CHAPTER 11: Meeting between the royal family and divine child

Princess Gandhari, adorned in regal attire, held Karna, the reincarnation of Lord Shiva, cradled in her arms as they entered the opulent palace of Hastinapur. Adhirath, his presence marked by a sense of quiet reverence, followed closely behind her. As they stepped into the grand hallway, the royal family members had gathered, their curiosity and intrigue palpable in the air.

Satyavati, the matriarch of the royal family, stood at the forefront, her eyes fixated on the child in Gandhari's arms. Her voice carried a mixture of curiosity and authority as she addressed the situation.

Satyavati: Gandhari, who is this child that you bring into our palace?

Gandhari, her demeanor composed yet radiating a sense of reverence, felt Satyavati's gaze with a gentle smile. Her words held a tone of respect as she began to explain.

Gandhari: This child, Your Highness, is the son of Adhirath, the charioteer who serves Bhishma.

Satyavati's brows furrowed in thought, her gaze shifting between Gandhari, the child, and Adhirath.

Satyavati: A charioteer's child? What prompts his presence here in the palace?

Gandhari's voice remained steady, her blindfolded gaze unwavering as she responded.

Gandhari: Your Highness, this child is more than what meets the eye. He carries a divine presence that is felt by those who are near him.

Satyavati's intrigue deepened, and her attention shifted to the child who was cradled in Gandhari's arms. The divine aura that surrounded Karna seemed to beckon to her, stirring something within her heart.

Satyavati (softly): A divine presence, you say?

Ambika and Ambalika, standing beside Satyavati, exchanged glances, their thoughts mirroring each other's curiosity. The news of a divine presence in their midst had ignited a sense of awe and wonder.

Ambika (whispering to Ambalika): Such a radiant child… there's something about him that draws us in.

Ambalika (nodding): It's as if he carries an energy beyond our understanding.

Bhishma, the valiant son of Ganga, observed the scene with a mixture of contemplation and intrigue. His gaze fell upon the child, and as his eyes locked onto Karna's, a sense of recognition seemed to spark within him.

Bhishma (to himself): A charioteer's child, yet there's an air of familiarity about him. Could he be more than he appears?

Dhritarashtra, his presence commanding even as he sat in his regal seat, watched the unfolding scene with a mixture of curiosity and caution. His sightless eyes held a depth of perception that transcended his physical limitations.

Dhritarashtra: Gandhari, what prompted you to bring this child to the palace?

Gandhari's response was composed, her voice holding a warmth that reflected her deep conviction.

Gandhari: Arya, there's a connection between this child and the divine. He brings a sense of serenity and hope that resonates with my heart.

Pandu, Dhritarashtra's younger brother, observed the scene with keen interest. His thoughts were introspective, and his gaze alternated between Karna and Gandhari.

Pandu (whispering to himself): A child of divine energy, his presence is a testament to the mysteries of life itself.

Vidur, the wise counselor of the royal family, watched with a keen eye, his insights shaped by a lifetime of observing human nature and its intricacies.

Vidur (musing to himself): Gandhari's instincts are rarely misguided. There's more to this child than meets the eye.

As the royal family members observed Karna, their initial skepticism seemed to give way to a sense of awe and reverence. His innocent gaze, infused with the wisdom of the ages, held a mirror to their souls, stirring emotions that defied explanation.

Gandhari's gaze, filled with maternal affection, remained fixed on Karna. His presence, his divinity, seemed to fill the space between them with an energy that transcended the boundaries of ordinary understanding.

Gandhari (whispering): Karna, dear child, your presence brings a new light to our palace. May your journey be one of purpose and fulfillment.

Unbeknownst to the others, Bhishma's thoughts churned with introspection. As he observed Karna, the echoes of his mother Ganga's voice seemed to whisper within him, hinting at the child's profound connection to the divine.

Bhishma (to himself): Could it be that the child before me is more than just a charioteer's son? Perhaps I shall seek my mother's wisdom to understand his true nature.

As the royal family members continued to observe Karna, their thoughts danced between intrigue and a growing sense of reverence. The arrival of this divine child had stirred a resonance within their hearts, one that would shape the destiny of Hastinapur in ways they could not yet fathom.

Satyavati: Gandhari, may I hold the child? I wish to feel his presence for myself.

Gandhari's demeanor was one of respect as she carefully handed Karna over to Satyavati's waiting arms. As the child settled into Satyavati's embrace, a serene smile graced his lips, captivating the attention of everyone present.

Satyavati, her senses heightened by touching the child, felt a wave of tranquility wash over her as she held Karna close. The child's presence seemed to awaken something deep within her soul.

Satyavati (whispering): Oh, child, your presence is a balm for my weary heart. I sense a peace that I've longed for.

Ambika and Ambalika, standing beside their mother-in-law, exchanged glances. The curiosity they had initially felt had transformed into a desire to experience the child's aura for themselves.

Ambika (softly): Mother, may we also hold the child? His energy is... unique.

Satyavati smiled warmly, her eyes filled with understanding as she gently transferred Karna into Ambika's awaiting arms. The child's serene expression seemed to cast a soothing spell, captivating Ambika's attention.

Ambika (whispering): Karna, dear child, your presence is like a gentle breeze that calms the storm within.

Ambalika, her sister by her side, extended her arms expectantly. Satyavati carefully placed Karna in Ambalika's embrace, and the child's radiant energy seemed to wrap around her like a comforting shroud.

Ambalika (whispering): Such purity in your gaze, Karna. May your light illuminate our path.

As Ambika and Ambalika continued to hold Karna, their expressions softened into smiles. The child's innocence and divinity had touched a chord within them, evoking emotions that transcended words.

Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra and Pandu stood a little apart, observing the scene with a blend of curiosity and introspection. Dhritarashtra's sightless eyes held a depth of perception that allowed him to sense the shifts in energy within the room.

Dhritarashtra (to Pandu): There's something extraordinary about this child, Pandu. His presence seems to have a profound impact on those around him.

Pandu (nodding): Indeed, Dhritarashtra. His innocence carries a wisdom that defies his tender age.

As the royal family members continued to experience the presence of Karna, his gaze seemed to encompass the entire room. His innocent smile radiated a sense of pure joy, touching the hearts of all who looked upon him.

Satyavati (whispering to Karna): You are a gift, Karna. Your presence brings solace and a sense of unity that we've longed for.

Ambika (whispering to Karna): Little one, your smile illuminates even the darkest corners of our hearts.

Ambalika (whispering to Karna): Karna, dear child, your energy is like a beacon of hope in our world.

As the royal family members continued to hold Karna and share their sentiments, the child seemed to absorb their emotions with his divine grace. His presence had ignited a bond that transcended titles and lineage, connecting them through a shared experience of awe and reverence.

Dhritarashtra (softly): Karna's presence is a reminder that the divine resides within us all, regardless of our roles and identities.

Pandu (smiling): Indeed, brother. His innocent gaze has the power to erase the boundaries that often divide us.

The grand hallway of the palace was bathed in a tranquil atmosphere, as the royal family members held Karna in their arms, each one experiencing a profound connection with the child. Karna, the embodiment of Lord Shiva, had become a conduit of unity, evoking feelings of love, peace, and reverence in those who encountered him.

As the moments passed, the child's energy seemed to fill the room, creating a shared memory that would forever bind them together. The divine presence of Karna had touched their souls, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

And amidst the radiant energy and the serene smiles, the royal family members were reminded that the universe often weaved its threads of destiny in the most unexpected ways, uniting souls and shaping their paths in ways that transcended their understanding.

On the other side:

Bhishma: Adhirath your child is really mysterious and with full of divinity? what is happening here?

Adhirath: Lord, Karna is a boon we got from suryadev and the one who gave us karna is none other than your mother Devi ganga.

Bhishma(shocked):My mother? How is that possible? I don't understand.adhirath explain briefly.

Adhirath: Lord some days ago, when me and my wife Radha praying Suryadev for a child then suddenly a child laugh that carried a peace with full of spirituality,when we searching where is sound coming from, we can't believe to see a cradle floating on river ganga.

Bhishma:What?,next,what happened?

Adhirath:In that cradle karna is smiling and waving at us and after seeing that no one near us,we decided that the god send this child to us and we adopted him.

Bhishma: That's what happened. Congrats adhirath after long time you got a child. Now how is your wife doing?

Radha:She never so much happy in her life before lord,karna became everything for her.So now I will take my leave lord,My wife is waiting for me and karna,we have to go soon.

Bhishma:Ok you can go,if gandhari wants you can bring your child to palace anytime.

After adhirath left bhishma began to think, it more than meets a eye,there is something more to the story and he decided ask his mother later.

To be continued.......