Hiii my lovely readers... 😍😍😍😘😘😘

A big, big sorry for not being online for a couple of months.
But will rectify the situation soon. ❤️❤️❤️
***

Karna's Digvijay started from Panchal. Drupad was the first warrior defeated by Karna after a hard conflict and brought him under subjection. Panchal contribute silver, gold and gems and paid tribute to Karna.

But he returned all of it as his concession for searching Urvi. Karna decided that he won't harm any kingdom or kill any innocent in the ardour of his search.

Karna didn't find Urvi in Panchal. He and Duryodhan decided to go towards the farther east as they got the inkling of Arjun venturing into that direction.

In that direction they searched the Bangas, the Kalingas, the Mandikas, the Magadhas, the Karkakhandas; and also included with them the Avasiras, Yodhyas, and the Ahikshatras.

Karna was like the one man army. Winning each and every battle.

The kings pay tributes to Karna and many formed alliances with Karna and availed themselves in searching of Urvi in their kingdom.

But to the disappointment of Karna's and Duryodhan's, they didn't find Urvi.

After that  Karna and Duryodhan ventured towards Batsa-bhumi. In there, people were subjected to the tyranny of Rakshashas(Monsters and demons). Karna couldn't neglect their predicament and helped the innocents from the Rakshasas. Karna destroyed all Rakshashas and their kingdom including Kevali, and Mrittikavati, and Mohana and Pattana, and Tripura and Kosala giving freedom to people.

It was his duty as a king to protect people and so Karna did his duty with utmost forthrightness. In his search, he began to feel that there is something divine intervention about this.

The sudden missing of Urvi; missing of Arjun;  him fighting with Kings and their kingdom. His making alliance; freeing people from the tyranny of Rakshashas, they are letting him somewhere. But he couldn't discern what is it. What is happening with him and why and so many questions were popping up in his head but Karna controlled his train of thoughts.

While searching, Karna and Duryodhan reached Kashi(or Kalinga according to wiki), Duryodhan's in-laws home. They were received royally with utmost respect. When Karna told Kashi king about their search, he immediately get readied to help Karna and Duryodhan.

In there staying at Kashi, Duryodhan was bothered by a feeling which he conceded with Karna who concerningly asked him. 

Karna- Is something bothering you, Mitra???

Duryodhan- Yes Mitra. Did you see my Mother-in-law??? She wanted to ask so much desperately about Bhanu but couldn't.

Karna answered easily.

Karna- It's time you sort it out with your in-laws, Mitra.

Duryodhan nodded. He so wanted to talk to his in-laws about his Priye. He knew how much feelings she hide not talking about her parents and it pains him to see even a glimpse of sadness in his wife's eyes.

Duryodhan- I was also thinking the same. I think now is the right time to sort everything out. I must meet her.

Karna give a squeeze to Duryodhan's shoulder.

Karna- I'm so proud of you Mitra. I cannot believe the changes I see in you which is for good. But I always knew that there is something in your soul that was worth saving. You have saved yourself.

Karna meant this to his brother. The changes he saw in Duryodhan was unpredictable but now it has become perpetual that he believed that Duryodhan have gotten his redemption. The miracle have happened in Duryodhan's life and he prayed to God that it's not some sweet illusion which would end when he would come out of his dream. Nope! That will never happen as Karna believed Duryodhan like his own.

Duryodhan was rendered speechless. His voice choked in his throat. He could not help himself but gave a brief hug to Karna and spoke in a rush.

Duryodhan- You saved me brother.

Both of their eyes widened on his slip. Duryodhan give a cough.

Duryodhan- I mean like a brother, you were always there for me.

Karna channeled too much emotions inside him and said in a controlled voice.

Karna- And I will always there for you. Always.

How fate has changed. Karna achieved the Digvijay of conquering the kingdoms of all directions for quenching desire of Duryodhan's but now Duryodhan himself was helping in Karna's quest and there was no selfish motives for achieving it for themselves. The bond of their friendship and love have strengthened even more than they have expected.

Both of them nodded and Duryodhan left to meet his mother-in-law. (I didn't find her name).

The guard outside the queen's chamber announced of Prince Duryodhan's presence. His mother-in-law received him with a heartfelt warmth.

Duryodhan- Pranipaat, Matashree.

Queen of Kashi- Ayushmaan... Please be seated, Putra, why are you standing!

Duryodhan sat and said without any preamble.

Duryodhan- You are going to be a grandmother, Matashree.

His mother-in-law cried with happy tears. She is going to be a grandmother. She sat on the settee before him. Wiping her tears, she asked.

Queen- How is my Putri???

Duryodhan felt a tug in his heart. Like all the women of their period, she has also suffered due to the societal norms. Just because, Duryodhan had abducted Bhanumati, her parents had disconnected any ties to her, but for friendly alliances the kings are in very good terms. What has this woman done in life to suffer because of his fury of the moment at Bhanu's swayamvar where she has the power to reject him, thought Duryodhan with a heavy heart.

He knelt before his mother-in-law and held her hands in his. He would do everything in his power to make it right.

Duryodhan- Matashree, I wanted to beg your apology. Now I see how much you have suffered living apart from your darling daughter. I cannot think of a moment living without her and you have to cut all ties with her, because of my foolishness. I'm so sorry Maata.

His mother-in-law was crying profusely.

Queen- No, don't be sorry. Societal norms are societal norms. One cannot help oneself.

Duryodhan shook his head.

Duryodhan- I care nothing about societal norms. Your daughter misses you a lot. And I care for your daughter like my own life.

Queen- I miss her too.

Duryodhan- Then please, do me a favour... Please go and reconcile yourself with your daughter. That would be the best gift to my Priye.

His mother-in-law was shocked.

Queen- I can meet my daughter?!

Duryodhan- Ofcourse. She is your daughter and she always will be. Nothing and no one can change that. I hope you will set forth to Anga today, as my priye is right now in Anga under the loving care of Radha maa. She would be elated to see you. And you would also like to be with your daughter at her this stage of life.

Bhanu's mother can not believe what she was hearing. She is going to meet her daughter. Her eyes twinkled just thinking about meeting her daughter.

Queen- Would she really be happy to meet me???

Duryodhan saw the joy in her eyes and gave a soft chuckle to lightened the mood.

Duryodhan- Not only she but your grandchildren would be jumping with joy inside my wife's tummy to see you there.

She gave a watery chuckle. She spoke to Duryodhan.

Queen-  My Grandchildren! Oh god bless you both. Thank you so much... I don't have words to thank you enough.

Duryodhan- No need. I hope you will leave today.

Queen- Ofcourse... I cannot wait to see my daughter... I have to make necessary arrangements... (Talking to herself)  I have to take so many things for Bhanu.. all her favorite, she loves this food and that... Oh, I don't have much time.

She looked at Duryodhan.

Queen- I'm sorry, you would be thinking that I've gone crazy.

He chuckled.

Duryodhan- Not at all. I can understand.

Duryodhan took his leave.

The queen started making preparations to see Bhanumati. All preparations were done. She was waiting for Karna and Duryodhan as both of them have left in search of Urvi, when they came she informed Duryodhan that she is leaving now and if he wants to give any message to Bhanu. Duryodhan gave a letter for Bhanu in the hands of his mother-in-law.

Then the queen left to Anga.
***

Anga

Everything was going fine in Anga. Everyone carried on their usual waiting for Karna and Duryodhan to come with Urvi. It's almost a month and there was no news of either of them.

Vrishasena, Karna's eldest son too was alert towards his duties. He saw the chariots coming towards their palace and was informed about the arrival of Bhanu's mother.

Vrishu ran towards Bhanu who was sitting with Radha maa.

Vrishu- Kaakishree... I have something to show you ... Please come.

Vrishu tugged at Bhanu's hand. Bhanu asked quizzically.

Bhanu- What is it, Vrishu??? What happened???

He replied innocently.

Vrishu- Please, please, please come. There's a surprise for you.

Bhanu followed the beloved child. She laughed a little. Karna's children always tend to make Bhanu cheerful with their babyish behaviour and she almost forgot all her angst on separation with her husband. Almost.

Bhanu- surprise?! What surprise???

She halted on her steps when she saw her mother. Tears automatically come to her eyes. And then she rushed towards her and embraced.

Bhanu- Is that really you, maatashree??? Oh my god, are you real?!

Her Mother- Yes it's me and I'm real.

Both gave watery chuckle.

Bhanu- How did you find I'm here???

Her mother told her everything about Karna's and Duryodhan's expedition. By the time Radha has also come and heard everything. She greeted the queen and asked about them.

Radha- How are my sons???

Radha has also started to put Duryodhan in high esteem, he is very protective and caring towards her son and she considered Duryodhan as her own son.

Bhanu's mother, the Queen answered.

Queen- Both of them are fine but worried.

She held Radha's hand.

Queen- I wanted to thank you for taking care of Bhanu. I don't have enough words to thank you.

Radha- She is like my own child... There's nothing to thank about it.

The ladies went to the chamber and talked for a while. Radha left to arrange refreshments for Bhanu's mother and give them the privacy to talk with each other.

Bhanu- How is Pitashree??? Was he angry with you coming here?!

Queen- Nope dear..  he wasn't. Infact he was very happy with the behaviour of putra Duryodhan. I too am happy about it. He was the one who proposed or should I say insisted on me coming here and meet you. I cannot thank him enough too. You already know how rigid is the rules of our society. It was so considerate of him to do this.

Holding her mother's hand, Bhanu continued.

Bhanu- He cares a lot about me, maatashree. Please do not doubt that he would not do anything to take care of me.

Queen- Yes I know. He loves you a lot. I have seen it his eyes. He made your father and me to happily reconcile with you.
Bhanu heart warmed on her mother's remark. They talked about everything of the last past months. Her mother spoke to Bhanu.

Queen- I know that you are missing him a lot, he too was feeling the same. Look what had he sent for you... A message.

She gave the rolled parchment message paper to Bhanu and excused herself to providing her daughter the privacy.

Bhanu opened the letter and her eyes misted. No matter how much she stayed strong but she was missing her Arya. He has become so dear to her that she misses him a lot. She reads the letter desperately.

My dearest Priye,
First of all stop crying. You know that I cannot bear it when you cry.

Bhanu wiped her tears. It feels like he was talking to her in person and insisting not to cry. She continued reading.

I love you and miss you a lot.

I love you too. And miss you. Please come soon, she spoke. She reads.

I know that you have many questions to ask and I can feel your desparation now when I am writing this letter; I am feeling the same. We haven't found Urvi yet, but we'll find her soon, I promise. I know you would ask about how is our brother Karna... But you would already know how it feels like to be separated from one's partner. To see and feel the unbearable pain at the same time, my brother is going through a very tough period. I just hope this all should be over soon as everyone is getting restless in this tangled situation.

He told her about the kingdoms where they went in search of Urvi, hiding the battle part as he didn't want to give Bhanu any worry over them. And at last he told her about his feelings for. The man who was so clumsy about sharing his feelings has finally written down a love letter.

Not a day had passed when I didn't miss you ... How my arms felt empty without you on it. And how I missed you embracing me in your soft arms. I am not afraid to confess that you have made me much stronger than I was... Only because you are so strong.

I want to kiss you, cuddle you and feel our babies growing in your womb. Take great care of yourself because I will return soon and I will want  to see you the way you were, smiling with a pinkish glow. And please stop crying... Your tears burn me from inside out.

Take care, okay. The man of your dreams will come soon.

Remember the first time I said it, I couldn't help myself laughing. You were such a baby pouting everytime I bested in our love game.

Bhanu watery chuckled came. Yes, I remember, she whispered.

Hoping that our playful days will come ahead soon. And I will best you again.

And last but not the least I love you... a lot... Much more than you think. Forever.

My heart beats for you, my heart. Take care.

Lots of love,
Your Arya.

Bhanu hugged the letter after reading it for many times. I love you too, she chanted like he could hear her.

She prayed to God for making everything okay and sent her Arya, Karna and Urvi to home soon.
***

Karna and Duryodhan left Kashi and then went to the south. There he fought  and defeated and also made many alliance who helped them in search of Urvi.

They got the news of Arjun that he has been on the north side of Aryavart and with so many doubts, they went in the north direction.

There Karna made alliances with the mountaineers, the Bhadras, the Rohitakas, the Agneyas and the Malavas, the Mlechcchhas, the Nagnajitas, the Sasakas and the Yavanas.

And then they reached the kingdom of Gandhar.

Duryodhan hesitated going there as he knew about his uncle's shrewdness already but couldn't tell him because Urvi has asked for not so. One secret will led to another and another. And now was not the time to deal with it. His brother is already suffering and shouldn't take more. So he kept his silence.

How the time has changed that Duryodhan was helping Karna when he must be the reason because of his selfish hunger of power and authority to make the whole Aryavart bow before him and Karna helping in his unquenchable desire performing the Digvijay yatra for him.

When Karna told Gandharraj Shakuni about his expedition, he welcomed them.

Duryodhan got suspicious and whispered to Karna not telling him about that they are in search of Urvi.

Karna looked at Duryodhan for a moment and then nodded. He trusts him. No questions were needed.

They stayed for a couple of days and then decided to left Gandhar as Karna got a feeling that Urvi is not here.

Shakuni already suspected that they are not here for some casual purpose but have some hidden one, so he tried asking Karna when Duryodhan was not with him. In his sugary venomous tone, he asked Karna.

Shakuni- Angaraj, if you would tell me what's bothering you, I could help you with something. What is it, please tell me?!

Karna do not believe in Gandharraj at all. So he didn't tell him anything.

Karna- Mamashree... Nothing is bothering me. And there is no need to worry yourself... My mitra and I are on a trip to the whole Aryavart.

Suddenly Duryodhan came, he was readying their horses. He gave a hard look to Shakuni.

Duryodhan- Everything is fine Mamashree... And thank you so much for your hospitality. My mitra and I are ready to leave. Let's go, Mitra.

Karna found the behaviour of the uncle and nephew very strange. What's happened between them that they're acting so cold towards each other. Later, he thought, he will talk to Duryodhan. He no longer want to breathe in the air of Gandhar anymore.

Karna talked to Shakuni.

Karna- Thank you again, Gandharraj. Pranipaat.

Shakuni turned to him. Suspicion taking deep roots in his mind. These two are behaving strangely, he thought. But slapping a smile in his face, he spoke.

Shakuni- It was all my pleasure, Angaraj.

Duryodhan also Pranipaat his Mamashree and he and Karna both left.

But left leaving suspicion in the mind of Gandharraj. Everything is not fine, mere bacche. And I will know about it soon.
Shakuni eyed their retreating form and started to hatch plans to know about all of these.
***

When they crossed the boundary of Gandhar, both Karna and Duryodhan sighed relief.

Karna felt exhausted and drained. He felt someone has pierced a knife in his heart and is twisting it every second of his life.

Urvi... He breathed her name as if to keep him sane.

He wiped his face with his palms.

The spy of Duryodhan came and informed that Arjun was found in Vidarbha.

Duryodhan- What do you think, Mitra???

Karna had a very calculated expression on his face. No Arjun now... Only Urvi.

His mind was trying to solve the puzzle. One last piece just one last piece, thought Karna. And the last piece clicked.

Karna- We are going to Dwarka.
♥️♥️♥️

Author's note
Karna's Digvijay source- Internet.