In the kingdom of Hastinapur, Raj Shakuni of Gandhar was filled with triumphant joy as his cunning plan had succeeded. He knew that if the Pandavas had managed to escape the treacherous Lakshagriha, they would never return to Hastinapur. And if they had perished in the fiery blaze, their threat to his beloved nephew, Duryodhana, would be extinguished forever. Shakuni chuckled to himself, relishing in his accomplishment, and whispered, "Now, it's time for the next phase of my scheme."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Shakuni contemplated the challenge posed by Suryaputra Karna. "I possess dark powers to manipulate the minds of Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama," he thought, a wicked grin forming on his face. "But Karna... he poses a greater obstacle." Shakuni's laughter echoed through the corridors of his mind.

Meanwhile, Duryodhana, Dushasan, and Ashwathama were weighed down by sorrow. They had formed strong bonds with the Pandavas and had no desire to harm them. Everything had been going well until now, and their hearts were heavy with regret.

Gandhari and Dhritarashtra wept tears of sorrow for the loss of their brother's family. The pain was unbearable, and they found solace in each other's embrace.

Bhishma, unaware of the treacherous plot of the Lakshagriha, was consumed by grief. He longed to speak with Karna, sensing that he held valuable information. Vidur, on the other hand, knew of the Pandavas' escape and had received detailed plans from Karna. But now, he yearned for a conversation with his revered Bhishma.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Bhishma found himself beside the sacred Ganges, tears flowing freely. As he mourned, a voice called out to him, "Bhishma, my son, what are you doing?"

Startled, Bhishma turned to find his mother, Mata Ganga, standing before him. "Mother, I am performing the last rites for Pandu's family," he replied, his voice trembling.

Ganga's eyes filled with compassion as she spoke, "But why, my son? They are still alive."

"Living?" Bhishma gasped in disbelief.

"Yes, my son. Seek the truth from Karna and Vidur. They will reveal all," Ganga said, her form fading into the ether.

Vidur approached Bhishma, offering his support. "Do not despair, my lord. Angaraj and Emperor Prithvi have safeguarded Pandu's family."

Karna joined them, stating, "Indeed, nothing has befallen Pandu's family. They remain hidden, following the instructions of Maharishi Vashistha. They will return to Hastinapur after two years."

Confusion clouded Bhishma's face as he demanded an explanation. "Karna, tell me everything. I already knew the Pandavas were alive, thanks to my mother. Enlighten us with the full truth."

"Are you prepared to listen?" Karna inquired.

"Yes, Angaraj. Please, enlighten us. I suspect Shakuni and Duryodhana are involved in this plot to kill the Pandavas," Vidur added.

Karna corrected him, saying, "No, Mahamantri, you are mistaken. Only Shakuni is involved in this treacherous plan." He proceeded to narrate the entire convoluted story of his own intricate plan.

"Thank you, Prithvi, for safeguarding my family," Bhishma said, gratitude filling his voice. Karna stared at him wide-eyed, and Bhishma realized his mistake. "Prithvi, my apologies for my presumption," he corrected himself.

"Prithvi, what are you saying?" Vidur asked in shock. Karna revealed his true identity to Vidur, leaving him astounded.

"You are the Emperor of Ayodhya, the protector of justice in Āryāvrata," Vidur uttered, utterly amazed.

"Yes, Mahamantri. And my wife is the Regal Empress of Āryāvrata. Our children are heirs to the Āryāvrata throne. It was my guru dakshina to serve the people of Āryāvrata and protect Hastinapur from the impending war. I implore you, swear on your life never to reveal this information," Karna commanded. Vidur obliged, swearing his secrecy as Karna had requested.

But Karna's next revelation shocked Bhishma and Vidur to their core. "Divide this kingdom into two halves upon the Pandavas' return. Maharaj Dhritarashtra will grant all the powers of Yuvraj to Duryodhana. When the Pandavas arrive, a situation of civil war will arise. Yudhishthira's popularity and Duryodhana's support in Hastinapur will clash. We must brace ourselves for the worst as Gandhar Raj now possesses the power of the demon Kali. He can unleash chaos at any time," Karna explained before departing for his abode.

As anticipated by Karna, two months later, Dhritarashtra handed over his powers to Duryodhana, as instructed by Shakuni. However, Shakuni grew increasingly frustrated as Duryodhana wielded his political authority with prudence, preventing Shakuni from ensnaring his three pawns with dark magic. Shakuni sensed a strong mystical presence within the palace, likely orchestrated by Karna. He burned with a desire to eliminate Karna, but his attempts were futile. Frustration grew as he questioned Bhishma and Vidur's silence, suspecting a conspiracy.

Karna, in the meantime, readied himself for the impending storm. His visions of the future had unveiled much, and now he focused on saving Draupadi from the plight of having five husbands. With Guru Vashistha and the magical powers bestowed by Brahma Dev, Karna performed a sacred puja to Lord Shiva. In the depths of the Himalayas, bathed in the darkness of night, he poured his heart and soul into the worship, seeking Lord Shiva's aid.

After hours of unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva manifested before Karna. "How may I assist you, my son?" the divine deity inquired.

"Lord, I beseech you to merge the souls of Viswabhuk, Bhutadhama, Tejaswin, and Shanti into Arjuna's body. Arjuna already possesses the soul of Sivi, and the other four Pandavas bear the souls of their respective birth fathers. Draupadi is fated to marry the five Indras, as she is the eternal consort of the five deities. This union will fulfill the boon bestowed upon Devi Nalayani. Let her soul unite with the souls of the five Indras residing within Arjuna's body. And my second wish is to release Maharishi Vashistha's curse upon Mahamahim Bhishma and Devi Shikandini, allowing them to find solace in each other's embrace," Karna humbly requested, his hands folded in reverence.

"Tathaastu, my son," Lord Shiva granted, bestowing his divine blessings upon Karna. "Henceforth, Arjuna's body shall bear the souls of the five Indras, while the four Pandavas shall embrace the souls of their respective birth fathers. And as for Bhishma and Shikandini, their curses shall be lifted when Shri Krishna imparts the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to humanity." Karna was overwhelmed with profound gratitude for the divine intervention.

"Lord, if I may ask for one final blessing, I wish to become the most powerful individual on this earth. Enhance my skills in weaponry, amplify my magical prowess, and grant me the blessing of unwavering success in my endeavors," Karna entreated, his voice brimming with determination.

"Tathaastu, my son," Lord Shiva proclaimed, enveloping Karna in a radiant yellow light. The divine entity bestowed upon him the most intricate knowledge of weaponry, elevating his magical powers to unprecedented heights. Karna emerged as the most formidable person in the universe, blessed with perpetual success in his endeavors. And with that, Lord Shiva departed to his celestial abode.

As Karna's power grew, he realized that he had altered the destiny not only of Draupadi but also of Shikhandi and Bhishma. He had granted them a chance for redemption and happiness. Deeply moved, Maharishi Vashistha approached Karna, acknowledging the impact of his selfless actions. Karna reassured him, promising that nothing untoward would befall Devika. He vowed to protect her purity and innocence with his life. With that, they bid each other farewell and went their separate ways.

In the vast forests of Panchal, Arjuna awoke to a newfound strength coursing through his veins. Something extraordinary was happening to his body and mind. Sensing the changes, he rose from his slumber and stepped out of their humble abode. Under the starlit sky, he gazed at the heavens, reflecting on the life-altering events that had unfolded since their time in Varnavat. Grateful for Angaraj Karna's intervention, Arjuna's admiration for him as a person grew stronger. Lost in his thoughts, Arjuna found solace and drifted back to sleep under the open sky.

The following day, the Pandavas embarked on a new journey, unknowingly entering the forest of Raksha Vrat. They treaded cautiously, their senses heightened.

One day, fatigued by their travels, Kunti, Devika, Nakula, and Sahadeva sought respite. Bhima, ever the protector, decided to carry all four of them on his broad shoulders and mighty arms. With Kunti and Devika perched atop his shoulders, and Nakul and Sahadeva in his hands, Bhima carried them effortlessly. To him, Devika was no less than a mother. The sight of Bhima carrying his loved ones moved the very fabric of nature.

"With two mothers and two brothers, Bhima walks his path,
Swift as the wind, unmatched and unrivaled in his might."

As night fell, Bhima volunteered to stand guard, ensuring their safety. As the others slept, he engaged in a rigorous mace practice, honing his skills in the darkness.

On the other side of the forest, Hidimba arrived at her cave, ravenous and famished. Her brother, Hidimb, greeted her, and she promised to fetch him food. Reluctantly, she ventured into the woods to find prey, for her brother craved human flesh.

Hidimba, however, had other plans when she stumbled upon Bhima. Mesmerized by his presence and physique, her heart stirred with love. She prayed to Lord Shiva, beseeching him to grant Bhima as her husband.

"Hidimba, captivated by Bhima's powerful presence,
Love blossomed within her heart as she gazed upon him.
Her heart filled with love and devotion,
She implored Lord Shiva to unite her with Bhima."

With a transformation of appearance, Hidimba revealed her true beauty and cautiously approached Bhima. But her brother, filled with rage, attacked her.

Witnessing the altercation, Bhima swiftly joined the fight, wielding his mighty mace against Hidimb. Yudhishthira, awakened by the commotion, observed the battle unfold. Hidimba utilized her magical powers to assist Bhima, and together, they defeated Hidimb.

Overwhelmed with sorrow, Hidimba wept and lamented, "What have you done? You killed my brother, leaving me alone in this world."

Yudhishthira, burdened by guilt, recognized the genuine love between Hidimba and Bhima. After consulting with Kunti, he proposed that Bhima marry Hidimba. Though initially surprised, Hidimba eventually accepted the proposal. Bhima embraced the union wholeheartedly, as his heart had been captured by Hidimba's love.

And so, Bhima ascended as the new king of the Raksha Vrat tribe, and their union was celebrated in joyous wedding festivities. Devika found solace in gaining a sister, and after two months, Hidimba conceived a child, which brought immense happiness to Bhima.

After nine months, Hidimba gave birth to a healthy son, whom Bhima named Ghatotkacha. Bhima anointed his son as the future king, and Hidimba imparted him with the knowledge and wisdom befitting a ruler.

One month later, bidding farewell to Ghatotkacha, the family continued their journey. They sought refuge in the village of Ekachakra, where a benevolent Brahmin family welcomed them. The men of the family gathered food, while the women assisted the elderly with their daily tasks.

One fateful day, Kunti heard anguished cries emanating from the household. Intrigued, she followed the sound and discovered the Brahmin family in distress. They revealed that the village was plagued by Bakasura, a malevolent demon. Each day, the villagers offered food and a sacrificial victim to appease Bakasura. On this day, it was the Brahmin's turn, leading to his tears.

Moved by compassion and a sense of duty, Kunti suggested that Bhima take the Brahmin's place. She revealed their true identity to the family, who gratefully accepted her proposal, pledging to guard their secret. And so, Bhima embarked on the journey, carrying the cart of food, devouring it along the way.

Enraged at the sight of an empty cart, Bakasura confronted Bhima with violence. Yet, the demon proved no match for Bhima's indomitable strength. That night, Bhima dragged Bakasura's lifeless body to the village gates, stunning and rejoicing the villagers.

Unbeknownst to the Pandavas, they bid farewell to the grateful Brahmin family and resumed their forest-bound travels. Little did they know the profound impact they had left on the village and its people.

Continuing their journey, they crossed paths with Maharishi Ved Vyas, who unraveled the birth tale of the fire-born twins.