It was the start of a new week.

And, the 'tomorrow' for Karn. The day of the fest.

The previous day was quite hectic as they had just returned back and got into work. From the morning, they completed the minor tasks.

After that, they went to get ready.

Soon, guests started arriving.

"Kaki, how are you all?" Urvi said happily as she saw Pandavas and Kunti coming with Hastinapura royal family.

Kunti smiled at her. "Good. What about you? You look so cheerful", Kunti said.

"I am excited for the fest", Urvi said honestly. "We all have done all the decorations with the people. See, doesn't it look good?" Urvi asked cheerfully.

"Oh, it does", Kunti chuckled.

"Mitr", Karna grinned seeing Duryodhan who lunged at him for a big hug. They both hugged each other firmly.

Panchalis rushed to Draupadi and other five went to Kuru ladies, Gandhari, Kunti, Bhanumati.

Greetings were exchanged.

"Mata", The eight Anga Queens now approached Kunti with Karn. They touched her feet as Kunti blessed them.

They took blessings from Gandhari and Dhritrashtra.

"Why don't you come forward?" Karna said and they were taken inside.

Anga was really looking very pretty.

All people were welcoming the royals with smiles and flowers. It was ecstatic. 

They took seats.

Afterwards, many more royals arrived. Karna even invited Krishna here. Krishna and Balrama, both arrived there.

"Where is Dusshala?" Karna asked impatiently.

Duryodhan laughed.

"She's coming. Chill, ok?" Duryodhan smiled. "Her being with Jaydrath, how can I chill on that?" Karna muttered.

"What?" Duryodhan glared at him so Karna looked at him with narrowed brows. Duryodhan sighed. "Fine, you don't like him. I get that. But, stop saying it, publically, at least", Duryodhan said.

"As if the reality would change", Karna deadpanned.

Duryodhan rolled his eyes but chuckled, nevertheless.

All were still in shock seeing the strong bond, they had.

It was surely adorable!

"Dusshala", Karna said as she arrived. She smiled big seeing Karna and rushed towards him. She hugged him as Karna hugged her back.

"How are you?" Karna asked. Dusshala didn't reply but tightened her hold on him.

Jaydrath's gaze went towards Karna's wives, Urvi and Draupadi and he smirked evilly.

"I guess you should look at the decorations instead of anything else", snarled Arjun, but it had to come out sweet. (Unfortunately as this man was his beloved sister's unwanted husband)

Arjun had noticed where this man's gaze was getting fixed. If it hadn't been for the fest, Arjun might have killed him.

However, he had to control.

"Ah, right", Jaydrath said, gulping secretly as he caught the warning in Arjun's voice.

"What is it about?" Karna asked suspiciously knowing Arjun well enough, to not offer someone he doesn't like at all, to see the damn decorations.

"Nothing. Nothing, Angraj", Jaydrath replied, fakely smiling.

It was obvious, it was fake.

"I am sure, you would like some refreshments", Karna said. As they settled down again, the Queens came with refreshments along with some servants.

"Er...they can do it", Bheem said.

Karna was also getting up in between to do some works while they were chatting and enjoying.

Yes. They were enjoying.

As it was his dear best friend's hosted party, Duryodhan was being civil with his cousins  (for the first time) genuinely.

Pandavas had never expected civil behaviour from Kauravas but they were really taken aback by the extent of love, the sons of Dhritrashtra had for Karna, that they had forgotten the enmity.

And didn't paid heed to Shakuni for a long while.

Karna was the bridge that could unite these cousins, Kuru elders were sure about it.

"Duryodhan, come with me", Karna said.

Duryodhan stood up and they both went towards the garden for a stroll.

"Why did you invite that Vasudev? I have heard he's a big manipulator", Duryodhan whispered, frowning.

Karna scoffed.

"People keep spreading rumours. Does it mean that we should believe them? He's the relative of Kunti kaki and Pandavas and everybody respect him a lot so...", Karna said.

"His believers are stupid!" Duryodhan exclaimed.

"Even I do believe him", Karna raised an eyebrow at Duryodhan.

"Except you. Else are stupid", Duryodhan said.

Karna laughed out loudly.

"You are really a kid", Karna said. "I would suggest you meet him as a stranger rather than judging him on the basis of his relations with Pandavas", Karna suggested.

"I am not judging him", Duryodhan shrieked.

"Clearly, you are", Karna said.

Duryodhan couldn't refuse knowing Karna knew him well.

"Fine, I was", Duryodhan said.

"Duryodhan, I want that you keep a close eye on Jaydrath", Karna said.

"Now you are judging him as well", Duryodhan said.

"I have seen his nature, Duryodhan. I have no problem in judging him as he's Dusshala's husband and I would want her safe at all costs. You need to be the protective old brother for her", Karna warned, knowing Jaydrath well.

"I will take care of it. He won't try anything with her having one hundred brothers", Duryodhan joked.

"One hundred and five brothers. Duryodhan", Karna corrected.

Duryodhan's eyes hardened hearing it.

"You can't change the fact that Pandavas are her brothers as well, even if cousins", Karna said softly. "And, it already annoys them that you didn't ask for their opinions before setting her marriage", he added. "Do you want them to interfere in her married life? Or, you want to take care of her by yourself?" Karna asked.

"I wouldn't want them anywhere near her", Duryodhan said angrily.

"Then, focus on her and stop paying extra attention to your cousins, please don't avoid the fact that Jaydrath is far from being a good person", Karna said.

"I am not questioning your love for her. I am no one to question it. She's the only girl and the youngest in Pandavas and Kauravas family so she's dear to you all. In fact, she's the apple of your eye and that's why you both set of cousins fight over, pampering her. You take decisions for her to not let her commit a mistake in deciding for herself", Karna said.

"But, don't you think that your control over her even if being an elder brother, can lead her to misery? Shouldn't you check on her again and again to make sure your decision was right?" Karna asked.

Duryodhan sighed.

"I get what you are saying and I will pay attention on it", Duryodhan said.

Karna smiled hearing it.

"Good", Karna chimed.

They heard sounds of anklets and saw Dusshala approaching them.

"Where have you two been?" She asked confused. "Everybody are looking for you", she added.

"We were just coming, princess", Karna said, lovingly to his sister. "Sorry for forgetting the time".

"No problem, come fast", Dusshala grinned.

"Dusshala!" Duryodhan called out as she turned to go. Dusshala turned towards him, nervously. She's always been fearful of him, as he has been very strict towards her and set her marriage for a greater political alliance.

"Yes, bhrata shree", she said, obediently.

Duryodhan opened his arms and she looked puzzled. However, seeing him calling her by his eyes, she hesitantly went forward and he wrapped his arms around her.

She felt really good as she got hugged by her elder brother. Most importantly, she felt safe.

Karna got really happy seeing both of them hugging.

"I hope everything is going well with Jaydrath. If not, I can talk to him", Duryodhan said.

"Everything is going well, bhratashree", Dusshala said.

She couldn't have been more thankful to Karna.