Following the enchanting wedding ceremony, it was decided that all the family members would gather for the grand rajyabhisheka of Shon and Dushala, where they would be crowned as the King and Queen of Mewar.

Excitement rippled through the royal family as they anticipated the upcoming trip. However, amidst the jubilation, Karna sensed an unsettling shift in the winds. The direction had changed, and with it came a sense of foreboding. He knew that something significant was on the horizon, like the calm before a storm. His intuition told him that his adversaries would emerge even stronger, posing a formidable challenge. He could feel it in his bones.

Karna was also aware that Gandhar Raj would return to Hastinapur within a year, riding high on his successes in Gandhar. Although prepared, Karna harbored a slight fear of Shakuni. He knew that Gandhar Raj would be more powerful than ever, but the changing political dynamics of Hastinapur could also leave him vulnerable.

Deep in thought, Karna pondered the future during the last two days of their journey. Bhishma, perceptive as always, noticed the furrowed brow and deduced that Shakuni was the primary concern weighing on Karna's mind.

Ready to counter Shakuni's manipulations, Bhishma was confident that the alliance between the Kauravas and Pandavas would leave Shakuni devastated.

Observing the tension on Karna's face, Madirakshi asked, "Suryanandan, what is troubling you?"

"My beloved, it's Gandhar Raj Shakuni. I sense that he plans to unleash something significant upon his return to Hastinapur. But for now, let us enjoy our journey," Karna replied, hiding his concerns beneath a veneer of optimism.

Lost in their own world, Shon and Dushala exchanged glances brimming with love and passion. Their union was celebrated with fervor, extending into the night of their wedding.

The children reveled in the joyous festivities, and the news of Devika and Amrita's pregnancies with the children of Yudhishthira and Dushasana added to the jubilation.

After a five-day journey, they finally arrived in the resplendent kingdom of Mewar, with its vast palaces awaiting their presence. Despite Karna's noble refusal, Shon and Dushala insisted on bestowing the kingdom upon him. Reluctantly, Karna agreed, symbolically crowning them as the new King and Queen of Mewar.

The following day, Maharishi Vashistha conducted the grand rajyabhisheka of Shon and Dushala, anointing them as the rightful rulers of Mewar. The couple sought blessings from their elders, their hearts filled with gratitude.

Shon wasted no time in assuming his responsibilities, initiating discussions for a trade alliance between Mewar, Hastinapur, Anga, and Dwarka. As they prepared for their return to their respective kingdoms, Karna, Madirakshi, Radha, Adhirath, and the twins chose to remain with Shon and Dushala. They stood as pillars of support for the newly crowned monarchs. Radha and Adhirath decided to permanently reside in Mewar, their wanderlust satiated.

With stability restored in Mewar, Karna and his family departed for Ang, bidding farewell to their parents who chose to remain in the newfound kingdom.

Karna resumed his duty as the protector of justice, but with the implementation of his policies, crime had all but vanished from Āryāvrata. The people of Greater Anga revered Karna and his family, considering them as benevolent deities who had brought joy and prosperity to their realm.

As the year passed, news spread like wildfire, revealing Karna's true identity as a Suryaputra. In Hastinapur, Amrita gave birth to a baby boy named Drumasena, while Devika welcomed her son, Yaudheya, into the world.

Karna, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the future, received word that Gandhar Raj Shakuni would arrive in Hastinapur within a month. Madirakshi, ever perceptive, noticed the burden etched on her husband's face and offered reassurance, "Do not worry, nath. Everything will unfold as it should." Karna nodded, though lost in his own thoughts.

In Mewar, Shon immersed himself in the task of rebuilding the kingdom, resurrecting it from the ashes. The people embraced his progressive mindset, and loyalty towards the royal couple grew unwavering. Dushala, now enlightened about Karna's role as the protector of justice and the King of Ayodhya, pledged her unwavering support to her elder brother. She, too, carried the gift of life within her, her womb nurturing the future of Mewar with the promise of twins.

Adhirath and Radha reveled in the warmth of their expanding family. Karna decided to visit Mewar first before venturing to Hastinapur, answering Duryodhana's call as his maternal uncle.

Reaching Mewar, they rejoiced in witnessing the kingdom's progress and the profound respect shown to Karna. It was unanimously decided that the entire family would journey to Hastinapur. Dushala, eager to reunite with her mother, heeded Gandhari's summons due to her own pregnancy.

All seemed well in Hastinapur. Over the past five years, the city had undergone transformative changes, largely due to Karna's influence. The enmity between the Kauravas and Pandavas had dissolved, replaced by a harmonious friendship.

Yet, Bhishma and Vidur sensed an unsettling calm, the calm before a storm. They strategized, prepared to counter Shakuni's every move, determined to protect the Kuru lineage.

Dhritarashtra harbored a secret desire for his son, Duryodhana, to wield ultimate power, even if it meant overlooking his unjust claim to the throne. He yearned for Karna's involvement in Hastinapur's political affairs, recognizing him as a true friend to his beloved son.

Gandhari, however, apprehensive and cautious, wished to keep her brother away from Hastinapur, not wanting to undermine Karna's efforts. Her concern fell on deaf ears as Dhritarashtra remained resolute. Gandhari rejoiced in her daughter's newfound role as the Queen of Mewar and eagerly anticipated the arrival of the twins.

Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama welcomed Shakuni's return, knowing his unwavering support would bolster their aspirations.

The Pandavas, Kunti, and Devika carried silent worry within them, shielding it from prying eyes.

Bhanumati, Amrita, and Meenakshi, burdened by concerns for their husbands, sought solace in conversations with Madirakshi, their beloved sister-in-law.

The people of Hastinapur, sensing an undercurrent of tension within the palace, intuited that significant events were poised to unfold.

Shakuni seethed with fury as his plans crumbled before him. His desire to see Dushala married to Jayadratha, gaining Sindh's support, had been thwarted. Karna's intervention, which led to Jarasandh's demise, further fueled his enmity towards his ultimate nemesis. Shakuni now realized the depth of Bhishma's scheming.

Fueled by newfound allegiance with the demon Kali, Shakuni relished in his triumph, armed with dark magic.

The family awaited Shakuni's arrival with trepidation. When he finally appeared, a negative aura seemed to envelop him. Shakuni approached Karna, engaging in telepathic communication, taunting, "Well played, Suryaputra. Now, it's my turn to showcase my political prowess."

Karna retorted, also through telepathy, "Let us see, Gandhar Raj."

Their exchange did not go unnoticed. Vrishasena, curious, inquired, "Pitashree, who is this man? Why does he walk with a limp and possess a single black tooth?"

Laughter erupted from the onlookers at the innocent remark. Shakuni, unamused, commented, "Angaraj Karna, please teach your son some manners."

He then approached Bhishma and uttered in hushed tones, "You played well, Mahamahim, but now, I am here."

With mixed emotions, Shakuni greeted Gandhari and other members of the royal family. Proceeding to Shon and Dushala, he offered his blessings devoid of any genuine warmth. Tauntingly, he added, "And now, a Suryaputra has made a sutputra a king." Karna seethed, his anger barely contained. Gandhari disapproved of the taunt, and Dushala's fury simmered, only to be calmed by Shon's steadying presence.

Moving on, Shakuni approached Bhanumati and Amrita. A sense of unease gripped both women. Shakuni, arriving at their side, uttered, "Sada suhagan raho, meri putri. My nephews' wives." The ladies offered their respectful pranam, concealing their discomfort. He then met his nephews, who greeted him with warm embraces, though the air hung heavy with tension.

***

Later that night, within the confines of Karna's chamber, Vrishasena and Aditi declared in unison, "Pitashree, we want to have some fun."

"Today was a particularly tiresome and unpleasant day, all thanks to that Shakuni and his atrocious dental hygiene," Vrishasena grumbled, venting his frustration.

Madirakshi chimed in, "Indeed, suryanandan, do something to lighten the mood."

Karna glanced at the ceiling, lost in thought, seeking a remedy for their solemn spirits. After contemplating for a while, he struck upon a brilliant idea. Communicating telepathically with his Guru, he received an affirmative response, much to his delight.

"Rest well, my children, for tomorrow you shall be treated to a dose of laughter," Karna announced, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

As the children drifted into slumber, Karna chanted a spell. When he completed it, Madirakshi's eyes widened with excitement, unable to contain herself any longer. "Suryanandan!" she interjected, her voice filled with anticipation and joy.