Everyone makes different choices. We become different when we choose something right. (# Krishna Quotes # )

Bhishma blew his conch. The beautiful sound silenced every single noise. Karna and Arjuna turned to face the open balcony.

"With the win of the last competition, the Kala Pradarshan comes to an end. I humbly thank every single one of the participants, for participating. The winners of each competition please stay behind, while the rest of the citizens and guests of Hastinapura, you are requested to leave the arena in peace. I thank our esteemed guest, the warrior sage Guru Parshurama, for his divine presence. By taking the Supreme Lord Narayana's name, I hereby announce the end of Kala Pradarshan." announced Bhishma.

All the citizens of Hastinapura left the arena, chattering and talking among themselves excitedly. On their tongue the names of the six brothers can be heard as they spoke among themselves. Radha and Adiratha was hesitating to leave, since Karna would be here.

"Aap aur Kaka prasthan kijiye Kaki! I will stay back." said Advika, seeing the hesitance on Radha's face.

"Dhanyavad putri! " said Radha, her smile grateful.

"Kya kaki? You call me your daughter, yet say thank you? Who thanks their child?" complained Advika. Radha and Adiratha laughed at her complain. They blessed her before leaving the arena. Advika looked down to the arena to see Karna looking right at her. She signaled she was coming down. He nodded subtly back.

Karna, on the other hand, wondered what did Mahamahim Bhishma wants. He did not know there were any gifts, that will be given for winning. There were no announcements of such. He looked towards the stands to see Advika sending his parents home. She signaled, she was coming down. Good! he thought. He really did not want to meet any royals without her beside him. He needed a familiar face around here, who was not his Gurudev.

He wondered, what was his Gurudev up to now?

He heard a call from the back. He turned to see the five princes standing behind him. He had forgotten about Arjuna and the other four.

That made him remember, the certain hug. He really did not know, what made him bring the younger man in a hug. Though he meant what he said to him. He was not the impulsive kind, neither was he someone, who went around hugging random people.

'Okay, not exactly random', thought Karna. He was speaking with them for the past four to five hours. So he kinda knew them.

He looked at the five who was standing in front of him. Yuddhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva stood side by side in front of Karna. They did one thing that shocked Karna the most.

All of them touched his feet together. Karna blinked and then gulped. His hands lifted reflexively to bless them.

"Kalyan ho!" he intoned.

By that time the other royals had also arrived down in the arena. Gurudeva Parshurama was also standing with them, a small smile on his lips. Advika also arrived standing beside Karna. Karna shot her a grateful look, confusion in his eyes. She gave an assuring look. The Pandavas shot her a smile, which she returned.

Bhishma smiled as he approached the man. He was very pleased. The objective of the competition has been achieved. The lost prince has been found. He had been simply amazed when his grand nephew's armor appeared. The mere radiance Karna was giving off at that time...it had no words to describe. He was also glad that his Gurudeva, Parshurama was Karna's teacher as well. He knew Shakuni or even Dritharashtra will try to cast doubts on his upbringing.

This will at least derail most of them. He also noticed the female beside, wondering who she was! He also noticed how both of them stood close to each other, and their eye-talk. She seemed to know Karna well, to decipher what he was saying in a glance. The female was a warrior. She was very beautiful as well. Her mere way of standing was that of a tigress ready to defend and attack, if she sensed a threat.

Shakuni looked at the lost prince, Karna and the female beside him, whom he did not knew. He was still angry over his plans getting derailed. He did not like that. He could not say anything about his upbringing. As that would be questioning Bhagwan Parshurama and Dev Guru Brihaspati. He did not want their anger on his head. He wondered how Karna had even managed to get education from the teacher of the Gods. He looked at the female. She was very beautiful. He wondered if he could question their relationship?

'That thought has merit', thought Shakuni. In his haste, he did not see Advika narrowing her eyes at him.

Advika stood beside her friend, wondering what was going to happen now. She knew that Karna's parentage will be revealed, but how? She activated one of her divine powers of sensing the intentions of people. Just because she knew Rajmata Kunti was her sakha's birth mother did not mean she trusted her or her family.

She felt the worry and confusion from Karna. She tried to reassure him that everything will be alright. She prayed to Mahadev and Gauri maa, that everything went well. She felt the pandavas happiness and jubilant emotions. She smiled. Her smile disappeared at the emotions coming from Gandhar raj. She had a feeling, he was going to create trouble.

Kunti was very happy. When she had seen the Kavach, her heart was elated. She had found her son, finally after so long. She needed to speak with him privately to explain, to tell him how Pandu has accepted him. How he was now considered their eldest child. She also noticed the female standing beside her eldest child. She wondered if this was Advika, her child's oldest and childhood friend. She would love to meet with her and get to know her. She can see her son considered her a very precious person. She hoped her son would accept her and his family. Vidur was glad everything went well. He had been worried when Bhagwan Parshurama had arrived, but the reason became clear, when his eldest nephew spoke of his gurus. He could see the happiness in his bhabishree's eyes. He also noticed the indecision in his eldest brother's posture and the glint in Shakuni's eyes.

Guru Parshurama was pleased. His student had won, even with the restrictions he placed upon him. He also saw the mark of a great archer in Arjun. He thought satisfied that Karna could guide him well. He knew what was about to happen. He had seen the question in Karna's eyes regarding his mother. The pain he had felt at being abandoned, even though it was not his fault.

He prayed that his student get the family and respect that he deserved. He was also excited to meet the girl, that his student had told him about. If looks could kill, Karna would be six feet under the ground. Duryodhan was glaring so hard at his elder cousin. He was fuming at the obstacle in his path. When his kavach had appeared, he was in awe. He had never seen someone who could go toe and toe with Arjuna and win, that also with restrictions. He had been impressed, but frowned as he realized he was the eldest Pandava. He knew his father would be forced to crown this person as the Yuvraja. He wondered if his mamashree had any plan for that?

Dritharashtra was conflicted and insecure. He did not want to deny his nephew his birthright, but what about his son? He wanted Duryodhan to become the King. He was the King, therefore his son should be the crown prince, as Shakuni has said, previously. He hoped there was a way he could make his son the Yuvraja. Gandhari was glad Kunti got her child back. She knew there were politics in the palace for the throne. She knew her nephew will be entangled in the web of the palace politics. She prayed that the most deserving person got to be the Yuvraja. He would be the future of the clan after all!!

Drona did not know what to think. His Guru bhrata had defeated his student. He had always said Arjun was the greatest archer in the world.He did not know his Gurudev was teaching someone who was as good as Arjun, that is with restrictions placed upon him. He did not know what to say. He did not want to disappoint his student, and neither wanted to offend his guru or his guru bhrata. He realized it was a matter of experience. Arjun had just returned from Gurukul, while Karna already had experience.

Yuddhisthira had been shocked when he had heard his jyesht speak like that to Bhagwan Parshurama. He had been even more shocked at the banter and almost family like feeling he got from both of them. It could be easily seen that they had a very close bond. He was glad to see it. He was amazed when he had saw his brother's Surya kavach. He now understood why he did not wear an armor. His eldest brother must have suffered a lot, but he had preserved. He was also glad to see his eldest brother's friend too. He flushed embarrassed at the very amused look she had shot both Bhima and him. It was like, as if he was a child who got caught with his hand in a cookie jar. He had never felt like this before, he wondered in awe.

Bhima was happy to have his eldest brother back. His armor was very beautiful and amazing. He could see his mother's happiness. He smiled and hoped his family stayed the same or grew more strong. Bhima wondered whether his brother would let him test the armor's strength. He wanted to see if his punches would have any effect. Perhaps he could ask him for a spar?

'Now that is an idea', thought Bhima, happily.

Arjuna was wanted to grin very widely. His eldest brother was an archer like him. He had been sad that he had no one to practice archery with, but now he could. He had been so amazed at his brother's casual ease at using his divine abilities. No wonder he had been so at ease, in the competition. He had thought that Bhagwan Parshurama was being unreasonable, when he had heaped those restrictions on his brother. He did not want to fight his eldest. But his brother had no idea, that he was the eldest of both the Pandavas and Kauravas. So he had to compete against him. When they had fought, he was very much at awe at his jyesht's skills. He could see his brother was in his element, like a lion in a jungle.

He was also proud of his brother's words to him. He vowed he would make his Jyesht's words to him come true. He would become one of the greatest archers in history. He would make his jyesht proud. Nakula was happy that he got his eldest brother and a sparing partner as well. Buy one, get one free offer. So he smiled.

He knew his brother and Advika jiji were a packet. He also knew his brothers especially, bhrata Arjun and bhrata Yuddhisthir, followed by bhrata Bhima and Sahadev were going to monopolize his eldest brother's time. He did not mind. As far as he understood about his jyesht, he would make time for him as well, so he was not worried. He was more excited about getting to know Advika jiji. He wondered when his eldest brother would realize he loved Advika jiji.

'Oh well, when that happens I would be the most favourite devar! ' thought Nakul, his smile absolutely mischievous and secretive. His brothers had no chance!!

Sahadeva was happy but he was feeling very uneasy. Something was about to happen. He looked at Gandhar raj, feeling all his senses go off!! He prayed everything went well.

"Well done putra Aditya!" said Parshurama. He sometimes also called Karna, Aditya...it was one of the names of Suryadev after all. Karna touched his feet. Parshurama blessed him.

"Ayushman bhava!!" Bhishma smiled at the bond, happy.

"We will let Kunti explain along with the Pandavas, tatshree?"asked Maharaja. Bhishma nodded, agreeing that the mother sons should talk first.

"Haa, ye uchit hoga! Putra Karna, everything will be clear, please speak with Kunti!" said Bhishma.

Karna nodded, wondering what was going on. Why would Rajmata Kunti wish to speak with him?

While Kunti looked gratefully at Bhishma, who smiled at her in assurance. Before anyone can say anything, Shakuni spoke up!

"I wanted to ask something. Putra Karna, who is this girl with you? Why is she here, especially among royals? Mahamahim Bhishma, did say that the common people of Hastinapur should leave! Perhaps, she is using you! You should be careful my child, women like her are home breakers!" said Shakuni, trying to instigate Karna and everyone.

Silence reined. A white glow appeared. In Karna's hand, the mighty Vijaya dhanush appeared. His eyes enraged. He unconsciously releasing radiance so bright that it caused other's to cover their eyes. He was about to use an arrow, when a slim and female fingers encircled his wrist, stopping him. Another similar hand was placed on his bare arm holding the bow. The touch of her hands calmed him down. He looked at Advika who was standing facing him sideways. One of her hands encircling his wrists and the other placed on his arm. She smiled, mirth dancing in her eyes.

"Sakha, shant! Please calm your anger. No need to waste your divine weapons on a person who is not worth the effort." said Advika, softly even though it was heard clearly by everyone present.

Karna clenched his jaw. He did not relax but put his bow down. Advika removed her hands. Karna missed the warmth of her hands, but did not ponder upon it now. He was furious, who was Gandhar raj to speak such ill of Advika? And she was not even angry! He will deal with her later, first in line was Shakuni. He reduced his radiance, enough to let them see clearly. He knew Advika and his Gurudeva was not effected by his radiance. All of them could see the radiance shimmering in him, ready to be used. He finally noticed that the Pandavas all had weapons in their hand and was glaring at Shakuni. He smiled, grimly satisfied at their defense.

While Shakuni was cowed. He had not thought that Karna would react so furiously. His radiance had nearly burnt him. He had underestimated their relationship. He needed to tread carefully.

Gandhari was aghast at her brother's words while Dritharashtra winced. Kunti looked absolutely distraught and angry on behalf of her son. Vidur simply looked, on quietly, shaking his head at Shakuni's foolishness. Bhishma was furious. He decided he was going to have words with Shakuni after this. He was about to apologize, when a angry and stern voice interrupted him.

"Gandhar raj, the women you just tried to frame is the daughter of Devi Prithvi, Prithvikumari Avni. I believe she is called Advika. She is trained by Maharishi Vashistha. It would be preferable, if you choose who your enemies are very carefully, especially on whose presence you are speaking such words!" said Parshurama.

He was livid at the comment made on his student's friend. While he did not know her face to face, he had heard about her from both Maharishi and his student. Shakuni paled. He had absolutely forgotten about Bhagwan Parshurama. He had been livid about his plans failing, that he failed to evaluate the situation. It was an amateur mistake for someone as proficient in politics as him. He winced at the realization.

"Indeed! Let this be a warning, Gandhar raj. I am leaving you alive for speaking such words about my sakhi. Next time, you wont live to see the next sunrise." said Karna, anger coloring his voice.

Advika had been shocked at such words spoken about her. But then she realized, why she was felling such negativity from him. She wanted to laugh at his idiocy. He sure has courage that he spoke such words in front of both her sakha and Guru Parshurama.

"I agree! Putra Karna do not worry, I will make sure such a thing never happens. For what it is worth, Putri Avni, forgive us!" said Bhishma.

"Advika! My name is Advika. Avni, is the name Ma calls me with. The apology is not needed Mahamahim Bhishma. I am not offended, rather very amused at the guts of Gandhar raj." said Advika. Bhishma nodded with a smile on his face. The girl was very humble and intelligent.

"Perhaps not Ganga putra Devrath. But I believe Gandhar raj needs to apologize." said Karna, his anger still simmering.

Advika said nothing on this. Bhishma's eyes widened at his grand nephew's words. He tried to hide the grin on his face. Parshurama was also trying to hide his smile.

"I agree! Shakuni, apologize to Prithvi kumari Advika!" said Bhishma, very amused.

"Shama Kijiye! " said Shakuni, gritting his teeth. He had never felt so humiliated all his life.

He was still afraid of Karna, so he stayed quiet. He will get revenge for this, he vowed. Advika nodded, a very amused smile on her lips. Karna nodded stiffly as well.

"Gurudev, please accept the hospitality of Hastinapur a little longer!" said Bhishma, hope coloring his voice. Guru Parshurama nodded at his elder student. Bhishma smiled and everyone proceeded to leave alongside the rest of the party except Kunti and the Pandavas. Advika looked at Karna. Karna stood, his bow in his hand, his posture still tensed with anger. Kunti stood in front of Karna and Advika, wondering how to start. The Pandavas watched them, and looked at each other, wondering what was going to happen now!!