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As the guard departed, Pandu turned back to Kunti, his expression a mix of rgret and resolve. "Kunti, I must leave now. We can discuss whatever is troubling you upon my return."

With that, Pandu made to leave, striding towards the door with purpose. But before he could take another step, Kunti's voice cut through the silence, her words hanging in the air like a heavy cloak of revelation.

"Arya," Kunti spoke, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion, "I gave birth to a child before our marriage."

Pandu froze, his movements halted in mid-stride. Shock and disbelief painted across his features as he turned to face Kunti, his eyes wide with astonishment. The room seemed to close in around them, the silence almost palpable, broken only by the faint echo of Kunti's revelation.

"What did you just say?" Pandu's voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with a mix of confusion and incredulity. His eyes searched Kunti's face for any sign that he had misheard her, but he found only a determined resolve in her gaze.

Kunti took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as if to steady herself. "Arya, please listen to me first," she implored, her voice both gentle and pleading. "There is much I need to tell you, and I ask for your patience."

Pandu's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the chaos in his mind. He slowly nodded, unable to form words, his gaze never leaving Kunti's face. His silence was his consent, his unspoken agreement to hear her out.

Kunti began to speak, her voice steady but laced with a deep sorrow. "When I was still a maiden in my father's house, Rishi Durvasa visited us. He was pleased with my service and granted me a boon-a powerful mantra. With this mantra, I could invoke any god and be blessed with a child."

Pandu's brow furrowed as he listened, the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together in his mind. He remained silent, his eyes fixed on Kunti, urging her to continue.

Kunti's voice grew softer, tinged with regret. "Out of curiosity, I decided to test the mantra. I invoked Suryadev, and was blessed with a child. A son, Arya. A Suryaputra."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of the past. Pandu felt a cold shiver run down his spine as the reality of Kunti's confession began to sink in. The son of Suryadev, ... Could it be?

"Karna..." Kunti's voice broke slightly as she spoke the name given by Suryadev. "I... I was young and frightened, Arya. I didn't know what to do. I abandoned him, placing him in a basket and setting him afloat in the river."

Pandu's mind raced as he connected the dots. Son of Suryadev? Abandoned in a river? Karna... His thoughts tumbled over each other as he connected the dots, the realization struck him like a lightning bolt. Aditya... Could Aditya be the same child?

Overwhelmed by the enormity of the revelation, Pandu felt his knees buckle. He sank to the ground, his face pale and his breathing ragged. His thoughts were a chaotic whirl of emotions: shock, anger, sorrow, and an unbearable sense of betrayal.

In his mind, the image of the young Aditya, his beloved nephew and the Yuvraj of Hastinapur, merged with the abandoned child Kunti had described. Aditya... Aditya is the one Kunti abandoned? The one who I love as my own son... If I accept him, he will truly be my son...

Pandu's tears flowed freely as he grappled with the implications. He looked up at Kunti, his voice choked with emotion. "Kunti... how could you? How could you abandon him like that?"

Kunti's own eyes were filled with tears, her face a mask of sorrow and regret. "Arya, I was young and scared. I didn't know what else to do. I never meant to cause him harm."

"Kunti, do you understand what you have done?" Pandu's voice was strained, a mixture of disbelief and anger. "You abandoned a child, your own flesh and blood, to the mercy of the river."

"Arya," Kunti pleaded, her voice breaking. "I was unmarried. I was scared. What would society say? What about my father's reputation? I thought he would find a good family who would love him, and he wouldn't have to face humiliation for being born to me before marriage."

Pandu shook his head, his face a storm of emotions. "Kunti, Karna is a Suryaputra. Who would say anything to the son of the sun? And Suryadev would have surely come and declared to everyone that Karna is his son if you had asked him to."

Kunti fell to her knees beside Pandu, reaching out to him, her own tears mingling with his. "Arya, I am sorry. I regret my actions every day. Please, tell me what to do. How can I make this right?"

Pandu's shoulders shook with sobs as he grappled with his emotions as he thought. "How could you, Kunti? How could you abandon him without a thought for his future? And now, HOW DO I TELL YOU THAT HE HAS FOUND A FAMILY WHO LOVES HIM, A FAMILY I CANNOT TAKE HIM AWAY FROM?"

Pandu struggled to his feet, his emotions a turbulent storm within him. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I can't... I can't deal with this right now," he said finally, his voice trembling.

Pandu shook his head, still overcome with a torrent of conflicting emotions. "I need time, Kunti. I need to think about everything. This changes so much... I don't know what to do."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Kunti sitting there, tears streaming down her face, her heart heavy with the weight of her confession.

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Pandu's mind was in turmoil as he made his way through the palace corridors.

Aditya..... you are my son? Pandu's thoughts raced, his heart pounding with a mix of joy and sorrow. A part of him felt an overwhelming happiness at the realization that the boy he loved dearly as his nephew was, in fact, his own son. But the joy was quickly overshadowed by a deep sadness, and tears began to well up in his eyes.

Why, Kunti? Why did you abandon Karna? How could you do this? How could you abandon a child you gave birth to? Each question was like a dagger to his heart, the pain of Kunti's actions cutting deep into his soul.

Karna... He is adopted by Jyesth and Bhabhi Ma... How will I face them? What should I tell them? What should I tell you? The weight of the truth felt unbearable, a heavy burden pressing down on his shoulders.

How can I bear the burden of this truth? Kunti, how did you even bear this truth for FOUR years? If you did not tell me now, how many more years would you have carried this secret?

What should I do now? Who should I share this truth with? His mind was a whirlwind of questions, each one adding to the tumult of emotions raging within him.

Lost in his thoughts, Pandu found himself standing in front of the Shiv Mandir in the palace. Seeking divine guidance, he decided to pray, hoping that Lord Shiva would provide some clarity. As he stepped towards the temple, he stopped in his tracks, noticing someone already there.

It was Gandhari, sitting in front of the Shiva Linga, her blindfolded eyes closed in deep prayer. Pandu hesitated, not wanting to disturb her. He decided to leave quietly, but his footsteps echoed in the silence, alerting Gandhari to his presence.

"Who is it?" Gandhari asked, her voice calm but inquisitive.

Pandu stopped, torn between leaving and confronting her. His heart urged him to seek solace. He took a deep breath and spoke, "Bhabhi Ma..."

Gandhari turned towards the sound of his voice, her blindfolded eyes seemingly looking straight at him, sensing the turmoil in his heart. "Pandu?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern. "Your voice... it sounds troubled. What has happened? Is something troubling you?"

Pandu felt a lump form in his throat, the words he needed to say struggling to escape. His expression was a mix of anguish and desperation, tears streaming down his face. He sank to his knees before her, his head bowed in reverence and despair, his body trembling with the weight of his emotions. "Bhabhi Ma, I don't know what to do. I need your guidance," he said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Gandhari reached out, placing a gentle hand on his head. "Tell me, Pandu, What happened?" she urged, her voice a soothing balm to his troubled soul.

And so, with a heart heavy with revelation and a mind swirling with questions, Pandu decided to tell Gandhari the truth that had been weighing on him, hoping that her wisdom and compassion would help him navigate the storm that had suddenly engulfed his life.

Pandu swallowed hard, his emotions a tangled mess. "Bhabhi Ma... Karna..." He stopped, struggling with the weight of the truth he was about to reveal. How would Gandhari react to knowing the truth now?

Hearing Karna's name, Gandhari immediately panicked. Pandu was in such a state, and the mention of Karna only heightened her fears. "Karna? What happened to MY SON?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Pandu broke down again, uncertain whether to reveal Kunti's truth. Gandhari, scared and desperate, asked, "Is Karna okay? Why are you silent? Pandu? Please tell me my son is safe. Why are you crying? Did something happen?"

Pandu composed himself a bit and said, "Bhabhi Ma, Karna is safe. Nothing happened to him."

Gandhari was relieved but still confused. "Then what happened? Why did you mention Karna?"

Pandu thought, Bhabhi Ma, just hearing his name like this from me worried you about his safety. How do I tell you that Kunti is the one who gave birth to Karna and also abandoned him?

Finally, Pandu gathered his courage and said, "Bhabhi Ma... Kunti... Kunti is the one who gave birth to Karna."

Gandhari, who had been gently caressing Pandu's face, froze in shock. Pandu immediately took both her hands in his, his eyes pleading for her understanding. "Bhabhi Ma, Kunti told me everything. She was given a boon by Rishi Durvasa. She tested it out of curiosity, invoked Surya Dev, and was blessed with a child-Karna. She abandoned him out of fear of society and reputation of her father, and that child... our Karna... was adopted by you and Jyesth."

Gandhari's breath hitched as she tried to process the revelation. Pandu continued, "Suryadev named him Karna and blessed him with divine kavach and kundal. Kunti confessed to me about giving birth to Karna and all that happened."

Silence hung heavy between them. Finally, Pandu broke it, his voice trembling, "Bhabhi Ma... I don't know what to do. Please, say something. Tell me what I should do."

Gandhari's voice was barely a whisper, "Did you tell Kunti about Karna? That he is here with us and that your Jyesth and I adopted him?"

"No, Bhabhi Ma. After she told me, I left from there saying I need time."

"You should tell her."

Pandu immediately looked up at Gandhari's blindfolded face, disbelief etched in his features. "Bhabhi Ma!!!! How can I tell her? And what will I tell her? That the child she abandoned is your son and is cherished by everyone in Hastinapur?"

"If she gave birth to Karna, then she has every right to know about her son," Gandhari replied, her voice heartbroken.

Pandu's voice grew firmer, filled with resolve. "Bhabhi Ma, I cannot do it. Karna will always be your son. You asked for a boon to be his mother in every form, and Surya Dev granted it. He drank your milk, he rests in your arms, and he calls you mother."

Without letting Gandhari say anything, he continued, "How can I tell her? How can I take Karna away from you and give him to Kunti if she asks? He is your son in every way. And what of Kunti? She must live with the consequences of her actions."

Gandhari remained silent for a moment, processing the gravity of the situation. Her voice trembled slightly. "But, Pandu, the truth must come out eventually. Kunti has a right to know about her son."

After a long silence, Pandu's voice softened, pleading. "Bhabhi Ma, promise me you will not reveal this truth to Kunti until she finds out herself. I know the truth cannot be hidden forever, but let it come out naturally, when the time is right. Until then, you and Radha Jiji are Karna's mothers. KUNTI WILL ONLY BE HIS CHOTI MA, JUST AS I AM HIS CHOTE PITASHREE."

Gandhari hesitated, torn between her sense of duty and her compassion for Pandu. She tried to speak, but Pandu took her hand and placed it on his head. "Bhabhi Ma, you have my swear. You will not tell Kunti or anyone anything until the truth comes out naturally, when it's the right time."

Gandhari felt the sincerity and pain in Pandu's plea. Finally, she nodded. "I promise, Pandu. I will not tell Kunti about Karna. But remember, the truth will find its way to the light one day."

Pandu let out a sigh of relief, gratitude shining through his tear-streaked face. "Thank you, Bhabhi Ma. Thank you."

Gandhari held him close, her hand gently caressing his hair. "Go now, Pandu. Gather your strength. Whatever comes, we will face it together, as a family."

With those words, Pandu rose, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. He looked at Gandhari, who was clearly lost in thought about everything that had just transpired. Pandu's thoughts swirled with determination and protectiveness. "Bhabhi Ma, till I am alive, Karna will only be your son. I will not let anyone come between you and Karna. I don't know why Karna has become a part of this family, Maybe it was Karna's fate to be a part of this family, but I feel it is not any coincidence. From the moment he came into our lives, everyone was happy. It's like he is that thread that holds everyone together, and I will not let this thread break."

Then his thoughts turned to Kunti, and with a sad smile, he thought, "Kunti, till Karna finds out the truth and he himself forgives you and accepts you as his mother, you and I will only be Karna's Choti Ma and Chote Pitashree. We will not be known as his Mata and Pitashree. I am sorry kunti, I had to do this, but you must face the consequences of your actions, just as I now have to face mine."

He left with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to protect the delicate balance of their lives for as long as he could. As Pandu walked through the palace corridors, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He knew he had asked Gandhari for a promise and had also made a promise to himself. He would protect Karna, and he would protect the fragile harmony of their family.

Reaching his chambers, Pandu paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself before entering. He knew he needed to face Kunti again, to confront the reality of their situation and decide on a way forward. When he entered the room, he found Kunti sitting by the window, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She looked up at him, her expression a mix of hope and fear.

"Arya," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Pandu walked over to her, his heart heavy with the burden they both now shared. He took her hands in his, his grip firm but gentle. "Kunti, we need to talk."

Kunti nodded, bracing herself for whatever was to come. "Arya, I am so sorry. I never wanted this to happen. Please, tell me what I can do to make things right."

Pandu sighed, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. "Kunti, the truth is out now, and we must live with it."

"Arya, are you angry with me?" Kunti's voice trembled with uncertainty as she searched his face for any sign of emotion.

Pandu stood silently for a moment, grappling with his conflicting feelings.

"I don't know, Kunti," Pandu thought, his inner voice a mix of gentleness and firmness. "I can't say if I'm angry. I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE YEARS I SPENT WITH KARNA, WATCHING HIM GROW AND THRIVE IN THIS FAMILY. He has brought happiness to bhabhi shree, to Jyesth, to me and to everyone. But I'm also saddened by the fact that you abandoned him, that he will never call me Pitashree and i will always remain as his Chote Pitashree."

Pandu paused in his thoughts, imagining Karna's fate and the twists of destiny that brought him into their lives, his gaze distant as he processed his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Kunti. I can't tell you about Karna, at least not now."

Kunti reached out to him, calling softly, "Arya..."

Pandu snapped out of his thoughts, focusing on Kunti's face. "Kunti," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "I must leave for the Digvijaya Yatra. It is my duty to expand our kingdom and bring glory to Hastinapur."

Understanding the weight of his duty, Kunti nodded silently. "Arya, I understand. But before you go, please tell me, are you still angry with me?"

Pandu took a deep breath, his resolve firm. "Kunti, what you did... it has hurt me deeply. But I cannot hold anger in my heart forever. I have accepted that Karna is our son, even though we do not know where he is now."

Tears streamed down Kunti's cheeks as relief washed over her. "Will you try to find him, Arya? Will you bring our son back?"

Pandu's expression softened, and he gently clasped her hands in his. "Kunti, we do not know where he might be. He was left in the river Ganga, and the chances of finding him are slim. When the time is right I am sure you will recognise him. But till then know this, I accept Karna as my son, wherever he may be."

Hope flickered in Kunti's eyes as she whispered, "Thank you, Arya."

Pandu's face grew serious once more. "But Kunti, you must promise me something. Do not speak of Karna to anyone. If you respect me, if you love me, keep this to yourself."

Kunti hesitated briefly, then nodded solemnly. "I promise, Arya. I will never talk about karna."

Pandu gave her a reassuring smile, though his heart was heavy with the burden of what had been revealed. "Take care of yourself, Kunti. I will return as soon as I can."

With those words, he turned and left the chamber, leaving Kunti standing alone, grappling with her emotions and the weight of the promise she had made.

Pandu made his way to bhishma to prepare for the Digvijaya Yatra. His heart was heavy with the knowledge of the secret he carried and the promises he had made. As he overlooked everything his mind was a storm of thoughts and emotions.

I have to keep this secret for now, Pandu thought. For the sake of Karna and for the sake of our family. But the truth will come out one day, and when it does, I must be ready to face the consequences.

With a heavy heart, Pandu took a moment to look around him, taking in the familiar surroundings. He knew it might be a long time before he saw them again.

Pandu made his way to the palace courtyard, where his chariot and retinue awaited him. He was about to embark on a journey that would take him far from Hastinapur, but his thoughts would remain with the family he left behind.

As he climbed into his chariot, Pandu took a deep breath and whispered a silent prayer to the gods. Protect my family. Give me the strength to fulfill my duty. And when the time comes, give me the courage to face the truth.

With that, Pandu signaled to his charioteer, and the chariot began to move. As the palace gates closed behind him, Pandu felt a mix of determination and uncertainty. He was embarking on a journey to expand the glory of Hastinapur, but he knew that the true journey lay within his own heart and the hearts of those he loved.

Back in the palace, Kunti stood by the window, watching Pandu's chariot disappear into the distance. Her heart was heavy with the weight of the secret she now carried. She had made a promise to Pandu, but she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and sorrow that lingered in her heart.

I must be strong, Kunti thought. With a deep breath, Kunti turned away from the window and made her way to her own chambers. She knew that the path ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to face it with courage and grace. The truth would come out one day, and when it did, she would be ready to face it.

As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, life in the palace of Hastinapur continued as usual. But beneath the surface, the secrets and promises made by Pandu, Kunti and Gandhari remained, shaping the destiny of their family in ways they could not yet foresee. And as the wheels of fate turned, the threads of their lives became ever more entwined, leading them toward an uncertain future.

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During Pandu's Digvijaya Yatra, Bhishma accompanied him as a trusted advisor and guide, their journey marked by diplomacy and strategic alliances. As they traversed various kingdoms, Pandu's prowess and wisdom earned him respect and admiration among the rulers.

In the lush lands of the Madra Kingdom, known for their desire for peace and prosperity, Pandu was welcomed warmly by King Shalya. The discussions between Pandu and Shalya were cordial yet laden with diplomatic nuance. Shalya, seeking a bond of kinship and alliance, proposed that Pandu accept Madri, his sister, as his wife. Bhishma, knowing the importance of forging alliances through marriage, counseled Pandu to consider the proposal seriously. He highlighted the benefits of Madri's lineage and the strategic advantage it would bring to Hastinapur.

Madri was a woman of exceptional beauty and grace, her presence commanding attention in any gathering. She had long, flowing hair that shimmered like the dark waters of a tranquil lake under the moonlight, and her eyes, deep and expressive, reflected her inner strength and compassion. Her demeanor was gentle yet dignified, and she carried herself with a quiet confidence that spoke of her noble upbringing.

Madri's nature was one of kindness and empathy, always seeking to understand and support those around her. She was well-versed in the arts and sciences, her intellect matching her physical beauty. Her voice, soft and melodious, could soothe the most troubled hearts, and she possessed a keen sense of diplomacy that made her an invaluable asset in royal matters.

After thoughtful deliberation and understanding the political significance, Pandu agreed to King Shalya's proposal. The marriage alliance was sealed with great pomp and celebration, marking Madri as Pandu's second wife.

The union not only strengthened the bond between Madra and Hastinapur but also brought Madri into Pandu's household, where she would play a crucial role in the events that followed.

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In Hastinapur, amidst the bustling court and palace intrigues, Gandhari and Kunti had formed a deep bond akin to sisters. However, there was an unspoken silence between them regarding a shared secret-Karna.

Whenever Gandhari spoke of Aditya, she carefully omitted his true identity as Suryaputra. She spoke fondly of his upbringing, his virtues, and his mischiefs over the past four years, knowingly sharing every detail of Karna's life with Kunti. Gandhari believed that in this way, she could ensure Kunti knew about her son without revealing the truth.

On the other hand, Kunti had immersed herself in learning the duties of a queen and navigating the complexities of life in Hastinapur. She kept her promise to Pandu and never spoke of the son she had given birth to before her marriage-Suryaputra.

Whenever Gandhari mentioned about her eldest son Aditya, Kunti felt a mix of emotions-seeing Gandhari's love for Aditya sometimes made Kunti jealous that she couldn't be with her son Karna after abandoning him. Her heart ached at the thought of Karna, wondering where he was, how he was faring, and whether he knew that he is a Suryaputra.

Two mothers, each going through different emotions, found solace in their bond as sisters, unaware of the truth that connected them-their shared son, Karna.

Kunti, who had given birth to Karna but was unable to raise him, and Gandhari, who had accepted Karna as her own and is a mother to him in every way despite not being his birth mother, navigated their lives intertwined by destiny.

"What kind of game is Destiny playing?"

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PANDU RETURNS

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Kunti stood at the palace gates, her heart fluttering with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as she awaited Pandu's return from his Digvijaya Yatra. It had been months since he left, and in that time, she had grown accustomed to the rhythm of palace life and her responsibilities as queen.

As the chariot approached, Kunti's eyes scanned the procession, and her breath caught when she saw Pandu descend, accompanied by a woman of striking beauty-Madri. A wave of emotions surged within her-surprise, curiosity, and a hint of insecurity.

Pandu noticed Kunti waiting, and their eyes met across the courtyard. His gaze held a mixture of affection and uncertainty as he approached her. "Kunti," he began, his voice warm yet tinged with hesitation, "allow me to introduce you to Madri. She is now my second wife, as per the alliance with King Shalya."

Madri, standing beside Pandu, remained poised and observant, her eyes quietly assessing the situation. She offered a respectful namaskar to Kunti, her demeanor gracious and respectful. "Pranipat, Jiji. It is an honor to finally meet you."

Kunti returned Madri's greeting with a polite nod, her gaze briefly flickering with curiosity and then settling into composed neutrality. "Pranipat, Madri. Welcome to Hastinapur."

Madri's arrival in Hastinapur was met with curiosity and admiration. She quickly won the hearts of the people with her grace and kindness. Her gentle nature and wisdom complemented Kunti's strength and resilience, forging a bond between the two queens that transcended mere formality.

As they navigated the complexities of palace life together, Kunti and Madri found common ground in their shared devotion to Pandu and their dedication to the well-being of the kingdom. Despite their initial differences and the circumstances of Madri's arrival, their relationship blossomed into a supportive partnership, their bond as co-queens solidifying, each woman bringing her own strengths to the royal household.

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Amidst the bustling life of Hastinapur, joyous news spread through the palace corridors: Gandhari was pregnant. The announcement brought celebrations to the kingdom, as it signaled the forthcoming addition to the royal lineage.

In the midst of these celebrations, it was decided that Pandu, accompanied by his two wives, Kunti and Madri, would embark on a grand hunting expedition. It was a rare moment of respite for Pandu, who had been occupied with state affairs and diplomatic missions, and an opportunity for the three to spend cherished time together amidst the tranquility of the forest.

Pandu, Kunti, and Madri set forth into the dense forests surrounding Hastinapur, their retinue following at a respectful distance. The air was crisp with the scent of pine and the songs of birds, the landscape serene and untouched. Pandu, clad in royal attire, exuded a quiet dignity, while Kunti and Madri, adorned in elegant garments, walked gracefully by his side.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the tranquility was shattered by a sudden movement. Pandu, trained in the art of archery, reacted instinctively, releasing an arrow towards what he perceived to be a deer. Unbeknownst to him, the deer was none other than Rishi Kindama, who had assumed the form of the animal along with his wife for a moment of intimacy in the forest.

The arrow struck true, mortally wounding Rishi Kindama, who transformed back into his human form with his dying breath. Pandu's heart sank as he realized the grave mistake he had made. "Rishi Kindama?" he exclaimed in disbelief, dropping to his knees beside the sage.

The dying sage, his voice weak yet filled with sorrow and righteous anger, addressed Pandu sternly. "Maharaj Pandu, your thoughtless act has brought great sorrow upon me and my beloved. For this grave transgression, I curse you. Just as you have caused our untimely death, so too shall you meet your end when you seek the embrace of your wives."

Pandu pleaded for mercy, his voice choked with remorse. "Rishi Kindama, forgive me," he implored, "I did not intend harm upon you or your wife. It was a tragic mistake."

But the curse had been spoken, and Rishi Kindama's words could not be undone. With a heavy heart, he uttered the fateful words that would shape Pandu's destiny forever. "May you perish the moment you seek the embrace of your wives."

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Little did Karna know, the vivid dream of his chote pitashree that had haunted his sleep was not merely a bad dream. Unbeknownst to him, the scenes he witnessed in his restless slumber were unfolding in reality, shaping the destinies of those caught in the intricate web of fate. As events unfold, KARNA WOULD SOON REALIZE THE UNSETTLING TRUTH - THAT WHAT HE SAW WAS NOT JUST A BAD DREAM, BUT A CHILLING GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE.

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Meanwhile, Vidur embarked on diplomatic missions to Kosala and Magadha, seeking answers regarding the attack on Aditya. In Ayodhya, he met with the king and his council, discussing the nature of the alliance between their kingdoms and the recent events involving Aditya. The king of Ayodhya assured Vidur of Kosala's commitment to peace and alliance with Hastinapur, denying any involvement in the attack.

Vidur's journey to Magadha was fraught with tension. As he entered the imposing halls of King Jarasandha's court, he knew he was stepping into the lion's den. Jarasandha, known for his strength and cunning, greeted Vidur with a mixture of curiosity and guarded suspicion.

"Mahamantri Vidur," Jarasandha began, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, "what brings Hastinapur's trusted advisor to my kingdom?"

Maintaining his composure despite the underlying tension, Vidur wasted no time. "Magadha Raj, I come seeking answers regarding the recent attack on Hastinapur's prince," he said, his tone firm and unwavering.

Jarasandha's reaction was unexpected- he scoffed at the accusation, followed by a dismissive wave of his hand. "Why would I send someone to attack a prince of Hastinapur?" he retorted with a smug smile. "If I desire something, I take matters into my own hands."

Jarasandha's laughter echoed through the halls, angering Vidur. Maintaining his composure, Vidur warned sternly, "Magadha Raj, understand this-if it is proven otherwise, Hastinapur will not hesitate to seek justice. Our protector, Mahamahim Bhishma, stands as a pillar of strength that even Magadha would not wish to challenge. If you are behind the attack on our YUVRAJ, you will face the wrath of Ganga Putra Mahamahim Bhishma. His reputation as a great warrior and protector of Hastinapur is well known, so think before you say another word."

Jarasandha's demeanor shifted subtly, his amusement giving way to a more serious contemplation. "May I know the reason why you doubt my involvement in this matter?" he inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Vidur recounted the details of the attack-an ambush by two assailants who sought a child adorned with divine kawach kundals, tasked either to capture or eliminate him. Jarasandha's response was immediate, his eyes widening in surprise and concern.

"A child with divine kawach kundals?" Jarasandha repeated incredulously. "How is this related to the Yuvraj of Hastinapur?"

Vidur thought for a moment and decided there was no harm in revealing Karna's being a Suryaputra to Jarasandha, as everyone in hastinapur already knew about Karna being a blessing of suryadev and also rumours of karna being a suryaputra are also spreading.

Vidur, deciding to reveal more, looked directly at Jarasandha. "The eldest son of my Jyesth Dhritarashtra and Bhabhi Shree is a blessing of Suryadev, a Suryaputra," he explained calmly. "He possesses the kawach kundals gifted to him by Suryadev himself."

Jarasandha's mind raced as he processed this revelation. Thoughts swirled within him-so the child they were seeking was none other than the prince of Hastinapur. His mind was calculating the potential threat posed by this child with divine protection.

"He said that the child with divine Kawach kundals is a bigger threat to him." Jarasandha realized with a growing sense of urgency. "If this child is in front of him, his powers to control me or anyone won't work. That's why he wants to find this child soon."

Jarasandha weighed his options. Should I tell the clocked figure? OR i could use this situation to my advantage? He reasoned internally.

"I have been waiting for an opportunity to get rid of the cloaked figure. So if this child poses a threat to the cloaked figure then ensuring he doesn't find the child will make sure i would be safe from his clutches. I can get rid of the cloaked figure through this child once he grows stronger."

Deciding not to tell the cloaked figure about the child, Jarasandha crafted a plan of his own to thwart the cloaked figure intentions.

To Vidur, Jarasandha replied cautiously, "Mahamantri Vidur, I assure you, I have no part in this," he asserted firmly. "However, I have heard troubling rumors from Andhaka Van-a place where someone," he pauses for a second and continues "maybe a powerful ASURA is searching for a specific individual."

Pausing for effect, Jarasandha continued, "IF YOU WISH TO SAFEGUARD YOUR BELOVED PRINCE, PERHAPS HIDING HIM WOULD BE WISE. ENSURE WHOEVER IS AFTER YOUR BELOVED PRINCE NEVER FINDS THEIR TARGET."

His words carried a double meaning-denying involvement yet offering advice that hinted at the danger posed by those behind the attack. Vidur, sensing there was more to Jarasandha's words than met the eye, pressed further.

"What? Andhaka Van?" Vidur muttered to himself, intrigued and cautious.

Turning back to Jarasandha, he inquired directly, "Magadha Raj, what do you know about Andhaka Van? Is there someone or something you know about??"

Jarasandha's response was terse. "IF YOU WANT TO SAVE YOUR YUVRAJ, YOU BETTER HIDE HIM WELL. I have nothing more to say. You may leave now," he dismissed Vidur with a firm nod.

Deep in thought, Vidur left the court, mulling over Jarasandha's cryptic warnings and advice. "What exactly is Jarasandha trying to say?" he wondered. "He knows more than he's letting on."

Deciding to confide in Tatshree before anyone else, Vidur departed, leaving Jarasandha alone.

Watching Vidur leave, Jarasandha muttered to himself, "Now I will see how he - the cloaked figure - will find the child with divine kawach kundals."

A smirk played on his lips as he considered the advantage he had gained. "I have set a trap for the cloaked figure," he thought smugly. "He will never find the child now."

Little did Jarasandha know, his decision to interfere would have consequences beyond his imagination. By trying to outwit the cloaked figure, he had unwittingly set events in motion that would lead to unforeseen outcomes-a decision made in haste that would soon become his greatest regret.

This decision of Jarasandha's, made thinking he would be free from the cloaked figure's clutches, but LITTLE DID HE KNOW THAT IT WAS THE SAFEST PLACE FOR JARASANDHA TO BE BESIDE THE CLOAKED FIGURE AS HIS ALLY RATHER THAN AGAINST HIM.

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"Threads of Fate - Karna: the son of two worlds."

- Threads of fate - Refers to how Karna's destiny or fate is intricately woven by the choices and decisions of those around him.

- Son of two worlds - This phrase symbolizes Karna being the son of both Gandhari and Kunti, It highlights Karna's dual heritage as the son of two mothers, representing two maternal influences or "worlds." -- Additionally, it can also reflect Karna's dual nature as both a mortal, born of human lineage, and as a figure of divine lineage, born with the blessings of Suryadev and Mahadev.

- Naming of the story - The title "Threads of Fate - Karna: Son of Two Worlds" encapsulates these themes, illustrating how Karna's life and choices are shaped by his dual lineage and his complex destiny.

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To be continued...

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