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Karna stood in awe, marveling at the astounding creations of Mayasura. In a matter of minutes, the cities of Anga had risen from the ground, crafted by the skilled hands of the master architect. Motivated by his admiration, Karna toiled diligently, ensuring that the newly built houses were allocated to the people of Anga. But he did not stop there. Utilizing his mystical powers, he enchanted the soil, transforming it into fertile ground capable of nurturing abundant crops.
Karna's entire council consisted of members from Ayodhya, as the concept of a council was unfamiliar to the people of Anga. Undeterred by this disparity, Karna established gurukuls and kanyakuls, providing basic education to both males and females. Madirakshi, in particular, focused on teaching women about the importance of sanitation.
With great enthusiasm, men and women alike joined the military forces of Anga, enticed by the promising rewards it offered. Karna personally instructed his male comrades, while Madirakshi trained her female counterparts, all the while fulfilling his duties as niyay rakshak.
Time seemed to elude them as they busily engaged in their respective endeavors.
Karna proudly inaugurated the formidable army of Anga, which stood as the fifth largest in the entirety of Āryāvrata. Notably, he also established a female battalion within Anga's ranks. The news of this development reverberated throughout Āryāvrata, reaching the farthest corners of the realm.
Numerous kings attempted to protest this change, arguing that women should not be allowed to wield weapons. Karna, however, swiftly responded with a resolute reply, "My kingdom is my own, and I will not tolerate any interference. Those who dare to do so shall face the wrath of a disciple of Parashurama."
Every month, Karna made the journey to meet his revered gurudev, who commended him by stating, "You have begun to revolutionize the thinking of Āryāvrata."
The people of Anga revered Karna as their king, for he had uplifted the impoverished and restored health to the malnourished. In a mere two months, Anga had transformed into a powerhouse within Āryāvrata.
In Hastinapur, these changes evoked mixed reactions. Dhritarashtra appeared conflicted but ultimately accepted the transformations, as his uncle Bhishma approved of them. Bhishma himself was astonished by the rapid growth of the Anga kingdom, surpassing even that of Hastinapur.
Furthermore, Bhishma resolved to implement similar changes once Karna and Madirakshi arrived in Hastinapur, acknowledging the need for a well-established kingdom before undertaking such reforms.
Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama brimmed with pride and joy for their friend, yet simultaneously yearned for his presence. The Pandavas found themselves awestruck by Karna's skills, never expecting such extraordinary talents from a sutputra.
Conditions in Hastinapur began to improve, as the Kauravas and Pandavas slowly mended their broken ties.
Before Duryodhana departed Anga, Karna presented him with a vial of elixir and said, "Use this to uncover the secrets of the Pandavas." Duryodhana recalled his best friend's words, "This elixir contains potent herbs that compel the brain to speak the truth."
Capitalizing on this opportunity, Duryodhana suggested playing a truth-revealing game, considering they had been assigned a punishment by the esteemed Bhishma for their earlier argument over the throne.
Present in the gathering were Duryodhana, Dushasana, Ashwathama, Vikarna, Yuyutsu, and the five Pandavas.
Duryodhana produced the vial and a spinner, explaining that whoever the spinner pointed towards would be required to consume the elixir. This concoction would compel their brains to speak nothing but the truth. The Pandavas, intrigued by the prospect of unraveling the Kauravas' secrets, eagerly participated.
This game, masterminded by Karna, aimed to dispel the misunderstandings between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The game commenced, beginning with Bhima. He reluctantly drank a small quantity of the elixir, succumbing to its hypnotic effects.
Duryodhana queried, "What is your favorite color?"
Bhima replied, "Yellow."
Dushasana followed, asking, "What is the most memorable event of your life?"
"Eating laddoos secretly with Nakula and Sahadeva, as well as savoring the ones prepared by my mother," Bhima responded.
Ashwathama posed his question, "Who is your favorite brother?"
"Duryodhana. I relish teasing and engaging in clashes with him," Bhima confessed, now showing signs of the elixir's influence.
By the end of this exercise, the walls of misunderstanding crumbled, and yet, they had imbibed the elixir to such an extent that they fell unconscious, finding comfort in each other's embrace. When they eventually roused from their slumber, they gazed at one another, realizing the solace they had unknowingly discovered in their embrace. Reluctantly, they parted ways, and Yuddhisthir suggested, "Perhaps our misunderstandings have been dissolved through this game." They had overslept and received scoldings from all quarters.
Bhishma, content with the resolution of their misunderstandings, observed their actions with a satisfied smile, having kept a close eye on them.
Upon learning of the game's success, Karna laughed triumphantly, yet he refrained from celebrating openly. Time passed, and the Pandavas and Kauravas navigated their newfound bond in an unconventional manner.
***
In the opulent chamber of the Anga Palace, Karna basked in the glory of his accomplished duties, finally indulging in a well-deserved respite. The entire realm of Āryāvrata exalted in the transformative changes he had initiated.
Likewise, Madirakshi, having fulfilled her duties as Angarani, radiated a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The air brimmed with anticipation as the two souls found themselves united in the sanctuary of their love.
With a sudden surge of energy, Karna rose from his seat, his eyes locked on Madirakshi, and a mischievous smile played upon his lips. In one swift motion, he swept her into an embrace, their spirits entwined. His voice resonated with excitement as he declared, "Let us celebrate, my dearest. It has been far too long since we last shared moments together, away from the burdens of responsibility."
Madirakshi, her eyes shimmering with affection, reciprocated his embrace, whispering tenderly, "My valiant warrior, my radiant sun, my unwavering pillar, what force could have possibly held you back?"
Their lips met in a passionate union, an expression of their love, setting their hearts ablaze with desire and tenderness.
The room came alive with their ethereal voices, entwined in harmonious melody, as Karna and Madirakshi embarked on a song that encapsulated the depths of their affection.
"What have you done, my soulmate?" Karna sang, his voice carrying the weight of longing. "What have you done, my beloved?" Madirakshi's voice joined his, each word resonating with a yearning that had remained unfulfilled. Their voices intertwined, creating a captivating symphony that permeated the chamber.
Their dance began, an enchanting expression of their love. Each movement held meaning, an intricate language of their hearts. Karna's powerful strides and graceful spins mirrored his unwavering devotion, while Madirakshi's fluid movements and delicate twirls echoed her surrender to their love. Their bodies moved as one, gliding across the floor in perfect harmony, their souls entangled in an eternal embrace.
As the crescendo of their song approached, the room seemed to shimmer with ethereal light. The full moon and stars, captivated by the spectacle before them, showered their blessings upon the lovers, lending an otherworldly aura to their dance.
In a climactic moment, Karna lifted Madirakshi into his arms, their eyes locked in a gaze filled with profound adoration. Slowly, he laid her upon the bed, their bodies intertwined, their hearts beating as one. Their love, nurtured by understanding, care, and unyielding passion, had reached its zenith.
Under the watchful gaze of the celestial bodies, the moon bathing them in its soft glow, Karna and Madirakshi embraced in a union that transcended mortal realms. Two souls merged, their bond eternal and unbreakable, a testament to the enduring power of love.
And so, in the hushed stillness of that sacred chamber, they found solace in each other's arms, their love etched upon the tapestry of time.
***
After a week had passed, Madirakshi suddenly lost consciousness while attending a meeting in the Anga Rajya Sabha. Karna swiftly picked her up in his arms and carried her to their room, immediately summoning the Rajya Vaidya to examine her. Radha stood by his side, filled with concern.
As she opened the door, Radha joyfully exclaimed, "Congratulations, my son! In the next nine months, you will become a father to twins." Karna's happiness knew no bounds.
He approached Madirakshi and gently planted a soft kiss on her forehead, expressing his gratitude for the news. Afterward, he informed his father-in-law about this joyous development.
"Greetings, Father-in-law,
I am delighted to share some extraordinary news with you. In the coming nine months, you shall become a Matamaha to not one, but two children. Madirakshi is one week pregnant. I kindly request that you send a medical team from Ayodhya to Anga. In Ayodhya, I shall arrange for a grand feast to be served, celebrating this momentous occasion."
"Yours sincerely,
Emperor Prithvi."
Karna then dispatched the letter to his father-in-law through magical birds. Additionally, he penned a letter to his dear friend, Duryodhana.
"Greetings, my friend Duryodhana
I hope all is well in Hastinapur. I have wonderful news to share with you. In the near future, you will become a Kakashree to two children. Yes, Madirakshi is one week pregnant, and I regret that I will be unable to come to Hastinapur for the next nine months. Rest assured, your sister is in good health."
"Your dear friend,
Karna."
With the letter in hand, Karna dispatched it to Hastinapur. In the royal court of Hastinapur, a soldier announced the arrival of a letter addressed to prince Duryodhana from Angaraj Karna. Duryodhana eagerly received the letter and read its contents, his happiness boundless.
When Dushasan inquired about the letter, Duryodhana exclaimed, "We are soon to be Kakashree! Our sister is pregnant with twins!" Excitement filled the air as Dushasana and Ashwathama leaped from their seats to seize the letter, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the little ones.
Kunti, overwhelmed with joy, felt like she was on a cloud. It was the happiest news she had ever received. Even Gangaputra Bhishma couldn't contain his delight at the prospect of the Karna family expanding. Queen Gandhari eagerly awaited the moment when she would be called grandmother, and Dushala was thrilled at the prospect of being an aunt. The three royal ladies sent numerous gifts for Madirakshi in celebration.
***
When Brihadbala received the letter, tears welled up in his eyes. He was overjoyed for his daughter, knowing she had found an exceptional husband and a loving mother figure in Radha. Now, she was about to become a mother herself. He ordered the entire Kosala Kingdom to be adorned in celebration, as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of their future heir.
Royal banquets were held throughout the kingdom, and the Ramayana was recited in every corner, as the people hoped for a son as virtuous as Lord Ram.
Maharishi Vashistha also rejoiced at the news, having received it directly from Karna during their meeting. Lord Parashurama blessed Karna, stating that his twins would inherit the courage of their parents and be even braver.
Karna showered his wife with excessive love and care, ensuring she didn't have to perform any tasks. He handled her frequent mood swings with ease and tenderness.
After eight months had passed, Karna invited the royal family from Hastinapur to Anga to witness the progress of the kingdom. When they arrived, Yudhishthira and Sahadeva were astounded by the breathtaking beauty of Anga Pradesh, unable to believe that this was the same kingdom they had left a year ago.
Karna greeted them at the palace doors, extending warm hospitality. Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama eagerly inquired about their sister's well-being. Karna informed them that she was resting in her chamber, as her due date was drawing near.
He then led Duryodhana, Dushasana, Ashwathama, Dushala, and Gandhari to his chamber and instructed the attendants to guide the other guests to their accommodations. Upon entering Karna's chamber, they beheld Madirakshi peacefully asleep on the bed, her enlarged belly visible from a distance due to her pregnancy.
Karna whispered to Madirakshi, urging her to wake up. When she saw her brothers and sister, she erupted with joy. They all gathered in a circle, presenting her with beautiful gifts.
Three days later, Madirakshi went into labor, her cries echoing throughout the palace. Karna was overwhelmed with anxiety, pacing back and forth for hours on end. His friends attempted to console him, but his concern for his beloved wife persisted.
After ten long hours, the cries ceased, and the gates to Karna's chambers swung open, revealing Gandhari. In her arms, she cradled two precious children. With great joy, she congratulated Karna on the birth of his son and daughter.
Karna gingerly took the slumbering infants into his arms, cherishing the sight before him. He carried them to the adjoining room, where Madirakshi lay unconscious. Dushala, Kunti, and Radha were present, anxiously awaiting her recovery.
As Madirakshi regained consciousness, weakened by the ordeal, she yearned to see her twins. Karna lovingly placed them in her embrace.
Gandhari inquired about their names, to which Karna replied, "The naming ceremony shall be conducted by Maharishi Vashistha, as he promised Madirakshi he would bestow names upon our children." With a smile on his face, Karna resumed playing with the twins.
News of this momentous occasion also reached Ayodhya. Brihadbala informed Maharishi Vashistha of his desire to meet his grandson and granddaughter. The sage instructed him to prepare for the journey, and the following day, both Lord Parashurama and Maharishi Vashistha arrived, accompanied by Brihadbala, who concealed his identity. Karna, aware of his presence, discreetly guided Brihadbala to Madirakshi's chambers, where the father-daughter reunion took place after a long separation.
Brihadbala cradled the children in his arms, remarking to Madirakshi that the baby girl resembled her. He spent quality time with his grandchildren, staying in the inner chambers of the palace.
During the naming ceremony, Lord Parashurama proposed Vrishasena as the name for Karna's son, while Gurumata Arundhati suggested Aditi for the baby girl. Maharishi Vashistha officiated the ritual, officially naming the boy Vrishasena and the girl Aditi. Afterward, they bid farewell and departed with Brihadbala.
"When will you come to Hastinapur to assist me with the new initiatives, Putra Karna?" Bhishma inquired when he found Karna unoccupied.
"In a month, Mahamahim Bhishma," Karna replied, a smile adorning his face. Two days later, the Kuru party set off for Hastinapur.
***
Somewhere in Āryāvrata, a young girl gazed at a painting depicting a skilled mace-wielding warrior. She admired the warrior's well-built physique and marveled at his exceptional combat skills. With love, care, and passion, she pressed her hands against the painting.
Embracing the painting, she whispered, "In no time, you shall be mine. I have already spoken to my father, who will extend an invitation for my svayamvara. Prince Duryodhana, you are my life. Please grace my swayamvar with your presence. I cannot imagine a life without you. From the moment I laid eyes on you during the Kalapradarshan, my heart belonged to you."
With that, she nestled with the painting, dreaming of a future where Duryodhana would be her husband.
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