Karna woke up did his pooja and bid farewell to his parents. He has taken thier blessings, but radha and adhiratha was worried for him but he assured them as always. He reached the pace and went to his chariot. He greeted the horses by patting their fore head. He then fed them grass and water and then he took out the chariot from stable and went to palace grounds. He took a round in Chariot confirming nothing is wrong with it. He then came to below the palace stairs and started waiting for princes to arrive. He saw he was only one with Chariot and there are several soldiers standing with saddled horses. He waite for half and hour and saw Pandavas and Kauravas came outside with all the royals. Maharani Ghandhari and Maharani Kunti did their Vijay tilak of their son. The princes took blessings of everyone there and they came down the stairs. Ashwatthama, guru drona and Shakuni were also coming with them. Seeing the beautiful chariot standing there.

Shakuni : Whose Chariot is that.

Yudhishthir : it is Arjun's chariot.

Duryodhana (confused) : When did he get Chariot and a Charioteer.

Bheem (snorted) : From yesterday, Pitamah took sympathy on his Charioteer son and introduced him to Arjun.

Shakuni : You don't seem happy about that Bheem, are you jealous of you younger brother that he got chariot first.

Bheem : Mamashree, I don't even want a chariot if someone like him is my Charioteer.

Shakuni (interestingly) : Why Bheem? He seems fine to me.

Nakul : He has way too sharp tongue for being just a Charioteer. Brother Duryodhana why don't you accept him as your Charioteer, you were his first choice after all.

Duryodhana : Oh, then why he didn't came to me, are you insulting me Nakul.

Nakul : No, brother Duryodhana, I a telling you the truth as for why he didn't came to you you can ask him yourself.

Duryodhana : Okay I will ask him.

They came near the chariot and saw karna there standing behind the chariot armour less.

Bheem (Mockingly) : What Charioteer Karna, you couldn't afford a armour. We are going for a war not to tour around Panchal.

Karna (politely) : I don't need an armour prince Bheem. You don't have to worry about me.

Nakul (Mockingly) : Leave him be brother Bheem. If he will die it's his fault.

Karna was impassively standing there. Kauravas and Shakuni saw this confused. They thought Bheem and Nakul was making fun of them by showing off that Arjun has Chariot now but now it seemed that wasn't the case they both really hate this Charioteer.

Duryodhana : I heard I was your first choice.

Karna : Yes you were.

Duryodhana : Why, I was defeated by Arjun he should be your first choice.

Karna : No the fight between wasn't fair an archer should not fight a mace fighter in a duel. You skills are definitely better than everyone.

Duryodhana was shocked someone was praising him that too in presence of Pandavas. Here is someone questioning Dronacharya favouritism openly.

Bheem : See he has sharp tongue, he is questioning Guru dev fairness.

Shakuni : What wron did he say, isn't it Dharm the similar weapons fighter should fight in duel. You are indeed brave young one, you dare say these things openly.

Karna : I was just saying the truth.

Duryodhana : Then why didn't you came to me to be your Rathi.

Karna : My father wanted me to chose someone from Pandavas. I wanted to be your Charioteer honestly.

Duryodhana : Why he want you to be Charioteer of Pandavas only.

Karna : You may not like my answer and I don't lie prince Duryodhana.

Duryodhana : I am getting curious now, you can tell me I won't be angry.

Karna : He didn't want me near Gandhar raj Shakuni.

Duryodhana : Oh! He didn't have any problems with me.

Karna : No he didn't have any problem with you or any of your brother. If Pandavas are Devputra then you all are also boon of Mahadev himself. My father always told me that. It's just he is somewhat sceptical of your Mamashree Gandhar raj Shakuni.

Duryodhana : You are first person other than my mother who told me that. I am impressed if you ever want to come to me for anything I won't decline I promise.

Karna : There is no need for that Prince Duryodhana. I told you I don't lie.

Duryodhana : I like you.

Then Dronacharya told everyone to be ready to go to Panchal borders. Everyone except Arjun rode their horses while Arjun and Karna climbed the chariot.

Bheem : Won't you slow down all of us because of your bulky Chariot, Arjun. Why don't ask this to your brain less Chariot why he has built such bulky Chariot.

Arjun : Karna will this Chariot able to move along them.

Karna : Yes prince Arjun, moving along with them would not be a problem.

Arjun : Fine we will see if you can back up your claim.

Arjun told everyone he would be able to move along with them if not he will take one of the horses and come with them.

Bheem : Do that Arjun, then you will probably catch up with us or who knows you will arrive after tha battle is already over.

Dronacharya did the sankhnath then and they all began to move towards Panchal borders with full speed. Inspite of being bulky Chariot was ahead of their horses. This pissed of Bheem as it made him look like a fool as he questioned the speed of Chariot. He was fuming. Duryodhana, Shakuni and rest of Kauravas didn't hide their glee they looked towards Bheem and laughed.

Bheem : Suta you are doing this deliberately.

Karna : Prince Bheem, I don't understand what I did please explain to me how them laughing at you is my mistake, I am not even going full speed now.

His answers got even more laughs. Bheem was feeling humiliated and decided to blame Karna. They reached Panchal borders after 2 days in the evening.they rested in the way during guru drona's pooja time, karna also performed his pooja during these times. Dronacharya told Arjun to launch an arrow towards Panchal to declare the war. He told Arjun the distance of Drupad's throne from there. Arjun did so, the reply came after half an hour via a soldier. The war will start tomorrow morning. They all had dinner went to take rest. Various tents were brought out and laid everyone except karna went to the tent. Karna tied his horses feed them grass and water. He did this with other horses too like he did during his whole journey. He was for this here only and he never felt ashamed in doing his duties. He then climbed up a tree to sleep in its branches. He was going to sleep but saw prince Sahdev came there.

Sahdev : I am not disturbing you Shreeman Karna am I.

Karna : No prince you are not disturbing me. Why are you here in the night.

Sahdev : I want to apologise for my brothers behaviour.

Karna : You have nothing to apologise you never sided with them.

Sahdev : But I can't stop them either.

Karna : You are youngest so naturally it is easy for them to undermine you. I don't blame you for it

Sahdev : Why didn't you reply I know you can.

Karna : Prince Sahdev they aren't first to insult me and they won't be last. I was always insulted through out my childhood, I am somewhat used to it. I don't waste my time correcting or replying them. I can count number of people I trust who will never insult me in my one hand. Everyone have or will do it at some point.

Sahdev : I will never insult you myself Karna, you can trust me.

Karna : I kno prince but if you Brothers force you, you will do it for your dharm as younger brother.

Sahdev : Actually I wanted to talk to you about Dharm from the time I met. You have some very intriguing insight on it.

Karna : I am not as well read as you Prince Sahdev, you are considered most knowledgeable among the princes and every body else.

Sahdev : You are not right, I believe there are many who are more knowledgeable than me for example my Kakashree Vidhur.

Karna : I believe so too. I am happy you are not so arrogant to believe you are most intelligent. There are sky above the sky and mountain beyond the mountain Prince.

Sahdev : So What according to you is dharm.

Karna : I don't know everything thing Prince but l was told Dharm is something that liberate and give happiness to everyone. If you hurt anyone than it is Adharm. Dharm should be used for betterment of society and their is no bigger Dharm than Humanity.

Sahdev : Who told you that.

Karna : A revered Saint taught that.

Sahdev : Shreemaan Karna can you tell me whether you have received education or not your words are not of someone uneducated.

Karna : Prince Sahdev when I was rejected from gaining knowledge I eardrop on every lecture a saint or knowledgeable person was imparting. My words come from experience. Experience is the best teacher a person can have.

Sahdev nodded. Karna didn't lie he did all this he just said half truth and a lot of words to hide the other half of truth.

Sahdev : I am going to rest now, have a good sleep.

Karna : You too prince Sahdev, you have an important day tomorrow good luck.

Sahdev : Thank you.

Sahdev left and Karna lied on the branch. He knew few people were listening to his conversation but he didn't care of those people want to talk to him he will talk but he will never take initiative to talk to any Prince. Indeed he was right Duryodhana, Arjun were listening to Sahdev and Karna. Duryodhana came to talk to Karna when Ashwatthama told him about Karna and Dronacharya conversation and Arjun came to find Sahdev as they were sharing the tent and Sahdev was Missing. They both returned to their tent.

Next morning Karna did his surya pooja and came to the place he tied the horses. He fed them it was his way of helping the needful and those who present here only these animals needed his help. He returned and stand by the tent where the discussion was going on who among Pandavas and Kauravas were going to fight the upcoming Panchal Army first. Soon he got the news the Kauravas were going first as Gandhar raj Shakuni manipulated Price Yudhishthir for that. Kauravas took blessings of their guru and came to pick their horses. They rode the horses and went to battlefield. Rest of Pandavas were angry at this decision as if Duryodhana wins he will be yuvraj of Hastinapur and right of his elder brother will be taken away. Bheem was most angry so he did what he could to vent his anger. He came to Karna to mock him.

Bheem : You must be happy that your Duryodhana went first. If he won then he will become Yuvraj. You don't have to go in the battle and you can ask generous rewards from him as he promised you in Hastinapur.

Karna didn't reply.

Bheem : Why aren't you replying. Oh! You must be happy. Don't be Duryodhana would never win only us Pandavas will complete our gurudhkhsina and Jyeshtha Yudhishthir will be yuvraj of Hastinapur.

Karna was silently listening. Bheem got very angry.

Bheem : I am talking to you, why aren't you replying? What happened no sharp reply to give now? Huh?

Karna was still silent. Hearing Bheem's voice other Pandavas with Ashwatthama and Dronacharya came there.

Yudhishthir : What happened Bheem.

Bheem : This suta is insulting me.

Yudhishthir : Why are you insulting ny Anuj Karna.

Karna was still silent

Sahdev : How is he insulting you brother Bheem?

Bheem : By not replying to me, see he is doing same to jyeshtha.

Arjun : Why aren't you saying anything, Karna.

Karna was still quitely standing there as if he wasn't hearing anything or anyone. Everyone but Sahdev was getting angrier at his nonchalant behaviour.

Arjun : You Are my Charioteer Karna answer me.

Karna : Yes I am your Charioteer. I have come here for that reason only. I am not under any other obligations other than driving your Chariot. I have no need to reply anyone but you that too if the question is asked about job assigned to me. You all are princes of Hastinapur so please don't give importance to this lowly suta.

Everyone was stunned hearing his answers. They knew he was right only Sahdev sighed he knew karna didn't consider Bheem worth replying so he was completely ignoring him. Everyone present here knows Bheem has nothing good to say to Karna but everyone sided with Bheem so he also consider them same as Bheem. Only when questions about his job will arise he will answer that too only for his Rathi Arjun. They couldn't blame him as not replying was not considered as crime. Bheem huffed and left there others did the same. Sahdev gave a sad smile to Karna to which Karna smiled.

In the afternoon a soldier of Panchal came to inform the Hastinapur's camp that Kauravas was defeated and capture and if Hastinapur wanted thier princes back the Bheeshma has to come himself and Dronacharya would have to apologise for this. Pandavas got angry and decided to go to battle, Shakuni too didn't stopped them as he was worried about his nephews. Pandavas took blessings of Dronacharya and picked their weapon to go to the battlefield. Arjun climbed the chariot and rest rode their horses and went to battlefield. They saw Chakravyuh there and it was formed by 15000 Panchal soldiers. It was led by King Drupad and his commander in chief Shikhandi. The Kauravas was captured and held hostage at the centre of formation.

Arjun told everyone the way to break Chakravyuh. He told them that he will March ahead and create way. Others should follow his lead. He told Karna his chosen path to break the Chakravyuh and warned karna to not get astray from path no matter what happens. Karna didn't needed to be told twice, he nodded blankly. He himself know many ways to break Chakravyuh and he by himself can easily break it. What Arjun was doing was most crude way but he has to agree as there were only five people fighting the army. He sighed he won't lie he missed using weapons but karna was nothing if not a man of his words. He skillfully leads the chariot inthe direction Arjun has told. Arjun used his arrows and mild divyastra to destroy the vyuh and creating a path inbetween. The Pandavas followed him. Arjun and Pandavas were slowly but steadily reaching the centre of vyuh. Nobody noticed the slight modifications of path that karna took to make the way to centre easy. Shikhandi came forward to fight buth rest of Pandavas engaged him. Seeing this Karna directly took the chariot in the direction of King Drupad.

King Drupad decided to halt the advancement of Arjun by destroying the chariot with his arrows as he knew Arjun was main strength of them defeating him means winning the war. Arjun's counter and Karna skillful handling of Chariot resulted in bringing Arjun and Drupad face to face. The both fought using bow and arrows. Both fighters fought very hard battle and tried to destroy their opponent's weapons and Chariot. On Arjun's Chariot karna was skillfully salvage the situation. Drupad didn't fire arrow to kill Karna so Kavacha was not summoned but his kundals protected him from remaining energy of arrow that struck his chariot and created a blast to push his chariot back by absorbing it. It was of this reason the chariot was in not in as bad condition as it should be. Unfortunately for King Drupad his Charioteer was neither of Karna's calibre not born with his divine kundals so his Chariot did get destroyed and he fell on the ground. Seeing this Arjun became overconfident and jumped out of his chariot. He wanted to capture Drupad but suddenly five Drupads appeared and stated playing mind games with Arjun. Arjun got confused and stated shooting at them but all of them dodged and sometimes the arrows went right through them. He was getting confused. Seeing him confused Drupad started to demoralise and anger him by saying bad things about Dronacharya. He even tried to struck arjun with a laying sword around him. Arjun dodge it and five stones that Subhadra the princess of Dwarka gave him as gift of Dwarkadhish Shree Krishna fell in the direction indicating five king Drupads. He also heard Karna shouting “My eyes I can't see it.” then he remembered what Subhadra told him that krishna said eyes are window of souls. He looked in the towards five of his enemies and saw saw four of them was looking towards one as if asking for directions. He decided that one was real Drupad and fired a Nagpas at him. He captured King Drupad and declared his victory by blowing a sankhnath. Karna sighed seeing this he was truly getting tired of Arjun's foolishness and decided to help him. Of couse he deciphered which was real Drupad after few seconds of his replicas appeared.

Hearing the sankhnath, seeing the king was captured and Commander in chief Shikhandi still battling the four young one the army of Panchal surrendered. Yudhishthir ordered his younger brothers to go and free the Kauravas. They all are now returning to Hastinapur's camp. Arjun took tied Drupad to Dronacharya in the chariot. Upon reaching Arjun threw Drupad at his guru's feet and asked his blessings stating his Gurudhkhsina is complete now. Then Dronacharya returned his humiliation and snatched half Panchal from Drupad. Dronacharya announced his son Ashwatthama to be king of half of Panchal that he snatched from Drupad. Ashwatthama coronation took place and he was declared a king. Drupad was forced to see all this and after Ashwatthama's coronation Dronacharya wanted to friends with Drupad again saying he was now his equal and reminded Drupad the he has said friendship can only between the equals. Drupad was burning in humiliation and wanted to kill Drona. He said nothing and left from there. Karna saw all this with indifferent expression as he suspected this war will bring many calamities in future all because Dronacharya asked for revenge insted of justice. After the coronation Pandavas and Kauravas decided to return to Hastinapur with Shakuni. Dronacharya was good n to stay for few days.