Om Namah Shivaya...(5)

[Its the second last part of this arc. It will definitely end in the next chap.]

Author's P.OV,

That's how, the valiant warrior once again met his demise...

The Readers: That's it.... Funk you Author! We are Done! Who do you think you are!!! Just give us your ADDRESS!!!

Gulp!

Umm, sorry...

It was just a joke! A JOKE!!!

Don't leave this work! 

Aright?!

I deeply apologize for my mistake!!

....

Karna's P.O.V,

'Wha-!'

That's what raced through my mind as I felt the collective gaze of Mata-Shri, Pita-Shri, and the formidable Elder Brother Bhishma, alongside the venerable Maharishi Kripacharya, fixated on me.

However, My composure still held sway until my eyes landed on my 'dear' brothers, the Pandavas...

'Kill!'

Deep within me, envy and hatred swirled like a tempest, tempting me to commit the vile act!

'Argh!'

The memories of discrimination, insult and humiliations resurfaced in my mind! The pictures of my unfair death, the betrayal of my mother and the insults of Draupadi... started encroaching on my spirit!

The weight of sin, akin to Ashwatthama's, lurked ominously, beckoning me towards darkness...

It wanted to engulf me! My past intended to swallow me whole! 

But!

'Om Namah Shivaya~'

The grace of my elder brother (Aarav) and the guiding light of Harmony, the first star of Octagram, invoked Lord Shiva's mercy, took me out of my misery!

It let me counter my fear, something I wasn't ready for! If not, I may have perished in that darkness...

After all, my meeting with the Pandavas was totally unexpected! I had never envisioned this possibility! It was bizarre! 

And yet, it helps me confirm one fact, i.e. the involvement of a third party.

Plus, while talking about someone this adept in manipulating others, there's only one being in the whole Universe, She is... Nyati!

Beside her, none have this capability.

Anyways, it reminded me to remain wary of her. Though She couldn't affect me directly or indirectly, my dear ones are still under her influence. 

This event let me understand my shortcomings... Before the grand schemes of the world, I'm but a fleeting particle.... I have to grow! Stronger and wiser than I had ever been!

But before that. I have some important things to attend to. Like, filling my belly? We can't become strong with an empty stomach, can we? 

So,

'Om Namah Shivaya~'

With a final prayer to Lord Shiva, I shifted my gaze from the young Arjun to my Janani (Mother) and Janaka (Father), only to sense their apprehension.

With a deep understanding of their concerns, I humbly bowed before Maharishi Kripacharya with hands folded in reverence. "O' revered Sage, embodiment of boundless wisdom, I offer this reverent bow on behalf of Karna—the Son of Shri Adiratha and Devi Radha, a Suta. I am honored beyond measure to stand in your presence!"

"Yashasvi bhava Putra~" (May your glory endure for eternity~)

Though it seemed improbable to receive Maharishi Kripa's blessing so readily, I accepted it graciously. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder if there was another's influence at play. For the blessings of incarnations, sages, and all righteous beings were always true.

Unlike us mortals, their blessing contains deep meanings. Their every blessing or boon is bestowed under the careful observation of Mata Saraswati-the Supreme Deity of Wisdom and Arts. 

The might of boon can be understood from the fact that by the blessing Devarishi Narada, Maharishi Markandeya became one of the seven Chiranjeevi (Immortals) of the world.

Nevertheless, ignoring this strange event for now, I turned to the esteemed sovereign to whom I expressed deference, "O' noble emperor, foremost of Kuruvansh, graciously accept my heartfelt obeisance. Your majesty illuminates the whole Kuru empire with unparalleled splendor!"

"May your reign be blessed with prosperity and righteousness for generations to come!"

"Deerga Ayushman Bhava Putra~" (Long live Son~) (Emperor Dhritarashtra)

Lastly, I greeted my dear elder brother, "O foremost of Bharat, the son of the holy mother, please accept the humble bow of this one!"

"Dirghayushman Bhava, Karna."

...

Unbeknownst to me, my simple act of politeness garnered the kindness of these esteemed elders, disregarding the little ones seated to the right of Elder Brother Devavrata.

"Welcome, Karna, my dear! Hurry up and take your seat~" The words resonated with a gentle, motherly tone, filled with affection and nurturing care, not giving me any chance to refuse.

Though I am an adopted child of Maa Ganga, most of them aren't aware of this fact. If I dined with the great and revered figures like them, it may not be good for their reputation.

Therefore, I looked towards my parents, asking for their approval. I don't want to create any inconvenience for them...

And I was right! 

After hearing Mata Gandhari's order, Mata-Shri and Pita-Shri shared a troubled look before signaling me to take my seat.

Thereby, as an obedient child I am, I sat beside the towering figure of the Eldest brother Bhishma under the curious gazes of my 'dear' brothers.

....

To be continued...

[Notes:

#1- He is not aware that Nyati is his friend, not foe.

#2- The 'dear' brothers mentioned are the Pandavas.

#3- Devavrata is Pitamah Bhishma's name.

#4- It is generally assumed that Karna was between 8 to 14 years old when Yudhishthira was born. Some interpretations suggest Karna was over 20 years old at that time, but this is less likely. Why? Because if Karna were indeed over 20 years old when Yudhishthira was born, it would contradict the narrative of his education.

Karna was trained by Shri Drona, who was invited by Maharishi Kripa to instruct both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. According to the customs of that time, children typically began their studies at Gurukul around the ages of 6 to 12. Therefore, it wouldn't make sense for Karna to start his education at the age of 30. I might be wrong but I believe it to be true.]