Truth will come out no matter how much you try to stop it.
Karna and Advika were finally face to face. Karna's hand lifted towards her face slowly. Her doe eyes looked towards him, her heart fluttering.
His long fingers curled around the edge of the cloth and slowly pulled it off her face, revealing luscious pink lips and aristocratic yet soft features. Her veil still on her head, covering her hair. He slowly stood back as his mouth uttered the only name he could think.
"Advika?"
Her eyes widened as her name slipped from the handsome and radiant stranger's mouth. She briefly closed her eyes as words fell from her mouth.
"Sakha? Karna?"
His eyes widened too and he took a sharp breath. Both looked at each other for a while. Advika noticed how much he had changed. He was taller than her probably six feet in height. He wore a simple angavastra but he had a regal and dangerous aura, like a king. He truly became an exemplary warrior. His steps had been silent, she had not heard him come behind her at all. The only reason she turned because she felt a presence. His presence. He still had his radiance. His kundal's were present his ears, which glinted and shone brightly. His looks bespoke of a divinity. He was so handsome and radiant. His dark charcoal eyes with flecks of grey were beautiful and hypnotizing.
She lowered her eyes, a slight blush on her face. Karna also noticed the changes in his only friend. She had grown taller but still short compared to him and is very petite. Her luscious ad shiny black hair tumbled down like a waterfall. Her eyes attracted him, her kohl laden doe eyes. They were drawn beautifully, while her hazel eyes flecked with gold, were deep and soulful. Her red and white dress hugged her figure showing her petite and absolutely beautiful figure more. She was adorned by simple jewels that simply magnified her regal aura, like a queen. She had become a beauty. He looked behind her for a while trying to think of anything but her beauty.
Both stood in an awkward silence. This caused both of them to frown inside their mind.
"Hum chup chap kyu khare hai? Let's sit and talk! I have so much to tell you!" Advika blurted out. She hated awkward silence between her friend and herself. She dragged him by the hand and made him sit on the slab of rock.
"Kaise ho? When did you arrive? Have you met your mother?" Karna questioned softly.
" Thik hu! I arrived today, in the morning. No, I haven't met maa yet! Ab aap batao! "Advika replied.
" I came yesterday, at night. I am alright. Met my parents as well!" Karna said. A comfortable silence took hold this time.
" Tum mere saath ghar chalo! No one can recognize us now as we are grown up! Then I will ask Mata to call Aaratrika kaki. You can meet your mother then. " Spoke Karna.
"Thik hai! Waise...you seem to have grown smart. Good! I don't have to plan everything now. You can help!" teased Advika, a smile on her face.
" Acha? Pehle kya murkh tha? " asked Karna, in a mock hurt voice.
" Aur nehi to kya? Let that be,.. tell me..whom did you learn from?" she asked again, ignoring the mock hurt voice. She knew he was joking.
"Bhagwan Parshurama and Dev guru Brihaspati! Tum?" He smiled as he answered. Her excitement can be seen on her face. He will tease her later for that comment. Now he wishes to simply speak with her.
"Maharishi Vashistha! Tell me, what else did you do? " She asked.
Advika was happy and excited. It has been 15 years since she saw her beloved friend. He had changed yes, but inside it was still her sakha. Her precious friend. Both smiled at each other blissfully. Their heart content and happy.
_____________________________________
Kunti walked alongside her elder sister-in-law Maharani Gandhari. They neared the seating area of the Queens in the court. She sat gracefully in one of the chairs. Her Gandhari jiji sat beside her. Their dasis nearby them. Kunti had received the news of an important meeting that is to take place in the royal court today. Only family members were allowed. It was apparently a very important meeting. Tatshree Bhishma had called it.
"Do you know, why such an important meeting was called at such a short notice?" asked Gandhari.
"Nehi jiji. I had no idea." Kunti replied. A frown still on her beautiful face. Huge trumpets were blown as Maharaja Dritharashtra came in alongside Mahamahim Bhishma and Mahamantri Vidura. Pandavas and Kauravas also entered. Dushala also came towards them. Maharaja sat on his throne. On his left sat Maharani Gandhari. Dushala sat beside her. In a slight elevated position on Gandhari's left sat Kunti, as the Rajmata. She was the widowed Queen of the previous king Pandu, after all.
To Maharaja's right stood Mahamahim Bhishma and beside him was Mahamantri Vidura. Pandavas stood behind them. Yuddhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and Bhima. All of them had curious looks on their face. GandharRaj Shakuni stood in front of Bhishma and Vidura. The Kauravas stood behind him. Duryodhan standing beside him.
(Shakuni and Duryodhan)
"Kahiye Tatshree. All of us are here." said Maharaja. Bhishma looked at them for a while, his gaze lingering on Yuddhisthira and Duryodhan.
"Putra Dritharashtra, all the children of the Kurus have returned from their Gurukul. It is time we choose the Yuvraja." Kunti's eyes widened and her heart beats fastened. No! This cannot happen. The Pandavas looked among themselves a bit discomforted at the news. They knew this would end in arguments one way or another.
Bhima thought that his eldest brother Yuddhisthira should be the Yuvraja as he was the eldest. Nakula thought the same, but he was a bit uncomfortable at the direction of the meeting. He waited to see what would happen. Yuddhisthira had no idea what to think. This involved him. He wanted to fulfill his responsibility but did not want to offend Tatshree Dritharashtra knowing his love for his son and insecurities. Arjuna thought that this meeting will end with a bloodbath. While his brother deserved the throne, the Kauravas won't let this go easily or peacefully.
Sahadeva felt something is going to happen. He had no idea whether it would be good or bad. He looked at his mother who had gone pale. GandharaRaj smirked, confident in his ability to manipulate the situation when needed and required. Duryodhan smiled cruelly, knowing his Mamashree won't let the Pandavas take the throne from him. He also knew his father's love and weakness towards him.
"You are right, Tatshree! But how are we going decide who should become the Yuvraja?" Maharaja said.
"That is the reason we are here, putra!" Bhishma said. Shakuni decided to enter the conversation.
" Uski kya avashyakta Mahamahim? Mere Bacche...Duryodhan hi banega na Yuvraja? His father is the Maharaja, His mother the Maharani and He himself the Yuvraja! What is there to decide or do you not want to let my nephew be the King?" he spoke slyly.
Arjuna, Bhima and Nakula were bristling in anger accept Yuddhisthira, who was frowning at the direction the meeting was going to and Sahadeva, who still sneaked glances at his mother, where Kunti sat still pale. Kunti's fear was coming true. The Yuvraja! She should have known. This is something she cannot allow to happen. Her eldest child was not Yuddhisthira. Her husband Pandu had wanted their eldest child, her Suryaputra to become the heir to the throne. They had dreamed about it.
Her husband had made so many assumptions regarding their first child! Her Suryaputra deserved the throne. She had abandoned him once, due to social obligations. Her hands had been tied, then. She won't abandon him again. He probably did not want the throne, but that does not mean he did not deserve it. She did not know where he was. How he looked, or about his favourites or anything about him.
But that did not mean she did not love him. She was still his mother. He was still her blood, her son, her eldest. He was the eldest of both Pandavas and Kauravas. She won't allow this injustice to happen.
No one knew about her eldest. The people who had known were dead, Maharaja Pandu and Rani Madri. Her husband had already given his blessings. There was nothing stopping her. Nothing at all! Only her fear stopped her!
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes and counted to ten. Her hands turned into a fist. She would do this. She would give justice to her son. She would right the wrongs she did to her eldest. No more will she sit and watch. Her children would be there for her. She knew this. She could do this.
" Rukiye! " Kunti's steel voice stopped any arguments, before they can even begin.
Sahadeva was already looking at his mother. He had been looking at her from the past few minutes. His mother's face had changed from pale to a steel determination. But why? His instincts were screaming at him that something big is about to happen. He cannot still discern whether it would be bad or good. The other Pandavas looked confused. They had never seen their mother use such an authoritative voice Shakuni had a blank look on his face. He had never thought the meek queen of Maharaja Pandu, would say anything. Her voice which was always soft and meek was very authoritative right now. He thought, what might the reason be?
The Kauravas exchanged uneasy and shocked looks. Duryodhan looked at his uncle's blank face, and knew something important was about to happen. He grew a bit uncomfortable. Maharaja Dritharashtra and Maharani Gandhari looked plain shocked. While he had never heard Kunti speak in such a manner ever, Gandhari knew her little sister had always held a lioness within her. She wondered, what she would do now? Bhishma and Vidura exchanged glances.
Mahamahim Bhishma knew Kunti was a fierce person. She was proficient in weapons and was very knowledgeable. She was virtuous as well. That's why he had been pleased by Pandu's choice for a wife. For the position of Queen. He had seen her spark diminishing at Pandu's second marriage. The spark was lost when Pandu had died. But now, seeing her he felt a small smile play on his lips. Something had made the spark return in his little fierce daughter.
" Kaho putri! Kya baat hai? " Bhishma asked softly. Kunti gestured gracefully to one of her dasis and whispered something in her ear. The daasi immediately left.
" Tatshree, mere paas ek patra hai. This letter is from my husband, the late king Maharaja Pandu to Jyesht. Please read it aloud He wrote this exactly a day before his death. I will explain, after." Kunti spoke, her voice pure steel and a fire danced in her eyes. Her back was straight as she gestured to the daasi gracefully to give the letter to Mahamahim.
Bhishma opened it and read it first. He looked at Kunti shocked. Kunti looked back confidently and nodded. He frowned. Bhishma cleared his throat and read aloud, knowing this will cause an huge uproar.
Priye Jyesht bhrata,
Bhagwan ke kripa se aap aur humara pura parivar kushal mangal rahe!
I do not write this letter with good news. I should have informed this matter to
Hastinapura and especially to Tatshree, but the matter is very delicate. I did not wish to cause harm to a innocent person.
Firstly, I hope this letter had not been intercepted. Secondly, I wish to tell you something. Kunti and I have a son before Yuddhisthira was born. He was the blessing from Suryadev to us. But while this news should be good, that there is a Yuvraja of Hastinapura, still it is not good news. Our sons only days after he was born was stolen from us. I had gone to the priest to find a suitable name of our son and Kunti was doing Puja, while our son was with Madri. Someone had attacked Madri and stolen our son.
I had been furious and so shaken and sad. Even after the birth of our five other sons, I cannot forget our eldest child, our precious son. I had searched for him for years,Jyesht. I have no idea which enemy of Hastinapura wishes to harm the Yuvraja, and that also when he was a days old baby.
With the help of various tribes, I had searched and trusted soldiers were sent to places I cannot go! Kunti had been inconsolable for so many years. While our five children are delights, but we still want our eldest.
Jyesht, my heart, the heart of a father says my son is alive and well. Where I don't know, but I know he is alive and well. I want you to organize a massive search from him.
Please speak with Tatshree and anuj Vidura about this, Jyesht.
I hope you will give a positive response and please ask Tatshree to come himself. If this letter reaches the enemy who stole my eldest son from me, then it will create huge problems. I refuse to let it happen.
Please come yourself along with Tatshree and Vidur, and I will explain more properly then. May god showers blessing on our family!
Your anuj,
Maharaja Pandu.
Bhishma stopped reading.
The entire hall was silent and looking at Kunti. Crickets could be heard if one listens properly.
And then, everything descended into utter chaos. Kunti knew not everything written was the truth. Some lies has been spoken, but it was done to protect her Suryaputra.
Yuddhisthira was shocked. He had an elder brother? Why were they not told? Did Maa not trust them? trust him? All these thoughts were running through his brain. He was confused and hurt.
Bhima felt hurt as well! His mother had kept such a big secret from him! Why? Arjuna face had blanked. He did not know what to feel! He loved his father and mother and brothers! He had another elder brother and he was not told! How could Maa do this to them?
Nakula looked plain shocked. He was worried about his eldest brother! Where was he and how was he? And what was going on? Why had Maa not said anything all these years?
Sahadeva though felt shock, but he was still calm. He had felt something big was about to be revealed! But he had no idea it will be this big! He hoped his eldest brother was okay, where ever he was!
Kauravas and the others were plain shocked. Shakuni had no idea how to manipulate this situation. But he had to try! To cast doubt on the situation!
"Iss baat ko hum vishvas kaise kar le? You could have forged the letter!" tried Shakuni. Bhishma glared at him immediately, but before he can speak, the calm but deadly voice of
Kunti spoke, "Aapni sima mei rahi ye Gandhar raj! This is a family matter of Kurus! You are not a Kuru and therefore will not interrupt. Are you calling my late husband, Maharaja Pandu, a liar? Are you calling Gangaputra Bhishma, my tatshree, a liar? He checked the letter before reading it! Watch the words that you speak! And to whom you speak such things!"
Shakuni winced and a slight fear entered his eyes in front the furious Down wager Queen. Duryodhan did not know of what to say. He had been afraid of his Kunti Kaki, but was angry on behalf of his Mamashree.
"Shant Kunti! Shakuni, apni sima me raho! No one will speak about my brother and Tatshree in such a manner! You have done so for the first time, let this be a warning!" Maharaja said. Maharaja was confused, but no one would speak about his little brother is such a way. Pandu was his little brother and he loved him, in spite of his insecurities.
"Kunti, putri, how can you distinguish between a normal child and your son? We need to know if we wish to find him!" Bhishma urged her.
Kunti felt hope bloom, she spoke softly and hesitantly " You will help?"
Bhishma's eyes softened. He replied " Of course! Abb bolo! "
"Our eldest was the blessing was from Surya Narayan! He was born with a divine Kavach and Kundals. They were exactly like Surya dev's. He is also radiant. Even as a child he shown like a miniature sun and had a ingrained divinity to him!" Her face had small fond smile but a deep sadness overshadowed it. The Pandavas understood her pain of loosing their eldest brother. Understood how much of her pain had she hid from them, so they could lead a carefree life.
"We will search from him, Kunti. Don't worry, putri. This is your tatshree's promise, we will find him." Bhishma spoke.
Kunti smiled gratefully.
"But how Tatshree? Pura Aryavart vishal hai! " Maharaja asked. Before anyone can answer, a daas came and whispered something to Kunti. Hope bloomed in her heart once again. Perhaps, all was not lost.