Karna, now the emperor of Prithvi, controlled the entire Middle Āryāvrata and the eastern region as well. He annexed Vanga to unite the people of the east under the banner of nation, freedom, and peace. The liberal policies of Karna endeared him to the people, who saw him as a catalyst for modernization.

Sahadeva, the son of Jarasandha, became a loyal servant of Karna and found happiness by marrying the woman he loved, a commoner. He admired Karna for saving him from his cruel father's clutches, seeing him as a god-like figure. Sahadeva started his new role as the governor of Magadha and enjoyed it, with Karna even providing him a new house as a testament to his loyalty.

Karna had seized Jarasandha's wealth and distributed it among the commoners, effectively eradicating poverty in the eastern Āryāvrata. Beggars were no longer a sight to be seen in the region.

One day, Karna received an invitation from Bhishma to visit Hastinapur. Bhishma planned to announce the crown prince of Hastinapur and also invited the Dwarka family for a Holi celebration. Dhritarashtra and Vidur were diligently managing Hastinapur's affairs, focusing on its structure, laws, and justice system. The revolutionary changes brought by them were well-received by the people.

Karna's popularity soared in Hastinapur as people appreciated the positive changes he had brought to Āryāvrata. They admired his liberal thinking, and women especially blessed him for his support during their darkest days.

The Pandavas realized their mistake in underestimating Karna and were impressed by his progressive schemes that transformed the system they had disliked. They recognized Karna's significance in shaping the future of Hastinapur.

Karna, Madirakshi, and their children decided to visit Hastinapur, while Adhirath and Radha planned to stay at the royal palace of Anga. Karna, recognizing Sahadeva's loyalty, assigned his best men to protect the royal palace.

The children were ecstatic about the journey, jumping around with excitement. Now four years old, they were full of mischief, a characteristic Karna adored and enjoyed.

As they reached Hastinapur, people showed their respect to Karna by showering him with flowers and shouting, "Angraj ki Jay, Angrani ki Jay!" They proceeded to the Hastinapur palace, where their friends warmly welcomed them. Karna embraced his friends and commented, "It seems like you all are quite busy."

"Yes, indeed. We have been quite occupied lately," Dushasana replied teasingly.

"You defeated Jarasandha and annexed his entire kingdom. Jarasandha's sons are now your loyal servants. You are the most powerful king in the entire Āryāvrata, controlling the east," Duryodhana added.

"Well, my friends, I didn't come here to talk about that," Karna responded with an air of arrogance.

"Let's have a chat," Madirakshi interjected with a smile.

"Apologies, but we have some tasks assigned by Pitamaha. We will have the conversation once our work is complete," Ashwathama explained, taking Duryodhana and Dushasana with him.

Karna and Madirakshi chuckled at their friends' antics and decided to take a stroll in the royal gardens. As they wandered through the gardens, the beauty of the flowers reminded them of their first meeting after marriage in Ayodhya. They spontaneously began singing the same song they had sung back then.

Lost in their melodies, they didn't notice the spectators observing them. Vrishasena and Aditi had brought some royal family members to witness their parents' performance. When Karna and Madirakshi realized they were being watched, they turned to find Duryodhana, Bhanumati, Dushasana, Amrita, Ashwathama, Meenakshi, the Pandavas, Devika, Kunti, Gandhari, Dhritarashtra, and the four kids laughing secretly. The children burst into uncontrollable laughter upon seeing their parents' expressions.

"Vrishasena and Aditi, I know you two are behind this. You're as mischievous as your father," Madirakshi scolded, though her anger was tinged with amusement.

"Don't scold my kids. Your song was beautiful. We would have missed the beauty of nature and your lovely voices," Gandhari teased.

"Thank you, my children. You've relieved us from our tension," Kunti and Devika said in unison to Vrishasena and Aditi.

"Credit goes to Jyesht, he came up with the idea," Aditi revealed, while Vrishasena looked horrified.

"Angaraj, please share some romance wisdom with Arya," Devika teased Yudhishthira, making him blush.

"Yes, brother, teach my friend as well. He's quite boring. Jiji, you're lucky to have a husband like Bharata

"Indeed, dear brother, enlighten your friend as well, for he possesses the gift of dullness. Sister, you are truly fortunate to have a husband like the vibrant Bharata Karna, who serenades and dances for your entertainment," Amrita remarked with a serious tone, causing Dushasana's cheeks to turn crimson.

Karna and Madirakshi blushed and decided to reprimand their children, who were laughing uncontrollably.

Bhishma, too, observed Karna's performance and thoroughly enjoyed it. Filled with delight, he walked towards his room, carrying a master plan to divide the powers of the crown prince between the Pandavas and Kauravas, ensuring harmony between them.

Karna then conversed with his friends, who playfully teased him about his song. Karna was determined to deliver a lecture to his mischievous son, who had become increasingly naughty lately.

Gandhari and Kunti playfully teased Madirakshi, causing her face to flush, while the others chuckled at her expense. She was determined to give a stern lecture to her twins that day.

After a while, everyone gathered in the dining area, where Karna began implementing his grand plan to unite the Kuru brothers.

During dinner, while conversing with Gandhari, Karna noticed the Kauravas and Bheem entering the dining space. Seizing the opportunity, he spoke up, "Do you know, Mother, who is prince Bhima's favorite brother?" Karna's voice was sugary-coated, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

"I'm not aware, my child," replied Gandhari, perplexed by the question.

"Mother, it's Mitra Duryodhana. Prince Bhima confessed his fondness for teasing Mitra and relishing in his taunts," Karna revealed, sweeping his gaze across the dining area to gauge the reactions.

Duryodhana's eyes widened at the comment, while the elder members of the family fixated their gaze on Bhima.

"Let me ask Prince Yudhishthira, for he never tells lies. Am I right, prince Yudhishthira?" Karna's mischievous grin remained plastered on his face.

"Yes, Mother. Angaraj is speaking the truth," Yudhishthira admitted, keeping his gaze lowered.

"Then, prince Yudhishthira, reveal the whole truth about that day when you received punishment for being confined to one room and played the game of sharing personal secrets or speaking the truth," Karna teased.

"Mitra, how did you find out about that night?" Duryodhana quickly inquired.

"I learned it from all of you. You blurted out the truth when we nine were on holiday in Anga, and you eight were a bit tipsy. Remember?" Karna responded in his honeyed voice.

Bhishma realized that Karna was taking the first step towards fostering friendship between the Pandavas and Kauravas, prompting him to decide to support Karna's endeavor.

"Putra Yudhishthira and Putra Duryodhana, I demand the complete truth from both of you. Begin your story," Bhishma commanded with authority.

With no other choice, Yudhishthira and Duryodhana recounted the events of that day. In the end, all the elders, Guru Dron, Kul Guru Kripacharya, Bhanumati, Meenakshi, Amrita, Karna, and Madirakshi burst into laughter, leaving the Kauravas and Pandavas feeling embarrassed.

Then, Karna played his final move, stating, "You are all brothers, and you should always stand united. You are not enemies but family. Do you not notice the remarkable transformation in Hastinapur? It is all because of your collective efforts. Your conflicts have been detrimental to your family. If you do not reconcile and become friends, war may ensue, ultimately leading to the destruction of our kin. I hope my words resonate with you. I have always wished for the best for Hastinapur, which is why I conceived the idea of reuniting all the princes by handing that bottle to you, Duryodhana. Now, I shall take my leave." With that, he left the dining hall accompanied by Madirakshi and their twins.

"Reflect upon Karna's words, my sons," Gandhari and Kunti expressed their joy.

"Yes, my sons, your success is my success. I have never differentiated between any of you," Bhishma added.

"You are right, brothers. We fought amongst ourselves due to our egos. Therefore, I propose a friendship between the Kauravas and Pandavas," Duryodhana declared.

"I accept your proposal, Duryodhana, and we apologize to all of you for harboring animosity within our hearts," Yudhishthira humbly admitted.

Duryodhana and Yudhishthira embraced each other, and then they shook hands and hugged the rest of their siblings before retiring to their chambers with their wives.

"Today, Karna achieved what seemed impossible in the past twenty-seven years, all within a few months," Bhishma exclaimed, tears glistening in his eyes.

"You are right, my lord," Vidur agreed.

"We should express our gratitude to Lord Shiva for sending Karna into our lives," Gandhari smiled.

"Yes, my lord," Dhritarashtra concurred, filled with joy as enmity between his son and brother's son had come to an end. Kunti's eyes welled up as she thought of Karna. They all proceeded to their rooms.

"Today, Mitra Karna made us realize that we were brothers all along, but we failed to acknowledge it," Duryodhana shared with his brothers while leaving the hall.

"Yes, Duryodhana, Angaraj is a remarkable individual," Bhima acknowledged.

"Angaraj Karna put an end to our enmity by revealing our secrets to each other. He possesses the knowledge of uniting people," Arjuna expressed, tears glistening in his eyes.

"Let's retire to our chambers; our hearts are heavy today," Dushasana suggested, and they all left for their rooms.

"You two, you have become quite mischievous lately," Madirakshi scolded the twins.

"No, Mother, it's Vrishasena who has become naughtier than ever. Today, he shall receive a stern scolding from me," Karna said with anger in his voice.

"But how, Father?" Vrishasena questioned, his mischievous plans already underway.

"How? Well, you'll find out when I catch you," Karna replied firmly.

Vrishasena dashed out of the room, with Karna chasing after him. The chase continued, and after some time, Karna successfully caught Vrishasena. However, when he looked into his innocent face, his anger melted away. He cradled his child in his arms and proceeded to their room.

The following day dawned with an electrifying atmosphere, buzzing with anticipation. The royal ladies were immersed in the preparations for the upcoming Holi festival, their excitement palpable. With just one day remaining, guests had already started arriving at the magnificent Hastinapur palace. The Dwarka family, eager to celebrate Holi with their loved ones, were the first to arrive, followed by relatives from different kingdoms. After enjoying a sumptuous royal dinner, they retired to their rooms, ready for a good night's sleep. However, Karna, struck by a brilliant idea, approached Bhishma and Vidur. He shared his plan for the Holi celebration in Barsana with Pandavas, Kauravas, their wives, Ashwathama, Meenakshi, Krishna, Balarama, Madirakshi, and himself. Bhishma understood Karna's intentions and granted him permission. Karna decided they would depart for Barsana after the Holika Dahan ritual. Excitedly, he informed everyone about the plan, and they eagerly awaited the festivities. Finally, Karna retired to his bed, seeking a restful sleep.

The following evening, everyone gathered for the Holika Dahan ritual. Days prior to the festival, Gandhari and Kunti, assisted by servants, had gathered wood and combustible materials to build bonfires in parks, community centers, and near temples. Atop the pyre, an effigy symbolizing Holika, who tricked Prahalad into the fire, was placed. They also stocked up on color pigments, food, party drinks, and delightful seasonal treats like gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and regional delicacies.

As the sun began to set, the pyre was lit, signifying the triumph of good over evil. People gathered around, singing and dancing in the mesmerizing glow of the fire. They performed parikrama, circumambulating the flames. Gandhari then took the opportunity to explain the significance of the Holika Dahan ritual.

After a delightful dinner, the group of youngsters embarked on their journey to Barsana. Their excitement was contagious, but Shri Krishna was particularly thrilled to reunite with his beloved Radha.

The realms of the world were abuzz with anticipation, for this Holi would witness a celebration between two eternal lovers—a bittersweet farewell to their everlasting bond.

In just three hours, thanks to Karna's swift chariots, they reached the outskirts of Barsana. The people of Barsana were overjoyed upon hearing that Krishna and Balarama were coming to their home with their families and friends. They adorned the streets with vibrant colored flowers, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Radha's heart swelled with emotion upon hearing the news of Krishna's impending arrival. She had waited for him for ages, her eyes longing to catch a glimpse of her first love. Being the first to reach the welcome gate of Barsana, Radha carried a plate filled with an assortment of flowers, colors, and a Diya. She stood there, waiting for over three hours, but when there was no news of her beloved, she started singing a song that reverberated throughout the world—a lover calling out to her beloved. Sensing her longing, Shri Krishna picked up his flute and began playing, his melodious tunes reaching Radha's ears, prompting her to sing and dance.

The gates of heaven and hell swung open, captivated by Radha's song. The entire world listened in awe as Radha's mellifluous voice resounded through the three realms.

The song resonated through the hearts of all who heard it, bringing tears to their eyes. When Radha finished singing, she sat on the ground, determined not to open her eyes until she laid eyes on Krishna. But suddenly, she heard the voice of her eternal lover.

"Radhe! Open your eyes. I have come for you." It was Krishna. Devi Radha immediately opened her eyes and beheld a figure with dark complexion, adorned with peacock feathers on his crown, standing a few meters away. She rushed toward him, wasting no time in embracing her first love, tears streaming down her face. Rukmini, witnessing the reunion of the eternal lovers, shed tears of her own.

Every living being on Earth witnessed the epic reunion of Lord Vishnu and his Shri. The three worlds stood witness to this momentous union of two eternal lovers.

After some time, Radha performed aarti for all the guests and extended a warm welcome. Madirakshi and Karna, recognizing Radha as a form of Devi Lakshmi, offered silent prayers to Lord Rama and Sita. Radha observed them and blessed them with her love. Subsequently, the guests were shown to their resting chambers, preparing to rest for the night, eager for the grand day that awaited them in Barsana.

In Karna's room, Madirakshi woke up a little later than usual, finding herself alone in bed. She sighed, thinking of the mischief her husband and children were up to. Making her way to the bathroom, she got ready for the day.

An hour later, Madirakshi emerged, dressed in a beautiful white lehenga adorned with delicate jewelry. As she stepped out of the room, someone enveloped her in a warm embrace. She immediately recognized the touch of her beloved.

"Suryanandan, you'll give me a heart attack one day," Madirakshi exclaimed, holding Karna's hands.

"No, no, why, Priye? How could I ever give you a heart attack? You are my heart, Priye," Karna replied, gently kissing her forehead.

"Happy Holi, Suryanandan," Madirakshi greeted, taking some sindoor from her maang and applying it to Karna's face.

"Happy Holi, Priye. Once again, you've won the game. How can I ever win against you, Priye?" Karna confessed.

"Where are the twins? I'm sure they've been keeping a watchful eye on us. They'll call the others," Madirakshi remarked, realizing the mischievous plans of her children. Karna, suddenly alert to his twins' antics, let go of her hand, fully aware of their upcoming pranks.

A few moments later, the twins appeared, joyfully embracing their parents and wishing them a happy Holi. "Happy Holi, Pitashree and Matashree," they exclaimed.

"Happy Holi, Putra and Putri," Karna replied, lifting his twins in his arms. He was dressed in a pristine white dhoti, with a white angavastram draped over his chest. Together, they made their way to the main ground, where the Holi celebrations would take place.

Bhanumati and Duryodhana were brimming with excitement, while Lakshman and Lakshmana couldn't contain their joy. They were eager to partake in the Holi festivities, unable to wait any longer. Duryodhana and his small family had already enjoyed a private Holi celebration with red colors in their room.

Dushasana and Amrita, on cloud nine, were conspiring to play pranks on each other. They had a bet that the one who ended up soaked in the watercolor tub would have to follow the commands of the other.

Ashwathama and Meenakshi, filled with delight, reminisced about their childhood Holi celebrations. They were brimming with happiness.

Yudhishthira and Devika, about to experience Holi for the first time, were initially hesitant due to their lack of familiarity with the festival. However, their excitement grew as they anticipated their first Holi celebration together. The Pandavas, too, were looking forward to the festivities, having planned some pranks for the occasion.

But nobody was more joyous than Radha, who had yearned for her eternal love for ages. She vividly remembered their last Holi when she was an eleven-year-old girl, full of life. She had longed for this day and had prepared something special for her lover.

Shri Krishna's excitement was infectious. Tears welled up in his eyes as he reminisced about his last Holi with his eternal love, Radha. He remembered the day he had refused to celebrate Holi, as it marked his departure from Barsana and Gokul. He yearned for those bygone days and his beloved Radha.

They all assembled at the central ground, accompanied by the people of Barsana, Gokul, and Vrindavan. The Braj people held Karna in high regard, as he had slain Jarasandha and liberated them from his tyranny.

Butter was churned for Krishna and Balarama, and delightful sweets like gujiya, matri, and malpuas were prepared. Mathura's famous pade was also made, and mouth-watering snacks like samosa, kachori, mirchi vada with tamarind and coriander chutney were served.

As the celebrations commenced, a playful mud fight broke out, with girls splashing mud on Krishna and the boys. Radha burst into laughter, and the children gleefully joined in, playing with the holy waters of the Yamuna. They applied colors to their elders, but mischievous Vrishasena had a mischievous plan up his sleeve. Silently, he collected various organic colors, black stones, and mud, accidentally including some red chili powder, mistaking it for red color. Mixing them together, he created a vivid purple color mixture, intending to use it on his father once the Holi celebrations were over.

Meanwhile, it was decided that a game would be played, with one team applying colors to the other and vice versa. There was a time limit, and the winner would be the team with the maximum number of members still in their pristine white attire. If any team member was not in white, the time would be counted to determine the winner. Karna and Balarama announced the teams.

Team A consisted of Radha, Karna, Balarama, Ashwathama, Amrita, Bhanumati, Devika, Yudhishthira, Rukmini, Arjuna, and Sahadeva.

Team B consisted of Krishna, Revati, Satyabhama, Duryodhana, Dushasana, Madirakshi, Meenakshi, Bhima, Nakula, Sudama, and Dushala.

It was decided that Team B would hide, and Team A would apply colors to them. Radha devised a plan, suggesting that they target their love interests. Karna and Ashwathama were assigned to find Madirakshi and Meenakshi. Bhanumati and Amrita were to search for Duryodhana and Dushasana. Yudhishthira, Devika, and Sahadeva would find Bhima, Dushala, and Nakula. Balarama would search for Revati. Arjuna would assist Radha and Rukmini in finding Krishna and Satyabhama.

Madirakshi cleverly hid in the cowsheds, making it difficult for Karna to locate her. Seeking assistance, Karna turned to his trusted daughter, Aditi, and asked her about her mother's whereabouts. Unaware of the game, Aditi promptly revealed Madirakshi's location. Karna smirked, took a bucket filled with water containing colors, and mixed red, blue, and purple colors together. He swiftly made his way to the cowsheds, finding Madirakshi and surprising her with a splash of water. With a joyful "Happy Holi, Priye!" Karna playfully drenched her before rushing off to find Ashwathama. Madirakshi was taken aback but smiled at her husband's antics, plotting to even the score later. Just as she was contemplating her revenge, she overheard her mischievous son.

"Matashree, I can help you. Take this color. I made it myself, and it's permanent," Vrishasena offered, handing her a bucket of his homemade permanent color. Madirakshi smirked at her son, praising his mischievousness, and left to execute her revenge.

Ashwathama found Meenakshi amidst the crowd, hiding but caught by her golden earrings, a gift from Ashwathama. He recognized her and gently applied colors to his wife's face, and in return, Meenakshi colored her beloved. They then joined the others on the main ground, ready to revel in the Holi celebrations.

Amrita and Bhanumati discovered their husbands hiding under the food table. Having noticed Duryodhana's hand reaching for food, Bhanumati quickly alerted her sister. Together, they cleared the table, procured two buckets of colored water, and positioned themselves on either side of the table. With a count of three, they poured the buckets over their husbands' heads, exclaiming, "Bura na mano Holi hai!" The sisters laughed at their husbands' startled reactions and promptly made their way to the main ground.

Yudhishthira, Sahadeva, and Devika located Bhima, Dushala, and Nakula in the cowshed. Throwing colors at them, they swiftly joined the others on the main ground.

Revati easily found Balarama, who was too engrossed in devouring butter. Seizing the opportunity, she mixed mud with water and playfully applied the mixture to her husband. Balarama chuckled at his wife's antics.

Satyabhama discovered Rukmini on the banks of the Yamuna, playfully smearing colors on her face. They joined the others and made their way to the main ground.

Team A successfully colored all the members of Team B within half an hour. To win the game, Team B had to color all the members of Team A in less than half an hour.

Karna, aware that his friends and wife were plotting revenge, utilized his powers to climb a tree, invisible to them. He intended to win the game at any cost. Observing the scene from above, he patiently waited until the half-hour mark elapsed before reappearing. He quickly made his way to the cowshed and took cover beside a cow. Unaware of Karna's presence, Madirakshi searched for him and, with the help of Duryodhana and Dushasana, distracted the cow. As Karna stood concealed, Madirakshi poured the bucket of permanent purple color, created by Vrishasena, on her husband. Karna closed his eyes, and after a while, his skin began to burn due to the red chili powder in the mixture. Realizing Karna's discomfort, Madirakshi hurriedly took him to fresh water to wash it off, apologizing for her mistake. Karna was certain he would give his son a stern scolding later. After washing his face and hands, the burning subsided, but he was left completely covered in permanent purple color. Together, they headed to the main ground.

Ultimately, Team A was declared the winner. However, Radha canceled the punishment of serving and teasing Team A by Team B, opting instead to engage in a lively game of Lat Holi with all the guests. The females found the idea amusing, and the relieved males were provided with shields for protection.

Radha and the ladies of Barsana, Gokul, and Vrindavan engaged in a spirited Lat Holi, playfully targeting the males present. Laughter echoed throughout the air as the game progressed. Afterward, everyone took a bath and prepared for the evening. Karna had to wash himself multiple times to remove the stubborn purple color, which amused everyone, especially Madirakshi. She approached her son, warning, "Putra, be prepared for a lengthy lecture from uryanandan." Vrishasena nervously gulped, while Aditi laughed at her elder brother's predicament.

Then in the evening, all the guests departed for Hastinapur with Radha, and the city welcomed her with open arms. They arrived just before dinner time and quickly had their meal before heading to their respective rooms.

"Vrishasena, stop right there. It's my command," Karna sternly ordered. Vrishasena gulped but immediately hatched an idea. He started running again, much to Karna's growing frustration.

"Vrishasena, today I will not let you escape," Karna exclaimed, joining the chase. "Catch me if you can, Pitashree!" Vrishasena taunted, his voice echoing through the corridors.

But suddenly, as Karna turned around, he collided with someone. His eyes widened in surprise as he realized who stood before him.