37. Gainsay
"Priya, the time has come to reveal our truth to our four children. They are all mature enough to understand everything," Karna whispered to Madirakshi in private.
"You're right, Suryanandan. Pitashree also informed me about the yuvraj abhishek of Vrishasena. Our Vrisha and Aditi excel in every field of knowledge. They have become skilled archers and swordfighters," Madirakshi said with tears of pride in her eyes as she admired her eldest twins.
"Tomorrow, we will leave for Ayodhya with the twins. Our entire family is important, so inform everyone about our plans. Luckily, Shon, Dushala, and their children are also in Hastinapur. I will tell our friends that we are going to Ang for some rituals," Karna explained before leaving to check on the magical barrier he had cast on the palace. After fixing any issues, he made his way to the room where their musketeers group gathered.
Meanwhile, Madirakshi informed all the ladies about their upcoming journey. Dushala immediately understood what her bhabhishree wanted to convey and began packing for the trip.
Karna also shared their plans with his friends, and they all nodded in agreement. Shon also grasped the situation and understood the gravity of it.
The next morning, Karna, Madirakshi, Shon, Dushala, Adhirath, Radha, and the four children embarked on their journey to the Kingdom of Ayodhya.
Thanks to Karna's magical chariots, they swiftly arrived at the kingdom, filling the people's hearts with joy at the sight of their beloved emperor and empress returning to their rightful place. The presence of their two rajkumars, Vrishasena and Aditi, added to the excitement, especially since it was Dushala's first visit to Ayodhya.
Dushala was captivated by the beauty of Ayodhya, and the couple of Shon and Dushala radiated happiness among the people, who cheered for them wholeheartedly.
Knowing that the twins were lively and might blurt out anything at any time, Karna had cast a spell on them to keep their true identities hidden. He had initially considered revealing his secret to the twins but changed his mind at the last moment.
The four children were currently asleep and would remain so for the next three days.
Vrishasena, Aditi, Lakshmana, and Lakshman learned that Prithvi had entered the main palace of Ayodhya. Excitedly, they expressed their desire to meet their superhero.
"Tomorrow, all of you will meet your hero, my sons and daughter," Maharishi Vashistha announced.
Karna witnessed the anticipation in his children's eyes regarding Emperor Prithvi. Tears welled up in his own eyes as he realized that he was not only his son's hero as Karna but also as Emperor Prithvi.
He made his way to the royal chambers, where Madirakshi noticed the tears and inquired about them. Karna shared everything, and Madirakshi replied, "I am also proud of my husband."
Karna embraced her tightly and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, my dear wife, Vrishasena, Aditi, Vrishaketu, and Shatrujana, for being present in my life. The five of you have added so many vibrant colors to my once-grey existence. Thank you, my beloved, Vrishasena, Aditi, Vrishaketu, and Shatrujana."
"Suryanandan, tomorrow is a significant day, so we should rest now," Madirakshi suggested.
"You're right, my love," Karna agreed, and they fell asleep, entwined in each other's embrace.
The following day, Karna concluded an important meeting with the Ayodhya council and felt satisfied with their decision to declare Vrishasena as the new yuvraj of Ayodhya and heir to the throne of Āryāvrata.
Maharishi Vashistha then summoned the four teenagers to the royal court of Ayodhya. Karna, Madirakshi, and other members concealed themselves to surprise their children.
The teenagers were awestruck by the royal beauty of the Ayodhya palace. As they entered, they greeted the officials and touched the feet of their gurudev.
"Children! You wished to meet Prithvi?" Maharishi Vashistha asked.
"Yes, Gurudev," the four teenagers replied in unison.
"Then look up, kids," Maharishi Vashistha instructed.
Karna and Madirakshi stood on the balcony of the Rajya Sabha, adorned in their regal attire as the emperor and empress of Āryāvrata.
The jaws of the four teenagers dropped as they never expected their father and uncle to be their superheroes.
"Pitashree, Matashree, are you here?" a shocked Vrishasena asked.
"Yes, Putra, I am the regal king of Ayodhya, and she is the regal queen. I am Emperor Prithvi as well as Angaraj Karna. Let me come down and explain everything," Karna declared.
When Karna and Madirakshi descended, they narrated their stories to the four teenagers. Overwhelmed, the teenagers hugged their father and uncle, declaring in unison, "Pitashree, Tatshree, you are and will always be our heroes."
Karna showered kisses on his young musketeers and said, "Now, let us keep this matter to ourselves. Vrishasena, tomorrow is your yuvraj abhishek, so prepare for it."
"Now that you have grown up, it is time for you to shoulder your father's responsibilities," Madirakshi said, playfully ruffling Vrishasena's hair.
"Okay, Matashree," Vrishasena responded, though he felt a bit confused by the announcement.
"Gurudev, please allow these four children to stay with me in the palace for the next three days," Karna requested.
"As you wish, Karna," Maharishi Vashistha consented and left for his ashram.
"Now, kids, come with me to your royal chambers and meet your four younger brothers and sisters," Karna invited.
"Okay, Pitashree," Aditi responded, and they followed Karna to the royal chambers, excited to meet their newfound family.
In Hastinapur, Shakuni attempted relentlessly to break Karna's magical barrier, but his efforts were in vain. Karna had cast a complex spell, and breaking it would require time.
Bhishma and Vidur remained cautious and watchful, fully aware of the dangers associated with Shakuni's involvement.
Ashwathama, aware of the situation, kept silent and played with his child. Meenakshi had also informed him about Vrishasena's yuvraj abhishek.
"Nath, I am thrilled for our Vrishasena," Meenakshi expressed.
"I am proud of him too. He was our shining star. Remember his childhood mischiefs? He used to spy on Karna and Sister Madirakshi when they were singing, dancing, or engaged in a romantic moment. But now, he has grown from a chirpy child into a responsible teenager," Ashwathama reminisced while playing with their child.
"Time waits for no one, nath, time waits for no one," Meenakshi reflected, and they resumed playing with Vristhama.
Duryodhana and Bhanumati missed their child and their mitra dearly.
"Nath, our children will become better rulers than us," Bhanumati stated.
"You're right, priya. It's all thanks to Mitra. He was the one who advised me to send the royal children to Maharishi Vashistha's ashram. Guru Dron also understood this, as he recognized Maharishi as the best guru of all time," Duryodhana explained.
"Now, let us play with our children's toys and wait for time to pass," Bhanumati suggested.
Dushasana and Amrita doted on their child, Durmasan, and were content with their lives.
"Priye, it's so dull when Mitra Karna is not around. I miss his songs; listening to them was my daily pastime," Dushasana admitted, while gently stroking his son's hair.
"Yes, nath, spending time with Jiji was the best way to pass the time. But their work is also important," Amrita responded.
"Pitashree, play with me, please, horse, horse," Durmasan requested.
"Okay, Putra," Dushasana obliged, assuming the position of a horse and carrying Durmasan on his back as time passed by.
***
At Indraprastha, the Pandavas, Balarama, and Krishna convened in their shared chambers, discussing the upcoming Rajsuya Yagya.
"Bhrata Yudhishthira, this task is not as simple as it seems," Shri Krishna cautioned.
"Why, Keshav? We can easily overcome any kingdom with our formidable army. Our forces are among the strongest in Āryāvrata," Arjuna countered confidently.
"Parth, there are three kingdoms in Āryāvrata that are the powerhouses. Can you guess which ones?" Krishna questioned.
"I understand your point, Bhrata Krishna. Hastinapur, Ayodhya, and Anga Rajya pose a challenge for us," Sahadev comprehended.
"Indeed, Krishna, how can we confront Hastinapur? They are our relatives, just like Ayodhya and Anga. I see no solution," Yudhishthira pondered.
"Why, Bhrata? I alone can handle Hastinapur, and Arjuna alone can handle Ayodhya and Anga," the Vayuputra declared confidently while lifting his mace.
"Bhrata Bhima, you will be swiftly defeated by Gangaputra Bhishma on the battlefield, and Parth will also face hardships against Angaraj. He possesses a boon that guarantees his victory over anyone. He is the mightiest warrior on Earth, and his army consists of twenty-five Akashvani divisions. Our combined forces are no match for the power of Anga and Ayodhya. Moreover, Angaraj Karna and Emperor Prithvi, being students of Bhagwan Parashurama, know each other well," Krishna enlightened them, leading to a sudden realization for the Pandavas.
"How can we complete our Rajsuya Yagya then?" Nakula inquired with concern.
"It's simple, Nakula. Bhrata Yudhishthira should seek the blessings and support of Pitamaha Bhishma. He will not refuse your request. This way, you can gain the support of Hastinapur. As for the other two kingdoms, write a letter seeking their assistance," Krishna proposed.
"What kind of letter, Krishna?" Yudhishthira asked.
"A letter requesting their aid for your Rajsuya Yagya. If they agree, we won't face any obstacles. However, if they decline, we will face great challenges ahead," Krishna explained.
"In that case, Arjuna and I will depart for Hastinapur immediately. I will also write a letter to Angaraj Karna and Emperor Prithvi," Yudhishthira declared.
Soon, letters were dispatched to the respective kingdoms, and Yudhishthira and Arjuna set off for Hastinapur.
***
At Ayodhya, Karna noticed his son deep in thought, appearing troubled. Concerned, he decided to have a conversation with him.
"Putra Vrishasena, what's troubling you, my son?"
"Nothing, Pitashree," Vrishasena replied, attempting to hide his worries.
"Don't lie to me, Vrishasena. I am your father, and I can sense your tension about the yuvraj position," Karna gently insisted.
"Yes, Pitashree, I am worried. I didn't do things properly in my childhood, so how can I handle such important matters?" Vrishasena confessed, embracing Karna and shedding tears.
"Don't cry, my brave son. I am immensely proud of you. You are not the same chirpy Vrishasena anymore; you have become a responsible teenager. I know you well, my son. It may seem challenging at first, but you will learn. Don't worry, I, your father, will always be there for you," Karna comforted, tenderly caressing his son's silky hair.
"Ji, Pitashree, thank you for clearing my doubts. I will always give my best and carry out my duties with utmost care," Vrishasena murmured as sleep gradually overcame him, and he closed his eyes.
Karna carried Vrishasena to his chamber, and the father and son duo fell asleep, embracing each other warmly, while Madirakshi attended to her daughter.
The following day, Ayodhya buzzed with preparations. The entire kingdom was adorned with a variety of flowers, and the people enthusiastically cleaned every corner. Holidays were declared for the next two days to allow everyone to revel in the festive spirit. Ayodhya shone like a newlywed bride, bedecked with flowers and gold. Karna added his touch of magic, creating vibrant illusions of colors in the sky throughout the kingdom.
Karna and Vrishasena performed the Surya Puja at the Saryu River, both glowing with radiance.
Afterward, Vrishasena prepared himself and proceeded to the grand courtroom for his crowing ceremony. He wore a white and golden dhoti, leaving his upper body bare.
Entering the courtroom, Vrishasena settled into the golden tub placed at its center. Magical oil, ritual liquids, milk, and water were poured over him, accompanied by sacred hymns resonating through the air. Then, he was dressed as the yuvraj of Ayodhya and heir to the throne of Āryāvrata. While Maharishi Vashistha suggested completing Vrishasena's education first, the responsibility of being yuvraj now rested on his shoulders.
Brihadbala was overwhelmed with joy and embraced his grandson, stating, "Karna and all my grandchildren are the best thing in this world."
The people of Ayodhya celebrated Vrishasena's yuvraj abhishek and reveled in the festival of lights.
A letter hath arrived from Indraprastha unto Anga, and the Prime Minister of Anga hath taken hold of the letter. He was privy to Karna's presence in Ayodhya, and thus he hath sent forth a messenger from Anga to deliver a missive unto Karna in Ayodhya.
Upon reading it, Karna stated firmly, "I will never support the Pandavas in any form of Rajsuya Yagya."
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