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After somehow managing to get rid of the smothering embrace of both Nakula and Sahadeva, karna rose from his deep slumber. He tucked both the twins under the blanket neatly again. The sun was almost peeking from the horizon , ready to drive the darkness away.

You all three slept here yesterday?!
An enthusiastic groggy voice came from the entrance. Karna turned his glance to the door from the sun, to find Partha there. Vasusena nodded in return.
Arjun was just awake as well, his hoarse vocals and messy hair said so. Gudakesha walked into the tent and fell onto the bed with a dead weight ,right on top of Nakula, earning a whine from beneath. Karna chuckled at that. The youngest Kaunteya placed his head on his Dada's lap and closed his orbs in peace.
The war is over our head. I am worried if I will be able to face Pitamaha with a bow and arrow.
He muttered in daze.

Karna brushed a hand over his brother's silky hair strands .
Don't worry Phalguna , things are gonna fall into place. You have got us by your side. And it is not some random bow you are carrying, is it?! It's Gandivam afterall.
Radhey assured.

Even though unwillingly , Mahamahim is supporting the wrong side ; hence we will have to face him to acquire Justice and to claim back what was denied to all 6 of you including Panchali.
He concluded.
Mmm!
Arjuna hummed in agreement
But I .. he is our grandfather. And Acharya , he is the one who taught me all this... It's a bit..
Dronshishya mumbled.

It is okay to be nervous, but you shall never doubt the necessity of your purpose Dhananjaya. Your purpose is apparently even bigger than your life. You have a responsibility to fulfill, towards hundreds of generations that will follow; and the responsibility is given to you because you are capable of handling it. Trust yourself, destiny will always find its way to destination irrespective of obstacles.
Karna concluded , as he stroked Partha's head in affection.

Mm..
Arjun hummed in his sleep.
Karna smiled at his childishness.
_____________________________________

On the day before the war, ordnance are worshipped, to restore energy in them , to seek blessings of the divine and to vehemently revere the closest companions of the warriors while in a battlefield. Astra-Shastrapooja is boastfully celebrated in both the camps.

Kauravas with the support of numerous Akshauhinis and valiant warriors who were feared by most , were having a blast of a time in celebrating their possible victory in the impending war. The Kaurava warlord - Duryodhana roared at the batallion with zest; esteemed warriors and soldiers of an eleven Akshauhinis responded with rapturous spirit in return. Kaurava Army had 2,40,570 Chariots, 2,40,570 Elephants, 7,21,710 Horses and 12,02,850 Foot Soldiers.

Their aggressive chants and loud slogans and war cries reached even the Pandava camp situated in the other end of the Sthaneshwar . The energy in those chants were contagious and vibrant. Few in the Pandava camp might or may not have felt a bit irked by it.

Meanwhile the Pandava army had 1,53,090 Chariots, 1,53,090 Elephants, 4,59,270 Horses and 7,65,450 Foot Soldiers.
The difference in count is a bit daunting, but the unity and confidence of the Pandava side were impossible to match with the best strategist of Aryavart, Vasudeva ShreeKrishna at its helm.
_______________________________

After the daily Suryapuja , karna sauntered into his tent. Vrishali was arranging a few belongings here and there inside the tent; most probably arranging clothes for both him and Vrishsen. Afterall an event was being embellished in the camp.Arjuna has earlier informed karna of the ceremony that was necessary before the war. Prayers, hymns and sacrifices for the Goddess Kaali , in return of her invaluable benediction.

Where were you last night , Vasu?!
Vrishali turned around with her arms akimbo. Karna smiled sheepishly.
I was with Nakul and Sahadev , we were just playing board games and eventually slept there.
He said with a toothy grin.
Why ? Did you missed me?!
His grin morphed into a smug face as he raised an eyebrow. Vrishali had a poker face as she neared her dear husband.
Ouch!!!
He shrunk a little in pain as she gave a twist near his belly button.
Don't act too smart. I slept peacefully after a long time. You can have all the time you want with your brothers. I got better things to do .
She said as she handed his clothes to him.
Get ready and join us with whatever weapon you want to venerate.
Vrishali walked out of the tent in sass.
Wow ..
Karna muttered in amusement, as his gaze followed her sinewy figure out of their tent.
I will never get used to this , I guess.
He sighed, while his hand caressed his poor abs in pain. ________________________________

Karna walked out of his tent with Vijaya secured in his sturdy left arm.
The veiny long palm gripped the behemoth bow with elegance and power.
Vijaya effortlessly complied in his hold. The bow of Mahadeva was one of the few most revered weapons in existence, and it blessed it's wielder with undoubted victory and glory. But to even hold it, the wielder should possess prodigious talent.
The thunderous rumble that wrecked across the horizon upon stretching the bow string, could induce tumultuous fear in even the mightiest.
The 3 strings of the bow cannot be broken by any astra, and that when mustered, creates a blinding flash of light that is bright enough to leave one's enemy incapacitated.

The brilliantly sculpted arc of Vijaya had intricate patterns and meaningful motifs over it. The architect of the gods - Vishwakarma crafted it meticulously upon the instructions of Lord Shiva to slay the Tripurasura. After that purpose , the bow was given to Lord Indra; later lord Shiva gifted it to his student - Bhagwan Parshuram and the Vishnu avatar wielded Vijaya until he gave it to his favourite disciple - Karna.
______________________________

Nakul was about to venture upon a walk to check upon Karna , when the said tall man with an Ashtarathni physic walked into the place of worship with a superior bow. Nakula's jaw hung in surprise.
The behemoth sun warrior had a huge divine bow in his hold which looked almost as big as him.
Eldest Madreya tapped the one beside him , without taking his gaze off of the Vijayadhaari.

Deva, do you know what bow is that exactly?! It looks like some divine bow.
Nakula asked Sahadeva who stood beside him apparently scanning the ongoing preparations , while arranging the flowers for worship.

Which one?!
Sahadev asked without care , indulged in his work.

The one that Dada is carrying.
Nakula said in a haze. His glance still stuck on his eldest brother.

Dada has a divine bow?!
Sahadev lifted his head to confirm the new information.

Whaatt?!! Is that Vijaya?
Sahadev almost shrieked.

I am not talking about your wife , I am talking about the bow in his hand Deva , focus.
Nakula said in irritation as he turned his attention to his twin.
Sahadev facepalmed himself, then smacked Nakul on his head.

The bow in Dada's hand is named Vijaya , because it brings victory to its wielder.
It's the Vijaya Dhanush of Mahadev.
Sahadev completed in admiration.

Oooo...That Vijaya. It's the first time I am seeing it in person.
Nakul exclaimed as he scampered to his eldest brother.

Dada , is this your bow ? It looks so cool. Can I lift it ?
Nakul asked.
Sahadev pressed his lips to hold his laughter.
Karna looked at Nakula like he said some unbearable joke and looked at Sahadev for clarification. Sahadev burst out into pearls of laughter and Arjun who caught upto them did the same. Karna stifled a laugh and placed a gentle hand on Nakul's shoulder.

Nakula , I don't think it's necessary to embarrass yourself in the very morning. It's Vijaya , not much people other than it's wielder can lift it.
Karna explained with patience.

Oo ,
Nakul nodded in understanding.
what's there to laugh in it ?!
He frowned in annoyance at Arjun and Sahadev.

Nothing!
Sabyasachi stuttered out between his laughter.
Ok come here , help me arrange it, can you?!
Karna turned to the elder twin upon noticing his flushed face.
Sure.
Nakul and Karna decided to leave the other two laughing there.
It is a war camp , behave like adults, For God's sake.
Nakul scolded as he passed by them.
________________________________

King Nala has presented all his Shastra meticulously infront of Maa Kaali beseeching her blessing. As he was about to announce that the preperations has reached a final , Nakul and the obscure warrior Karna walked upto him.

King Nala ,excuse us; Dada hasn't placed his weapons yet .
Nakul skewed up the many steps that led to the platform where a 15-feet giant rock statue of Mahakaali stood tall. The stone stature was mostly covered in saffron powder and flower garlands. The long swathe of skulls inculcated in the statue around maa's neck, extended till her lower crus which was positioned in a manner of locomotion to define her stance that exuded a battle aggression. Karna bowed down in reverence to the goddess of time who annihilated the evil in the existence.

The podium that upheld the statue of the goddess was much higher from the ground , some 20 wide steps above. Karna ascended the steps with Vijaya in his grip. The huge bow summoned attention, trespassers held their breath for a moment to witness that divine sight. The sun casted a vehement glow upon his youngest son. The divinity within the Sun warrior shimmered in the daylight while Vijaya gained an enthusiastic radiance ignited by the spiritual energy of it's wielder. They both exuded an elegant yet daunting aura that pleasantly resonated a warning . Many onlookers casted their glance down and bowed a little in reverence to that godly appearance. Arjun gleamed in admiration and respect. While Krishna let out a sigh of satisfaction upon beholding such a spectacle that will amend many misfortunes and devastating outcomes into bearable
Alternatives.

Be honest , who is he?
Drishtadhyumn approached Bheema.
Both stood on the balcony of a main tent witnessing the spectacular ongoings.

He is our eldest brother, First born of Mata Kunti , blessed by the glorious Sun god. Student of the great Bhargava Parashurama. Chosen by Dwarakadheesh ShreeKrishna to guide us in this morass. The wielder of Vijaya , the possessor of Bhargavastra  and Pashupathastra. Suryaputra Maharathi Karn.
Bheema finished with pride.
Few kings and warriors who  occupied the same room gaped at the identity of the Sun warrior, but relished at the fact that there was an indomitable warrior in their camp who can go head on against Gangaputr Bheeshma and Acharya Drona , with a plethora of equipped arsenal.

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No. Of words : 1810
Published on: 5/8/24

I know this chapter got a bit overdramatic to an extend where it feels cringe 🌚. But comeon , that's what we are here for , aren't we?!
😉
Hope you all had a good time 😊
Take care ❤️

HAR HAR MAHADEV!!