In a quaint little village tucked away amidst lush green fields, there stood a magnificent mango tree, its branches heavy with clusters of green, tantalizingly sour mangoes. The sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink as it began its ascent for the day, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.

Amidst this picturesque scene, a four-year-old boy stood tall in front of the mango tree, his eyes sparkling with determination and mischief. His earlobes gleamed with tiny, twinkling earrings that danced with every move he made. Though dressed in everyday attire, his presence exuded an air of royalty, as if he were a prince in the making.

In his tiny hands, he held a small bow and an arrow, a gift from his uncle who had noticed the glimmer of curiosity in the young boy's eyes. He had taken to the bow and arrow like a fish to water, showing remarkable skill and focus for someone so young.

With a mischievous grin, he carefully set the arrow and pulled the bowstring, squinting one eye as he took aim at the prized mangoes. He could almost taste the sour sweetness on his tongue already. Confident in his abilities, he let go of the arrow, and with a soft whoosh, it sliced through the air and struck its target with precision.

The branch holding the mangoes trembled for a moment before surrendering to the sharpness of the arrow. As the mangoes started to fall, the boy quickly dropped the bow, displaying a burst of youthful energy. He ran with glee, his little legs carrying him swiftly towards the falling fruits.

With a leap, he stretched his arms, tiny hands outstretched like a graceful bird in flight, and caught the mangoes just before they met the ground. His victory was short-lived as he tumbled down in the process, a small cry escaping his lips as his elbow scraped against the earth. But he was undeterred; his eyes sparkled with triumph as he cradled the mangoes close to his chest, cherishing his successful heist.

Ignoring the minor pain, he pushed himself up, his grin unwavering. He had achieved his mission, and nothing else mattered in that moment. With a playful secret, he decided to hide his bow and arrows in a special spot, known only to him.

Carrying his precious loot, the young boy set off for home, his heart filled with the joy of adventure and accomplishment.



Inside their cozy home,

Radha was busy preparing a delicious meal for her family. Her pregnancy had reached five months, and a gentle glow adorned her face as she moved about the kitchen, filled with maternal warmth. Vasusen (Karn) had come as a blessing for her family as their dream of their own child was fulfilled.

Karn :- Radha maa, Radha maa...

Karn's cheerful voice echoed through the house as he entered, his tiny hands cradling the precious mangoes he had managed to gather from his successful expedition. His eyes twinkled with pride as he presented them to his mother

Karn :- Radha maa, now you don't need to be angry on pitashree, I bought you sour mangoes.

Radha chuckled at her son's endearing antics, taking the mangoes from him with a grateful smile. She pulled him into a warm embrace, her arms wrapped lovingly around his small frame. However, as she held him close, she couldn't help but notice the bruise on his elbow.

Radha :- Putr, what happened to you, see how badly you've hurt yourself, come with me immediately.

She took him to the washbasin, where she cleaned his wound with gentle hands and applied soothing medicine before tying a cloth around it for protection.

Karn :- Maa, you don't need to worry so much, I am perfectly fine.

Radha :- Putr, a mother's heart will always protect her son from all kinds of wounds, no matter how small it is.

Her words carried a depth of love and wisdom that Karn couldn't fully comprehend at his tender age, but he cherished the warmth of his mother's affection nonetheless.

Their intimate conversation was suddenly interrupted by the sound of Adhirath, Karn's father, who had arrived at the door.

Adhirath :- Will this lonely person get some attention admist the mother son duo.

Karn :- Pitashree!

Karn's face lit up with excitement as he saw his father, and without hesitation, he rushed into his arms. Adhirath lifted his son, planting a loving kiss on his cheek, reveling in the joy of fatherhood.

Radha :- Arya, you are again late for the breakfast.

Adhirath :- Oh please not again, you know how punctual Mahamahim Bhism is, he doesn't tolerate any misbehaving.

Radha :- Ok both of you wash your hands and feet, I will serve you.

Karn :- Mata I will also help you.

Smiling, she caressed his head.

Radha :- Putr, first wash your hands then help.

He went out with his father excitedly. And so, with the air filled with the aroma of delicious food and the atmosphere glowing with love, the family sat together, nourishing their bodies and souls as they savored each moment of togetherness. In that little haven they called home, the bond between Radha, Adhirath, and young Karn only grew stronger, basking in the warmth of their shared love and care.



In the opulent halls of the grand palace of Hastinapur,

The newlywed couple, Prince Pandu and Princess Kunti, were welcomed with the resounding cheers of the royal family. The air was alive with excitement, and the palace was adorned with rich tapestries, fragrant flowers, and the trappings of regal celebration.

As they made their way towards the entrance, a shower of petals rained down upon them, symbolizing blessings and good fortune. The path before them was lined with a vibrant carpet, a testament to the grandeur of the occasion. Brahmins and priests chanted ancient mantras, their words carrying the weight of tradition and solemnity. The sounds of trumpets, drums, and kronch shells created an intoxicating symphony that reverberated through the palace walls.

Elders of the royal family, adorned in rich attire, stood in a row, awaiting the newlyweds' arrival. With utmost respect, Prince Pandu and Princess Kunti touched the feet of each elder, seeking their blessings. The elder's hands rested on their heads, a gesture of goodwill and hope for their prosperous reign.

After the blessings were bestowed, Prince Pandu and Princess Kunti retired to their chambers to rest, the weight of the day's events sinking in. The grandeur and warmth of the welcome left an indelible mark on their hearts, reaffirming their commitment to their new roles as leaders of Hastinapur.



Later in the day, A sabha—a council meeting—was convened to address the pressing matter of succession. The room buzzed with anticipation, and the atmosphere was charged with tension as various dignitaries took their seats. Bhism, the noble patriarch, acknowledged the tradition of Dhritrashtr, the eldest, as the natural heir to the throne. However, Vidura, the voice of reason, pointed out the need for a leader who was physically and mentally fit to rule.

Amidst an atmosphere of both celebration and tension, the auspicious day of coronation arrived. The palace was once again bedecked in splendor, the air charged with the energy of transition. Bhism, adorned in traditional regalia, performed the crowning ceremony, placing the royal crown upon Pandu's head. The cheers of the assembled crowd reached a crescendo as the new king stood before them, the weight of responsibility evident in his noble bearing.



Vidura, the Mahamantri, stepped forward to take his position as chief of consultants, and the court recognized his wisdom and insight. Bhism extended an olive branch to Dhritrashtr, offering him a significant role in the administration, but Dhritrashtr's resentment and pride prevented him from accepting.

As the festivities swirled around them, Dhritrashtr's heart festered with jealousy and bitterness, stoked by the whispers and conspiracies of his cunning brother in law, Shakuni. Slowly, he began to harbor deep animosity towards those he perceived as having snatched his birthright due to his blindness.

Amid the currents of tension, the people of Hastinapur were hopeful for a prosperous reign under their new king. The announcement of Prince Pandu's coronation was met with a chorus of approval, the promise of wise and just leadership filling the hearts of the kingdom's subjects.

Amid the initial days of happiness, a shadow began to loom over the kingdom of Hastinapur. News arrived that the neighboring kingdom of Madra was under attack, and their plea for assistance reached Maharaj Pandu's ears. Seeking counsel from Bhism, Pandu made the difficult decision to offer aid to Madra, a decision that would take him away from his newlywed wife.

Kunti's heart was heavy as she bid farewell to her husband, who was leaving for battle so soon after their marriage. Though she understood the responsibilities that came with being a king, a sense of sadness clung to her. With a mixture of pride and reluctance, she granted Pandu her permission to leave, watching as he departed on a mission of valor and duty.

The war unfolded over weeks, the uncertainty of the outcome hanging over Hastinapur like a heavy cloud. Eventually, news arrived that Madra had emerged victorious, and the kingdom rejoiced at their king's success. The people of Hastinapur welcomed Pandu back with open arms, their pride and joy boundless.

However, to Kunti's astonishment and dismay, Pandu's return was accompanied by a revelation that shattered her heart. He had married Madri, the sister of the victorious King Shalya of Madra. The suddenness of the news left Kunti feeling a mix of confusion, betrayal, and sorrow. She had thought that her love and companionship were enough for Pandu, yet the arrival of a second wife signaled a profound change in their relationship.



Over time, the tension that initially simmered in the palace began to settle. Madri was embraced into the royal family with open hearts, as the kingdom recognized her importance as the sister of a powerful ally. The dynamics shifted, and the trio navigated the complexities of their relationship as the queens of Hastinapur.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and eventually a year passed by, bringing a semblance of peace and stability to the palace. King Pandu, feeling the weight of his responsibilities, decided to take a short vacation with his wives. They set off for a nearby forest, seeking respite from the demands of ruling.

Amid the tranquil beauty of the forest, they spent their days resting, chatting, and exploring the surroundings. The riverbank became their sanctuary, where they whiled away hours in each other's company. However, one fateful afternoon, a seemingly ordinary deer caught Madri's attention. It stood apart from the rest, its elegance and rarity captivating her gaze.

Madri's curiosity led her to suggest acquiring the deer's skin. Pandu, uncertain about the idea, cautioned against it, but eventually relented. With his bow in hand, he followed the deer, aiming for it with an arrow. But the universe seemed to conspire against him. Instead of a triumphant victory, he was met with an unforeseen tragedy.

The arrow did not find its mark in the deer, but rather in the heart of Maharishi Kindram's wife. Shocked and stricken with grief, Pandu rushed to the scene, trying to apologize for the unintended tragedy. But the words could not undo the irreversible loss.



Maharishi Kindram's fury was uncontainable. In his grief and anger, he cursed Pandu with a fate worse than death. Pandu's heart sank as the curse was uttered—an incapacitating curse that rendered him unable to fulfill the desires of his heart without facing immediate death.

Kindram, consumed by his grief, took his own life along with his wife's, leaving Pandu devastated by the consequences of his actions. Kunti and Madri, attempting to understand the gravity of the situation, questioned Pandu, seeking answers about the incident. But he remained haunted by guilt and shock, his silence casting a heavy pall over their return to the palace.

And so, the destiny of King Pandu took an unexpected turn, leaving his relationships and his kingdom hanging in the balance, a prelude to the challenges that awaited them all.



Did you like the chapter ?

You must be feeling that I am hurriedly running away with timelapse.

Yes, I kinda am, but for a reason. The protagonist of this story will be Karn so as we reach his part, story will slow down and then the real plot will begin.

This all is just introduction, you will get to know in next chapter.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.