"Karna's Departure from Assaka"

In Assaka, Karna addressed all immediate tasks to ensure Rajkumar Padmaksha could smoothly transition and continue the work effectively. Meanwhile, Rajkumari Ira prepared rations for his journey, including dry foods, clothes, and water, since Karna had vowed to the sage, he will not tell anyone about his Royal identity, so Ira prepared normal clothes.

As the day of Karna's departure arrived, the people of Assaka gathered to send off their king. The elders blessed him with wishes of "Vijaya bhava" and "Aashuyman bhava." They understood that Karna needed to visit various kingdoms for a significant purpose, feeling proud that the sage entrusted their king with such an important mission.

As Karna was about to depart, Ira hugged him, saying, "No matter what you face, Bhrata Aditya, always remember that these people eagerly await your return. You are needed here, and we will always be there for you. Just turn back and see the people who love you for who you are, without asking for anything in return." With tears in her eyes, she added, "We will always miss you. You have built a place called home through your hard work and persistence. I believe you will overcome any hardship if you trust in yourself. Please have a safe journey and find me a good Bhabishree while you are away because we need a queen for our state." The people, catching Ira's cue, echoed, "Yes, we need a Queen," delighted by the display of brotherly love.

Karna, suddenly put in the spotlight by Ira's mention of marriage, turned bright red. He playfully pinched Ira's ear, saying, "You have become too naughty." Rajkumar Padmaksha added, "But she is right. We need a Bhabi, so we can rest assured knowing you're in safe hands."

Feeling a mock sense of betrayal, Karna responded with an icy smile, "When the time comes, I will return it tenfold." Padmaksha replied, "We will see. One needs to live the present to the fullest before thinking about the future." After some playful banter, Karna finally departed. As his silhouette disappeared, Ira started to cry. Padmaksha consoled her, saying, "We will meet him again, don't worry."

Ira knew they would meet again in Dwapara Yuga, but she still cried, scolding herself for the childlike hormones causing her tears.

As Karna embarked on his journey, he felt a surge of happiness and relief. Ira's words had touched him deeply, as she seemed to understand the turmoil in his heart. He was eager to go to Hastinapur, but he also feared losing the Kuntala family-the people and things he cherished never seemed to stay with him for long. He had already experienced the pain of being separated from his beloved bow when he was not allowed to learn about it and from his mother when he left in search of knowledge.

Ira's reassurance had a profound impact on him. She knew how he sometimes felt unwanted or lonely and reminded him that all he needed to do was look back to see the people who were always waiting for him, unwavering in their support. This knowledge filled him with a renewed resolve and confidence.

Now, Karna knew he was always needed and resolved to focus on forming alliances without revealing his identity as a king. His top priority was to remove all obstacles in Ira's path and ensure her safety. With this newfound determination, he set out on his journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After three weeks of travel, Karna was about to enter Hastinapur as the morning sun peeked through the sky. He made his way to the Ganga River, performed his usual prayer to Surya Dev, and then set off toward his home, his heart filled with great pleasure.

He gently knocked on the door, and when Radha Mata opened it, she immediately recognized her son. Without a word, she hugged him tightly, as if consoling herself that he was really there. Understanding her emotions, Karna also tightened his hold on her.

After five minutes, she finally asked him, "Did you only now remember the way home?" She hurried him inside, saying, "I don't know why, but I suddenly thought to make your favorite foods. Now I know it was my motherly instinct telling me you were coming." Karna's heart warmed at this. She continued, "Wait, I just need to make kheer. In ten minutes, everything will be ready, and we will eat."

With that, she rushed to the kitchen. As Karna looked around, he felt a comforting familiarity with everything in the home, as if he had never left for ten years.

After some time, his Pitashree Adhiratha arrived with Shon, Karna's younger brother. They were both surprised and delighted by Karna's presence. Shon ran towards Karna and hugged him tightly, as they always had a close bond. Shon began asking Karna about his well-being and all the things he had seen, since Shon had never been outside Hastinapur.

After finishing breakfast, Shon asked Karna who his guru was. Karna replied with a smile, "Lord Parashuram." The answer shocked the whole family, as they knew Parashuram only taught Brahmins, and they worried Karna might have lied to get an education.

Seeing their reaction, Karna understood their concerns and explained how he met Rajkumari Ira, who guided him to meet Lord Parashuram. He spoke about Parashuram's teachings and the close relationship with Ira, to the point of calling each other siblings. Karna then began giving them gifts made by Ira.

Noticing their hesitation in accepting Ira's gifts, Karna said, "She handmade all these ornaments and personally chose them based on what I told her about you. If she asks whether you received the gifts and I will only tell her the truth, and she would be very sad."

The first to relent was Shon, who said, "I like the gift, but I don't have anything to give in return." Karna smiled and replied, "If you give her anything, even just a stone, with a true bond, she will accept it."

Shon looked at Karna and asked, "Is she truly like what the rumors say? Is she truly kind to all? Does she not care about the caste system?" Karna replied, "For the last two questions, the answer is 'yes.' But what kind of rumors have you heard?" Shon responded, "That she is stubborn, selfish, rude, doesn't obey elders, and is hot-headed."

Karna replied, "Stubborn, yes, if it means giving her people a good life. Selfish, yes, she will do anything to make her kingdom happy and prosperous. If you are rude to someone she cares about, she will make you rethink your actions. If not obeying elders helps raise of living standards of the people, then yes. If anyone threatens someone she cares about, she will be hot-headed. She is wise and brave beyond measure."

Hearing this, Shon said, "Since you said she is like your sister, I will try my best to be a good brother like you to her." Karna smiled and said, "You are already her brother, or else do you think she would gift your handmade items?"

Shon smiled brightly but then his expression turned sad. "I don't know when I will ever see such a good sister," he said.

Hearing this, Radha Mata reassured Shon, "You will see her soon, beta. The Rajkumars are coming back after finishing their Shiksha. To welcome them, Maharaja wants to invite all our friendly kingdoms to strengthen their relationships. Your father told me that Mahamahim Bhishma plans to invite the Kuntala Kingdom. When they come, we will see Ira, and I will make special things for my daughter."

Every day, Shon and Radha Mata asked Karna about Ira's favorite things, learning more about her and eagerly anticipating the reunion.

In Drona Ashram

One fine day at Drona Ashram, Guru Drona called all the Kuru Rajkumars and his son Ashwatthama to assemble at the training ground near the ashram after breakfast. The Pandavas, as usual, were the first to arrive after completing their daily morning routines. As they gathered, Nakul, ever curious, asked, "Why were we called here, Bhrata?"

Arjun, with a mischievous smile, replied, "We will know when Guru tells us." Meanwhile, Sahadev's face was marred by a frown, as if he was deeply focused on something.

Noticing this, Bheem asked, "Is something bothering you?"

Sahadev replied, "Something is going to happen, Bhrata. It worries me."

Yudhishthira, ever the voice of reason, said, "No matter what, if we are together, we can solve anything." All five brothers looked at each other; group hugged, and settled down near a tree, waiting for the others to arrive.

Meanwhile, the Kauravas were also wondering why their Guru had called them. Ashwatthama shared their curiosity. Seizing this opportunity, Dushasana asked him, knowing it would irritate him. Dushasana didn't want Ashwatthama to side with the Pandavas and sought to fuel his enmity.

"Do you think Arjun already knows about this?" Dushasana asked.

Ashwatthama replied with a spiteful tone, "Even if he does, I wouldn't be surprised anymore."

"Guru Drona's Challenge"

After fifteen minutes, everyone had gathered, including Guru Drona, who held a couple of bowls in his hand. He stepped into the center and addressed them, saying, "You all might be wondering why I have called you here. As you know, your Shiksha is going to end in three months. To evaluate how much you have learned, I am giving you a test which took me a whole month to prepare."

He continued, "In this bowl, there are fourteen tasks which you need to complete as a group. While one group performs a task, the other groups will be watching and learning from it. Therefore, you need to be fast and finish the tasks before the end of these three months. Each task is located in a different place, formed through illusions to observe how you behave in a crisis. Thus, for each group to finish their tasks efficiently within the three months, they could aim to complete one task every 2-3 days. For the winner, I will grant a wish of their choosing."

"The scoring will be monitored by an illusion which will activate when you receive your task sheet. Keep in mind, there will be negative marking for any wrongdoings. As there are fourteen tasks, all 107 students here will form groups of seven or eight according to your preference. This is a group task."

"Once you have formed your groups, one person from each group will come forward to collect your task. Before doing so, you must write your group members' names and place it in this bowl. Only then can you approach the task bowl. If anyone tries to cheat, they will bear the mark of a cheater on their forehead, which will only disappear after a year."

"I have warned you. Now, form your groups and start preparing for your assessment. My blessings are always with you. "