---------------------------------------------------------

Silence stretched between them, thick, heavy, and suffocating.

No one dared to break it.

Karna stood still, watching Suyo, waiting.

But... Suyo said nothing.

Neither moved.

Neither spoke.

It felt as if time itself had stopped.

Shani shook his head slightly, whispering, "Fate has twisted in strange ways..."

Yama's gaze remained unreadable as he replied, "And hearts... hearts are more fragile than fate. They break far easier than fate bends..."

Karna's thoughts were still tangled from the vision, and now, Suyo's reaction only added to his confusion. He had expected his younger brother to rush toward him, to embrace him. But instead... Suyo had hesitated.

"Why had Suyo stepped away from me? Why did he look... hurt?" His brows furrowed as his gaze remained fixed on Suyo. "What did I miss?"

Before he could dwell on it further, a familiar voice, rich with affection, cut through his thoughts.

"Mere bache."

Karna turned toward the voice.

It was Shakuni.

For a moment, he just stood there, staring at his Mamashree. And then, instinct took over. Without a second thought, he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around Shakuni in a firm embrace.

"Mamashree!"

Shakuni's arms came around just as tightly, one hand pressing against the back of Karna's head while the other settled on his upper back, holding him close.

For a few heartbeats, neither of them spoke.

Then, Shakuni pulled back slightly, his hands resting on Karna's shoulders as he studied him carefully. His sharp gaze lingered on the cloth covering Karna's face before he asked, his voice quieter but firm, his words mirroring Suyo's unspoken pain. "Putra, why did you walk past your brothers? Did you not see Suyodhana reaching out to you?"

It was such a simple question... not an accusation, but a flicker of hesitation crossed his face as he looked at his brothers... at Suyodhana... and finally, at Arjun.

And then it struck him.

"I had been away from my brothers for years... yet when I finally returned, when I stepped forward... when my feet moved on their own... I walked past Suyo. Past all of them. Straight to Arjun...?"

He looked at Shakuni again. "Of course, Mamashree would wonder... why?"

The question echoed in his mind. "Why...?"

His fingers curled slightly against his palms. And then... the answer came in waves, unraveling slowly.

"Because... I remembered - the way Arjun had pushed me away, refused to listen, and then... used the Brahmastra against me.

The Brahmastra had not harmed me. It could not.

But... that didn't erase what had happened. It didn't erase the intent behind it.

Still... why did I go to Arjun?"

A shudder passed through him.

"Because... of the vision - I saw my death at Arjun's hands. And when I opened my eyes, he was right there... standing before me.

I didn't think - I just... acted.

I didn't want that vision to come true. I wanted to change it...

I didn't want enmity between us. I wanted to reach out first, before fate could make us enemies... again.

That's why I went to Arjun."

Karna's eyes flickered, caught between the past and the present... between the vision and the reality before him. He had acted instinctively, driven by what he had seen... but in doing so, he had wounded the very bond that had always been his strength.

And now... now, as he looked at Suyo - at the hurt in his younger brother's eyes, at the silent storm that brewed behind them - he finally understood.

"To Suyo, it must have felt like betrayal. He had waited for me all these years... For his Jyesth. He must have dreamt of this moment as much as I did. But when I finally returned... I walked past him. The first person I reached out for... wasn't him. Did it seem like I chose Arjun over him?"

His gaze flickered between Arjun and Suyo, his mind racing, searching for an answer, struggling to find the right words... words that refused to come.

"What have I done!? How do I explain...?"

Yama watched silently.

This was what he had spoken of.

Living between two realities at once... The visions of the past showing Karna the truths he could not ignore, the present demanding answers he did not have, and the future... slipping further from its destined path, reshaped by his very existence and every choice he made. Even the gods could no longer see where fate would lead him.

"How long before the weight of all three shatters him?" Yama wondered.

Karna opened his mouth... to explain, to say something... anything that could fix this before the silence between them became something else. Something irreparable.

But the words tangled, caught in his throat. His instinct urged him to fix what he had broken... but how? How could he explain a mistake he hadn't even realized until he had made? How could he mend a silence that was already turning into distance? How could he undo what had already been done?

But before he could, a voice called out to him.

"Putra... Aditya?"

Dhritharastra's voice carried across the room, filled with concern.

At the entrance, three figures stood... Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, and Vidur.

As they stepped inside, Karna turned, his gaze landing on his father first. He didn't hesitate. In just a few quick strides, he reached Dhritarashtra, who instantly lifted his hands, searching for him. The moment his hands found Karna's shoulders, he pulled him into a firm embrace.

"Putra... what was the need to hide your identity? Why didn't you tell everyone that you are my eldest son?"

Karna pulled back slightly, his voice carrying a sharp playfulness. "Pitashree, had I walked in, announced myself, and then defeated the prince of Hastinapur... do you think that would have made things better? Gurudev asked me to watch the Kala Pradarshan, and I did. I had no intention of stepping into the arena..."

"And yet, you still ended up fighting," Dhritarashtra pointed out.

Karna huffed. "Because Acharya Drona declared that no one could surpass Arjun. That sounded like an invitation, don't you think?"

Bhishma stepped forward, twisting Karna's ear. "You have always been fearless... and reckless."

Karna immediately started his usual dramatics. "Aahhh, Pitamah! What are you doing? I'm not a child anymore! You can't just twist my ear whenever you want!!"

Bhishma chuckled but released his ear, shaking his head. Before he could say anything more, Karna wrapped his arms around him.

"Pitamah..." he murmured, his tone softer now, but still laced with mischief. "I thought, at least, you would recognize me. But you didn't. Not until the very end."

Bhishma let out a slow exhale, his hand coming to rest on Karna's shoulder. "Putra... I have not seen you in years. And I never imagined that the boy who once clung to my side would stand before me as a warrior, challenging the best in this land..." He broke the hug and his gaze softened with pride. "Seeing you today, I know you have become a true warrior. You proved that you are Bhagwan Parashurama's shishya... just as you once told me you would be."

Karna smirked beneath his covered face. "Not just any shishya, Pitamah. The best and favorite student."

Bhishma raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on his face. "Gurudev said you made his life hell during your sta-"

Karna immediately gasped, cutting him off. "What! Gururdev said that?"

A barely suppressed laugh came from the side. Karna turned sharply, catching Ekalavya struggling to maintain a straight face. He should have known Ekalavya would react like this.

Ignoring Ekalavya, Karna turned back to Bhishma, waving a hand dramatically. "Pitamah, it's the reverse! I didn't make Gurudev's life hell. He made mine! You don't know how much he tortured me! He made me do all kinds of work - fetching wood, grinding herbs, carrying water - there wasn't a single day he didn't pick a fight with me! I sometimes wonder if he is really my guru or just someone who took pleasure in making my life miserable!"

The words kept spilling out, complaint after complaint, but there was no real bitterness in them... only exasperated fondness.

A loud laugh finally escaped Ekalavya, breaking Karna's rant.

Karna turned, narrowing his eyes. "And why are you laughing?"

Ekalavya raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. "Nothing, nothing. I was just thinking... this is exactly what I expected you to say, Bhrata."

Karna's eyes narrowed further. "You - !"

Before Karna could say anything, Ekalavya swiftly stepped back toward the entrance. "But you know, Bhrata, I think Gurudev would love to hear all this. I'll go tell him everything you just said!"

Karna pointed a finger at him. "You wouldn't dare!"

Ekalavya only smirked before darting toward the door.

"Gurudev ka chamcha!! (The teacher's pet!!)" Karna called after him.

Ekalavya only laughed as he disappeared from sight.

Karna sighed in defeat and turned back, only to find Bhishma watching him with a smile.

"No matter what Gururdev say, Putra," Bhishma said, his voice gentle, "everyone can see that you are his favorite student. I have never seen Gurudev laugh like he does when you are with him or talk about someone with pride."

Karna didn't reply, just smiled faintly beneath his covered face before turning to Vidur.

Vidur, of course, was already waiting.

And the moment Karna looked at him, Vidur stepped forward and pulled him into a quick but strong embrace.

"You reckless child..." he muttered.

Karna just chuckled. "Kakashree, Pitamah already called me that. How many times must I hear it today?"

Vidur gave him a pointed look. "Until you finally stop proving us right."

Karna grinned but said nothing, neither confirming nor denying the truth in those words.

Just then...

"Aditya..."

The voice was quieter than the rest, yet it carried through the room, striking something deep within Karna.

Slowly, Karna turned.

At the entrance stood Pandu, his eyes were locked on Karna.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, Karna closed the distance between them and held Pandu tightly as if holding on to something he had longed for.

In that moment, words were unnecessary... the weight of time, of absence, of everything unspoken passed between them in the silence of that embrace.

Karna's voice broke slightly. "Why did you leave?" He gripped the back of Pandu's upper arms, pressing in as if to make sure he was real. "Why didn't you want to meet me?"

Pandu's hands clenched slightly against Karna's back. "Putra..."

Karna pulled back just enough to look at him. His voice trembled. "Chote Pitashree... you always said you loved me like a son. But when your son needed you... you just left. Not a word, not a farewell."

Pandu opened his mouth to respond, but Karna didn't let him.

"More than Pitashree, I spent time with you. We were partners in everything! And then one day, Kakashree comes and tells me that you were cursed and had decided to leave for the forest. I told Kakashree to tell you that if you left, I would never talk to you again. But even then... you left. And when I returned, you didn't let me meet you. Not even once. Why!? Did you not think, even once, about a six-year-old child? About how he would feel?"

Pandu's face was lined with regret. His fingers twitched slightly against Karna's arms. "I thought of you every moment, Putra," he admitted, his voice was barely above a whisper. "But I was afraid... afraid that if I saw you, I wouldn't be able to leave. And your letter... if you hadn't sent that letter, I might not be standing here before you today."

Karna's hands curled into fists. "Don't... don't talk about death." he said, his voice barely audible. "I would never let anything happen to you after knowing what would happen..."

Pandu's lips curled into a small smile, one filled with pride, sorrow, and a father's unspoken love. "Enough about me... Everyone has waited years for your return, and yet you keep your face covered." He reached for the cloth. "Come, let us see you properly-"

Karna instantly stepped back, shouting. "NOOO! NOT YET..."

Pandu was taken aback, but his curiosity did not wane. "And why not?"

Karna's fingers tightened on the cloth, then suddenly looked around. "Where is Mata? Why is she not here?" His words came in a rush, filled with concern as he continued, barely giving the others a chance to respond. "She must be worried after I lost consciousness... Does she not know I woke up?"

Shakuni, who had been watching in silence, finally answered, "Your Mata... is in the Shiv Mandir, within the palace, Aditya."

"Shiv Mandir..." he murmured. A small, knowing smile formed on his lips.

Then, without another word, he turned toward Dhritarashtra. "Pitashree, please remove your crown."

A murmur of confusion spread among those present in the room. Asking a king to remove his crown was no small request.

Dhritharastra himself frowned. "My crown?"

Shakuni narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Karna met Shakuni's gaze. "Mamashree, right now, I do not the Maharaj of Hastinapur. I need my father..." Then, he turned back to Dhritarashtra and said, "Pitashree, if you trust me..."

Before Karna could say anything further, Dhritarashtra had already lifted his crown. He extended it toward his son without hesitation. "I do not know why you ask this, Putra. But I trust you... and this is the first time you have asked me for something. How can your father refuse your request?"

Karna took the crown with great care and turned to Vidur. "Mahamantri Vidur, take care of this for some time."

Vidur's hands instinctively accepted the crown, but he just stood frozen, staring at Karna, his mind replaying those words. Mahamantri... not Kakashree.

Something cold settled in Vidur's chest. "Aditya only called me 'Mahamantri' when -" His thoughts were Interrupted as Karna took Dhritharastra's hand and began leading him toward the doors.

Dhritarashtra allowed himself to be guided but asked, "Where are you taking me, Putra?"

Karna's lips curled in a teasing smile, but he just hummed in response. "Hmm... you will see soon, Pitashree."

Dhritarashtra just nodded. He did not question Karna further. Perhaps it was trust, perhaps it was something else-an instinct that told him that whatever his son was leading him toward was important.

Pandu and Shakuni immediately moved after them.

Bhishma, too, made to follow-but before he could, Vidur grasped his wrist, stopping him.

Bhishma turned in surprise. "Vidur?"

But Vidur did not answer right away. He simply stood there, looking lost in thought. His gaze was fixed on the crown in his hands, his mind replaying Karna's words.

Bhishma, watching him, finally spoke. "Vidur, are you alright?"

Finally, Vidur murmured. "Tatshree, did I do something wrong?"

Bhishma frowned. "Why would you ask that?"

Vidur's voice was barely above a whisper. "Because... Aditya called me Mahamantri... not Kakashree. He always does that whenever I... " His voice trailed off, but he did not need to complete the sentence. Bhishma understood Vidur's unspoken words.

Bhishma sighed, placing a reassuring hand on Vidur's shoulder. "Whatever it is, we will find out soon. And I am certain Aditya did not mean it in the way that should worry you."

Vidur nodded reluctantly, but the unease did not fully leave his face as they too followed after Karna.

---------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile...

The Ashwini twins had been silently watching everything unfold... until Karna began to leave.

In an instant, both twins took a step forward, ready to go after their youngest brother-only to be stopped by a firm grip on their ears.

"Aaahhh!!"

"Bhrata Shani?!"

"What are you doing?!"

The sudden outburst caught the attention of the Pandavas and Kauravas, who all turned toward them.

Shani, unfazed, stated calmly. "You both will not go after Karna now. Do you not see? He is with his family."

The twins pouted. "We are his family too!"

"He ignored us! He didn't even greet us" Nasatya protested

"And we still have to scold him! We had a lecture ready!" Dasra added.

As they whined, they turned to Yama, their expressions instantly morphing into the most innocent, pleading looks.

Yama sighed, already melting. "Shani..."

Shani rolled his eyes but let go of the twins.

Grinning, they immediately prepared to rush after Karna again - only for Yama to catch their hands this time.

They blinked in confusion. "Jyesth?"

Yama's expression was calm, but his voice was firm. "We are leaving."

The twins gaped. "What?! But Karna -"

Yama's voice left no room for argument. "I agree with Shani. Right now, Karna does not need us. Our work here is done."

The twins looked at him, then at each other, their shoulders slumping in disappointment.

Shani sighed, leaning closer to them so that only they can hear him. "I can convince Jyesth Yama to let us return when Yudhishthir, Nakul, and Sahadev call Karna 'Kakashree' Don't you want to see his face when that happens?"

The twins immediately perked up.

Clearing their throats, the twins turned to Yama with exaggerated seriousness. "Jyesth, why are you just standing there? Let's go."

Yama narrowed his eyes at them suspiciously. Then he glanced at Shani, who merely smirked. He sighed and thought. "They are up to something again... and somehow, I will be the one who suffers for it later." But he said nothing, already resigned to whatever bargaining was about to happen later. With one last glance toward the departing Karna, he gave a nod.

Before leaving, the twins turned to Yudhishthir, Nakul, and Sahadev, grinning mischievously. "You remember what Jyesth said, right?"

The trio stiffened, their earlier conversation flashing in their minds.

"We remember..."

Satisfied, the Ashwini twins left with Yama and Shani.

As they disappeared from sight, the Pandavas and Kauravas remained standing there, still processing everything they had witnessed.

Their fathers and elders had never spoken of Karna, never uttered his name. Yet now, in this moment, it was undeniable... Karna was deeply loved and missed. The years of silence had not erased him from their hearts; if anything, they had only made their love stronger. It was evident... in the way Dhritarashtra held him, in the way Bhishma's usually stern gaze softened and filled with pride, in the way Vidur spoke, which he never did for anyone else. And in the way Pandu held onto him, as if afraid that letting go would make him disappear.

For the Kauravas, who had learned the truth only today, it was a painful reminder of all that had been stolen from them... their elder brother, kept away not by choice but for reasons beyond their control.

And for the Pandavas, it was something else entirely... a revelation that upended everything they had known.

Ashwa took Suyo's hand and started following Karna.

Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, without another word, the Pandavas and Kauravas began following them.

Suyo, still caught off guard, stared at their joined hands before raising an eyebrow. "May I know where exactly you are taking me?"

Ashwa barely glanced back. "To where your Jyesth is going! He's about to do something, and we cannot miss it!"

Suyo tried to pull his hand away. "There is no need. I am not interested."

Ashwa's grip was firm as he pulled Suyo along. He just scoffed. "Not interested? Do you think I care if you are interested? Just come."

Suyo sighed but did not resist further as they made their way toward the Shiva Mandir.

---------------------------------------------------------

Inside the Shiva Mandir...

The temple, built from smooth, polished stone, stood tall and imposing within the palace grounds. Delicate carvings of Shiva and Parvati adorned the pillars, while the scent of sandalwood and ghee lamps filled the air. The sacred Shivling rested at the heart of the temple, bathed in the soft glow of countless flickering flames.

Seated before it was Gandhari. The air around her was still, serene, as though time itself had paused in reverence to her prayers.

The moment Karna stepped inside, his voice rang out, filled with urgency and longing.

"MATA!"

"MATA!"

For a heartbeat, Gandhari froze. Her fingers tightened around her prayer beads. Her heart pounded in her chest. Then, in a whisper, she murmured, "Aditya?"

She rose to her feet immediately, her blindfold concealed her eyes, yet she felt his presence, before she touched him.

And then, before she could speak, Karna released Dhritarashtra's hand and rushed toward her.

"MATAAA!"

In the next instant, Gandhari found herself lifted off the ground, twirling through the air.

"Putra-! Aditya! What are you doing?! Put me down this instant!" she scolded, but laughter... true, unrestrained laughter... escaped her lips.

Her hands instinctively clutched his shoulders, her breath catching in disbelief. For years, she had longed for his voice, his presence... and now, she was in his arms, hearing his laughter, as if time had turned back to when he was a little boy.

Karna only tightened his hold slightly, his own laughter ringing through the temple. "I will not, Mata! I have missed you too much!"

By then, the others had arrived at the temple entrance - Bhishma, Vidur, Pandu, Shakuni, Ashwa, Suyo, and the younger generation.

The elders exchanged knowing smiles, their hearts warming at the sight. The younger ones, however, stood quietly, observing, as if witnessing something sacred.

Shakuni, taking in the sight of his sister laughing, a sound he had not heard in years, felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest. His lips curled into a small, rare, genuine smile. "Aditya, mere bache, while I enjoy seeing my sister happy, I think she would prefer standing on the ground."

At that, Karna finally lowered Gandhari back onto her feet.

The moment she was steady, her hands reached forward blindly until they cupped his face. "You came back... and instead of coming to me, you jumped into the arena?"

Karna opened his mouth to reply, but she continued, her voice rising. "Do you know what I went through -?!"

Before she could finish her scolding, Karna pulled her into another embrace, holding her close, as if making up for every moment of separation. His voice came out hoarse, raw with emotion, as if he was holding back his tears. "I missed you, Mata... Every single day. Every single moment. I have missed you so much."

Gandhari's anger melted. She had imagined this moment for years. And now, here he was. Her son. Tears slipped beneath her blindfold, soaking into the fabric. She hugged him tightly, one hand pressing against his back as though making sure he was real, while the other hand trembled as she gently ran her fingers over his head.

A soft, broken sob escaped her lips. She whispered, "Never leave me again..."

Karna felt the dampness against his shoulder. He pulled back slightly, his hands resting on hers.

"You're crying, Mata?" he asked, brushing his fingers over her wet blindfold.

Gandhari shook her head as if to deny it, but the fresh tears betrayed her.

"Where would I go, Mata?" Karna asked as he wiped her tears with his hand and again took her hands in his. "Where would I go... leaving my mother?" His voice softened further, filled with quiet conviction. "Now that I have returned... I am not leaving you."

Silence filled the temple. No one dared to disturb the moment.

Shakuni turned his head slightly, blinking away the sudden moisture in his eyes.

For now, in the presence of Mahadev, a mother and son had found their way back to each other.

Gandhari cupped his face again as if she could see him through touch alone.

As soon as her fingers touched the cloth. A slight frown crossed her face. She did not notice the cloth before. Her voice held no worry, just curiosity, as she asked. "Why have you covered your face?"

Karna had been waiting for this moment, holding Gandhari's hand, he turned to Dhritarashtra. The flickering flames of the oil lamps cast long shadows on the stone walls, but in this sacred space, a far greater light was about to shine.

"Pitashree..." Karna called gently.

Dhritharastra, though blind, had walked through the palace halls with certainty. He did not hesitate. With measured steps, he made his way toward them, guided only by Karna's voice.

As he reached, Karna turned back to his mother. "Mata... you once told me you would remove your blindfold... if the reason for your blindfold was no more."

Everyone was processing his words.

Shakuni's eyes widened in realization. He knew what Karna was talking about because he was there when Gandhari said those words to Karna.

Pandu and Vidur exchanged confused glances. Bhishma's gaze was fixed on Karna, as if seeing something inevitable unfold before him.

Gandhari frowned slightly. She knew what Karna meant. The reason for her blindfold... Her husband's blindness. But how?

Karna's hold on her hands were firm yet gentle as he continued. "Mata, you know that I can heal anyone with just a touch of my hand, right?"

Gandhari nodded.

Karna continued. "When Pitamah Kashyapa gave me this boon, he also gave me a solution to heal Pitashree's blindness."

A collective gasp filled the temple.

Everyone understood now. Karna had been speaking of healing Dhritharastra.

Shakuni was too shocked to say anything.

Pandu and Vidur's lips parted, as if the words had formed but would not leave their throat.

Gandhari's hands trembled in Karna's grasp. "What solution?"

Karna smiled. "If I know the Sanjeevani Mantra, then chanting the mantra along with the boon of healing anyone with a touch... Pitashree's blindness can be healed."

Bhishma, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "But... the Sanjeevani Mantra... it is only known to..." His voice trailed off.

Karna met his gazez picking up where Bhishma left off. "... it is only known to Gurudev Sukracharya."

"Gurudev?" Bhishma repeated.

Shakuni eager to know more, asked. "Does that mean... you learned under Asuruguru Sukracharya... other than Bhagwan Parashurama?"

Karna nodded. "Yes, Mamashree. After completing my training under Bhagwan Parashurama, I went to Gurudev Sukracharya."

Silence.

No one expected this.

Then, Karna stepped behind Dhritarashtra. He gently placed his hands over his father's eyelids.

Pandu finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Does that mean... Jyesth will see?"

Vidur's eyes were fixed on Karna. "Really?"

Karna nodded. He looked at Gandhari and said, "Mata... today, I will remove the reason behind your blindfold."

Dhritharastra remained silent throughout, he was still processing everything Karna said when he felt Karna's hand on his eyes. He instinctively reached up, his fingers brushing over Karna's.

Karna's voice lowered to a whisper, barely audible, as a sacred chant of the Sanjeevani Mantra slipped from his lips. Each syllable infused with power and purpose.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence. The air itself seemed to still.

Then, a golden light, soft yet blinding, pulsed from Karna's palms. It seeped into Dhritharastra's closed eyes, a warmth so profound that the blind king felt it coursing through his very soul.

Karna removed his hands and stepped aside.

Dhritharastra gasped.

The first thing he saw was light.

His body stiffened as light exploded before him, colors and shapes, things he had only ever imagined, things he had only known through words and touch. The world, vast, bright, overwhelming... unfolded before him.

And then, within the golden haze, a figure stood before him.

Dhritarashtra knew.

Even before his mind could process it, even before he could fully understand what was happening, even without seeing the face... his heart knew.

For the first time in his life, he saw her.

She stood before him... there was no mistaking her. The blindfold concealing her eyes was enough to recognize her.

His wife. His queen.

GANDHARI.

His hands shook as he lifted them, reaching toward her, but he stopped just short, afraid that if he touched her, she would disappear.

Gandhari's voice was barely above a whisper as she called out. "Arya...?"

The sound of her voice proved to him that she was real. Tears pricked at his newly awakened eyes as he took in every detail of her presence... the delicate lines of her face, the quiet strength in her stance, the love in her very existence, and finally, the blindfold, damp with unshed tears, hiding the beauty of her eyes.

A broken sob, a breathless laugh escaped Dhritarashtra's lips. His vision blurred, not from blindness this time but from the flood of tears welling in his newly gifted sight.

"G-Gandhari....I-I can s-see you..."

And with those words, the dam broke.

The temple filled with the sound of his weeping, a man who had lived his entire life in darkness finally stepping into the light.

He looked around, overwhelmed.

Every flickering flame, every carved stone, every person around him... He could see. For the first time in his life, he could see them... his family.

A voice called out.

"Jyesth?"

Dhritharastra's head snapped toward the sound.

It was Pandu. His brother. His eyes widened as he looked at his younger brother for the first time. A face he had only known through description, through the shape of his hands.

"P-Pandu?"

Pandu's face was filled with emotions Dhritharastra had never before been able to witness. His steps, hesitant for only moment, then quicker, until he closed the distance and wrapped his arms around his younger brother.

"Jyesth... I-You-you can see me?"

Dhritarashtra nodded, his fingers holding his younger brother's back tightly as he embraced Pandu for the first time not in darkness, but in sight.

Then, another voice.

"Jyesth..."

Vidur's voice was softer, but no less filled with emotion.

Dhritarashtra pulled away from Pandu, his vision blurry with tears as he looked at the man who had been his voice of reason, his guiding hand in moments of doubt.

A shaking laugh left his lips. "V-Vidur?"

Vidur nodded, his own eyes glistening with tears as he stepped forward. Dhritharastra pulled him into an embrace.

Then... Bhishma stepped forward, his voice as steady as ever. "Putra Dhritarashtra."

Dhritarashtra's voice was that of a child's, seeing his guardian for the first time, whose presence was as powerful as he had always imagined. .

"Tatshree?"

Bhishma's lips parted, but words failed him. He just nodded. His hand reached out, pressing against Dhritarashtra's shoulder, a rare break in his ever-composed facade.

Then... a familiar, knowing voice.

"Jijashree.. "

Dhritarashtra turned. "Shakuni?"

Shakuni nodded, embracing him.

Then...

"Pitashree?"

A figure broke through the crowd, running toward him before flinging herself into his arms.

His eyes widened.

"Sushala?"

His daughter? His little girl?

He pulled back. His hands trembled. His fingers cupped her face, tracing her features, seeing her for the first time. His voice broke into a sob. "You... You have grown so much..."

Sushala nodded as her tears streamed down her cheeks. "Yes Pitashree..."

Dhritharastra pulled her into his arms again.

And then, he saw behind her.

A hundred pairs of eyes stared at him.

His sons.

"Suyodhana...?" He called out. His voice barely a whisper, as he searched for a face, to recognize his firstborn.

Suyo took a hesitant step forward, and then, without warning... hugged his father.

One by one, his hundred sons followed. His arms barely able to hold them all.

Dhritarashtra's vision blurred again. His world bursting at the seams. Tears. Laughter. Sobs. He had never seen before. But now... now, he saw everything.

And then, his gaze shifted.

Back to her.

To the woman who had given up the world for him.

His heart clenched painfully as he stepped forward, his trembling hands reaching for her.

And suddenly, he fell to his knees before her.

"Gandhari..."

His voice broke as his hands gripped the folds of her saree.

"How could you?"

The words came in a strangled whisper, raw, broken.

"How could you refuse to see this world? How could you choose darkness... for me?"

Gandhari reached out for him. Her fingers pressed against his shoulders. She could feel it... the weight of his grief, the depth of his understanding.

He had seen so much in just a few moments - light, color, the faces of those he loved - and she had given it all up for him.

THE WEIGHT OF HER SACRIFICE CRUSHED HIM.

His hands clutched her legs as he wept. "How could you sacrifice your sight... just to share my world?"

She had made that choice years ago. The moment she had heard of her husband's blindness, she had closed her eyes. She had imagined his world... an endless expanse of darkness. And she had known. She had known in that moment that she would walk beside him. Not ahead of him. Not as someone who could see while he could not. But as his equal. As his partner.

Gandhari's voice cracked. "Arya... It was never a sacrifice. It was my choice"

As soon as the words left her lips, she fell to her knees, her arms wrapping around him.

Dhritarashtra let out a sob, shaking his head. The world he had just begun to see blurred with tears again. "Then why does it hurt so much to know you did this for me?"

"Because love is painful, Arya. Love is sacrifice, love is choosing someone else above yourself..." Gandhari held him tighter, pressing her forehead against his shoulder, tears slipping beneath her blindfold. She whispered, "You are my world, Arya... I wanted to walk beside you in every way, even in darkness. What meaning does sight hold... if it is not shared with the one I love?"

Dhritarashtra's tears were falling freely.

For years, he had only felt her love through touch, through words, through presence.

Today, he saw it.

The depth of her devotion, her love.

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. And for the first time in their lives, they wept in each other's arms.

Dhritharastra took a deep breath. His heart pounded as the overwhelming emotions settled. His mind, still reeling from everything he had witnessed, struggled to keep up.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if grounding himself. His fingers curled into Gandhari's saree, the warmth of her presence anchoring him. The echoes of his own weeping, of the voices around him, faded into a quiet hum.

For the first time since he had opened his eyes, he allowed himself to simply exist in this new world. To feel the weight of it. To accept it.

Slowly... he exhaled. His fingers loosened. His shoulders, which had been trembling under the weight of emotion, steadied.

And then... he looked up, that is when he saw him. The one who had given him sight.

Karna had been standing there this whole time. Waiting. Not interupting. Not stepping forward. Just... watching them quietly, as if allowing Dhritharastra the time he needed. As if knowing that this moment was not his to intrude upon.

Even with his face covered, Dhritharastra knew.

His son. Aditya...

Dhritharastra lifted his trembling hand, gesturing for Karna to come closer.

Karna stepped forward, kneeling beside them.

Dhritarashtra reached out, his hands cradling Karna's face. And then, without hesitation, he pulled him close into an embrace. His grip was firm, holding onto both Karna and Gandhari, as if anchoring himself to them.

His voice broke. "Putra Aditya... Y-You gave me sight... You gave me the world I never knew I had. What can a father say to a son who has done the impossible?" His fingers pressed against Karna's shoulders, his hold tightening as if afraid to let go. "No blessing, no words would ever be enough... Yet still... I... thank you, my son. From the depths of my heart."

Then, he spoke to Gandhari. Gratitude, love and anguish blending in his voice.

"Gandhari... Thank you... For sharing my pain, for accepting me as your husband..." He faltered slightly as he said the next words. "...and for accepting Karna into our lives."

Silence.

No one reacted. No one could.

The moment was too overwhelming, the emotions too raw.

But... Karna noticed the slip.

"Accepting Karna... into our lives."

And... he did not say anything. He did not react.

Karna helped Dhritharastra and Gandhari stand before turning to his mother. His gaze softened as he spoke, "Mata, I cannot wait any longer. You promised me you would remove the blindfold..."

His hands reached for the knot at the back of her head, fingers brushing against the fabric.

A strange sensation stirred within Gandhari. For years, darkness had been her companion, her choice. Yet now, as Karna's fingers gently touched her blindfold, something unspoken coiled within her.

Fear? Anticipation? Or something else?

But whatever it was... she did not stop him.

Karna's fingers brushed against the final knot. The blindfold was barely hanging on, the fabric slipping.

Just a second more, and -

"WAIT!!!"

Shakuni's voice shattered the air like a thunderclap.

All eyes turned to him.

Gandhari's fingers instinctively grasped the blindfold, halting its descent. Karna froze, his hands hovering over the cloth.

Shakuni stepped forward. "Before you remove the blindfold... Gandhari, remember what Suryadev told you that the first person your eyes fall upon... their upper body will become that of Vajra."

Karna's eyes widened. He stepped back, retying the knot. The knot that had nearly come undone now felt like a bind of fate itself.

This was no longer just about Gandhari seeing the world again. This was about destiny.

And now, everyone knew... whoever Gandhari would choose to see first, their fate would be changed forever.

A heavy silence followed Shakuni's words.

Then, Gandhari's voice, steady yet unwavering, broke the silence.

"I choose my eldest son... Aditya."

There was no hesitation. The decision was unquestionable in her mind. In her heart, Karna was her eldest son, her strength. Who else could be more deserving?

Shakuni gestured for everyone. "We should step outside, except Aditya."

The elders nodded, ready to leave.

But before anyone could take a step, a soft chuckle escaped Karna's lips.

All eyes turned to Karna, who shook his head in amusement. He turned to his mother. "Mata, I already have a kavach. Do you wish to make me even stronger... or immortal?"

His words, though spoken playfully, the message behind them was clear... he did not need this boon.

Gandhari's lips curved into a knowing smile as she reached forward, cupping Karna's face. "Putra... a mother does not seek to make her child immortal. She seeks to protect him, to make him stronger, to bless him."

Karna placed his hand over hers. "Mata, your love is already my greatest strength. What more do I need?"

Even if Karna refused, even if he believed he did not need it - Gandhari was his mother. And a mother would always want to give her child the world.

Her thumb brushed against his cheek, feeling the warmth through the cloth covering his face. "You say my love is your greatest strength, and I do not doubt it. But a mother's heart is selfish too, Putra. Is it wrong that I wish to give you something?"

She paused, remembering Vritrasura. A shiver passed through her thinking about the threat to her son. Her smile faded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let me give you this blessings of mine..."

Karna took her hand in his own. He thought for moment... remembered something. And then, gently refused. "Mata... what you have already given me is more than I could ever ask for."

There was a hidden meaning behind Karna's words, one that only he understood.

Gandhari sighed, realizing that he had already made up his mind.

Meanwhile, when Karna refused, something shifted in Shakuni's expression. He had not anticipated Karna refusing. But now - his mind moved past Karna's refusal and focused on the boon itself.

He thought, "If not Karna... then who?"

The first name that came to his mind was Suyodhana.

But then, a far grander thought took shape.

"Why just Suyodhana? Why not all one hundred sons of Gandhari?"

Shakuni was about to speak -

But Bhishma spoke first. "If not Karna, then this boon should be given to Yudhishthir. He is the eldest among all the Kuru princes after Karna."

Vidur nodded. "I agree with Tatshree..."

There was no hesitation, no doubt in their words.

Shakuni's gaze narrowed at the sheer audacity of their claim.

Bhishma and Vidur had named Yudhishthir - not because they opposed Suyodhana. It was about order. Hierarchy. Just as Karna, the eldest, was Gandhari's rightful choice, the next eldest among the Kuru princes was Yudhishthir - so they believed Yudhishthir was the natural choice.

Their words caused a shift in the air.

Gandhari did not oppose Yudhishthir receiving the boon. If she was asked to give her blessings to Yudhishthir, she would. Yet... she did not want to agree either. Because there was another name in her heart. But... she hesitated to speak.

Shakuni raised an eyebrow. There was no way he would let Yudhishthir recieve the boon meant for his sister's sons.

But more than that, something else struck him.

Bhishma had spoken with hierarchy in mind. He had framed it as a matter of order and dharma.

And that gave Shakuni his opening.

"Mahamahim Bhishma," He stepped forward, his gaze met Bhishma's directly, lips curling into a smile. "Why should Pandu Putra Yudhishthir receive my sister's boon? Is he her son?"

Bhishma frowned. "It is not about whose son he is, Gandhar Raj. But by Dharma, Yudhishthir, though not Gandhari's son, is still the eldest among the Kuru princes after Karna, and so, he too has the rightful claim. That is why I suggested his name. I considered Yudhishthir because, after Karna, he is the eldest."

Shakuni chuckled, shaking his head as if amused by Bhishma's reasoning. "Mahamahim, forgive me, but this boon was given to my sister Gandhari, as a mother, not as a queen of Hastinapur. So this blessing is meant for her child. If not Karna, then tell me... should it not go to the sons born of her own womb?"

Bhishma raised an eyebrow. "Then who do you suggest, Gandhar Raj?"

Shakuni's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Who else but Gandhari's hundred sons?"

And now, the argument shifted...

Before, it was about hierarchy. Now, the argument had moved away from hierarchy and into bloodline. It had become about maternal right. A mother's blessing should be for her children alone.

Vidur considered Shakuni's words carefully and saw an opening... a flaw in Shakuni's reasoning. He asked, "Are you saying all hundred of them should receive the boon?"

Shakuni shrugged. "Yes. Gandhari will see all hundred of her sons together."

Bhishma shook his head. "Suryadev's words were clear. The first person Gandhari's gaze falls upon, their upper body will become as strong as Vajra. If she sees all one hundred, the boon may not work as intended. I suggest the boon must be received by only one person."

Shakuni countered instantly. "But Suryadev did not say Gandhari could only see one. So... why not all?"

Vidur narrowed his eyes. He had seen through Shakuni's plot. Shakuni had expanded the claim to all of Gandhari's sons, but in doing so, he had also opened the door for another argument.

Vidur's calm eyes met Shakuni's sharp gaze as he countered. "By your logic, Gandhar Raj, then the five Pandavas should be included as well."

Shakuni raised an eyebrow. "And why should they be included? Why should my sister's boon be extended to them?"

Vidur answered, his voice was steady, carrying the weight of irrefutable logic. "Because once you argue that this boon should be given to all hundred of Bhabhi Shree's sons, then fairness demands that all of Kuru Vansh's sons be considered, regardless of who their mother is."

The argument shifted again.

Now, it was not just about Gandhari's sons... it was about Kuru's sons.

Shakuni chuckled, shaking his head in mock amusement. "Ah, Mahamantri Vidur... ever the voice of reason. But tell me, does fairness means... a mother must share her blessings even when it was given to her alone? This was my sister's boon, not Kunti's. Then why must my sister share what is hers?"

Vidur remained unshaken. "Gandhar Raj, I am not saying that Bhabhi Shree must share her boon. I am saying that once the argument shifts from an individual blessing to a collective one, then fairness must be considered. If you claim that all of Bhabhi Shree's sons should receive this boon simply because they share her blood, then by that same principle, all sons of Kuru Vansh... who share the same lineage... should be included as well. You cannot extend this privilege to one set of brothers while denying it to the others."

Bhishma nodded, reinforcing the point. "Vidur speaks the truth. The moment you say all hundred Kauravas should receive it, you remove the exclusivity of the boon. And if it is no longer an individual boon but a collective one, then it must be viewed through the lens of the entire family. And if that is the case, then why should the Pandavas be excluded? Are they not also sons of the Kuru lineage? If bloodline is the deciding factor, then it applies to all sons of Kuru Vansh, not just one group."

And now, the argument took another turn.

Before Shakuni could respond, Pandu finally spoke. "If fairness is the concern, then Yuyutsu must be included as well."

Shakuni's smile did not fade, but his eyes glinted with something unreadable. His control over the argument was slipping. He had led the discussion, but now it was moving in a direction beyond his grasp.

"I must turn this back in my favor..." he thought.

Shakuni forced a chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "How amusing. We began with one. Then a hundred. Then a hundred and five. And now a hundred and six. What next? Shall we include all of Hastinapur?"

Pandu did not rise to the bait. "If fairness is what we seek, then the count does not matter. If it is one, it is one. If it is all, it is all."

Shakuni's smile faded slightly.

The discussion had now twisted into a battle of words.

Meanwhile, while the discussion is going on...

The younger generation did not speak, did not protest. They only stood there, silently, looking back and forth as the arguments escalated.

Dhritarashtra remained silent, watching everything unfold.

He had always listened.

But today, for the first time... He did not just hear... he saw it all.

He saw the hesitation in Gandhari, the way her lips parted but no words left her mouth. He saw how Bhishma and Vidur had named Yudhishthir, without even considering his sons. He saw Shakuni's calculated defiance and Pandu's reasoning.

Only one thought running in his mind, "Was this how it had always been? Was this how they all stood, speaking for or against, without ever truly seeing?"

For the first time, he saw with his own eyes and understood.

But amidst all of them, there was one person no one truly listened to... GANDHARI.

She was silent, trapped in the weight of their words. But her silence was not agreement. Her lips parted, but no words left her mouth. Because... surrounded by the voices of men, she had held her tongue.

Her fingers clenched against her palms as the discussion raged around her, voices rising and twisting in the air like clashing swords.

Her heart ached at the realization. "They all speak... yet not one has asked me what I wish. Must a mother's blessing be debated by men?"

Even now, as they argued over who should receive her boon, no one had turned to her for her will. It was not Bhishma's to give, not Shakuni's to claim, not Vidur's to divide among names and numbers, nor Pandu's to reason over, IT WAS HERS.

And KARNA.

He was just watching it all. He did not interrupt. He looked at each face.

Bhishma, speaking of duty. Vidur, seeking fairness. Shakuni, protecting his sister's bloodline. Pandu, exposing the cracks in their words.

Finally, his eyes softened as he turned to his mother. He did not speak, did not argue, did not demand. He simply reached out and took her hand in his own. His fingers gently squeezed hers. He did not need words to tell her what his heart already conveyed.

"I am here, Mata."

Then, he let go of her hand.

And in the next moment -

"ENOUGH!!"

Karna's voice rang through the Shiv Mandir like a divine command, cutting through the heated debate like a blade, silencing everyone instantly.

All eyes turned to him.

Then, to everyone's surprise... KARNA LAUGHED.

It was not a laugh of amusement but of sheer disbelief.

Slowly, deliberately, Karna clapped his hands.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

Each clap echoed like a slap to the argument that had just unfolded.

Karna's eyes swept over Bhishma, Vidur, and the others - filled with mockery, disappointment, and something deeper... judgement.

Finally, Karna spoke, his voice, calm, but commanding like an arrow striking its mark.

"What is this? What are you all doing? Are you actually debating who should receive my mother's boon - without even asking her?"

The weight of his words crashed over them like an undeniable truth.

Shakuni smirked. He knew, he didn't need to say anything now. Once Karna started speaking, there was no stopping him.

Then, Karna turned to Bhishma. His steps were slow, deliberate, measured. But his words struck like thunder.

"Pitamah, you say that the eldest must receive the boon first. By that reasoning, I, as the eldest son of my mother, should be first. But if I refuse, then by your own logic, the boon should go to Suyodhana next, not Yudhishthir - because among my mother's sons, Suyo is the eldest after me."

Silence.

Bhishma's face remained impassive, but his silence spoke volumes.

Karna's gaze did not waver. "You speak for Dharma, Pitamah. Then tell me...

In the history of our land, in all the shastras, has there ever been a time when a mother's boon was denied to her own children and given to another?

Is it Dharma to take a mother's blessings... meant for her children first... and give it to the son of another?"

Bhishma said nothing, but his posture stiffened. He had no answer. Because there was no answer. He knew Karna was right. The truth was so simple, so undeniable, that he had no words to counter it.

And when Bhishma remained silent... Karna's eyes landed on his Mamashree... Shakuni.

Shakuni had been smirking, enjoying the way Karna had cornered Bhishma. But the moment Karna's eyes settled on him, his smirk faded.

For the first time, he felt the weight of Karna's gaze. It was the look of someone who had turned the battlefield toward him.

"Mere bache... why... why are you looking at me like it is my turn? I am your Mamashree! Surely, you would not-" Shakuni thought to himself, but he cursed himself. "If Aditya does not spare even Mahamahim and Mahamantri, then what am I to him?"

But to his surprise... Karna's eyes then shifted to Vidur, like an executioner deciding the next target.

Vidur did not react outwardly, but the way Karna looked at him made it clear - he was next.

"Kakashree, you spoke of fairness. That my mother's boon should not be limited to her sons alone but should extend to both sides of the family."

His voice was almost amused now.

"But where was this fairness when Pitamah named only Yudhishthir first?"

Vidur opened his mouth to respond, but Karna was faster.

"Did you remind Pitamah then that fairness demands Suyodhana be considered first before my cousins? No? But the moment my mother's right was asserted - that all 100 of my brothers should receive her blessings - fairness suddenly became important?"

Vidur had no answer.

And Karna was not done. His gaze moved between Bhishma and Vidur.

He raised a finger. "Pitamah, if hierarchy really mattered, if it is the deciding principle, why was my brother Suyodhana ignored? Why was he not named next?"

He raised a second finger. "Kakashree, if fairness was really your concern, why did it only matter when it was convenient?"

The unspoken truth was clear. It was just a convenient excuse to push their desired outcome.

Karna's next words came like unrelenting storm.

"One argues for hierarchy in the name of dharma. The other for fairness in the name of balance. Yet neither of you could keep to your own principles."

His voice was sharp now, cutting through any remaining pretense.

"Or was it never about these principles in the first place?"

No one spoke. No one dared to.

Because Karna had not just challenged Bhishma and Vidur's arguments. He had taken their own words, turned them against them, and left them with nothing to stand on.

And worst of all... Every word he spoke was correct.

Then... Karna's gaze swept over everyone.

"And not once did any of you ask my mother what she wants."

It was not a question. It was a fact.

His voice remained calm, yet the weight of his words made everyone flinch.

"You speak of Dharma. Of hierarchy. Of fairness. Of who deserves what. But tell me, does a mother need to justify whom she blesses?"

His eyes locked onto each of them.

"This is not about the throne. This is not about of politics. This is a mother's boon. A mother's blessing. It is hers to give, to whomever she wishes. And yet... you argue over her boon. You decide for her. But did anyone stop to think that she should be the one to decide?"

His voice softened. "OR IS A MOTHER NOT EVEN ALLOWED THAT RIGHT ANYMORE?"

The question crashed over them like a tidal wave.

"For all your debates on Dharma, none of you remembered the simplest, most sacred truth of all... A mother's heart is Dharma itself! Her blessing is never about power, hierarchy, or fairness - it is about love. And love is not something to be weighed, measured, or divided, nor can it be bound by rules and politics. It flows freely, given without condition, because that is its very nature - pure and righteous."

And now the truth they had all ignored stood before them, undeniable.

Gandhari herself was stunned. Karna had spoken the very words she had kept in her heart but had hesitated to voice.

Then, just as suddenly as the storm had risen, it faded.

Karna turned to Gandhari. His voice was no longer commanding. It was gentle. Filled only with devotion.

"Mata, do not let anyone make this choice for you. This is your boon, and only you have the right to decide. Not Pitamah, not Kakashree, not Mamashree, not Chote Pitashree, not even Pitashree... ONLY YOU."

Then, in a gesture so simple yet so powerful, Karna took her hand in his.

"You alone have the right to decide whom you wish to bless. Whether it is one among your 101 children or someone else. The decision is yours alone... A mother's choice... A mother's will... A mother's right."

And in that moment, Karna stood before her... not as a warrior, not as a prince, not as Yuvraj of Hastinapur, but as her son...

Everyone understood... Karna had not just defended his brothers. He had defended Gandhari's right as a mother.

Meanwhile, the Kauravas whispered among themselves.

"He spoke against Pitamah..."

"And Pitamah had no answer..."

"Not just Pitamah. Even Kakashree Vidur had no answer..."

"This is the first time... anyone has stood up against them like this."

With each word Karna spoke, the Kauravas found themselves staring him with a mix of awe and pride. Some of the younger Kauravas exchanged glances. A thought took root in their minds. "Maybe he is not a stranger after all. Maybe... we should accept him as our Jyesth?"

Sushasana was staring at Karna, and murmured. "Hmm... He stood for us... just like Jyesth Suyo always does."

Suyo heard him, but said nothing.

On the other side, the Pandavas remained silent.

Bhima frowned, muttering under his breath. "He speaks as if he holds all authority here."

Arjun's brows furrowed. There was a strange mix of irritation and grudging respect in his eyes. He had seen Karna's skill with a bow, but this... the power in his words... was something else entirely.

Nakul and Sahadev exchanged glances before looking at Yudhishthir, who had not spoken a word. But in his eyes was something rare... genuine admiration.

Gandhari, who had been quiet through it all, smiled. Whenever she faltered, Karna was always there, holding her steady, as her strength.

Finally, Karna asked the one question that no one else thought to ask. "Mata, whom do you wish to see?"

She parted her lips to speak but then hesitated.

Karna immediately noticed. His brows furrowed slightly. "What is troubling you, Mata?"

Gandhari's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Putra, perhaps I am selfish, but if I can... I would wish to see all my sons and my daughter, Sushala. But as Tatshree said, I do not know how the boon works. If I choose only one out of a hundred, will it be unfair to my other children?"

Karna chuckled. "That's it?"

He folded his hands, closed his eyes, and called out, "Pitashree, I need to talk to you."

A radiant glow illuminated the Shiv Mandir, and within moments, Suryadev appeared before them.

Everyone present instinctively joined their hands in reverence.

Suryadev looked at Karna with a smile and asked, "What is it, Putra?"

Karna explained everything and ended with, "Pitashree, Mata wishes to see all her children, but she is unsure about how the boon works. Can you clarify your words?"

Suryadev turned to Gandhari, his gaze kind, as he spoke.

"Putri Gandhari, your wish is not unreasonable. If you wish, you may see all your 100 sons and your daughter. However, the first gaze you place upon someone will hold the strongest effect. If you choose only one, they will receive the full strength of the boon. If you choose more than one, the one you look at longest will benefit the most, while the others will receive it in lesser measure."

He paused, his words carrying the weight of divine truth.

"Decide carefully."

With that, Suryadev nodded at Karna before vanishing into the light.

A heavy silence filled the Shiv Mandir as Gandhari absorbed the truth of the boon. Her heart ached. She had never favored one child over another. A mother's love was boundless, yet now she had to make a choice.

Then, with renewed clarity, she turned toward her children. When she spoke again, there was no hesitation... because she knew who needed her strength the most... there was only one choice.

"My beloved sons and daughter, know that a mother's love does not differentiate. If it were in my hands, I would grant all of you equal blessings. But as you heard, the boon works differently. And so, I must choose only one... And, I choose Suyodhana. He has always stood as the strength of the rest."

Suyo eyes widened as he looked at his mother. It was a moment he had never expected, yet somehow, it felt right. A smile formed on his lips.

Karna smiled and went to Suyo. He placed a hand on Suyo's back and gently nudged him forward toward Gandhari.

Suyo's steps were hesitant at first. But before he could even process everything, he found himself walking toward his mother.

Karna looked at everyone present. "Everyone step outside."

The elders, standing near Gandhari, exchanged glances and one by one, they began to step out.

The Pandavas and Kauravas, who were near the entrance, hesitated for a brief moment before they started moving first.

Karna turned to leave with them.

But just then...

"NOW THIS BAD OMEN WILL BE STRONGER."

BHIMA muttered. The words slipped out before he could stop them. Then, without looking back, he turned to leave.

But the damage was done.

Suyo, who had been walking toward his mother, froze in place. He heard Bhima, and the words struck him like a blow, rooting him to the spot.

And he wasn't the only one.

As soon as the words "bad omen" left Bhima's lips, the elders, who had just begun to move, stopped.

The Kauravas, who had been following Karna's instruction, stopped. Their heads snapped toward Bhima in disbelief. Their fingers curled into fists. Some of them took a step forward, instinctively ready to lash out, but held themselves back. Instead, they turned to the elders, waiting—expecting—them to speak, to reprimand Bhima, to refute his words.

Even the Pandavas, noticing the sudden halt of the elders, stopped.

And most importantly—

KARNA stopped.

He stood still, his back facing Suyo and the elders. He did not turn, did not move.

The elders, standing just a few feet in front of Suyodhana, did not look to Bhima. Their eyes flickered toward Karna instead. They exchanged uneasy glances, their gazes shifting between each other, as if silently hoping—praying—that Karna had not heard.

Suyo froze mid-step. His head lowered slightly. He was waiting for someone to say something... anything... but no one spoke.

"Did they not hear Bhima's words? Or -"

Suyo looked up, only to realize... everyone was looking at him.

"Why are they looking at me like that? No... wait, they are not looking at me..."

He followed their gaze and turned slowly.

"Ohh... they are looking at him... but why?"

Bhishma and Vidur exchanged uneasy glances. Only one thought running through their minds. "Did he hear it?"

A dreadful answer came almost immediately.

Karna's fists clenched. His kavach appeared - the golden glow intensifying for a brief second, responding to his emotions.

All eyes were on Karna.

He had heard.

He had definitely heard.

But Karna was not one to let such words pass. Without a word, he moved.

It was not a rush of anger.

It was not a reckless charge.

It was controlled. Deliberate. Cold.

Bhima had no time to react.

Karna grabbed Bhima's shoulder and forcefully turned him around to face him.

Before Bhima could even process what was happening... a brutal punch landed straight to his face.

The force sent Bhima stumbling to the ground. Pain exploded in his jaw, and he felt the warm trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Gasps filled the room.

The Pandavas immediately rushed to Bhima's side and knelt beside him.

"How dare you hit me?" Bhima said as he wiped the blood from his lips, his anger rising as he stood up. He rushed forward to swung a punch straight at Karna's face.

BUT...

Karna's control was terrifying. He didn't flinch. He didn't even move.

He just caught Bhima's fist effortlessly. His grip tightened around Bhima's fist. Then, with a swift motion, he twisted.

Bhima gasped as his right arm was twisted behind his back. His back was facing Karna now.

Everything happened so fast that it left everyone wondering. "What... just... happened?"

The Kauravas stood rooted to their spots, shocked. They exchanged glances, trying to process what had just happened. They had not expected Karna... to defend Suyo.

Ashwa smirked. "I knew Bhima would face Mitra Karna's anger one day. Looks like today is that day..."

The Kauravas heard him. They looked at Ashwa, confused. "What did he mean?"

Bhima struggled, but Karna's grip did not budge. "Leave me! What do you think you're doin — AHHHHHH!!"

Karna twisted Bhima's right arm further behind his back in a lock so brutal that a scream tore from his throat.

The Pandavas immediately stepped forward to stop Karna, but before they could act, Pandu raised his hand. His gaze fixed on Karna. His voice carried authority, but beneath it, there was something else... trust.

"Stay back. I trust Aditya. You will not say anything. You will not interfere."

Hearing Pandu's words, the Pandavas stood rooted to their spots.

Not because they wanted to. But because they had to.

Yudhishthir watched his younger brother cry out in pain. He wanted to say something... but his father's words - "You will not say anything" - chained him in place.

Arjun clenched his fist in anger, his nails dug into his palm. He wanted to stop Karna, but his father's voice echoed in his mind - "You will not interfere" - And he could do nothing but force himself to stay silent.

Nakul and Sahadev exchanged glances. They helplessly watched Bhima struggle in Karna's grip.

Bhishma tensed. He knew how protective Karna was of Suyodhana. He immediately stepped forward to stop Karna. "Aditya, Putra. Forgive Bhima—"

But... Karna did not need words. He did not even turn to acknowledge Bhishma. He only twisted Bhima's arm harder.

"AAAHH!!"

Bhishma stopped mid-sentence, mid-step. He understood. There was no way he could stop Karna now.

Still held in Karna's iron grip, Bhima growled through gritted teeth, "How dare you —"

Karna cut him off and finally spoke. His voice, was calm... Far too calm...

"HOW. DARE. YOU."

Karna's fingers tightened around Bhima's right arm as he spoke. "What did you call my Anuj? A bad omen?"

Another sharp twist.

"AAAHHH!!"

Bhima's scream echoed through the Shiv Mandir.

Karna's voice was deep and dangerous.

"I made sure no one in Hastinapur dared to call my brother a bad omen."

"I made sure no one even dares to think of my brother as anything less than a blessing."

"I made sure every year his birth is celebrated by every single person in this kingdom."

His grip tightened.

"And yet you... you dare to utter such words in my presence?"

Bhima tried to break free, using all his might, but Karna's grip did not budge even an inch.

Bhima gritted his teeth. "I said the truth. He is — Ahhhhhhh!"

Bhima could feel his bones are about to snap but Karna stopped just before actually breaking them.

Karna leaned closer. His voice laced with cold finality. "Do you not know that you were born on the same day as my Anuj? If he is a bad omen, then remember..." His voice dropped lower, his words laced with cold finality. "SO. ARE. YOU!"

Bhima roared in frustration. "I am a Dev Put — AAAHH!!"

Again... Karna did not let him finish.

Karna leaned closer, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"If you are a Dev Putra... then listen well..."

With each word, Karna applied more force.

"Mahadev himself has named my brother."

Silence.

Even Bhima momentarily forgot his pain.

Mahadev?

No one knew this. No one knew that Mahadev himself had named Suyodhana. Not even the elders.

Karna's grip tightened.

"He said that my brother is NOT A BAD OMEN."

Bhima could barely think past the pain, he tried to break free from Karna's grip. Desperate, he used all his strength - the strength of a 1000 elephants - to push Karna back. His muscles strained. His veins bulged.

And yet... Nothing.

Karna did not move even an inch. If anything... his grip tightened.

A smirk crossed Karna's lips beneath his covered face. He could feel the sheer force that Bhima was exerting and he realized. "He is using his boon? Fine. But... I will not use mine."

Karna did not use his boon to increase his strength manifold at will because he did not need to... He knew exactly where to press.

With a small shift in his fingers, Karna pressed into Bhima's pressure points.

Instantly, Bhima's right arm went numb. A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes. He could not feel his right hand.

Dhritarashtra stepped forward to stop Karna, but... a hand landed lightly on his shoulder stopping him.

Shakuni's voice was calm as he spoke. "Jijashree... Let it be. You know how protective Aditya is of his brothers." A faint smile played on his lips as he reminded him, "Do you remember Aditya's words? 'Any insult to my brothers or sister must go through me first.' He is only protecting Suyo."

Dhritarashtra hesitated, then stepped back, because Shakuni was right.

Despite the pain, Bhima swung his free left hand in a punch.

Karna didn't even made an effort and caught his hand making Bhima look clumsy in comparison.

Bhima's eyes widened in shock. For the first time, he realized, his strength was meaningless before Karna.

Karna smirked. "You think strength is everything, Bhima? Then let me show you what true strength is."

With a final twist —

SNAP!

The sound of bones grinding against each other made some in the room flinch.

"AAAAAHHHHH AAHA AHAAH!"

Bhima screamed as another sharp pain shot through his left arm.

CRACK!

"AAAAAHHHHH AAHA AHAAH!"

The pain was unbearable. Bhima had never felt pain like this before. His entire body seized up. Every nerve screaming in agony. His breath was ragged. His arms felt like they would... tear off.

Karna again tightened his grip slightly as he thought, "If I press just a little more... his shoulders will dislocate. Should I stop?"

Gandhari remained silent all this time. But now, she spoke, bringing Karna out of his thoughts. "Aditya? Putra... Stop it. You are hurting your brother."

Karna looked at her. His voice was calm. "But... Mata. I am also protecting my brother... You know na... I would never do anything without a reason... HE INSULTED MY BROTHER IN FRONT OF ME. SHOULD I JUST LET IT GO, MATA?"

Gandhari did not say anything. Because... she knew he was right. Karna was not acting out of rage. He was doing what he had always done... shielding his family.

Karna turned his attention back to Bhima and asked. "Is it paining?"

Bhima instantly nodded. "Yes! Ahh!! Yes!! it is paining!"

"Good. It should."

With that, Karna suddenly let go, just enough to forcefully turn Bhima to face Suyo.

"Apologize."

Bhima remained silent as he looked at Suyodhana.

Karna's voice was as sharp as a blade. "Apologize. Right now. Before I break every single bone in your body."

Bhima swallowed his pride.

"I... I am sorry.... Duryodhana—"

"MAHAMANTRI VIDUR!"

The sheer force of Karna's voice made Bhima stop mid-sentence.

Karna's voice rang out with such anger and intensity that it sent a chill down everyone's spine.

Vidur FLINCHED. There was something terrifying about the way Karna addressed him. And he had learned from experience that whenever Karna called him 'Mahamantri' instead of 'Kakashree', it meant Karna was about to expose something he had done wrong.

Vidur shuttered slightly. "Y-yes?"

Karna looked to Vidur, his eyes burned like the sun as he asked, "I told you to remember my brother's name, didn't I?"

Vidur nodded.

"So, tell me... What is my brother's name?"

Vidur swallowed. "S-Suyodhana."

"Then why is he calling him 'Duryodhana'?"

Vidur struggled to answer. "Putra Karna, I-I will make Bhima understand again. I will —"

A mocking laugh left Karna's lips, making Vidur stop mid-sentence.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"

Karna's grip tightened again on Bhima's hand.

"AGAIN?"

Before Vidur or Bhima could react —

SNAP!

This time... Karna twisted both of Bhima's hands together.

"AAAAHHHHHH!!"

A strangled cry tore from Bhima's throat.

Karna's voice was cold as he spoke again.

"When he called my brother with that name in the arena, I suspected it wasn't the first time he has done this. And now, you just confirmed it."

"Did I not say that there will be severe punishment if anyone call my brother a bad omen or Duryodhana?"

"And if he said those words again, that means he was either not punished, or he did not learn his lesson."

Karna leaned in, his voice dangerously calm. "You insult my brother in front of me, and you thought I would let it go?"

Without warning. With a slow, measured motion, Karna applied pressure, just enough to push Bhima's shoulder joints past its limit and dislocated Bhima's arms with a sickening sound.

POP!

"AAAHHHHHH AAAHHHHHH AAAAHHHH!!"

Bhima's screams filled the room as his body trembled in agony. His arms went completely limp, hanging uselessly at his sides.

Silence.

Karna turned to Suyo, his voice softened, almost gentle.

"Anuj!"

Suyodhana was too lost in his thoughts to answer. "Did he just call me Anuj?"

Karna asked, "How many times has he called you by that name?"

Still, Suyo was silent. He did not answer.

Bhima gasped, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to breathe through the agony. His body trembled as he tried to free himself, but it was useless... because he knew his both arms are completely useless.

And Karna did not let go. His grip remained firm as he turned his gaze back to Suyo, waiting for an answer.

That was when Sushasana decided to speak. He didn't want to let this opportunity go. Seeing someone teach Bhima a lesson, he decided he is not going to stay silent like his Jyesth.

So he said it. "We lost count..."

Karna looked at Bhima.

Then, in an instant...

CRACK! SNAP!

Bhima's legs broke. He collapsed to his knees. In front of Suyodhana.

Karna's voice was ice as he asked, "What is my brother's name?"

Bhima's pride battled his agony. He clenched his jaw and refused to answer.

But... Karna applied a small pressure on his dislocated shoulders... Bhima gasped. Another wave of pain crashed through him.

"Say it."

Unable to bear the pain anymore, Bhima whispered, "Suyo-Suyodhana."

Karna crouched beside him. "Now, what should you do for your mistake?"

BHIMA HAD NO CHOICE. HE WAS NOT APOLOGIZING BECAUSE HE TRULY UNDERSTOOD HIS MISTAKE. HE WAS DOING IT TO END HIS SUFFERING.

Bhima looked at Suyodhana, who was watching him silently. Finally, Bhima forced the words out, ragged and broken.

"Suyodhana... I am sorry..."

Karna's fingers dug into his shoulder. "And?"

Bhima bit his lip, his breath unsteady. "I will never call you that again... I am sorry... Please... Suyo-Suyodhana... forgive me..."

Suyodhana stared at him, speechless. Then, after a moment, he gave a small nod.

Only then did Karna release Bhima.

The moment Karna let go, Bhima collapsed onto the floor. His whole body ached, but at the same time, he felt relief... relief that it was over. Sweat and tears dripped from his face.

Then, Bhima tried to move his hands... but nothing happened. His hands were completely limp. He couldn't lift his arms.

Panic flickered in his eyes.

"My hands...!" He shouted.

He tried again, but... nothing. He couldn't even move his fingers.

Karna reached for him, but Bhima flinched in fear and moved back.

Karna sighed. Then, without another word, he grabbed Bhima's broken arms.

"Hold still."

His voice was calm... yet deadly as he spoke his next words.

"REMEMBER THIS PAIN. BECAUSE NEXT TIME... I WILL NOT HEAL YOU."

A golden glow radiated from Karna's palms. A warm sensation spread through Bhima's body.

In a matter of seconds... his pain vanished as if it was never there.

Bhima stared in shock. He moved his arms. They were completely healed.

But... HE DID NOT FEEL GRATEFUL. INSTEAD. HE FELT HUMILIATED. And yet, somewhere deep inside... He also felt fear. Because today, he realized something terrifying - this was just a controlled warning.

BHIMA WAS CORRECT BECAUSE...

Karna wasn't acting out of blind rage. He didn't even use his full strength. He had deliberately gone to this extent knowing he could heal Bhima afterward.

This was just the first lesson. The real threat was what Karna could do next time if Bhima crossed the line again.

And Bhima was right to be afraid. Because if Karna was capable of this now... what would happen if he ever truly lost control?

Karna stood up without another word. He turned to Suyo, gently taking his hand leading him toward Gandhari.

Suyo just stared at Karna, a thought echoing in his mind. "No one has ever defended me like this before... at least not with this fire."

Then, suddenly, Suyo stopped. His voice was barely a whisper as he asked. "Why... why did you defend me like this..." The last word did not leave his lips. "....Jyesth?"

Suyo desparately wanted to say it. He wanted to call Karna 'Jyesth'. But he knew this was not the right time. First, he had to make his brothers understand that he is no longer their Jyesth. He had to fulfill his duty as the eldest brother he always was to his brothers. Then and only then... he would call Karna his Jyesth.

Karna looked at Suyo, placing his hands on Suyo's shoulders. "What do you mean why? Because you are my brother. And no one insults my —"

He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

SOMETHING FLASHED BEFORE HIS EYES... A VISION.

---------------------------------------------------------

In this vision... Karna saw Suyo's breakdown in front of Krishna.

Saw the way Suyodhana had clung to Krishna, his voice trembling with suppressed anguish.

"Krishna... you know, Bhima calls me a bad omen... If not for you and Ashwa, I would have taught him a lesson long ago. Retaliated word for word, taunt for taunt, insult for insult... But... I stayed silent. All these years... I learned to ignore and endure Bhima's insults... But... my silence doesn't mean... I'm weak... does it? Tell me... I'm not weak, am I?"

One by one, the visions changed, and Karna saw only the moments after he left with Suryadev, when Bhima called Suyodhana either a bad omen or Duryodhana. He saw how Suyo was silent and endured, never retaliating back.

(A/N :- Karna did not see the fights or anything related to what led to the fights or Yuvraj talk between the Pandavas and Kauravas. He only saw Bhima calling Suyodhana as bad omen and Duryodhana, and Suyo remaining silent...)

---------------------------------------------------------

Karna's grip on Suyo's shoulders tightened for a moment. He closed his eyes briefly. Then, he exhaled. He opened his eyes again.

Slowly, his hands released Suyo and TURNED TOWARD BHIMA.

Karna's gaze didn't waver as he looked at Bhima. His eyes, the only part of his face visible beneath the cloth, burned with an unreadable intensity.

Bhima had just stood up with Yudhishthir's help, and his elder brother pulled him into a concerned embrace.

"Bhima, are you alright?" Yudhishthir asked.

But Bhima did not hear those words. He did not see Yudhishthir.

Because Karna had already cast his illusion.

To Bhima, the arms wrapped around him were not Yudhishthir's. They were Karna's.

The warm, concerned voice of Yudhishthir's did not ask, "Are you alright?"

Instead, Bhima heard something that sent a chill down his spine. The voice was cold, edged with finality, promising far worse than what had just happened.

"You know what? I'm not done with you yet..."

Bhima's blood ran cold. His mind screamed at him to move. To act. Before Karna broke him again.

Instinct took over. Without thinking. Without hesitation. He shoved Karna away with all his strength.

Or so he thought.

Reality?

Gasps echoed through the Shiv Mandir.

Because it was not Karna whom Bhima had pushed. It was Yudhishthir.

The eldest Pandava staggered back, his expression one of complete shock as he barely managed to keep his balance.

"Bhima?" Yudhishthira's voice wavered, disbelief written all over his face.

Bhima froze. The illusion had shattered... just for a moment.

And when Bhima blinked. It was not Karna standing in front of him. It was Yudhishthir.

Bhima looked down at his own hands, his fingers trembling. A horrifying realization dawned upon him. "Did I just-did I just push my Jyesth Bhrata?"

Bhima's mouth went dry as he spoke looking at Yudhishthir. "Jy-Jyesth... I-I..."

Words failed him.

The Kauravas exchanged amused looks, murmuring among themselves.

Even the elders - Bhishma, Vidur, Dhritharastra, Shakuni and Pandu - were confused.

Ashwa, who had been silent till now, knew something was wrong. He knew that Bhima would never push Yudhishthir, not even in anger. He looked at his best friend - Karna - who just stood there, silently watching.

One look at Karna, and even though he could not see Karna's face, Ashwa understood. Whatever it was... it was Karna doing it.

Ashwa smiled. A slow, knowing smile. Because he knew this was not over.

But before Bhima could fully grasp reality, Arjun's voice reached him. "Bhrata Bhima, why did you push Jyesth?"

Bhima turned sharply toward Arjun.

But he did not see Arjun.

He saw Karna.

And instead of Arjun's worried voice, he heard something else-

"You mocked my brother's name. You used your tongue to call my brother a bad omen. And do you think I would let it go so easily? Let's see how strong you are when you can't use your words."

Bhima lips parted to speak... to say something... but... No sound came out.

Nothing.

Not a single whisper.

His hands trembled as he clutched his throat, his heart pounding wildly as he thought. "Why couldn't I speak?"

He turned to the others, desperation in his eyes, but no one else seemed to notice.

They were speaking to him... but he couldn't make a sound.

Panic crashed into Bhima like a tidal wave. His muscles reacted before his mind could.

With a furious roar, he lunged, gripping Karna by the throat.

Reality?

Yudhishthir, Nakul, and Sahadev sprang into action.

Because it was not Karna whom Bhima had grabbed.

It was Arjun.

Arjun choked as Bhima's hands tightened around his neck. His legs kicked against the ground, struggling.

"Bhima! Stop! Leave Arjun!" Yudhishthir yelled, prying at his brother's iron grip.

Nakul and Sahadev grabbed Bhima's arms, pulling him back with all their strength.

The illusion cracked again.

Bhima blinked.

Arjun collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

Pandu rushed to Arjun to check if he was okay.

Bhima took a shaky step back in horror. "Did I just... Did I -"

Then, his gaze snapped to Karna, who still stood beside Suyo. Looking at him.

Even though most of Karna's face was hidden, Bhima felt it. This was his doing.

Anger surged through him. He rushed toward Karna, determined to end this once and for all...

But before he could reach him, Nakul stepped in his path.

"Bhrata Bhima, are you okay? Why did you hurt Bhrata Arjun?"

But Bhima did not hear that. He did not see Nakul.

He saw Karna.

And instead of Nakul's concerned voice, he heard something else —

"A warrior's strength is not just in his arms but in his words. And today... I will make sure you learn that."

Rage exploded within Bhima. If he couldn't use words, he would use his fists. He swung his arm at Karna, his fist colliding with his opponent's jaw.

Except—

Reality?

His fist did not strike Karna.

It struck Nakul.

Nakul stumbled back, clutching his jaw where Bhima's blow had landed. A sharp gasp left his lips.

Yudhishthir's eyes widened. "Bhima! What are you doing? Stop this madness now!"

Bhima's hands shook as the illusion shattered again.

Nakul's pained face replaced Karna's.

Bhima's eyes widened. "Nakul? No-no, that wasn't right."

Still trying to process everything he looked down at his hands - hands that had hurt his Anuj. His mind was a tangled mess of disbelief and confusion. "This can't be real. What is happening to me? Why does my brothers look like Karna? Why does they sound like Karna?"

Bhishma observed Bhima's struggle. His eyes caught something else - when Bhima looked at Karna, his expression changed.

And when Bhima moved toward Karna, Bhishma saw it and understood... Bhima was under an illusion.

Bhishma murmured, "Karna is using illusions..." His words made Dhritharastra, Vidur, and Shakuni turn toward him in shock. He turned to them and continued, "Do you remember what Karna said? That he learned under Asuruguru Sukracharya... "

Looking at Karna, Vidur spoke first. "Tatshree, do something... Stop Karna."

But Bhishma remained silent.

Shakuni smirked looking at Vidur. "Why don't you do it yourself, Mahamantri Vidur?"

Vidur's lips pressed into a thin line. "Gandhar Raj, do you think I can stop him?"

Then, Vidur turned to Dhritharastra. "Jyesth, only you can stop Karna. Either as his father... or as Maharaj."

Before Dhritharastra could speak, Gandhari gently pulled his hand. "Arya, whatever Karna is doing, he must have a reason. He hurt Putra Bhima, knowing he can heal him. So, let us trust our son."

Dhritharastra turned to Vidur. "Vidur... you heard your Maharani, right?"

Vidur remained silent.

Meanwhile, Ashwa quietly walked toward Karna, standing beside him.

Suyo was on Karna's other side, his brows furrowed in confusion as he watched Bhima. Something was wrong. He could sense it. Just like Ashwa, he knew Bhima would never... never... hurt Yudhishthir. Earlier today, Bhima had ready to teach him a lesson when he pushed Yudhishthir. So Bhima hurting Yudhishthir? Impossible.

Then, he heard Ashwa's voice, though it was meant only for Karna.

"Mitra Karna... Bhima acting this way... is it your doing?"

Karna did not deny it. Still looking at Bhima, he simply hummed. "Hmm..."

And Suyo heard them. His eyes widened as he turned to Karna. "You... You are doing this?"

Finally, Karna turned his head - just slightly - away from Bhima. And the moment he did... the illusion broke completely.

Karna looked at Suyo. "Do you want me to stop?"

The words left Suyo's lips before he could think. "No..."

Karna nodded. Without another word, he turned his golden gaze back on Bhima.

Bhima saw it. He saw the trio... Karna, Ashwa, Suyo... standing together, whispering amongst themselves. The moment the illusion broke, he knew it was Karna's doing.

---------------------------------------------------------

But what Bhima did not know, what none of them knew, was that this was merely a glimpse... a mere fragment of Karna's true power.

Learning under Asuraguru Shukracharya, Karna had become a master of Maya (illusions).

He did not just create illusions. He controlled them. He decides when they begin, when they end, and most importantly, what the trapped person took from it.

This was not the only illusion he could weave.

If he wished, he could break a person's mind, bend their will, make them live an eternity within a moment, or a moment within an eternity.

But this? This was nothing.

No, this was but a small trailer... a mere teaser of what he could do.

---------------------------------------------------------

Bhima didn't think. He just moved. With blind fury, Bhima lunged toward Karna, intending to strike. But before his fist could connect-

SUYO STEPPED FORWARD, GRABBING HIS HAND.

Suyo barely processed what he had done. He had stepped forward without thinking... instinctively shielding his Jyesth.

Ashwa seized Bhima's other arm, holding him back.

By now, Bhishma, Vidur, Dhritharastra and Shakuni had also stepped forward, preparing to intervene.

Bhima thrashed against Ashwa and Suyo's grip, his voice raw with anger.

"Mayavi!" he snarled at Karna. "What are you doing to me? I know this is your doing!"

Karna just shrugged. His voice was calm, almost amused. "What did I do? I am just standing here..."

Bhima's fury burned hotter. The moment he was free, his fist shot toward Karna's face, aiming to end whatever dark tricks he was playing.

But Karna caught his hand. Effortlessly.

AND THE MOMENT BHIMA'S HAND TOUCHED KARNA'S...

The surroundings changed.

THE ILLUSION BEGINS...

Bhima suddenly found himself somewhere else. Not in the Shiv Mandir, but inside the royal court of Hastinapur.

The polished marble floors gleamed beneath his feet. The scent of burning incense filled the air.

But he knew something was wrong... Because when he looked into a polished bronze shield beside him, he froze.

The face staring back at him... was his own.

And yet... his own voice echoed through the court.

"Bad omen."

"That is who you are!"

Bhima turned and saw HIMSELF standing there, arms crossed, smirking. Mocking him.

The Pandavas stand beside his illusion. Watching. None of them stopped him.

Bhima watched himself become his own bully.

He tried to speak... but no sound came out.

He tried to move... but his legs felt like lead.

And then... the words, the insults he had once spoken came crashing back onto him. One by one.

"If the truth hurts you... It is not my fault."

"No matter how much you try... truth will not change."

"The cursed one. That's what you are, isn't it?"

His own voice sneered at him.

And no one stopped him.

Not even his brothers.

For the first time in his life... Bhima felt exactly what Suyodhana must have felt all these years whenever he said those words and insulted him.

He felt the loneliness of standing alone, with no one to defend him.

He felt the helplessness of being judged, mocked, and rejected for something he never chose.

He wanted to fight back... wanted to scream.

But he couldn't. BECAUSE... HIS OWN VOICE TORMENTED HIM.

And as this happened...

While Bhima's mind was trapped in the illusion, his body remained in the Shiv Mandir. He was still physically standing there.

To everyone else, he was simply standing still, staring at them, especially Suyodhana.

But in the illusion, the same people who stood before him in reality were now silent spectators, doing nothing as his own reflection... his own self... mocked him mercilessly.

Bhima was staring at himself in the illusion, but in reality, he was staring at Suyodhana.

Suddenly, Bhima fell to his knees, unable to bear it anymore.

Tears spill down his face. He wanted to beg for it to stop, but he still could not speak.

He screamed in his mind. "No. This couldn't be real."

And yet... the truth struck him like a mace to the heart... harder than any blow.

THIS WAS REAL. BECAUSE... THEY WERE HIS OWN WORDS TO SUYO ALL THESE YEARS.

And then, when Bhima was at his breaking point, he suddenly saw Karna kneel beside him in the illusion.

In reality, Karna kneeled beside him as well.

But... only in the illusion... Karna spoke,

"You know there is much more I can do. And I wish to do it. But for now, this is enough..."

With those words, Karna finally lifted the illusion.

And the chilling part?

No one else heard Karna say those words. No one but Bhima.

Because those words were spoken only inside the illusion.

THEN... SUDDENLY... IT WAS OVER.

The cold marble of the royal court became the warm stone of the Shiv Mandir.

The incense faded into temple air.

Bhima looked around. He was back. And he found himself kneeling before Suyo... exactly where he had fallen in his illusion.

It was almost like Bhima had been pulled through his own mind and then spat back into reality.

Everyone watched in confusion, wondering why Bhima had suddenly collapsed.

The Pandavas, unaware of what Karna had done, rushed toward him, thinking something had happened.

Bhima barely processed their looks. His breath came in short gasps. His limbs still trembled from the weight of everything he had just felt.

Then...

Karna crouched before him. His voice was low, meant for Bhima alone.

"Now you know how he felt. All these years, you called him weak for not fighting back. But do you understand now? Sometimes, silence is the loudest scream."

Bhima's breath hitched. His hands clenched into fists.

Karna continued, "A warrior is not measured by how strong he is, but by how he uses his strength. Because strength alone does not make someone powerful, Bhima. Respect is what makes a warrior truly powerful. Learn to wield your words as carefully as your mace. If a man with strength cannot control his tongue, then he is no better than a beast..."

Bhima looked at Karna's eyes, which softened as if his elder brother was looking at him. He didn't need to see Karna's face to know that this was not pity or mockery. "I could have done far worse then what I did to you, but what would that prove? That I am stronger? No. It would prove that you are weak... not in muscle, but in mind."

Karna hugged Bhima, his voice softer now. "You are my brother too, Bhima. I would rather you try to understand my words. Do not let arrogance make you blind, or you will lose everything you hold dear."

Bhima broke the hug and just stared at Karna. For the first time, he did not immediately lash out or deny Karna's words. Instead he tried to understand the meaning behind those words.

Bhima did not say anything and just looked up at Suyo... and thought.

"All these years, I thought my words meant nothing. That they were just words. But now... I know. I know how it feels to be on the other side. I know words do have power, my insults were not just harmless jabs, but wounds that left scars..."

He felt guilty... because he realized what he has done.

Slowly, shakily, Bhima stood up. He knew his words wouldn't have been enough... his actions needed to speak louder.

Then, he stepped forward...

AND HUGGED SUYO.

Suyo stiffened. He did not expect Bhima... out of all people... to hug him.

Bhima's voice was barely above a whisper, maybe only heard by Suyo.

"Suyodhana... I'm sorry."

And for the first time... BHIMA MEANT IT.

A heavy silence lingered after Bhima's whispered apology. It was not the kind of silence that came from discomfort, but one filled with unspoken words, shifting emotions, and the weight of something long overdue.

Karna let the moment settle, allowing Bhima and Suyo to fully absorb it. But then, he pushed himself up.

"We should step outside," he said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable warmth in it. "I cannot wait any longer for Mata to see me."

The words seemed to pull everyone back to reality.

One by one, everyone stepped out, leaving Suyo and Gandhari behind in the Shiv Mandir.

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Outside the Shiv Mandir...

The Pandavas stood together.

The Kauravas stood together.

The elders stood together.

No one spoke. They only waited for Suyo.

But all their eyes were fixed on Karna, who stood with Ashwa.

Karna barely noticed them, his thoughts pulling him elsewhere.

Ashwathama noticed Karna's silence and nudged him lightly. He asked in a low voice. "What are you thinking?"

For a moment, Karna didn't respond. Then, finally, he asked. "Mitra Ashwa... why didn't you tell me?"

Ashwa was confused, he hadn't expected that question. "Tell you what Mitra?"

Karna looked at Ashwa. His voice remained calm, but there was something unsettling about it. "That Bhima calls Suyo a bad omen and Duryodhana?"

Ashwa opened his mouth to reply.... when they heard Sushasana's voice.

"JYESTH..."

Karna turned to Sushasana and instinctively responded.

"Yes?"

But the strange thing was... Sushasana wasn't looking at him.

Karna followed his gaze and saw Suyo, who had just stepped out of the temple.

Sushasana grinned at Suyo, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "...Is your body really as strong as Vajra now?"

Before Suyo could even react, Sushasana threw a punch, right at his chest.

Suyo barely flinched.

But... Sushasana immediately hissed, pulling his hand back in pain. He clutched his hand, his face twisting in pain.

Karna immediately grabbed Sushasana's wrist and started scolding him. "Fool! Who checks like this, if a boon worked or not?" He examined Sushasana's hand and asked, "Does it hurt?"

Sushasana didn't answer.

Karna looked up, only to find Sushasana staring at him.

Something unreadable flickered in Sushasana's expression BEFORE HE SUDDENLY PULLED HIS HAND AWAY.

"I am fine..." Sushasana muttered.

Karna frowned. The reaction was... odd. He reached out again, wanting to check his hand. "Sushasana, let me heal your hand if it hurts—"

Sushasana stepped back. He muttered. "I said I am fine."

Karna stared at him, confused. He looked around, at the younger Kauravas.

The distance between them was becoming clearer.

Then, before anything more could be said, Suyo pulled Karna's hand and spoke. "Um... Mata is waiting for you. Come inside."

Karna turned to Suyo... and for the first time, he noticed.

Not once... not even once... had his brothers called him "Jyesth."

Ashwa reached out and gave Karna a push on his shoulder. "Mitra Karna... Mata Gandhari is waiting for you."

Karna barely stumbled... but the movement shook him out of his thoughts.

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Inside the Shiv Mandir...

As soon as Karna was before her, Gandhari didn't wait. She pulled him into a tight embrace.

For the first time, she could truly see him. Her hands trembled as she held him close, afraid that if she let go, he would disappear like a fleeting dream.

Karna closed his eyes, letting himself be held in her embrace.

After a long moment, Gandhari slowly pulled away. Her fingers brushed against his face. "All these years, I choose darkness... but now that I have removed my blindfold, I do not wish to wait a moment longer to see you."

Dhritarashtra stepped forward, his voice thick with emotion. "And I as well, Gandhari. I never thought I would see the world. But now that I can, there is nothing I wish to see more than my son."

Karna looked at them both. He then pulled Dhritarashtra beside Gandhari.

"Mata, I kept my face covered so that you would be the first to see me." His eyes softened as he turned to Dhritharastra. "Now, both you and Pitashree will be the first."

A hushed silence fell over the temple.

Even the flickering flames of the diyas seemed to still, as if holding their breath.

Karna reached for the cloth covering his face.

Everyone watched, holding their breaths.

From the Pandava side, Sahadev leaned toward Nakul and whispered, "I bet he'll be more handsome than you."

Nakul scoffed, crossing his arms. "Tch... Not possible." But his eyes never left Karna.

The Kauravas were just as eager.

Yuyutsu murmured, "I wonder if he looks as Yama dev said..."

Sushasana scoffed. "Who cares?" But his eyes betrayed his curiosity. He was the most curious of them all, stealing glances at Karna.

Karna's fingers brushed against the cloth. Then, in one smooth motion, he pulled it away.

A collective gasp echoed through the Shiv Mandir.

The golden glow of his kundals shimmered beneath the temple diyas, casting an almost divine radiance around him. His skin, carried a warmth and intensity — like the golden fire of the sun, yet the cool vastness of a storm-laden sky. His sharp features... a well-defined jaw, and straight nose, high cheekbones... held an effortless nobility.

But it was his eyes that held them captive.

They were the kind of eyes that saw beyond this world, beyond time itself. They gleamed with the brilliance of Suryadev and the depth of Mahadev — vast, powerful, an unfathomable stillness like the universe itself, burning with endless energy,

And then, he smiled.

A smile so genuine and utterly contagious.

There was no denying it. He looked like someone born from the very essence of the gods. Like the endless sky meeting the vast ocean... holding both serenity and storms within him.

Silence.

Then, joy.

Dhritharastra and Gandhari had lived in darkness, but now, as they saw their son for the first time, they took in every detail of his face.

Together, they reached out, hands trembling as they cupped his face.

Dhritharastra's voice was filled with awe. "Aditya... I always imagined you, but no vison of mine could have matched this truth. You look... ethereal."

Tears gathered in Gandhari's eyes, but she refused to blink. Not now. Not when she could finally see him. "My son... my Aditya... I always knew you were special. I always heard of how you looked as a child... how your skin glowed like the sun, how your kundals shone brighter than gold, how you look like Suryadev himself. But now..." She whispered, her vision blurring with tears. "Now, as I see you... there is something more, something no one ever spoke of... something I cannot name. And now I understand... you shine like the sun itself..."

Gandhari didn't know. No one knew. That within Karna, beyond the fire of Suryadev, lay the silent, boundless power of Mahadev.

Karna placed his hands over his parents and smiled.

As Dhritarashtra and Gandhari took in their son's face, the moment belonged to them.

The moment was warm. Whole. Sacred. Filled with love.

But soon, the elders—one by one—stepped forward, their eyes reflecting the weight of the years lost, each absorbing the sight of Karna after so many years.

Pandu, who had last seen Karna as a 4-year-old child, took in the grown warrior before him, a smile formed on his lips.

Karna then turned toward the Pandavas and Kauravas.

That was when Nakul, who had only glimpsed Karna before, finally saw him properly.

A loud gasp left his lips.

Heads turned just in time to see Nakul's jaw dropped.

He blinked. Once. Twice.

Then... THUD.

Silence.

Everyone stared at Nakul sprawled on the temple floor.

Nakul had fainted.

Silence.

The Pandavas and Kauravas just stared at Nakul, wondering what had just happened.

Sahadev sighed, rubbing his temples. "He fainted from shock..."

Silence remained for a heartbeat.

And then—laughter.

As laughter filled the temple, carrying the warmth of their reunion. Karna looked around at everyone.

And... in this moment, he felt as if he had always belonged here—he was home, surrounded by family and love. And he just smiled.

Yet, beneath the warmth of the reunion, an unseen truth lingered. He did not know his identity had been hidden for years, that his brothers had only learned of him today. He did not know of the looming shadow of Vritrasura, of the battles yet to come.

For now, he embraced this moment, unaware of the storm waiting beyond it.

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To be continued...

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How was the chapter?

What do you think of the way Karna handled Bhima? Is it too much?

My favorite moments were when Karna went to Gandhari and when Dhritarashtra was healed and saw for the first time... I got very emotional while writing these two scene 🥺😭

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