she didn't had the intuition of this all happening, she placed a hand on her belly, smiling happily.

Jhanvi :- Really!!

She asked with her face brightened up, but her smile vanished when she looked at her eldest brother's angry face.

Jhanvi :- I'm... sorry... Dau...

Balram :- Don't give me that nonsense Jeevu, just tell me that the perpetrator is the one who I belive him to be.

Krishna :- Dau please, I understand that you're angry, but she is afterall, our beloved sister, we should be the first in line to help her.

Balram :- Listen, Kanha, I'm not getting in your trap, Jeevu, you're saying anything.

She lowered her head and gave him a slow nod.

Clenching his fist, Balram rushed towards the door.

Balram :- I'm going to Indraprasth right now, I'll bring Karn here myself, peacefully, if he accepts, forcefully, if I have to. I'll get them married today itself...

A halt to his speech was brought by a hand placed on his shoulder. He glared at his wife, daring to stop his way.

Revati :- Arya, this can also be handled peacefully. Acting out of impulses can give rise to unwanted troubles.

Balram :- I'm acting on impulses! I am ? Then what would you say for what they did ? Was that a well thought of 'decision' ? Was that not done on impulses ?

Revati :- Yes, what they did was definitely not the right thing, but you are elder Arya, shouldn't you be the one to teach them the right lesson, show them how a mature person should react in such circumstances, how sensitive issues should be handled.

Krishna :- Bhabhi is right Dau, you are much more knowledgeable than us, we will always look up to you for guidance, please don't do anything in rash, not everyone can handle you and your mace.

Balram sighed shaking his head, he then glanced at his sister, who kept fidgeting with the bedsheet, looking down.

Balram :- If you all say so, be it, send a letter to Karn, tell him to be here as soon as he can.

Krishna smiled at him and gave him a nod.

Balram walked towards the bed and caressed Jhanvi's head.

Balram :- Forgive your brother Jeevu, I know I get angry really quick but, I can't stand fingers pointed at you, I never want to see tears in your eyes.

Jhanvi :- It should be me apologising, Jeysth, not you, I did that, he didn't made the move, he tried to stop me, told me it wasn't right, I am the one who didn't listen. I'm sorry Jeysth.

Balram :- I'm not judging you, dear, and I never will, but being your elder brother, it's my right to worry about you. I just want to see you happy, and that's it. And if you're happy with him, I don't have any problem.

She hugged him tightly when he sat down beside her and began to cry, Subhi too, joined the hug.

Vasudev and Devaki couldn't help but feel proud of their children, and smile at their bond.

Krishna :- This scene is getting emotional, can I get some water.

He said to his wife, who started walking away, but as she reached the door, there was a knock. She opened it to find a messenger standing, he bowed and handed her a letter.

Messenger :- This letter is for Dwarikadheesh Vasudev Krishna, from Maharani of Indraprasth.

She looked at her husband curiously, who gestured her to open the letter.

Ripping the seal off, she began to read, but halfway through the first paragraph, she choked and glanced up in surprise, making others confused.

When finished reading, she shook her head.

Rukmini :- The trouble's not over yet.

Subhadra :- What now ?

Rukmini :- It's about Karn...

Jhanvi :- What about him ?

She asked wiping her tears.

Rukmini :- He's been exiled....



Amrit packed his stuff in a small bag and collected his weapons, he was about to finish when he saw his mother staring at him from the door.

Radha :- Leaving again ? Where to, this time ?

He pointed to the map lying on the table, not saying anything.

She inspected the map, which obviously was a kinda rough drawing, a peculiar spot inside a dense forest was marked as the target.

Radha :- So where is this place ?

Amrit :- Can't reveal that, but it is a bit far, might take a few days to get back. And to prevent any unwanted company, I'm taking my horse this time.

She stared at her son for a while, who simply ignored her gaze and continued checking his weapons.



Radha :- Did you hear about your elder brother...

Amrit :- Kunti putr Karn, exiled for next seven years, not an unusual thing for him. He lived and trained in forests for more than a decade, you shouldn't be least bothered about his safety.

Radha :- Being his mother, I can't help but worry, but what about you ? Son, no matter how much you deny, you can't change the fact that he is your elder brother.

Amrit :- If you say.

Radha :- Don't you have least love and respect for him. You haven't visited Indraprasth even once, what is wrong with you, why do you hate him so much...

Amrit :- I don't want to live under his shadow, I don't want people to recognise me as his brother, I want them to remember me as Maharathi Amrit, what I've become on my own.

Radha :- May you be a great warrior, son, but fighting with your own brother, the one you grew up with, ain't good, it's only gonna make both of you susceptible to manipulators, who will want to use your enmity to their advantage.

Amrit :- Then let them, I'm far better standing against him than by his side.

Once satisfied with his weapons, he collected them all and began to walk away.

Radha :- This attitude, it's taking you on the wrong way, Amrit, you're making the wrong decision, the so called friends you have, will take you down along with themselves.

He stopped and looked at his mother.

Amrit :- I'll be happy in hell with my friends instead of suffering in heaven with the people I despise.

Saying this, he left the room and went away, leaving his mother to worry about what future might have planned.



Having walked for all day long, Karn sat down underneath a tree.

Sun was already set and dark night had taken over. Except for some random thunders, it was so quiet that he could hear his stomach, or was he so hungry that the surrounding didn't matter, he couldn't know.

He untied his bag to find some fruits, which his wife had packed, she probably knew that he wasn't in the mental state to hunt.

And that once again brought the painful scene back, those sad faces of his brothers, his wife's wet eyes, newly wedded sister in law, who just stepped inside her home. All he could do was blame himself.



As he looked up to the overcast sky, tears finally fell from his beautiful brown eyes, now he could cry all he wanted, as no one was here to see him, he could finally curse himself, for no one will prevent him from doing so, and not even for now, probably for next seven years.

A drop of rain fell on his forehead, and with this, it started raining.

The first rain of this monsoon. Atleast nature was here, telling him that he is not alone.



Standing in front of the gates of heaven, carrying his dear lord Indra, Airavat waited for the arrival of rakshas army.

The enormous, seemingly endless army of Devs stood behind him. They were on the prowl to defend the heavenly abode at all costs, but little did they know what they were about to encounter.

Sound of a kronch shell filled the emptiness when all of a sudden asur army attacked them from three sides.

Dev Raj Indra found himself face to face with Narkasur, with raised bows and well aimed arrows they showered each other with rain of deadly astras.

Though Narkasur stood no chance against King of Devs, he managed to overpower the latter owing to his boon.

Asur army barged inside heaven and captured all the four tusked elephants. Devs could only fume with anger, but no one could challenge him, for he had a boon from lord Bramha.

Meanwhile Narkasur, whose eyes fell upon the dazzling earrings worn by Dev mata Aditi, snatched it from her, he also seized Varun's flag.

Like this, Asurs left the heaven, mocking Devs for being cowards and enjoying their victory.

On their way back, when they were passing over a forest region, Narkasur ordered them to stop and signalled his elephant to descend.

Walking away from others, he came across a woman, who looked surprised on seeing him.

Narkasur :- We met again, baby sister, lets go for a ride.

He forcefully caught hold of her arm and dragged her away.



Did you like the part ?

Shakuni is hell-bent on destroying the future of Kuru vansh. Let's see what his evil mind comes up with.

Will a talk with Duryodhan, be a new start for Sumali ?

So it was the farewell of a journey and beginning of a new one ?

So, getting Duryodhan to talk might not be as easy as it seems.

What will be Shakuni's next 'master stroke' ?

What will Karn do in his eile ?

So, what will happen in Dwarika, how will Krishna manage to convince Balram, and will Jhanvi accept this seperation.

Why is Amrit acting like that ? Does he genuinely hate his brother or someone is there behind him ?

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

Will see you in the next part, until then, take care and bye.