Inside the chambers of Karna, he sat on his opulent bed, accompanied by his wife, Madirakshi.

"Suryanandan, have you observed the changes in Bharata Dushasana? He seems lost in deep contemplation," Madirakshi inquired, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Yes, I have indeed noticed that. Perhaps he has succumbed to the enchantments of love," Karna replied, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"How marvelous! I can hardly contain my excitement to discover who the lucky maiden is," Madirakshi exclaimed joyfully.

"Patience, my dear. Let us allow him to reveal his emotions first, and then we can discuss the matter further," Karna suggested, his attention diverted to their playful twins.

Meanwhile, inside Dushasana's chambers, he was consumed by thoughts of a captivating young woman he had encountered at the wedding of Bhanumati and during their visit to Magadha.

He had an uncanny feeling that both occasions featured the same girl, and he knew deep within that he had fallen in love. As he drifted off to sleep, his dreams were filled with her enchanting presence.

The following day, Karna and Duryodhana were engrossed in playful activities with their children. Vrishasena and Aditi, who were a year and a half old, and Lakshman and Lakshmana, who were seven months old, would often engage in playful interactions with one another.

Vrishasena, being mischievous by nature, frequently found himself involved in pranks. He would play with a small bow gifted by his father, but when he cried, it proved challenging for others to calm him down.

On the other hand, Aditi, Lakshman, and Lakshmana would engage in imaginative games of make-believe.

Vrishasena dashed towards his father, and Karna scooped him up with one hand. Smiling mischievously, Vrishasena exclaimed, "Play, Papa, play! Me mud-mud! I eat mud! It's tasty!"

"No, my son, that is very bad. Who told you to eat mud? Now go and clean your face. If your mother finds out that you are up to your mischief again, she will scold you. Once you have cleaned yourself up, you can play with your siblings," Karna gently scolded his son, wearing a smile on his face.

A soldier entered the room, delivering a message. "Maharaj, an important meeting has been summoned," he informed them. Karna and Madirakshi acknowledged the soldier's message and made their way to the royal assembly.

Dhritarashtra, seated on the throne, felt immense joy upon seeing the four children entering the room. He considered Karna as his own son.

"Bade Pitamaha, Lakshman wants to play with you," Vrishasena said, beaming with delight.

"Very well, my child. I will join you after this meeting," Dhritarashtra responded, his eyes filled with affection. The children left the room, and Dhritarashtra felt a newfound lightness within him since Karna had become a part of his life.

Soon, all the members of the court gathered in the royal assembly, and Bhishma inquired, "What is the matter, Maharaj?"

"Ah, Tatshree, I have been awaiting your arrival. We have received an invitation from Sivi. Maharaj Govasen has organized a svayamvara for his daughter, Devika. I wish to know which prince from our kingdom shall attend this event in Sivi," Dhritarashtra declared, his face expressionless.

"Father, I am already married, so I will not be going," Duryodhana spoke directly.

"Father, I have no intention of getting married at the moment, so I will not attend either," Dushasana declared.

"In that case, Yudhishthira and his brothers shall go. Is that agreeable to you, Putra Yudhishthira?" Dhritarashtra addressed Yudhishthira directly.

"Yes, Tatshree. The five of us shall depart for the Sivi Kingdom tomorrow," Yudhishthira responded, his hands folded in respect.

"Kunti, prepare to welcome your first daughter-in-law. I have a feeling that Yudhishthira will win Devika's hand," Gandhari joyfully exclaimed.

While Kunti shared in the happiness, Gandhari's mention of the "first daughter-in-law" struck a chord in her heart. Although she was content, her heart sank, knowing that she had not been able to fulfill the role of a mother-in-law to Madirakshi. Nevertheless, she put on a smile. The next day, the Pandavas embarked on their journey to the Sivi Kingdom.

The following day, as the sun rose over the majestic city of Hastinapur, the vigilant gatekeeper rushed to inform King Dhritarashtra of an important development. With a sense of urgency, he approached the king's chambers and respectfully delivered the news.

"Maharaj, a distinguished royal messenger hailing from Nagore has arrived at our gates seeking your gracious permission to enter," the gatekeeper announced, his voice filled with reverence for the king.

Dhritarashtra, intrigued by the arrival of the messenger, nodded his approval and beckoned for the messenger to be granted an audience. Aware of the significance of this moment, the king prepared himself to receive the emissary from Nagore, eager to learn the purpose behind their visit.

The messenger arrived, bowing respectfully. "Maharaj, I bring a message from our Maharaj. He has organized a svayamvara for his daughter, Amrita. The event will feature a sword competition, and he wishes for either Prince Nakula or Prince Dushasana to attend as his daughter desires a swordsman for her life partner," the messenger conveyed with folded hands.

"Very well. We shall send Prince Dushasana to Nagore," Dhritarashtra announced, granting his approval. The messenger took his leave.

"Why did you agree, Father?" Dushasana expressed his frustration.

"Son, I had no other choice. You must go. Do you understand? Consider this an order," Dhritarashtra sternly replied, leaving Dushasana no room for argument. Reluctantly, Dushasana accepted the decision and departed.

Bhanumati entered Dushasana's chambers and pleaded, "Deverji, please marry Amrita. She is my friend, the one wearing a pink lehenga on our wedding day."

Dushasan's eyes widened with surprise. He had been searching for that very woman, and now he had received an invitation to her swayamvar. Controlling his emotions, he assured Bhanumati, "Don't worry, Bhabhi. I will win her svayamvara, especially the sword competition."

Moments later, Karna, Duryodhana, and Ashwathama arrived.

"So, Mitra, Dushasana is smitten by Rajkumari Amrita," Karna teased, his tone filled with amusement.

Dushasana growled in response, his eyes flashing with irritation. "Do not mock my brother," Madirakshi chided playfully.

"Here comes my wife, always spoiling the fun of my teasing," Karna whispered softly, intended for Duryodhana's ears only.

"Bhrata Dushasana, I demand a new sister," Madirakshi declared in a commanding tone.

"I promise you, I will win her hand in the competition," Dushasana affirmed with determination.

News of Dushasana's love reached Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, leaving them saddened by the fact that their son had not confided in them. They silently prayed for his success. The following day, Dushasana embarked on his journey to Nagore.

***

After enduring a grueling four-day journey, the Pandavas finally reached the opulent Sivi Kingdom. As they stood at the majestic gates of the Sivi palace, Maharaj Govasen himself extended a warm and lavish welcome to the distinguished guests. The air was filled with an aura of regality as the king, accompanied by his entourage, enveloped the Pandavas in a grand spectacle of pomp and ceremony. With utmost reverence, Govasen personally guided the Pandavas to their meticulously prepared chambers, ensuring their comfort and hospitality. The opulence and magnificence of the palace left the Pandavas in awe, setting the stage for the remarkable events that were yet to unfold.

The next day, the Pandavas assembled in the royal court of the Sivi Kingdom, eagerly awaiting the commencement of the svayamvara.

Nakul seized the opportunity to playfully tease his elder brother. "It seems Jyesht is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Devika Bhabhishree," Nakul jested, joined by Arjuna, who chimed in with a mischievous smile.

"Yudhishthira Bhraata is smitten by Devika Bhabhishree," Arjuna declared, joining the teasing brigade.

"Enough! Cease your foolishness," Yudhishthira scolded in annoyance as the bride entered the court, holding a varmala in her hands.

"There will be no competition in this svayamvara. My daughter will choose her own husband," Govasen proudly announced to the court.

Devika began moving toward the kings, rejecting Shishupal and a son of Jarasandh, until she reached Yudhishthira. Locking eyes with him, she immediately placed the varmala around his neck. Yudhishthira reciprocated her feelings, having fallen in love with her at first sight.

The news of their union reached Hastinapur, spreading joy throughout the kingdom. The marriage took place the next day, and the Pandavas departed for Hastinapur, accompanied by their four brothers.

Upon their arrival, they were greeted with a shower of flowers. Kunti and Gandhari were overjoyed to welcome another daughter into their family.

Devika also acquainted herself with Bhanumati and Madirakshi, forming a strong bond with them. Upon meeting Madirakshi, Devika felt an inexplicable connection, sensing her as a sisterly figure. The trio then accompanied her to Yudhishthira's chambers before bidding her farewell.

After a week of continuous travel, Dushasana arrived in Nagore, where he was greeted with exuberant displays of flowers and gifts.

Amrita, from her balcony, observed all the princes attentively. However, when she spotted Dushasana and learned of his identity as a prince of Hastinapur, her joy knew no bounds. She fervently prayed to the gods for her love to triumph in the swayamvar.

Dushasana was escorted to his quarters, where anticipation and nervousness mingled within him. He was determined to win his love at any cost, his mind filled with thoughts of Amrita. Seeking solace, he ventured to the arena for some practice, employing moves learned from his training sessions with Karna. Later, he retired to his room, where dinner awaited him.

Amrita found herself lost in thoughts of Dushasana, overwhelmed with happiness. She fervently prayed to the gods for his success.

The next day arrived, and Dushasana adorned himself in his finest attire and made his way to the arena. There, he encountered the third and fourth sons of Jarasandh, the crown prince of Kalinga, the crown princes of Ranthambore, Marwar, Amravati, and Vidarbha, as they greeted one another. Dushasan took his assigned position, his appearance resplendent in warrior garb.

The king, accompanied by his court, soon arrived. He announced the rules of the competition.

"The svayamvara will consist of three stages. Allow our Commander-in-Chief to elucidate the details of the first stage," the king declared, his voice resounding through the arena.

The Nagore commander-in-Chief began explaining the first task to the participants. They were to defeat the highly skilled swordsmen of Nagore without causing them harm.

The soldiers were divided into twenty groups, each assigned to one of the participating princes. The onslaught of the trained soldiers proved formidable.

Numerous princes faltered, unable to defend themselves in the face of such skilled adversaries. However, Dushasana, with his expertise in swordsmanship, swiftly defeated all opponents within a mere 10 minutes.

Rukmi, too, emerged victorious after a fierce struggle. The crown princes of Ranthambore and Marwar secured their victories but were visibly exhausted.

The Senapati called upon the warriors, explaining the second task. It would entail duels between the four skilled combatants. Dushasana would face the crown prince of Mewar, while Rukmi would engage in a simultaneous duel with the crown prince of Marwar.

For Dushasana, it felt like a stroll through the moonlit night, his movements flowing effortlessly as he unleashed an onslaught of attacks, overpowering his opponent within five minutes. Rukmi, though victorious, required more time to defeat his adversary.

Finally, the third and final task was unveiled—a duel between Dushasana and Rukmi. The warriors commenced their battle, showcasing a mesmerizing dance of swordplay. Dushasana's strength, agility, and well-built physique, honed through his training with Karna, contrasted with Rukmi's gracefulness and slender frame. The duel unfolded like a symphony, their swords clashing in perfect harmony. Dushasana maintained a relentless offensive, utilizing special techniques learned from his sister Madirakshi. After a hard-fought battle lasting half an hour, Dushasana emerged victorious, overpowering Rukmi.

With the conclusion of the duel, Amrita stepped forward, holding a varmala. She lovingly placed it around Dushasana's neck, a radiant smile gracing her face. Overwhelmed with joy, Dushasana had found his true love. Amrita, too, felt euphoria, having obtained her heart's desire.

It was decided that the marriage would take place in three days. Word of this joyous event reached Hastinapur, filling the entire family with elation. Karna, Duryodhana, Madirakshi, Bhanumati, and Ashwathama rejoiced for Dushasana's triumph.

As night fell... the serene gardens of Nagore, Dushasana took a leisurely stroll, seeking solace and a respite for his mind. Unexpectedly, Amrita appeared before him, and their eyes locked in an intense gaze that lasted for over five minutes.

"I love you, Priye. I fell for you during my brother's wedding," Dushasana confessed boldly, breaking the silence.

"I, too, fell for you, Gandhari nandan, when you saved me from dacoits that fateful day," Amrita revealed, her face radiating a warm smile.

Moved by their love, they embraced, finding solace and comfort in each other's arms before retiring to their room.

The following day...the auspicious day of Dushasana and Amrita's marriage dawned, marked by enchanting ceremonies and rituals. Their union was sealed, and together, they embarked on their journey to Hastinapur.

During the journey, they cherished each other's company. Dushasana, displaying his hunting skills, caught game and prepared delicious meals for Amrita. They marveled at the breathtaking waterfalls and picturesque landscapes they encountered along the way. The couple also visited the Lord Shiva Temple located on the outskirts of Hastinapur.

Finally, after a long and eventful six days, they arrived in Hastinapur, where Gandhari warmly welcomed them. Amrita stood in awe of the beauty and grandeur of the city. With utmost respect, she and Dushasana touched the feet of the elders, receiving their heartfelt blessings.

"My grandchildren have grown so quickly. I feel my age catching up with me," Bhishma chuckled, causing all the grandchildren to blush. Karna and Madirakshi laughed along with the elders, sharing in the joyous moment.

The couple then reunited with Duryodhana, Karna, Bhanumati, Madirakshi, and Ashwathama. Amrita immediately formed a deep bond with Bhanumati and Madirakshi. She also met the children, fostering a sense of happiness within her. Dushasana became the target of teasing from his friends and brother.

Amrita relished her new life as a married woman, while Dushasana embraced his responsibilities with newfound maturity. She quickly developed a strong rapport with Devika, forming a united front with the other wives despite their husbands' differences.

Gradually, the once strained relationship between the Pandavas and the Kauravas began to heal, thanks in part to the efforts of Karna and Madirakshi, guided by Bhishma's wisdom.

***

A month had passed, Amrita and Devika had seamlessly integrated into the esteemed Hastinapur family. The entire kingdom rejoiced in their presence, sharing in their happiness.

Walking along the temple route that led to the palace, Gandhari couldn't help but remark, her face adorned with a gentle smile, "Kunti, our lives have undergone a remarkable transformation."

"Yes," Kunti replied, her voice filled with agreement as they made their way back from the Shiva temple.

"You are right, Kunti. Not only have our lives changed, but our children's lives have also undergone a tremendous shift. Gone are the days when they would bicker incessantly. Now, they work together harmoniously, a feat we thought was impossible when they returned from their gurukul," Gandhari expressed, a smile lingering on her lips.

"Yes, dear sister, I am pleased to witness the normalization of their relationships. I pray for the success of all my sons, whether they be Pandavas or Kauravas," Kunti responded, her smile reflecting her contentment.

"Indeed, Kunti. This transformation is owed to Karna and Madirakshi. Since their arrival at the Hastinapur palace, everything seems to be falling into place. My sons feel protected and guided by Karna. He has instilled in them the virtues of righteousness, assuming the role of an elder brother to my 101 children. And, Kunti, he has even bridged the gap between Yuyutsu and Duryodhana," Gandhari revealed, her eyes glimmering with gratitude.

Kunti's eyes welled up with emotion as she whispered, "Yes, sister, they have brought immeasurable happiness to our family. Even Tatshree is grateful for their contributions in revitalizing Hastinapur."

"I offer my prayers to Mahadev for the well-being of our children," Gandhari solemnly shared.

"Yes, sister," Kunti echoed, and the two continued their conversation until they reached the palace.

***

Later that night, within Karna's home, Madirakshi approached him with an air of concern. "Suryanandan, are you preparing for your duty?" she inquired.

"Yes, beloved. I have received news of human trafficking of orphaned children in Chedi. It is imperative that I rescue them from this vile operation," Karna stated as he donned his black attire.

"You are truly unparalleled, Suryanandan. Your expertise and knowledge have proven invaluable to the people of Aryavart, saving countless lives," Madirakshi expressed, her voice brimming with pride.

"Thank you, my love," Karna replied sincerely.

"Father, where are you heading?" Vrishasena and Aditi, their twin children, questioned simultaneously as they approached their parents.

"He is going for a stroll in the city," Madirakshi quickly responded, fabricating a story to conceal her husband's true purpose.

"We want to accompany Father," the twins exclaimed in unison.

"No, my darlings, it's already late. You must retire to bed. Your father is taking a walk to alleviate his stomach discomfort," Madirakshi explained, inwardly chuckling at her little ruse. Karna shot her a disapproving look.

The twins burst into laughter and teased, "Father, we are aware that Mother's culinary creations are the finest in the world, but you mustn't overindulge. It's not becoming of a warrior."

"Goodnight, Father and Mother," the twins bid their parents farewell before making their way to their room. Exhausted from playing with their companions Lakshmana and Lakshman throughout the day, they promptly succumbed to sleep on the beds lovingly crafted by Karna.

"Why did you say that?" Karna inquired, his voice laced with frustration.

"And what should I have said instead?" Madirakshi retorted.

"Alright, I concede defeat. No one can outwit you," Karna surrendered, his preparations for the mission complete. He set out on his magical horse to rescue the children, leaving his home behind.

Karna's presence brought about a pervasive sense of joy. His influence transformed the mindset of countless individuals, spreading laughter and fostering positivity throughout Āryāvrata. Through his altruistic endeavors, he brought happiness to the lives of all those he encountered.