After gathering all the members of Kuru, everyone retired to their respective rooms to seek some rest.

In Yudhishthira's Chambers, Devika was filled with deep worry.

"Nath, have you noticed the anxiety etched on Angaraj's face? Ever since Maharishi Ved Vyas departed, he has been carrying a heavy burden, a burden that weighs him down," she spoke in a tone of genuine concern.

"That is precisely what troubles me, Priya. I have never witnessed Angaraj Karna in such a state. I have also come to learn that after his meeting with Keshav, he has been enveloped in a constant state of sadness and melancholy. He hardly speaks to anyone, or if he does, it is with great reservation," Yudhishthira responded.

"You know, nath, I have observed the love and care he harbors for the Pandavas in his eyes," Devika shared her keen observation.

"I, too, have noticed it. priya, Angaraj has always been our pillar of strength in times of adversity. He saved us from the treachery of Mamashree Shakuni. He single-handedly prevented Hastinapur from plunging into a devastating civil war. And he provided me with valuable counsel on the art of dice game by recounting the tale of Nala and Damayanti," Yudhishthira divulged.

"The art of dice game? Devika questioned.

"Yes, Priya. Remember that day in Hastinapur when he was passionately reading a book aloud, and many mistook him for being mad," Yudhishthira recollected, drawing closer to his wife.

"Yes, yes, nath, I remember. But he despises the game of dice," Devika interjected.

"Indeed, he harbors a disdain for dice game, but I, on the contrary, find solace in it. A Kshatriya can never refuse an invitation to a game of dice or a battle," Yudhishthira explained.

"Alright, let us hope for the best. Now, we must proceed to dinner, as our entire family awaits us," Devika suggested.

"Yes, Priya," Yudhishthira agreed, and together they made their way to the dining area for a family dinner.

In Sahadeva's Chamber, where he resided with his wife Vijiya, tension hung heavy in the air.

"Nath, why do I sense that this silence is merely the calm before the storm?" she anxiously voiced her concerns to her husband.

"Yes, I, too, feel the same. Did you notice the expression on Angaraj Karna's face when Maharishi Ved Vyas spoke those cryptic words?" Sahadeva asked, his gaze fixed upon the night sky.

"Yes, nath, the furrowed lines on his forehead were a clear indication that he comprehends the perils that await us in the future," Vijiya replied.

"Let us proceed to the dining area now. Our presence is awaited," Sahadeva suggested. Vijiya nodded in agreement, and together they departed from their chambers towards the dining area.

In Bhishma's Chambers, the elders of the family were fraught with anxiety.

"Mahaguru Dron, Kulguru Kripacharya, and Vidur, I am filled with unease after hearing Maharishi Ved Vyas's words. Do you recall the warning he conveyed to Devika during Yudhishthira's coronation?" Bhishma inquired, his tone laced with tension.

"Gangaputra, we, too, are deeply perturbed. Have you noticed the change in Angaraj's countenance when Maharishi uttered those words?" Dronacharya shared, his face etched with concern.

"Yes, Tatshree. It appears Angaraj may possess knowledge of the impending fate of Hastinapur. Perhaps by declining support for the Rajasuya Yaga, he aimed to safeguard the destiny of our kingdom. My heart is heavy with apprehension as well," Vidur admitted.

"We must not succumb to anxiety. Angaraj stands beside us, and we must trust in him. For now, let us proceed to the dining area and refrain from burdening our children with our worries," Kripacharya advised.

"You speak wisely, Kulguru," Bhishma concurred, and the four elders set forth for a family dinner.

In Gandhari's Chambers, Gandhari and her husband Dhritarashtra sat side by side on the bed, lost in confusion.

"Gandhari, do you comprehend the true meaning behind the words spoken by Maharishi Ved Vyas?" Dhritarashtra sought clarification, his mind clouded with uncertainty.

"No, my Lord. I, too, am consumed by worry over those words that seemed to bear a forewarning," Gandhari confessed.

"I believe we are overthinking the matter. Let us set aside our concerns for now and join the others in the dining area for dinner," Dhritarashtra suggested, his frustration evident.

"Yes. But before that, I must go to Putra Karna's chambers. You may proceed to the dining area," Gandhari requested.

Both of them departed, each carrying their own burden of fear and indifference.

In Duryodhana's Chambers, Bhanumati wrestled with unease as she lamented, "Nath, I miss the children dearly."

"I, too, yearn for their presence. But we must trust that we are securing their future through education and imparting moral values," Duryodhana affirmed, placing his crown atop his head.

"Yes, nath, I understand. Nath, have you pondered upon the cryptic words of Maharishi Ved Vyas?" Bhanumati inquired.

"No, Priye, I have decided against dwelling on his words. They are shrouded in confusion, but I am certain they pertain to our future. Let us cease this discussion, for we are already running late for dinner," Duryodhana replied with a smile. After a while, they departed for dinner.

And in Karna's Chamber, Karna gazed pensively at the starry night sky, enveloped in a serene aura. He communed with his gurus, seeking guidance and solace.

His gurus had advised him to embark on a penance to clear his mind of burdensome worries. They had conveyed that destiny would unfold its cards at its own timing. Through his communion with his gurudev, Karna realized that he must not prevent the impending disasters from unfolding until the most significant one transpired. Lost in deep contemplation, he reminisced about his conversation with Shri Krishna and was struck with a brilliant idea. His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the cries of his twins, engaged in another petty squabble.

"Vrishaketu and Shatrujanq, why do you engage in this senseless fight? My children, do not quarrel. Both of you mean the world to me," Karna gently chided them, planting a tender kiss on their foreheads and cradling their faces. The twins relished their father's affectionate embrace.

After some time, they fell asleep in their father's arms, having already consumed their dinner. Madirakshi carefully placed them on their beds and queried her husband, "What were you pondering, suryanandan?"

"I contemplated the future, my love. It is a profound mystery that I alone hold knowledge of, but one I cannot alter. Priye, tomorrow you shall depart with Shon and Dushala for Ayodhya, carrying important tasks. I, on the other hand, will commence my penance to cleanse my mind," Karna revealed with a serious tone.

"What? Penance, at this moment? Suryanandan, something feels amiss. Please confide in me," Madirakshi bombarded him with questions, her concern evident.

"Priye, I shall bestow upon you a gift of power. Wield it judiciously," Karna replied, beginning to chant verses. A radiant white light enveloped Madirakshi for about five minutes.

"Remember to safeguard the Kulvadhu from Vastraharan," Karna uttered, but before he could elaborate further, a sound reached his ears, intensifying his anxiety.

"Vastraharan, Putra? Whose vastraharan? Our lineage will be destroyed. Please protect our lineage," Gandhari's voice trembled with shock upon hearing the mention of "Vastraharan."

"Mata, I must embark on my penance now. It is a challenge you shall face, and if you find yourself unable to control the situation, utter my name, and I shall be there," Karna reassured, placing his hands upon Gandhari's shoulders.

"But Putra, who is this woman destined to undergo vastraharan?" Gandhari inquired, her shock transforming into intense curiosity.

"Do you recall the warnings Maharishi Ved Vyas imparted during Yudhishthira's coronation as the King of Indraprastha in Hastinapur? You shall find your answer, Mata. Remember, I shall go to any lengths to protect that woman, come what may. It is my promise to you," Karna proclaimed with unwavering confidence.

"Thank you, Putra, for your unwavering support," Gandhari expressed her gratitude, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Mata, stay strong. Conceal your emotions and refrain from discussing this matter with anyone," Karna advised.

"Very well, Putra," Gandhari replied, and she departed for the dining area.

Karna embraced Madirakshi tightly, seeking solace, before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Please forgive me," he whispered.

"I understand, nath," Madirakshi reassured him with unwavering determination.

Karna then shared his plan with his wife, elucidating the reasons behind her involvement.

He swiftly made his way to the bathroom, changing into simpler attire reminiscent of a Brahmin's garb. As he prepared to depart from his room, he was halted by the melodious voice of his wife, her song piercing through his heart.

Madirakshi's eyes brimmed with tears, but Karna embraced her warmly, and she melted into his arms, sobbing softly. After a moment, she composed herself, steeling her heart.

After fifteen minutes of emotional turmoil, she bid Karna farewell. "May success be with you in your penance, suryanandan."

Karna smiled gently and departed, mounting his horse and disappearing swiftly into the forest. Madirakshi watched his figure recede until he vanished completely. She then made her way to the dining area, seeking nourishment and refreshment.

Upon her arrival, her brothers immediately inquired about their beloved friend. In a somber tone, she informed them of Karna's departure for penance, leaving Bhishma and Vidur puzzled. The Pandavas and Kauravas exchanged confused glances, while Shakuni concealed his delight, recognizing the opportune moment to execute his nefarious plans.

Madirakshi joined her sisters, partaking in a meal, and as everyone retired to their rooms, she uttered a few words with a hint of dryness, "Do not hold anyone responsible for what lies ahead." She then proceeded to her room, where she attempted to find sleep, but it eluded her. Once her children were soundly asleep, she telepathically communicated her distress to her beloved teacher.

"The true game of politics and magic commences now. The final stage of establishing my dharma is underway," Shri Krishna revealed to his beloved wife, Devi Rukmini.