And suddenly you know,....It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.







The morning donned bright and clear. The sky was clear with fluffy white clouds, and the fields filled with green grass, that happily danced with the fluttering breeze. It seems like Devi Prithvi herself, was very happy.

In the divine abode of Kailash, Mata Parvati hummed as she sew the flowers to make a beautiful garland. Mahadev was meditating as usual. Suddenly, there were two golden glow, which formed to female figures.

"Pranam Mahadev, Pranam Devi Parvati." said two synchronized lilting voices. There stood in a beautiful white dress, the Papnashini Ganga. Beside her stood the divine form of Devi Prithvi.

" May we know the reason of your visit?" asked Mahadev, as he opened his eyes, at the greetings.

" Of course, Mahadev. We came to ask weather you and Parvati will be joining us?" asked Ganga.

" Where jiji?" asked Mata Parvati. Mahadev simply smiled understanding.

" To the wedding of Advika and Karna. Advika is a blessing from you both, surely you will attend your daughter's marriage!" replied Ganga.

" You will be attending I believe!" said Mahadev.

" Yes Mahadev, not in our own form, but in disguise. I wish simply wish to bless my daughter before her marriage." said Prithvi.

"Well jiji, devi Prithvi, yes I will attend, unlike someone." said Mata Parvati, glaring at Mahadev, who looked back at her with an innocent face. Ganga and Prithvi, smiled at each other, laughing internally at the banter between the divine couple.

"Well, we came to you invite you both, if you are joining us, in Suryalok." said Prithvi.

"Suryalok?" asked Mata Parvati, confused.

" Yes, Suryadev and his sons will come to bless Karna before his wedding. And Probably stay too." said Ganga, pondering about it.

" We will be there!" said Mahadev, smiling at his wife's happy face. Ganga and Prithvi nodded and joined their hands, asking for permission. Mahadev nodded, and

Mata Parvati smiled at them. Both disappeared in a glow. "You are pleased Gauri!" said Mahadev, with twinkling eyes. Mata Parvati simply nodded, a soft and happy smile on her face.









Shani dev and Yamaraj the two divine sons of Surya dev were whispering to each other. Surya dev raised his eyebrows at his eldest children's behaviour.

"Putro! " called Surya dev.

" Ji Pitashree? " asked Yama, while Shani dev stood beside him.

"Are you both ready to leave for bhulok?" asked Surya dev. "Of course, pitashree!" replied Yama, with Shani dev nodding along.

" What disguise are you both taking?" asked Surya dev.

" Both of us will be a Brahmins, pitashree!" replied Shani dev.

"Pitashree! I am ready, let's go." said Yami, happily.

"You look beautiful my child! But you do know the fact that we have to be in disguise right?" asked Surya dev, looking at his daughter's beautiful dress.

"Of course, pitashree! I will be in disguise when we reach there!" replied Yami, in a matter of fact tone, a bit annoyed.

Yama and Shani snickered behind him, but straitened when Surya dev glared at his sons. "We need to wait for Devi Ganga, Devi Prithvi , Mahadev and Mata Parvati to join us." said Surya dev to his eager children. A beautiful glow appeared to reveal the form of the divine couple.

"Pranam Mahadev, Mata Parvati! " spoke the three dev's and the lone devi.

"Kalyan ho! " blessed the divine couple. Immediately there were two more glows, which took form to reveal Devi Ganga and Devi Prithvi.

They also payed respects to the divine couple, who blessed them too. "I believe we all will be in disguise!" said Mahadev. "Ji Mahadev, Surya dev and his children along with Devi Ganga will be going to Hastinapur, while myself and along with you both will be proceeding towards Dwarka." said Prithvi.

All nodded and all of them disappeared.









Karna was sitting on the throne like chair in his room, in his hands was a scroll, related to Kingdom works. He was nervous, elated and happy at the same time. Nervous about his own feelings and the new beginning, elated that Advika and he was getting married and happy that his family was happy for him.

" Putra! " called Kunti, as she walked in with Gandhari.

" Pranipat Maa, Badi maa! " greeted Karna, smiling at both of them.

" Kalyan ho putra! " blessed Gandhari and Kunti.

" Is that something you needed? You could have called me!" said Karna, a sweet smile on his face.

" We know, putra! I came here to see how you are doing? Just a few more hours are left for the wedding after all! " said Gandhari.

" I am fine Badi maa!" replied Karna.

" Good!! I will leave the mother and son for now! Putra, remember that finding a middle ground is always the essence of any relationship. May you stay blessed, child!" said Gandhari, smiling.

" Ji Badi maa! " replied Karna, as he squeezed her hand. Gandhari patted his cheek, before leaving.

Kunti turned to him, her smile soft and teary.

" Putra Karna, remember that communication is the key in any relationship. There is always two sides to a coin. Therefore, never judge quickly. I know both of you have been friends since childhood, but marriage is not friendship, it's something else too. I will let you figure that out, though." said Kunti, laughing at the end.

Karna smiled and nodded.

"Mata, jyesht! " said Yuddhisthir, as he entered along with Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev. They all bent to take the blessings of Kunti, who she blessed them. Karna blessed them too, when they did the same thing.

" Maa, ab aap ja sakte hai! We will take care of jyesht!" said Nakul, excited. Karna raised his eyebrows at that.

" Why are you throwing me out, putra?" asked Kunti, her eyebrow raised.

" Arey maa, we are excited to make jyesht get ready and get ready ourselves as well." said Sahadev, his face has a wide smile on her face.

" And you have to get ready too!" pointed out Bhima.

" Thik hai, thik hai. I am going! " said Kunti, laughing as she walked out. Karna raised his eyebrows at his younger brothers.

" The time we need to leave is at least 5-6 hrs away . Why do I need to get ready now?" asked Karna, his tone confused.

"Actually, Pitamaha Bhishma wants you ready in an hour. Apparently, there is some ritual that a Brahman has to do." explained Yuddhisthir.

" Really?" asked Karna.

" Ji jyesht! Aur waise bhi, we need to look handsome too! Do you know the amount of girls coming to the wedding?" asked Nakul, checking his face in the mirror on the wall.

" You need to look handsome perhaps! None of us are interested!" said Arjun, smiling.

"You know jyesht, girls are fawning over bhrata Arjun, but look at him, he does not pay any attention to them. Poor Girls!!" replied Nakul.

" Well they need a scapegoat now that jyesht is off the market, so they took the two available ones! That would be anuj Arjun and anuj Nakul." said Bhima, laughter in his voice. While Arjun was mouthing 'poor girls' in shock.

" Okay, okay, nothing to contribute Yuddhisthir, Sahadev?" asked Karna, curious. " Nehi! Girls are confusing people, that I rather not deal with, jyesht!" said Sahadev immediately.

" Jyesht, I am not usually interested in these things!" said Yuddhisthir.

" Yet, there is girls lined up for all five of you! You do know after mine it's your turn." said Karna.

" Jyesht!!! " said the four princes flushing in embarrassment, while Nakul laughed, and Karna smirked.

" It your marriage, jyesht. We have the right to tease you, not the other way around." pouted Yuddhisthir.

" All five of you have been doing that for the past 2 weeks. Don't I have to get ready?" asked Karna, raising his eyebrows.

The question seemed to spur Nakul in action, as he quickly went to a corner of the room and bought the huge plate, that had his royal clothes and jewels.

He gave it to Karna and he left to change. When he returned all the brothers helped to put on the jewels on him and helped him with angavastra.

" Now go and change into your own royal clothes, for the wedding. Can't have the fair maidens disappointed do we?" said Karna, with a wink.

Nakul's and Bhima's laughter ran through. Yuddhisthir and Arjun flushed while Sahadev gave a shake of his head.

"I am glad I am the youngest. Four brothers are in line before me!!" muttered Sahadev. They all left for their own chambers, to get ready.









" Ander aane ki anumati hai, Rajkumar? " said Shani dev, disguised as a Brahman.

Karna nodded without actually looking. He turned around and his eyes widened. In front of him stood Surya dev, Yama, Yami and Shani in their disguise. He went and bend to take his blessings.

" Pranipat Pitashree, Jyesht, bhrata, Jiji! " said Karna, as he took their blessings one by one.

" Ayushman bhava! " said Surya dev. The siblings simply hugged him. " Anuj when I said about Advika, I had no idea that you both would actually get married! See Shani, my words became the truth." said Yama dramatically while Karna flushed and Shani and Yami simply snickered. Surya dev looked amused.

" Then what more predictions would you like to make jyesht?" said Yami, still snickering.

" Oh! let me see. Yes, my priye anuj would be blown away, by Advika tonight!" said Yamaraj jokingly. "Everyone knows that putra!" said Surya dev, a smile on his face.

Yama sulked at his father's words while Shani, and Yami chuckled. Karna was still blushing.

"I knew you both held something special. Such strong bonds of friendship can evolve, after all!" said Shani, his smile soft.

" Indeed, little brother! I am glad you chose such an amazing life partner. Treasure her!" said Yami, a bright smile on her face.

" We don't have much time, children. Let us complete our task!" said Surya dev.

Karna smiled as his brothers and father helped him to wear the mukut and the sacred thread was tied by his elder sister.

" I bless you child, that these new life have a good beginning for you!" said Surya dev.

" Indeed! We hope you will always do what is right, no matter the circumstances!" said Shani dev, with Yamaraj nodded along.

" Don't worry too much, you will be fine." said Yami, before all of them left.







Advika was not ready yet, even the wedding time was fast approaching. Her mind was griped with nervousness. She was in a cross between sadness, nervousness and happiness. A soft knock, stopped her inner battle with her mind and emotions.

" Ander ayiye! " said Advika.

Two beautiful maidens entered. Their aura, spoke of their divinity. Along side them stood a lone male, whose mere presence made you feel holy. Advika turned around and her eyes widened.

" Maa! " said Advika, hugging devi Prithvi.

" And me?" pouted Mata Parvati. Mahadev had a serene smile on his face.

"Putri! They are one of the most divine couple - Mahadev and Devi Parvati. It is by their blessing that I got you." introduced Prithvi.

Advika's eyes has turned into saucers. She slowly came forward and touched both of their feet.

" Kalyan ho! " blessed the divine couple.

" You are our daughter, as much as you are Devi Prithvi's, putri!" said Mata Parvati, her hands caressing Advika's hair.

"It was you! You were in the..." trailed of Advika, her eyes soft and laden with tears. Parvati nodded as she bought her in a hug.

" Mata! " said Advika softly, as she hugged her back.

A hand was placed in her hair and Advika nuzzled it like a cat. Mahadev smiled at the response. Advika opened her eyes, which she had closed.

" Pitashree! " muttered Advika, softly. Mahadev's eyes softened and his smile brightened.

" May you stay blessed and have the courage and presence of mind to overcome all your obstacles!" blessed the divine couple.

" You won't stay?" asked Advika, her voice small.

" Nehi putri! We will watch it though!" replied Mahadev.

" Thik hai, pitashree, Maa! " said Advika brightening up.

The divine couple smiled before disappearing. Advika smiled and turned towards her birth mother.

" I will get you ready, before leaving." said Prithvi, smiling and beckoning her.

" Ji maa." replied Advika, smiling back.

Devi Prithvi dressed her like a doll and also tied the sacred thread on her wrist. " This sacred thread will stop all the bad omens in the wedding!" said Prithvi, as she lovingly tied it to her daughter's wrist.

" Not Gandhar raj Shakuni though." whispered Advika to herself, causing her mother to chuckle.











" Putri! " called Rohini, as she and Devaki came towards Advika, where she sat in our room.

" Oh! you look beautiful." said Rohini, her eyes tearing up.

" Indeed jiji. Our Daughter looks so divine." replied Devaki, as she cupped Advika's face and pressed a kiss on her forehead. Rohini caressed her hair.

" Maa, Devaki maa! " called Subhadra, as she, Kanha and Balrama approached.

" Wow..." said Subhadra, as she looked at Advika.

" Kya baat hai jiji? You look so beautiful, that Jijashree will not be able to take his eyes off you, for even a moment." said Subhadra, her smile teasing, while Advika smiled, a blush on her face.

" Exactly. Mayuri is the most beautiful bride. Why won't she be? She has such a good looking brother!" said Kanha, his smile playful while his eyes twinkled.

Deft fingers came to twist Kanha's ears. Balrama, raised his eyebrows.

"Oh? Only 1 brother is good looking?" asked Balrama, his voice mock serious.

" Kya? No no..you are good looking too!" said Kanha, covering up quickly. Laughter could be heard all around.

" But compared to you both, today all the six pandavas are looking rather handsome, especially

Karna. The Barat is arriving. Maa won't you both go to welcome them?" said a melodious voice from behind. Rukmini and Revati smiled at each other at their husbands crest fallen faces.

" We should take our leave! Let's go jiji." said Devaki. Rohini nodded as they both got up.

" Revati, Rukmini and Subhadra, you both are tasked to bring Mayuri, down alright?" instructed Rohini.

All three nodded as they went to sit beside Advika, who was blushing and smiling. Balrama and Krishna, pressed a kiss each to her forehead, before following their mothers down.









Karna stood before the Havan Kund as instructed. Soon, the Panditji called for the bride to be bought down. Advika entered along side her sister and Bhabhis. Everyone was amazed at the bride's beauty.

Karna was awestruck. She was truly shinning. She had worn red with gold and silver work lahenga. His smile widened and while hers never left her face as they stood in front of each other. They were asked to garland each other. They did so. Karna could not lift his eyes from her and she could look at him in the eye.

Advika slowly lifted her eyes to look at him and she was left awestruck. His eyes had a soft look to them, as they gazed at her, while hers had a content look to hers. They both looked at each other when the garland ceremony was done.

Now came the ceremony of Kanyadan. Kanyadan is said to be the greatest privilege of a father. Giving away the prosperity of their life, their daughter is said to be the noblest donation. Sri Vasudev, came forward to do this ritual. A tear slipped his eye as he did the ritual. He looked at his daughter's eye, who had tears in her eyes. He then looked at Karna's eyes which reassured him, that he would take her responsibility and fulfill them. A soft smile and soft light came in Sri Vasudev's eyes, as he finished the ritual with a light heart. The hymns were chanted from the Kamasukta verse.

After this Vasudev asked Karna not to fail Advika, in his pursuit of Dharma (moral and lawful life), artha (wealth), and Kama (love). Karna promised the same.

Then the ritual of Paanigrahan was completed. After which was the Gathbandhan. Gathbandhan is the holy ritual of tying the knot. Here the ritual is done by the groom's sister, which signifies that the family of the groom have accepted the bride. Dushala and Krishna came forward for this ritual. Dushala took Karna's cloth and spread it, where Krishna added coin, flower, turmeric, durva ( grass) and rice. Dushala then tied the cloth with Advika's dupatta. The knot was done three times.

The significance is that in this ritual it makes them one unit ( emotionally, physically and mentally). Coin states that both have equal right on money, therefore it should be spent with both of their wishes. Flower states that they both stay happy with each other. Haldi defines they stay healthy. Durva signifies they stay fresh and energetic like grass and Rice signifies that no one should stay hungry and there is no shortage of food.

The three knot placed by the groom's sister, signified rights, relationship and world respectively. After this the Saptapadi ( sapta - 7, padi - steps ) would take place. Both Karna and Advika were asked to stand up. They both did, with Subhadra helping Advika with her dress. They both walked the rounds round the sacrificial fire. The first four rounds with Karna in front and Advika following. The last three with Advika leading and Karna following.

The Saptapadi is one of the most important ritual in Vedic culture. The priest started his chants and the hymns spoke:-

"The world of men and women united by the bond of marriage in the Saptapadi, to further promote the joy of life, together listen with triumph.

Step 1. Groom: Oh! you who feeds life sustaining food, nourish my visitors, parents, friends and offspring with food and drinks. O beautiful lady, I, as a form of Vishnu, take this first step with you for food.

Bride: Yes, whatever food you earn by hard work, I will safeguard it, prepare it to nourish you. I promise to respect your wishes, and nourish your friends and family as well.

( Karna and Advika finished their first round.)

Step 2. Groom: Oh! thoughtful and beautiful lady with a well managed home, with purity of behaviour and thought, you will enable us to be strong energetic and happy. O Beautiful lady, I as Vishnu, take this second step with you for the strength of body, character and being.

Bride: Yes, I will manage the home according to my ability and reason. Together, I promise to keep a home that is healthy, strength and energy giving.

( Karna and Advika finished their second round around the fire.)

Step 3. Groom: O skillful and beautiful young lady, I promise to devote myself to earning a livelihood by fair means, to discuss and let you manage and preserve our wealth. O dear lady, I as Vishnu form, cover with this third step with you to thus prosper in our wealth.

Bride: Yes, I will join in managing our income and expenses. I promise to seek your consent as I manage our wealth, fairly earned , so it grows and sustain our family.

( Both finished their third round.)

Step 4. Groom: O dear lady! I promise to trust your decisions about the household and your choices. I promise to dedicate myself to make the community prosper, the matters outside the house. This shall bring us respect. O my lady! I as Vishnu take this fourth step with to participate in our world.

Bride: Yes, I promise to make the best home for us, anticipate and provide the necessary things for your worldly life and for the happiness of our family.

( Both completed their fourth round. Advika took the first steps for the fifth round. Karna followed. The Purohitji continued to chant.)

Step 5. Groom: O lady of skill and pure thoughts, I promise to consult with you and engage you in the keep of our cows, our agriculture and our source of income. I promise to contribute to our country. It shall win us future. O my skilled lady, I as Vishnu form, take this fifth step with you to together grow our farms and cattle.

Bride: Yes, I promise to participate and protect the agriculture, farms and the business. They are a source of yoghurt, milk, ghee and income, all useful for our family and necessary for our survival.

( The fifth round was completed.)

Step 6. Groom: O Lovely lady, I seek you and only you, to love, to raise children and to raise a family , to experience all the seasons of life. O my lovely lady, I as Vishnu take the sixth step with you to experience all the seasons of life.

Bride: Feeling one with you with your consent, I will be the means of your enjoyment of all senses. Through life's all seasons I will cherish you in my heart. I will worship you and seek to complete you.

(The sixth round was completed. The seventh round started)

Step 7. Groom: O friends! Allow us to complete the seventh step together, this promise, our Saptapad friendship. Please be my constant wife.

Bride: Yes, today I gained you, I secured the highest kind of friendship with you. I will remember the vows we just took and always adore you through out my life.

( The Seventh step was completed. Both stood in front of the fire with joined hands. Advika was to Karna's left.)

Both Advika and Karna felt a bubble of happiness well inside them. Advika braved a look at him, to find him already looking at her. He gave a small smile, while she responded with a

shaky one.

" Laja Homa aur Chudamani dharan ka muhurat agaya hai. Kripa karke kanya ke bhrata aur Behen padhare, mandap mei! " called the priest.

Balrama and Subhadra came forward. Subhadra had a beautiful Chudamani in her hands. Balrama forwarded Advika a handful of puffed rice, which she forwarded to Karna. Their hands touched and a soft smirk appeared on Karna's face, while she lowered her eyes.. He extended his hand offering the rice to the fire. These ritual was done three times. This is called Laja Homa. It is an sacrificial offering to the fire god Agni, as he becomes the witness of their marriage. It is also said that the bride accepts her husbands gotra during this ritual.

Subhadra came forward with the Chudamani and forwarded it to Karna. Karna took it slowly, of the plate and placed it on Advika's head. Subhadra settled it, well on her hair. Dushala came forward with sindoor, for the last ceremony which would mark the wedding complete - Sindoor daan. She forwarded it to Karna who took a pinch of it between his index and thumb fingers. Subhadra lifted Advika's maangtika, which exposed her clear partition. Karna looked at her and she looked back at him. Both their hearts beats increased. He forwarded his hand filling her partition with Sindoor. Her eyes involuntarily closed. He retracted his hand, while Subhadra placed the maangtika were it was.

" Vivaha ki Subhkamnaye Jiji, Jijashree." whispered Subhadra, causing both to smile at her.

" From me too, Jyesht, Bhabhishree! " said Dushala, which the couple replied with a smile.

" Vivaha Sampanna hua! " announced the priest, causing flowers to be showered on them from all sides.