"Hope is the light in the darkness, and the shadow that follows you in the light"

-SANVL

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Karna had walked Vrishali to her home , in the Sutasamaja . That particular locality of Dharmasthali is where all the people who found servitude as means of living resided .

Sathyasena's house wasn't far from the temple complex's southern exit. The Suta samaj clustered right beside the southern wall of the temple complex, along with the market area which mainly sold daily groceries.

Karna and Vrishali was walking past it ,
Karna , you shouldn't be uncomfortable about who you are .
My Father always says that we all are different and special in our own way.
Don't give importance to the boys who tride to bully you , they are not worth your time or effort.
Vrishali said out of blue.
Karna turned his attention to her and nodded in agreement, with a small but genuine smile.

Do you have to continue this task tomorrow as well?!
Vrishali asked , her voice had a shade of dismay.
Karna nodded a 'yes' once again. Vrishali sighed heavily. Karna slightly squeezed her palm, that was held in his, to assure her that, it was fine. She smiled at him. The misunderstanding about him, almost completely leaving her heart.

Let's get your wounds treated, come in.
Vrishali invited him inside , as they reached her home.
Karna shook his head in a violent no.
And he smiled and gestured that he was fine and she should go home.
She kinda understood what he was trying to say, but not entirely.

What?!
She mused aloud.

Putri, Vrishali ! Where have you been child. It's past dusk. We were so worried.
Vrishali's mother , a woman in her late 20's came to Vrishali in a haste .

I am sorry to worry you Mata , it's just things didn't go as we planned. And this is Karna.
Vrishali said , and introduced her friend to her mother.

Oo.. Karna, that's so sweet of you dear boy , you troubled to come all the way to leave her home. Thankyou child.
Vrishali's mother said lovingly.

Karna bowed his head and gestured her to not thank him ,as it was something he was supposed to do.

I think he is trying to tell you to not thank him , for something he was supposed to do. Isn't it Karna?!
Vrishali guessed her friend's language once again. Karna nodded yes, with a bright smile.
He bowed once again and greeted them properly before he started to walk away, and Vrishali waved at his stubborn leaving figure. Who limped , yet humbly refused to receive any hospitality.
________________________________

Tritheya , Dharmasthali
Sutasamaja.

Walking aimlessly for a few meters , Karna's feet stumbled. He took seat on the extended Varantha of a house that was near. He felt thirsty after a long day of jumping after a sack of sand.
How Ironic!...
He sighed heavily. He desperately needed some water. There was a door bell hanging at the door of the same house. He thought of ringing it and asking for some water , then again he wasn't sure if they would understand his 'way with the words'. So he decided against it.

But like his destiny, unexpectedly the door opened and a woman stepped out of her humble home.
Karna got startled and looked at the direction of the sound , the door. There stood a woman in her early 30's , she had a lamp in her hand , that dimly lighted a restricted range of it's surroundings , and was helpful enough for them to see eachother.

Karna stood up , or he tried and failed miserably, his feet was bleeding so bad , and the swollen calves weren't helping either. He hissed at the sudden surge of pain . He bit down on his lower lip to suppress the urge to just slam his fist against the wall.
'No. That's gonna be another trouble , you have enough to handle for now'. Karna's monologue suggested.

The woman infront of him looked so motherly and her gentle smile turned into worry when she felt the boy was in pain. She raised the lamp a bit higher and walked upto him . She wore a dark green saree with a magenta breast cloth, the border of the saree had the same colour of her blouse. A few silver accessories adorning her simple and humble beauty. Big doe eyes with thick eyelashes , button nose , bow like lips and think eyebrows framed inside a perfect round shaped face, with a brown skin tone ; she looked like any typical Indian woman , but Karna found a very different affection towards her, when she sat near him gently, worry etched on her face.

Is everything okay my child , why are you sitting here alone ?! Did you lost your way home?
The woman enquired.
Karna shook his head in a no.
He gestured her about his urgent need for water. And the woman placed the lamp in a safe distance from him for convenience, and headed back aiming the door. Possibly to fetch the boy some water.

She returned with a jug full of water , and handed a glass of water to the boy. As water ran down his dry throat, Karna really felt like water was the top marvelous delicacy to ever exist in the universe.
As he handed her the little earthen glass back , he smiled contently while wiping his forearm over his lips. The woman smiled adoringly at the childish habit.

What is your name son?! And where are your parents?
Woman enquired.
Karna smiled awkwardly and tried to make gestures. The woman really got confused. It was evident on her face.
He repeatedly mentioned he can't talk.
Can't you talk child?!
The woman responded in both confusion and slight sympathy.
Karna nodded a no , a little smile on his lips upon succeeding to make her understand his inability or unique ability.

Ohh.. then let's talk the way you are comfortable with. You can surely hear me ,right?!
The woman continued.
Karna nodded gently.
That will be enough, son . And I shall try my best to understand your language.
The woman encouraged him.
Karna smiled and enquired her name in gestures.

My name?! I am Radha. And your's?
The woman said.
Karna smiled at that , the woman named Radha understood him so quick. Then he gestured to his ears, to answer her question.

Ears?? Oo Karna! Is that your name !?
Radha exclaimed happily.
Karna nodded , reciprocating her enthusiasm.
They had a long conversation, Radha was quick on understanding the kid and gave him her whole attention ; and Karna was equally thankful for such care and consideration.

After Radha treated few cuts on his feet, she provided facilities for him to freshen up . Radha got to know that Karna could not go back to Gurukul unless he completed his task. She had once saw the child before , near the temple of Vaikarthana at evening. Now as she saw his face more clearly, she identified the child to be the same boy who helped her get some flowers that day, for the pooja. She loved the boy very much that she couldn't stop talking to her husband about the kind and adorable child she met.

She fed him dinner with her hands , as he had a scratch on his right hand which burned slightly upon contact with food. He happily enjoyed the meal , and felt overwhelmed with all the attention and care she was giving him. His eyes welled up eventually. And Radha panicked for a moment.

Is everything alright my son?! Why are you crying?!!
Radha kept the plate of food aside and wiped his tears with the extension of her saree. Karna smiled through his tears as he consoled her and told her about him being an orphan and never having felt a mother's care before. Radha felt her heart bleeding at that. She hugged the child and let her tears fall as well.
And that day Karna resolved to care for this mother of his , no matter what.

_____________________________

When Adhirath , Radha's husband came home. He saw a little boy sitting next to his wife in the Varantha , awaiting his arrival. Adhirath smiled at the sight. Radha looked so much happier and the boy matched her happiness and enthusiasm.

Adhirath had been married to his wife for almost 10 years. But they never got to have a child . His family and neighbours started taunting them , especially Radha ; and asked Adhirath to marry someone else , who could take their lineage further.
But Adhirath refused to get remarried even after Radha's consent regarding it, and left their familial house in Hastinapur to find a new home of their own in Tritheya , in Dharmasthali.

The divine land provided them a home a 5 or 6 years ago. And since then they have been peacefully leading their life in the Sutasamaja. Adhirath was a skilled charioteer and had a knack in making and fixing chariots. With his respectful behaviour and just morals , Adhirath soon became a respected person in their locality and people appreciated him as well as respected his opinions. So was Radha , she was a calm and kind lady . And everyone liked her for her innocent approch to life and for her giving nature.

But people pitied them for not having a child, even though they wouldn't say it on their face ; Adhirath knew it, and has tried to keep his wife away from all that.
Radha has been through a lot. And now her husband wanted to provide her with a peaceful life.

Swami , how was your day?
Radha stood up to welcome her husband back home after a long day of work.
Karna stood beside her, looking at Adhirath curiously. And Adhirath shared the same curiosity towards the boy.

The day was usual , but work was better than yesterday . Or may be the whole week.
Adhirath replied with a small but genuine smile. She handed a pot of water to her husband to clean his feet and to wash his face.

I will be back with some water for you to drink husband , till then why don't you meet Karna.
Radha ushered Adhirath to take a seat on the sitout. And patted Karna's head gently before heading towards the kitchen.
Karna smiled a bit unsurely at Adhiratha.
Adhirath patted the seat beside him , indicating karna to take a seat next to him.
Karna sat there , fidgeting with his nails and plaster that covered his wounds.

So Karna , what happened to your feet and palm?
Adhirath asked, unknown about the fact that the boy can't speak.
Karna sat there for a minute just staring at Adhiratha awkwardly. The five-year-old tried to make him understand a few things through his language of gestures. But only got puzzled looks in return. And they both could hear the crickets so loudly ,due to the silence that was more than awkward.

By then Radha returned to save them.
Swami , here , have some water . I have prepared the bath for you, freshen up and join for the dinner soon, I will set the table by then.
Radha said. But then noticed the terribly confused face of her dear husband. He looked like he was in pain. Radha then looked at Karna , the boy literally looked 'done'. Radha understood their dilemma. She stifled a giggle.

The boy hasn't uttered a word Radhe..
And here you are laughing at my plight. I know I am not so good with toddlers, but this is the first time a kid has outright told me I am bad at this job , without saying a word.
Adhirath sulked looking at Radha , as she chuckled and karna almost face palmed himself.

Don't feel so bad Swami , Karna didn't meant to upset you. My child can't talk. He can hear you though!
Radha said , her smile still on her face as she looked at her husband while she sat beside karna hugging him close. Karna smiled at his Radhama as they swayed to and fro sideways. A silly habit , but still so adorable. Adhirath's face bloomed into a warm smile at the sight of Radha's motherly affection towards the boy.
May be they can have a child , even though not their own blood ,but still he will be their favourite little happiness, in their little world.
___________________________

As usual Karna woke up before sunrise , but not in his normal abode. He slept in a bed , that was situated in a hall which seemed like the living room of the little house. He got up and went to the nearest shore of Alakananda, that flew across the whole country of Tritheya.
After his Suryapuja, he returned to the home which provided a shade for him yesterday. He had to inform Radhama that, he will have to leave the house to continue the task he was given.

On the way he collected some flowers for his Guruvar. Karna always collected flowers needed for Guru Paraha's morning prayers. And he couldn't skip that habit of his.

As he neared the compound , he saw Adhirath Mahoday standing in the Varantha , like he was searching for someone.
And when he spotted Karna , his face lit up like the morning sun. Karna smiled in return.

I thought you just left without having your breakfast.
Adhirath scolded him softly for not taking breakfast , out of concern.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You shall never skip it , okay?!
Adhirath said to the 5 year old with his arms wrapping around the boy securely, to lead him to the kitchen.
Karna nodded enthusiastically, as he found the little scolding to be a warm gesture. Like they really care about him. Like his Guruvar , like Rama, like Vrishali.
Vrishali! When did she came into that list.
Karna shushed his monologue, for being a brat , she is a friend , that's all. He corrected himself. And nodded being content with his rectified statement about the girl. Adhirath stared at the boy in concern as he made a lot of gestures , like he was talking to himself.
'Kids these days!' he thought.
______________________________

Radha , Adhirath along with Karna had their breakfast, and karna was weaving a flower garland for his teacher.

I am heading towards the practice grounds, see you again, maa.
He gestured to Radha .
She smiled at him , and hugged him lovingly.

Son , Return home once you are done with today's task, alright ?!
Radha suggested with hope.
Karna smiled and looked at Adhirath , who stood right beside Radha to bid farewell to their little Karna.

This will always be your home child, you can come here whenever you want to.
Adhirath said, assuring the boy.
So , don't be too late my child , come home soon.
Radha said , as Karna bid his goodbyes for the day, as he headed towards the practice grounds.
________________________________

Rama was already waiting for him there, before their classes began for the day.

Karna ,Where were you yesterday? I came here at night , sneaking out through the window , and couldn't find you anywhere near. How is your feet? Did it heal well?
Rama fired all his concerns at once.
Karna held his friend's shoulder firmly but gently, and assured him with his blinding bright smile.
Rama returned the smile sceptically.

You okay?!
Rama pondered loudly.
I thought, some bad spirit had taken you with it.
Rama blurted out.
Karna's hand smacked his own forehead.
'I will tell you everything later'.
Karna conveyed.
Okay.
Rama agreed.
Having an urgent task at hand , Karna handed him the flowers for his Guruvar's Pooja; and asked Rama to take it to Guru Paraha before heading for his daily classes. Rama obliged and left towards the Gurukul , to take the flowers to the temple before the venerations were completed.

Karna as expected went in the swamp , to pull the sand bag down to the ground. His feets cried and calves felt like being torn apart. But he continued. A little later Achyuthan joined.

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Word count:2678
I know I am late . :) sorry about that.

This chapter has been edited on 10/5/2024

Hope you liked it. And how is Radhama and Adhirath Mahoday?!

I am really sick nowadays, Don't know why! 😞
I caught a fever ,while I was healing from a slight fracture. 🥴
Anyway..

Take care ❤️ leave votes and your valuable comments 😁
Bye friends , hopefully you had a good read. ❣️

HAR HAR MAHADEV 🙏