Chapter 2

7 years have peacefully passed by. My body has developed faster than most and has grown much stronger than is the norm. My parents are peace-loving people who hold their pride over their own lives. I have observed that my parents have great respect for Gangaputra Davrath Bhisma. It is only logical. As one of the only Atimaharathis of the yug, and one taught by the gods themselves, he is considered the epitome of justice and authority. How laughable. Taking away women against their wishes, forcing them to marry someone, all in the name of responsibility is truly ironic to his title as the protector of justice. I already knew what I had to do. I had decided to go to Bhagman Parashuram's Ashram in the Mehandragiri hill and seek his tutelage. However this time, I had decided to go their earlie than predestined. i not only wanted to master weapons and divyaastras, but also my Arishadvarghas, my sins and all my emotions. I also wanted to master the different kalas from his honourable wife, Mata Dharini. Today was the day I had decided to leave for my journey.

My brother, Shon was born when I was one and a half years old. He is now 5 and a half years old. Having obtained preliminary control over my inner energy and aura of light, I had decided to infuse within him my inner enegy. This had enabled my brother to grow healthier and stronger compared to normal humans. Although it was not as exagerated as mine, it was still more. While I looked like a 10 year old kid, he looked more like the 7 year old. As he kept following me around ever since we could walk, I have cultivated within him a sense of rightousness and the right of upholding the dharma. My parents on the other hand had one day when I was 4 years old, come out to me to share with me my birth history.

"My child, there is some things that need to be told. We trust you and your maturity that you will be able to understand it all."

"Please, swami, lets not tell him today. We can tell him when he is older and more mature. Please."

"No, priya. You have yourself seen that Karna is no ordinary boy. Ever since he could talk, he has been different. He is kind and compassionate, and it seems like the world moves closer and closer to him. It is the utmost time we should tell him, before he learns from some unwanted source and misunderstands."

My eyebrows were furrowed and my body was alert. I knew an important conversation was about to take place.

"What is it, Pitashree (Father)?"

"Son, we have hidden a truth from you. 4 years ago, we had found you floating on the Gamnga, and we had taken you as our son. Please understand Vasusen, you are just as close and dear to us as Shon."

My lips let out a sigh. I had unconsciously held my breath.

"Dont worry Pitashree, Matashree (Mother), I already know. I remember eac and every instance since my birth, just as I do not forget something that I have seen once. Dont worry mother, no matter what the world says, no matter how many titles are associated with me, I will always be known as Adirathi Radheya."

Saying so, I went ahead to my mother who was kneeling and wiped her tears. What followed was half an hour of tears while shon peeked from the corner of the room as he still to young to understand these things, contrary to me, who has his consciousness from his past life.

"Then son, who are you?"

"Me? I am Vasusen, Son of Rajkumari Kunti and Mantraprasad and ansh of bhagwan Suryanarayan. So I am Kaunteya and Suryaputra as well. And yet at the end of the day, I am your son, mother."

Their eyes opened wide.

Today I looked at Shon and smiled.

"Listen close, brother. Today I will be leaving for furthur learning and walking the path of enlightenment. To prove to the world that the useless varna vavyastha (caste system) only exists in their minds. When you are seven years old, go in search for Rishi Vishwamitra. Ask him to be your guru and no matter what, do not accept defeat. Even if it takes years, persuade him to be your teacher. However be careful to not anger him."

Okay brother. Stay safe. We shall meet once we complete our education. Then I will be the one to protect you."

Shon's eyes were brimming with tears, just like my own. My parents and he were in my heart and staying away from them hurt me more than anything. Hugging him, I turned away and started to walk towards Ganga. My parents already knew of my plans and had decided to go on a tirthyatra (Holy Pilgrimage) for my good health and luck. It was a new start in my story, a new epic.