"What is this man doing?"

Karna asked with widened eyes.

Seventh months had passed since that day. Supriya gave birth to their son, Vrishasena.

Vrushali and Kirti were happy mothers and Vrishali was also happy, with her baby bump going.

Abhilasha, Esha and Kalyani were three months pregnant. Anga was blessed with the laughter of their kids that made the environment happy to live in.

Arundhati was six months pregnant and Prakirti and Khyati gave the good news a week ago.

Avantika was five months pregnant and Vallabhi and Urvi were four months pregnant.

Digvija and Neera informed him yesterday that they were also getting the blessing of being a mother and Vasudha was also pregnant since a month.

Karna was maintaining a good friendship with Vedika. He was patiently waiting for her to get comfortable with him and he was being very supportive.

He hadn't met Priya again.

Not like he didn't go to Hastinapura but she vanished in thin air after their meet only. He couldn't ask Priyamvada or Kunti, obviously.

They would take his concerned question as the idea of his liking in marriage and they both would want to stay as friends only.

He travelled less with all his wives pregnant and three who were newly mothers.

However, he needed to go Hastinapura as Bhanumati was also going to give birth soon and other ladies were also getting pregnant one by one.

The second generation of the mightiest empire was on the way and Anga was counted in it as well, it was said by Bhishma himself which was quite shocking considering he considered Karna as a Suta putra only.

Only if he knew, the second generation was the cursed generation of the kingdom who would be sacrificed in the selfish motives of their own fathers.

Karna also needed to go to Indraprastha as Draupadi had given birth as well to Prativindhya and Devika was pregnant. His Panchalis and Vedika wished to meet their sisters. And, only he did the task of taking Kunti there as Duryodhan would make a fuss if anyone else would and blame them for loving Pandavas more but he would never protest against Karna.

He was spending time with his wives when Esha read the letter from Draupadi that said Arjun did second marriage with daughter of Manipur king.

Karna was shocked.

"What is this man doing, in real?" Karna repeated the question as his wives sighed.

"It's him who Draupadi loves and he should make sure he keeps his promise so that the other four follow him but he's not keeping his promise at all. Hidimba couldn't come to meet that time because of some issues otherwise Draupadi was ready to meet her and these five are clearly taking advantage of it. Now, Bheem is also going in the swyamvar of Princess Valandhara. This is clearly wrong".

His wives looked at him.

"I am worried for her", Abhilasha said honestly and Karna sat on the seat for him. That was in the centre of the room.

"Arya, can you go and meet them? We can't come but you can go. Take Mata Kunti as Drau will feel good if Mata Kunti goes. She's not a mother in law but a mother", Abhilasha said smiling.

"Indeed", Karna agreed.

"I will leave then", Karna said. His wives nodded at him. He went to complete his duties and send a letter to Kunti in Hastinapura.

After completing his duties and making sure of his wives comfort, he kissed his children's foreheads and went out of the kingdom.

He went towards Hastinapura and met Mata Kunti.

"I am worried for Draupadi, Karna", Kunti said her worry to her eldest who just slumped his shoulders. "How will she handle it?" She asked.

"Just like you did when Maharaja Pandu brought Maharani Madri, this society just suppresses women", he replied.

"They really don't know how to remain loyal", Duryodhan huffed as he came as well.

"Even Bheem wants to go to Kashi princess's swayamvar", Kunti muttered in worry. Karna shook his head and Duryodhan snickered.

"Bua, your going there isn't going to stop that elephant anyways. So, what's the need?" He asked and earned a smack from Karna on his head making his pout grumpily.

"Cmon Dury. Draupadi needs her to let out her pain. And, maybe she can talk sense in her sons. Shut up", Karna scolded him as he huffed again.

"Don't call him an elephant", Kunti glared at Duryodhan.

"Sorry bua", Duryodhan scratched his nape and said sheepishly. He had always respected Kunti as she showered his brothers with love no matter how Bheem behaved with them. He was also pained at the thought of sending her to Varnavrat but the throne took all his senses away.

Kunti had been angry and avoided him but Duryodhan knew she still cared for him and his brothers.

Kunti nodded and Karna and she bid farewell to him.

They set out for Indraprastha.

"Thank God, I didn't got drenched in water, this time", Karna attempted to know about Priya. Kunti looked at him and he inhaled a nervous breath, hoping she wouldn't take it in the wrong way.

Kunti smiled at her eldest. "She got married, that time, when you left. She's in Kuntibhoja only", Kunti told him.

Karna's smile fell.

She was so lively and mischievous. And, now she got married?! Why?!

"So suddenly?" He asked in a very slow voice. He knew how girls changed after marriage and he was sure that she wouldn't have wanted to get married.

"Priyamvada forced her to get married", Kunti said sadly.

Karna looked at her, shocked. "Why?" He asked with a helpless voice. He couldn't help. He was worried about her state. Who forces her own daughter to get married? He felt stupid then. It was very normal to force girls to get married in a young age, in normal households. Swyamvar was another thing.

"The maids don't get married. She didn't that fate for her daughter so before she gets work in palace, Priyamvada got her married", Kunti said.

"Is the groom and his family good?" Karna asked.

"Nothing can be done as she's married now. So, topic ends here", she said.

"That means the family is not good", Karna said to her, sighing. Kunti looked down, proving his suspicions correct and he gritted his teeth.

"I will visit her", he declared.

"You can't visit her, Karna. She's married", Kunti said.

"Yes, I can. I don't care about these norms and customs. You know that", Karna said.

"But, they would care, Karn", Kunti said gently. "If you go there, it may be taken in the wrong sense and her married life would be affected and her life can get ruined afterwards", Kunti said.

"This is unfair", Karna whispered.

"When is life not unfair, Karna? It's about learning and living. Moving on is an important part of life. And, some things are supposed to be left behind. So, you also leave the friendship of you and Priya behind as nothing can be done now. She will live in that house only, life is harsh on everyone, after all, we can't prevent her from enduring this suffering because it's not in our hands. It never was. You should just focus on your family. Your wives are pregnant or have become mothers. You are a father! So, focus on that, hmm", Kunti said, keeping her hand on his shoulder.

Karna hummed back but he was heartbroken knowing the fact she got married and there was nothing he could do. Her husband was bad and now it was her fate.

Why was life so cruel?