When one finds the true Guru, they can conquer half the world.







Karna and Advika stood up and went towards were the elders stood. They bent to take their blessings. Everyone blessed them wholeheartedly. Kunti had a huge smile on her face and she was glowing in happiness, and so was Gandhari. The females of the groom family left first, as they need to be there in Hastinapur, for the welcoming of the bride and the groom. After that,the ritual of first meal took place within the Palace. Both fed each other among the teasing of their brothers and sisters. Dushala and Subhadra giggled and teased their brother/ sister mercilessly.

The time of Vidaai was approaching. After the meal, everyone gathered outside the Palace of Dwarka, for the Vidaai ritual. Karna and his entire family waited outside, while Advika came from inside the palace and stopped at the threshold.

A girl in the Vedic traditions is seen as the form of Lakshmi, the goddesses of Prosperity and Wealth. So when a girl leaves her home for her husband's after marriage is known as Vidaai. Subhadra forwarded a huge plate filled with puffed rice. Behind Advika stood Rohini and Devaki, their veil spread in their hand as they waited to catch the rice. Advika cupped her hands with the rice backwards without looking back, at her mothers. These was done three times.

This ritual meant that as the married girl leaves her parent's house, the prosperity remains within her parents home, even though she herself was not present there. Advika looked at Vasudev, who stood in front of her. She bent to take his blessings and he hugged her. Her eyes were brimming with tears though none fell. She went towards her mothers who came in front of her. They hugged her and blessed her with a happy married life. Then came Balrama and Revati. Both hugged her, tightly. Balrama face had tears in them.

" Mayuri, always remember this brother of yours will always come, whenever you call!" said Balrama, his voice chocked with tears. Advika nodded, not able to voice her agreement due to her voice being chocked with tears. Then Krishna and Rukmini stood in front of her. Advika simply hugged him and he hugged her back. Both simply stood for a while savouring their friendship and sibling hood.

" Don't trouble maa, without me there, Kanha!" whispered Advika as she broke the hug. Kanha snorted. " Shouldn't I be the one to tell you something?" said Kanha, a small smile on his face.

" Tumahari iccha!! " said Advika, a small smile on her face. Rukmini came forward to hug her too. She hugged her back. " Write a letter, once in a while." muttered Rukmini. Advika hugged her tightly and nodded. Subhadra hugged her elder sister. " I will miss you jiji!" said Subhadra. Advika simply hugged her.

All the three siblings made their sister sit inside the Palanquin. A series looks was exchanged between Karna and the two brothers. karna nodded, a small smile on his face. Balrama and Krishna did the same. The procession slowly left through the gates of Dwarka, fading into the horizon.







It was almost evening when they reached the Palace of Hastinapur. The palace was beautiful lighted with various oil lamps, that it shone in the evening. They entered within the palace confines. Advika came out from the Palanquin and stood alongside Karna, in front of Rajmata Kunti and Maharani Gandhari.

She was instructed to gently push the Kalash ( pot ) filled with rice and decorated with leaves. It signifies the coming of the Griha Lakshmi, in the house. She did that and then placed her foot within the palace threshold. Then she place her feet on a red liquid and walked forward leaving red footprints on a white cloth.

Various other minor rituals were performed, among the teasing of their brothers and sisters.

Karna was taken by his brothers, while Advika was with Mata Kunti.

"Here is your room,putri. You both will spend a lot of precious moments here." said Kunti as she helped her enter the room, which used to be Karna's room before. Kunti smiled at her before leaving her there. The room door was closed by Kunti, when she left with a happy smile. Advika looked around the room. She had only entered it once, that also they had a fight the very same day. She did not get the chance to explore the room.









The room was grand. A huge bed stood in the center, along the wall. There were curtains draped around it. The bed sheets were made with silk, decided Advika as she caressed them. Right in front of it was a small pool of water, where one can dip there feet. Opposite the bed was the seating area. Four broad cushioned chairs surrounded a middle table. A chair could seat two people with ease. A open balcony, draped with curtains faced the moon and the garden. Beautiful breeze came through inside the room. There was even a jhula (swing) inside the room. A dressing table was placed some distance beside the bed, along with a chair. There were a lot of decorative vases filled with fresh flowers were kept inside the room, spreading beautiful fragrance.

Advika looked around in awe. The room was beautiful. She went forward to the dressing table. She looked at herself into the mirror. Her hand slowly came to touch the red marking in her partition. She could not believe she was married. It all seemed like a dream. She smiled softly as she remembered the Sindoor daan. Red spread through her cheekbones at the thought. She slowly started to remove the her hair ornaments. First came of the Maangtika, then the veil. The chudamani followed as she let her long hair fall from its binds. Her hair tumbled down her back into huge waves of waterfall. She kept the ornaments on the dressing table and the veil beside her on the chair.

She looked again at the mirror. The red sindoor could be seen clearly now, against the black of her hair. Her doe eyes glistened with happiness as her cheeks were still strained with a dusting of red. She smiled a bit, before her hands went towards her waist to remove the waist chain. She kept it on the table and removed her bangles and arm bracelets as well. Her hands slowly went towards the heavy necklace. She tried to open the clasp but it had tangled with her hair when she had let it open.

'What am I supposed to do know? I can call Mata, but..." thought Advika,as her lips formed a natural pout. Her hand still holding the clasp.

A slim long fingers removed the hair to her left shoulder. Advika's eyes widened, as Karna's face appeared on the reflection of the mirror. His eyes asked permission, his fingers staying on her own. She slowly nodded. His hands deftly opened the clasp, as his eyes did not leave her own, from the reflection. Her cheeks were stained red, as a smirk played on his lips.

" You should change!" whispered Karna, in her ears, before moving back. Advika immediately rushed towards the changing room, which was also the bathroom. She closed the door, as she took in a huge gulp of air. Advika had not even noticed that Karna had even come inside. She blushed at what happened and quickly went to change and before that a bath.

Karna smirked at her red face, before smiling. He had never seen her so red before. It suited her, he thought. He himself changed into silk clothes before standing at the balcony. Today's day had been hectic and tiring. She had looked ethereal, during the wedding. He had always known she was a beauty, but had never said anything, about it. He knew she was uncomfortable with her beauty. So he never said anything, and knew Advika was grateful that he had never mentioned it. He smiled at remembering his brothers teasing.

He had been shocked when he had seen Devi Ganga, his Gurudev Parshurama and Maharishi Vashistha. He remembered their words. He would follow them to the best of their abilities.

"Putra! I am glad you are here for your brothers. The coming years can be tough. Stay together always and remember to keep your family strong!". This was the advice given by Devi Ganga. On the other hand Guru Parshurama had said " Putra, do remember what we had discussed before. Do not run from your responsibility, no matter what you think. You are the head of the family now, remember your duties. I know you and Advika will complement each other well." While Maharishi Vashistha had said " Advika had come to me when she was just a child. I had watched her grow up and never complain about anything. I have always seen her as a student as well as a daughter. Take care of her putra. Remember that Dharma and Karma are always inter related. Both of you shall grow strong and create a shade for all those in need. Trust your instincts, they always lead to the right path. May God bless you child"

Karna was so into his thoughts that he did not see or hear Advika coming into the room. Advika looked at him, his back on the door. He was wearing only a silk dhoti, without the angavastra or the usual gold ornaments. His hand were folded back as he gazed out.

" Nidra nehi arahi? " asked a sweet and melodious voice. Karna looked at his side to see his wife, standing beside him in a simple cotton dress. Only one veil covered her front. Her luscious hair left open, slightly wet. The only things on her was the sindoor on her partition and a simple gold chain on her neck.

"Kya hua? Kha kho gaye aap? " asked Advika, wondering where he was lost. Karna blinked and smiled at her. Advika smiled back.

" Tumhari partiksha kar raha tha! You sure took your time!" teased Karna. Advika flushed, red cheeks that had finally receded appeared again. Karna chuckled.

"You sure are laughing a lot!" said Advika, grumbling a bit.

" Shama kardo! By the way, liked the room?" asked Karna.

" Haa, kyu? " asked Advika, as she turned back to look at the room again.

" Well, your devars have decided to have a competition called Favourite devar competition. The room decor was a part of it." said Karna, casually. His eyes laughing at the mere notion. Advika looked at him to see if he was joking with her.

" I am not joking!" said Karna, seeing her searching look. Immediately Advika had a look of disbelief on her face.

" But..but..I love them all equally. There is no need for them to compete." said Advika, her voice expressing her disbelief.

" Say that to them. Maa gave up when they did not listen." explained Karna.

" Even Yuddhisthir? I thought he was the serious one!" asked Advika, exasperated.

" No Yuddhisthir was not participating, but was forced to by Nakul. Though I believe he is participating wholeheartedly. He grumbles but does the tasks perfectly in the end. " said Karna, as he smiled at his brothers antics.

Advika looked at him, then chuckled.

" Your brothers are impossible, but cute in the end!" said Advika, as she walked to the bed. Karna laughed at the response , as he followed her to the bed. They lay down on the bed, both facing each other.

" Subhratri! " whispered Advika.

" Subhratri! " replied Karna, as he blew the lamp. Both slept with a content smile on their face. A new day awaited tomorrow for them to explore together.







Advika's internal clock made her eyes flutter open before shutting again. She opened eyes fully the next try. Her eyes took in the surroundings before realizing she was married now. Her face unknowingly lit up in a smile. She went to get up, only to slam back in the bed. A strong and muscular arm was on top of her waist. She looked at her side to find Karna sleeping. She blushed before slowly removing his arm, and leaving the room, for a bath. She returned to find him getting up from the bed.

" Suprabhat! " greeted Karna.

" Suprabhat! " replied Advika, a small smile on her face.

" Slept well?" asked Karna, as he fully turned towards her.

" Yes. You got up late today." said Advika.

" No..you were early. The sunrise is still an hour away!" said Karna.

" Then, shouldn't you hurry, Arya? Pitashree must be waiting for your regular prayers to him." said Advika, teasing.

Karna flushed before actually hurrying out of the room, making Advika chuckle.

" Got up early? Really? You are late." muttered Advika to herself.

She got ready, before leaving for the morning prayers with Mata Kunti.







She returned to the room, only to find Karna along with his brothers seating on the chairs.

" Suprabhat Bhabhishree! " said Yuddhisthir.

" Suprabhat Yuddhisthir! " replied Advika with a smile. The four intoned their own greetings, which she replied back, as she sat down beside Karna.

" Any reason you five are here so early?" asked Karna. At the same time... " Bhabhi how is the room? Which part was the best?" asked Nakul, excited.

Advika looked at him amused while the other five was absolutely exasperated.

" The entire room is beautiful. Stop the competition please. My love for you all is the same." said Advika, not wanting this ridiculous competition to stay any longer than it already have. Bhima and Arjun grinned happily. Yuddhisthir and Sahadev sighed with relief. Karna smiled, while Nakul pouted at her.

" I told you so." said a happy voice from the entrance of the room.

Kunti stood with a four daasis holding two plates each. She approached them with a big smile on her face.

" Suprabhat Maa! " said all seven them simultaneously.

" Suprabhat Putro, putri! I bought the food here,knowing you all will be here." replied Kunti, as she gestured the daasis to leave.

" Kya ma, why would you say that?" said Nakul, referring to her earlier statement.

" Why not? I have told you that hundred times, not that you listened!" said Kunti, her eyes twinkling.

Nakul pouted more to the amusement of the brothers. Kunti and Advika looked at each other and then Advika pulled his nose, while Kunti ruffled his hair.

" Not the hair!! It took me an hour to set it." said Nakul grumbling, as he tried to set his hair back. Bhima, Arjun and Sahadev laughed, while Karna and Yuddhisthir smiled. Kunti and Advika simply chuckled.

" Chalo bhojan prarambh karte hai! " said Kunti. With that they started their breakfast, among which the younger brothers teased the newlyweds, causing Karna to become exasperated while Advika was red. Kunti smiled as her children laughed, talked and teased. They had just finished eating, that a dwarpal came.

" Rajmata,Rajkumaro, Rajkumari, Mahamahim Bhishma app sab ko Sabha mei upasthit hone ka aadesh diya hai! " said the dwarpal. All looked among each other wondering what was going on?









When they entered everyone was already present in the Sabha. Maharaja and Maharani sat in their throne, the throne beside them was empty, which Kunti took. Mahamahim sat on his throne, and so did Gandhar raj and Mahamantri. The kauravas stood with Gandhar raj, while the six brothers stood beside Pitamaha Bhishma. Advika joined them too. Guru Drona was present and so was Guru Kripa.

" Kahiye Guru Drona! Everyone is present, now." said Bhishma. Drona looked at everyone before he spoke, " Maharaja, a guru always need his Guru dakshina. I am here to ask for the same." said Guru Drona. " Of course, Gurudev. Please state your terms." replied Maharaja. " I have an enemy by the name of Drupad, who is the King of Panchal pradesh. I have been insulted by him, and therefore wish to extract revenge. I want my students to fight against him and defeat him." explained Drona. Their silence for a while, before Gandhar raj spoke.

" Of course Gurudev, the Kauravas will surely handle the responsibility well." said Shakuni, in a cunning tone. Duryodhan and Dritharashtra were pleased at the thought. Yuddhisthir, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev looked saddened. They wanted to pay their respect too. Bhima was about to speak his opinion, but fingers on his wrist stopped him. He looked at Karna, who told him to stay quiet for now. He stayed quiet with a disgruntled look. Advika on the other hand looked at Shakuni, having a feeling he was planning something. Drona did not look convinced. Seeing his unconvinced look, Bhishma spoke.

" Perhaps, Gandhar raj, all the students of Guru Drona should get the same opportunity. The six brothers will participate as well." said Bhishma. " Why, Mahamahim? Rajkumar Karna is the student of Bhagwan Parshurama, not Guru Drona. He should not be able to participate." said Shakuni. " I agree!" said a strong voice, silencing anyone who thought otherwise. " Putra? " asked Bhishma, aghast. Even the five brothers looked conflicted.

" Pitamaha, Gandhar raj is right in this. I cannot participate. Guru Drona is my Guru Bhrata, not my Gurudev. I cannot participate in something that is used as a guru dakshina. It is against moral code." said Karna, clarifying his own opinion. Shakuni looked a bit disgruntled that Karna had agreed with him, he had not thought that he would agree. There goes his chance of letting only the Kauravas participate in this. He gritted his teeth. On the other hand, Bhishma, wanted Karna to go with them. Someone needed to keep an eye on both of the brothers. Who knows, what kind of plan Shakuni had up his sleeve.

" Perhaps, not as a warrior putra but you could go as the supervisor, the commander if you will. Do you agree Guru Drona?" asked Bhishma. Drona thought for a few seconds, before nodding. He turned towards Karna. " I need a promise that you wont raise your weapons against Drupad and neither will you help them in the actual fight. Helping them to Strategize and giving Advice is fine." said Drona. Karna looked at him and then at Bhishma, who gave a subtle nod. He further looked at his brothers. Yuddhisthir's eyes pleaded him to agree, Bhima also looked at him hopeful, Arjun nodded as well, Nakul and Sahadev gave a small smile while Advika gave a subtle nod as well. " Very well. I will only be the Commander, and will not raise my weapons to help them. I will help them to strategize, only if they ask." said Karna, with a nod. Drona and Bhishma nodded satisfied. Maharaja looked conflicted but nodded as well.

Shakuni fumed that Bhishma had found a way to include Karna as well. A cruel glint appeared in his eyes as another plan was created in his brain. He tried to take advantage of the situation.

" I have a suggestion, to make the competition fun Maharaja. And solve the problem while we are at it. " said Shakuni. " What problem, Shakuni?" asked Maharaja. " Maharaja the problem of Yuvraja abhishek. Surely, you remember!" said Shakuni. " But..what is there to discuss in this Gandhar raj? The eldest will be crowned as it is the rule!" said Kunti, her tone cutting. " But Rajmata, both your late husband and your Jyesht is the king. Surely you see the injustice done to my priye bhanje. He has a right to the throne as well. His father is the King after all." said Shakuni, stroking Dritharashtra's ego and pride. " We can discuss this matters later, Shakuni." said Bhishma, trying to stop the ploy of Shakuni, whatever it was. " Kyu, tatshree? Let us hear him out at least!" said Maharaja, his ego properly stroked. The six brothers looked uncomfortable at the discussion, while Advika narrowed her eyes at Gandhar raj. Something was brewing, she could feel it. " Maharaja, since all the 106 brothers are participating, we could decide the Yuvraja in this manner. If the six sons of Rajmata Kunti and the Late Maharaja Pandu won, then Rajkumar Karna will be crowned as he is the eldest of them. While if the sons of my sister Gandhari, and Maharaja managed to defeat Maharaja Drupad, then My priye bhanje, Duryodhan can be be the Yuvraja,as he is the eldest of them. The solution is rather simple." said Shakuni, properly stroking the ego and the love for his son.

" That is a brilliant idea!" said Maharaja, as Shakuni has anticipated. " Parantu, putra.." said Bhishma, or rather tried to say. " No buts Tatshree. Shakuni's idea is marvelous. This way the two side have fair chances." said Maharaja. Bhishma sighed in defeat, as he saw the glint in Dhritarashtra's eyes.

" I announce that whoever side wins among the two sides, the eldest among them will be crowned the Yuvraja." said Maharaja, while Shakuni smiled in triumph.