Seeing his favorite disciple, after such a long period of times made Guru Parshuram very emotional, but remembering the change in destiny and the events that will transpire in the future he held himself back and did not express any of what he was feeling.

Projecting a stern exterior, he looked at Karna and spoke.

"It has been such a long time since I have seen you, Radhey."

Saying which he turned away from his disciple and started to look at the deep forest surrounding the place where they were standing.

After another moment had passed, he spoke again, "You know Radhey, a teacher's job is not only to impart knowledge to his/her disciple, but more importantly is to sculpt them into the best possible versions of themselves. And before accepting you as my disciple, I had started to believe that I had badly failed as a teacher.
You see, I was able to make both Dron and Bhishma the mightiest of warriors in Aaryavrat, but failed at the most important duty of a teacher, which is teaching them the meaning of Dharma.

Through their actions, they have disappointed me multiple times. Where Bhishma binded himself to the throne of Hastinapur, Dron became partial and vengeful.

Where one trained his students for taking his revenge, while discriminating against children like you and Eklavya, who wanted to gain the knowledge of warfare. The other stayed silent when this society was harming the innocent like your brother, along with himself destroying innocent lives like of Putri Amba. And so, I started to believe that maybe it was my failure, that I was not able to guide them or show them the path to what is right and what is not.

But then you came along."

Saying this he turned back to him, and continued speaking, "I initially was hesitant of accepting you, but seeing your determination and zeal to learn, I finally decided to accept you and promised myself of not failing again.
And so, I became harsh on you. I wanted to make sure that you, Radhey would not only be a warrior whose name itself will be enough to instill fear in your enemies, but more importantly I wanted to make sure that I would be able to show you the path, which I failed to show Bhishma and Dron.

And you proved to me that I was not wrong. You became my most treasured student, until that cursed day. You know Karna I have no regrets in my life, but the one I do have is bestowing that curse on you.

And that's why I gave you my Vijaya bow, so that until it's in your hands, no one can kill you even if you forget all your knowledge.

I was sure you would use your knowledge for the good of the people, your people.

But I guess I was proven wrong. You Karna, failed me again as a teacher.

You had all the skill and potential to win over this Aaryavrat, and take it towards a more prosperous future. But what did you do?

You entered the Kalapradarshan, and why. Because someone claimed his student to be the world's best archer, which you were not able to accept. And so, you interfered. At that time instead of being more mature, you acted arrogantly.

If we are talking facts everyone knows, Arjuna is not superior to Bhishma and Dron even, so the claims of Dron himself were completely baseless and out of only appreciation for his student. Which you should have understood, and hence ignored the claims made by Dron.

But fine, I agree that you had the right to showcase your skills and refute the claim of Dron, and that's why you entered the rangbhumi and accepted the kingdom of Anga from your friend Duryodhan. But tell me, why did you became lethargic after that?

Yes, you worked hard for the citizens of Anga, and you made it a place of equality. But what about the rest of the world? What about the people living under oppression of the so-called higher casts?

You now not only had skills, a kingdom and your friend to be by your side. You had everything you needed to conquer this world, so why didn't you? I know Duryodhan became your friend for only your skills and capability, but his friendship grew to become selfless, to an extent where he was there for you, the same way you were there for him. But you didn't see that and still continued to feel indebted to your friend.

Even leave that for now, you called Duryodhan your friend, right? Then was it not your duty to stop Gandharaj's plans and help Duryodhan to come on the path of Dharma. Why did it took you so long to stand up for what is right?
I know you tried to stop him and bring him to the path of Dharma, but why did you not press harder? Why didn't you Radhey? If anyone could bring him back to light earlier, it was only you."

While Guru Parshuram was accusing Karna for disappointing him, Karna lowered his head and realizing how he had disappointed his Guru, a tear fell from his eyes.

Guru Parshuram noticed the tear, and felt bad for accusing his disciple, but he had no other option. And so, steeling his heart he spoke again.

"And for this reason, I have called you here. I have decided that you will battle me and prove to me that the fire which once burnt inside you has not extinguished. This is not just a punishment for you, but a lesson too. A lesson that I will no longer let my students make mistakes, and go unpunished for them."

Listening to this Karna sharply looked up, joined his hands, and spoke in a shaky voice, "Gurudev, please don't make me do this. Please don't make me lift my weapons against you. I will happily give my head if you wish, but not this, please."

Guru Parshuram without any change in exterior spoke, "Are you denying my order, Radhey?"

Karna shook his head, while a few tears fell from his eyes.

Guru Parshuram nodded, and spoke, "Good, we will start our battle from tomorrow itself. Give me your best, and don't you dare hold back."

Saying this he turned towards his Aashram, and walked off, leaving a distressed Karna.

Soon the sun also set, and was replaced by the moon and millions of stars glittering the sky. The night sky along with the lush forest spread all around made the scene feel absolutely surreal, so much so that it could enchant anyone present there to witness it.

Where on one hand, the atmosphere felt so blissful that it seemed like even the nature was smiling, but on the other hand a storm was creating havoc within the heart of the youngest disciple of Guru Parshurama.

That entire night, Karna was not able to find even a single moment of peace or rest. He just laid under the tree where his Guru usually sat, and wished for this night to never end.

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The next morning brought great joy for the royals of Hastinapur, since today was the day that the members of their family are returning after serving their punishments respectively.
this could even be seen from the chaos which began in the morning itself to welcome the returning princes. Workers in the royal palace were constantly running here and there, where some could be spotted decorating the entire palace, some preparing for a delicious feast and some making arrangements for a cultural event consisting of every sort of regional music and dance performances. Overall, the preparations were going on in full throttle.

While the palace seemed to be full of chaos, in a chamber stood a woman getting ready for the day. She was adorned with beautiful jewels and a gorgeous smile. As she was making the final adjustments to her appearance, she heard someone knocking at her door.

As she opened the door, and looked at the person on the other side, she smiled and spoke, "Chandra, come in my dear."

Saying which she walked back inside and sat on the couch and gestured Chandramukhi to take the seat beside her.

The young woman smiled in return and sat down beside her, and spoke, "Bhanu Jiji, when do you think Jyeshth and Arya be arriving today?"

Bhanumati smiled and spoke, "If I have to guess, they would most likely be reaching in another few hours." Saying which she turned to Chandramukhi and smiled mischievously, and spoke again, "But tell me something Chandra, Is someone impatient to see her husband?"

Chandramukhi smiled at that, but that smile did not reach her eyes. Seeing which, Bhanumati spoke with a concerned tone, "Is anything wrong Chandra?"

Hearing this question, the smile on Chandramukhi's face faided, and she spoke, "Yes Jiji, I am worried. Worried about the future of our family. Jiji I am happy that Jyeshth and Arya are returning today, but I am also worried about what would happen after that, I mean the seeds of pain and solitude which the elders of our family have sowed in the hearts of our husbands, do you think that they will disappear just like that?"

Bhanumati sighed listening to the question, and spoke, "Chandra, what has already happened cannot be changed. But, what can definitely be changed is the future of our family. Honestly, I am furious with the elders of our family. But tell me, can we do anything about the mental abuse or the solitude which our husbands have already suffered. No right.
So, in my opinion what is more important now is to ensure that this enmity does not pass down to our children. And for that it would be either good to mend the relations between Pandavas and Kauravas, or completely distance themselves from each other.
And as far as I can remember, when Arya was given the punishment, he said that he will try to improve the relationship between our and their family. And I trust his words. And so, let's wait and see what happens. Having said that, it is also important for us to support our husbands and try to share their burden and heal the wounds which have been inflicted on them from their childhood. Which can only be done with love and affection, and nothing else."

Chandramukhi nodded at that, after which she turned to look outside of the window, and spoke, "I guess you are right Jiji. we have to be with them, and try to reduce the pain which still binds their heart. And may be then, we can get rid of this enmity with exists between our family.

Bhanumati nodded, and spoke, "Yes my Dear. But leave that, and tell me why are you not ready by now? Are you not gonna welcome Dushshi?"

Hearing the question, Chandramukhi looked down and blushed, and spoke, "Actually Jiji, that was the other reason for coming here. You see, I was not able to decide what to wear, and so I thought I could ask for your help in getting ready for today."

Bhanumati chuckled, kept a hand on Chandramukhi's shoulder and spoke, "Oh my dear Chandra, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. You are like my little sister, and you can ask anything from me without feeling shy."

Saying which she got up, grabbed Chandra's hand and exited her chamber to go to Chandra's chamber to help her in dressing up for the day.

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Author's note -

Hey my dear Readers

Hope all of you are doing well.

So, here is an update from my side.

Please let me know how is it? This is me writing after almost 2 months, and would like to know what you think about it.