Taking Krishna's advice King Drupad started the preparation for Draupadi's Swyamvar. He wanted a great warrior like Arjun to be Draupadi's husband. He was very impressed by Arjun's prowess in the war and his main goal was to have him as his son-in-law so that he could snatch away Drona's best weapon. But after hearing the news of Pandava's death he was disappointed. But he then wanted to marry Draupadi off to a King or Prince who was as good as Arjun so that he could defeat Drona and took back his kingdom. So he asked Dhrishtadyumna to arrange a test which was almost impossible to pass, except for an extraordinary archer.

The news of Draupadi's beauty was spread to every corner of Aryavart. So when invitations were sent to all the kingdoms, everyone became excited to take part in the Swyamvar. Duryodhana was also excited to take part in the swyamvar. Shakuni also thought that it would be a good opportunity to make an alliance with Panchal. But Duryodhana did not want to go without his best friend Karna.

In fact for the last few months, Duryodhana never let Karna leave his side. Karna helped him in administrative works as Duryodhana though a skilled warrior but not very good in politics and diplomacy. So Karna gave him advice and with his help, Duryodhana did all his works properly. Gandhari forced Dhritarashtra to appoint Karna as Duryodhana's assistant. Though it made Aswatthama and Shakuni jealous but Shakuni knew that they needed Karna for their own benefit. But one thing that irritated Shakuni was with Karna's influence Duryodhana gradually became less egoistic and arrogant. In fact, he sometimes even countered Shakuni's opinions in stately matters. Though Shakuni did not like it but he knew that as Pandavas were removed from their path, it was just a matter of time that Duryodhana would be the Yuvraj of Hastinapur and as his beloved nephew soon he would remove Bheesm, Vidur, Drona and Kripacharya from their positions. Then Shakuni and his sons would be the chief ministers of the state.

Karna was not very excited about the swyamvar. But Gandhari requested Karna as she knew that if anything bad happened there, only Karna could manage her sons. So he prepared for the journey.

On the other hand, in Karna's house, Radha was started looking for a nice girl for Karna. Like every mother she also wanted her son to settle in his life. In Hastinaput everybody knew about Karna. They all saw how he defeated the mighty Arjun and heard how he killed Jarasandha. So many Suta families were eager to have Karna as their son-in-law. Renumati was also excited as she wanted her aunt's daughter Mrinalini as her sister-in-law. Mrinalini was very beautiful. She was the only child of the local goldsmith. But since childhood, she was very stubborn and never took 'no' for an answer. Once she and her mother came to meet Renumati and there she saw Karna and fell in love with him. She told Renumati about her feelings and Renu informed that to her mother-in-law. However, Karna was oblivious to all these discussions regarding his marriage.

A few days later, Duryodhana, Dusshshan, Shakuni and Karna left for Kalimpya. When they reached there the princes and Shakuni were welcomed with great pomp and splendor. Karna stayed with Duryodhana as he was not only his assistant but his best friend and bodyguard. When all the Kings and Princes were taken to the royal feast, Karna left to visit the city of Kalimpya. Kalimpya was a very beautiful city. Karna was wondering but one thing bothered him that the caste system was very strict there. All higher class people lived lavishly but the lower caste people's conditions were very bad. They lived outskirts and could not use the same marketplace or temples. The King only listened to the riches and the poor had no one to complain about their problems. In that kingdom, the lower caste people were not allowed to had education or weapon training just like Hastinapur. But at least now, in Hastinapur many people were opposing these rules and now taking Karna as their idol they were also learning archery, sastra etc.

Karna 'I don't know for how long these malpractices will go on. When will people learn that there is only one caste on earth and that is humanity.'

When Karna was returning he heard a commotion. Near a temple, the soldiers were beating a man badly. Karna came to know that today the Princess was coming for puja, so all the common people weren't allowed near the temple. But this old man wanted to do a puja today as his son was sick and a sage advised him that if he did a puja today, his son would be all right. He requested the priest to gave him a few minutes to give his offerings but the soldiers did not hear his plea and started beating him. Karna was livid. He almost intervened but he heard a voice, 'Stop, what are you doing?'

Karna saw a royal chariot was standing and then a woman came down from that chariot. For a few seconds, it felt like a glowing flame stood in front of him. Karna saw many beautiful Apsaras and Devis during his stay in Suryalok, but Draupadi was really beautiful. She had a royal grace around herself and that increased her charm. She came towards the soldiers and asked, 'Why are you beating him?' The soldiers informed her about everything then she angrily said, 'If you allowed this man to finish his puja, then he will done it in few minutes and leave before I came. By doing this nonsense you wasted your time and energy. How could you beat an elderly person? Puroheetji, please help this man to do his puja.' Karna asked a passerby about her identity and came to know that she was Draupadi, the fire-born princess.

The priest helped the man and the old man thanked Draupadi and left. Karna saw everything and then returned to the palace. He was thinking, 'The princess is beautiful and she is caring as well. If all the royalties helped all their subjects like this then there will be no sorrow left in our country.'

'Yes she is very beautiful, so do you like her?'

Karna almost jumped hearing the voice, 'Keshav', he said excitedly. Then said, "Prabhu are you reading my thoughts?' 'Ha Ha you were thinking so loudly' Said Krishna naughtily. Then he smiled and said,'How are you, my friend? So, you saw the princess? What do you think for her?'

Karna, 'She is good and caring to her subjects. But I feel she needs to be a little more compassionate towards the poor and deprived.'

Krishna, 'Actually Karna a person's behavior depends on their own nature and as well as the nurture. Most of the royalties are not bad persons. It is their upbringings that make them petulant, egoistic, and arrogant. Many of the royalties think that showing compassion to the poor are important to portray themselves good in front of others, not as their duty. Even Yudhishtir takes pride in his Dharma sense but he does not know that being Dharmavan is the duty of a human being, not his pride.'

Karna remained silent for some time then said, 'That is why Mata Ganga left me with Adhirath Pitashree and Radhama. All these difficulties I had to face just to understand the problems of the society.'

Krishna, 'Yes Karna, and I am happy that you think of the betterment of the entire society, not just to prove yourself. I know how you started teaching the young children of your village and giving them basic self-defense training.'

Karna, 'Thanks to Mitra Duryodhana, he supported me.'

Krishna, 'As I said no one is born evil. I am also very happy how you countered Vidur.'

Karna, 'Keshav but what about my family? I told them that if they need me, just ask any bird to give me the location, I will be there. But it is almost two years. Still, I did not get any news from them.'

Krishna, 'They are doing fine. In fact, soon they will come in front of you.'

Then both of them left for their respective rooms. Krishna went to Draupadi's room first.

Krishna, 'Sakhi, how are you doing?'

Draupadi, 'Sakha I am scared. Many Kings are here. Father said that I have to use my brain to find a proper match who shall be a royal, fierce, skilled warrior and a great king. But this is an archery competition and the one who wins will be my husband. How can I choose my husband then?'

Krishna, 'Sakhi one who has all the qualities you want in your husband will win this competition, I am sure about it. But even if you have to choose, please listen to your heart. The brain can misguide you but the heart cannot. If you love someone using brain it will be just a calculation, not love.'

Krishna (in mind), 'Sakhi please choose wisely. In another universe, your choice may affect the entire Aryavarta but in this timeline, destiny has a backup plan for the entire humanity. But if you failed to find your soul mate, you will regret your entire life.'

Next day

The entire palace was decorated for Draupadi's swyamvar. All the kings sat in their respective places. Then king Drupad announces the entry of Draupadi. Everyone was stunned by seeing her beauty and all was determined to win her at any cost. Then Dhrishtadyumna came used his archery skill to make a moving fish in the sky.

Drupad announced, 'Respected kings, my daughter is the most beautiful woman of this world. It was not easy to win her. The bow in front of you is the Kindhura, a divine bow given by Lord Shiva. only a true warrior can lift it and string it. You have to use one arrow to target the eye of the fish in the sky by looking at the reflection in the pool. All the participants will have their chance. '

Krishna, 'But Maharaj if more than one person can achieve the goal, then what will happen?'

Drupad, 'Then my daughter will decide whom she wants to marry. But I know it will be impossible as there are not many archers who can achieve this.'

Krishna (in mind), 'Only two persons can achieve this but Sakhi has to choose properly. This competition will only fulfill one quality that she wanted from her husband. Only one person has all the qualities for which she did the penance. Let see who wins, Drupad's egoistic teaching or Draupadi's heart.'

Pandavas

The Pandavas and Kunti also came to Kalimpya in the disguise of Brahmins. The brothers came to the Swyamvar to get alms. They were waiting to see the competition especially Arjun as he loved archery. Karna also stood behind Duryodhana. In his mind, he had a feeling that maybe the Pandavas would come here. He was eager to meet his mother.

The competition started. Many kings and princes tried but none could lift the bow. Even other Kauravas and Dusshashan tried but no one could even move the bow even an inch from the position. Duryodhana was reluctant at first as he was not an archer but to his mamashree's insistence he tried and lifted the bow but failed to string it. King Drupad was dejected. He roared, 'In this entire Arya Varta, is there not a single Kshatriya who can pass the test?'

Krishna, 'Maharaj why don't you ask people from other casts to try. It is not a good omen to keep a girl unmarried even after her Swayamvar.'

Drupad, 'I asked anyone who has the ability to come and participate. I don't care if he is a human, rakshas, Deva, Asura. Any caste or creed is welcome to participate.'

Then some of the soldiers and Brahmins tried but all failed. Then Duryodhana said, 'Maharaj my friend Karna can do it.'

Listening to this the other kings became angry. They shouted 'A mere sutputra is going to take part.'

'Why not? After all, we all saw you Kshtriyas prowess. And the king himself declared anyone is welcome.'

Hearing that Bheem roared, 'My brother can also do it.'

As the Pandavas were dressed as Brahmins, king Drupad welcomed Arjun to take part. The Kauravas or others did not recognize them but both Krishna and Karna knew who they were. Karna had no intention to compete against his brother again but then Krishna spoke, 'Maharaj, you yourself said that anyone can participate. You shall give Karna a chance also. A true king never backs away from his words.'

Drupad reluctantly agreed but in mind, he knew that Karna could never fulfill the challenge. 'A sutputra is going to lift the bow. He will burn just by touching it as those lower-class people are impure. Don't worry Putri, You will only be married to a higher caste person.'

Draupadi thought, 'is my father correct? He always taught me that the higher caste people are the best and those who are born in lower caste are because of the sins they committed in their past life. Is it correct?' She asked Shikhandini, 'Jiji what will happen if that sutputra wins the competition?'

Shikhandini, 'Nothing will happen. He cannot win as Sutas are weaker than Brahmins.'

Then both Arjun and Karna came in front. Karna folded his hands and showed his respect to the king and Krishna and then he greeted Arjun as well, 'Pranaam Brahman Kumar .' Arjun ignored him. Then the king declared that Arjun would get the chance first. Arjun went near the pool and picked up the bow and string it. Then he saw at the reflection and focused for a few minutes. Then he released the bow. The arrow hit the eyes of the fish.

Everbody except the Kauravas cheered. Karna also congratulated Arjun. Then Drupad mocked him, 'Do you want to try Sutputra? It's better to accept defeat than making a joke of yourself.'

Karna smiled, 'Maharaj, my guru taught me never to accept defeat before trying. I don't know if I can win but I have confidence in my strength.'

Then he went near the pool. Drupad whispered to Draupadi, 'The Sutputra will never lift the bow.'

Karna folded his hands and show his respect to Lord Shiva's bow then he touched the bow and lifted it easily. Karna strung the bow and looked at the pool. Then without wasting time he released the arrow and ....everyone was shocked that Karna not only hit the target but his arrow cut Arjun's arrow horizontally in two equal halves and hit at the eye.

Everyone was shocked. King Drupad was shocked most. he roared, 'Impossible, there must be a trick. I cannot allow my daughter to marry a Sutputra.'

Krishna (sternly), 'Maharaj, you promised that one who can win the challenge is going to be Draupadi's husband. Now you have two winners. Let your daughter decide.'

Kulguru of Drupad sag Garga who was a great scholar and devotee of Lord shiva also agreed as it was against the law not to fulfill one's promise. So Drupad ordered Draupadi to choose between Karna and Arjun. But he whispered in Draupadi's ears, 'Putri don't let your father down. Think about your position in the society.'

Draupadi came down with a garland in his hand. Now she had to choose wisely.