Months had passed, and Karna had immersed himself in his work, deftly handling both responsibilities. Madirakshi, on the other hand, dedicated herself to understanding the customs of the sutas, ensuring that no one could raise an eyebrow at her in Hastinapur, for she was determined to ward off any doubts.

Brihadbala rejoiced, for he saw his great-great-great grandfather's dream of equality among the people of Āryāvrata being fulfilled. The prospect of uniting the entire realm under the banner of egalitarianism brought him immense joy.

Lord Parashurama, content with Karna's efforts, departed for the Mahendragiri mountain, advising Karna to meet him once a month. Karna, with his excellent time management skills, dedicated time to his wife, nurturing their bond to prevent any discord in their marital relationship.

Soon, two months had elapsed, and Karna and Madirakshi, dressed as Sutas, embarked on their journey to Hastinapur, receiving blessings from their parents and mentor. Following the advice of the Maharishi, they embarked on foot, embracing the pain and discomfort as part of their journey.

Both husband and wife, being skilled warriors, encountered no discomfort, and at times, Karna's strength allowed him to carry Madirakshi, further exemplifying his power. As they approached the borders of Hastinapur's main city, Karna's eyes welled up with tears. "After fifteen years, I am setting foot in this kingdom," he whispered, his voice tinged with emotion. Sensing his pain, Madirakshi placed a comforting hand on Karna's shoulder. For two days, they walked tirelessly until they arrived at their home, nestled near the jungle.

Radha, embracing Madirakshi as the goddess of her household, showered her with affection. Karna and Madirakshi settled in, assuming their roles as protectors of justice. Karna found solace in utilizing his knowledge to aid the underprivileged and the marginalized.

A month passed in this manner, and Karna and Madirakshi became inseparable, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Madirakshi, astute and perceptive, often offered insightful solutions to Karna, while he, too, honed his magical prowess, employing it with remarkable efficiency.

Every seven days, Karna made a pilgrimage to his kingdom, ensuring its tranquility. He discreetly gathered intelligence on the secrets harbored within the walls of Hastinapur's palace. Patiently, he awaited the opportune moment to penetrate the royal family, for he had discovered a schism among the two sets of brothers and their differing ideologies. Duryodhana, the crown prince, burdened with solitude, had fallen victim to the manipulations of Gandhar Raj Shakuni. Karna understood that to save Hastinapur, he needed to alter the perspectives of Prince Duryodhana, Dushasan, and Drona Putra Ashwathama. Moreover, he discovered that they harbored no belief in the caste system, a revelation that strengthened Karna's resolve. All he had to do now was bide his time until the perfect moment arose.

One month later, within the grand halls of Hastinapur's palace, Bhishma and Vidur engaged in a discussion about the perpetual conflicts caused by their respective princes. The chasm between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had grown insurmountable.

As they made their way towards the royal court, news reached them that Rajguru Dronacharya was arriving for a meeting with Maharaj Dhritarashtra. The two elders sighed, their concerns deepening.

Bhishma, having received word of Karna's return and his remarkable prowess as a warrior, also learned of his marriage to Madirakshi, a Sutra girl who had studied under Maharishi Vashistha. This information reached him through his charioteer, Adhirath. Bhishma discovered that Karna was his disciple as well, which sparked a sense of unease within him, as he had always striven to prove his superiority. However, his ruminations were interrupted by the arrival of the dwarpal, heralding the imminent appearance of Guru Dronacharya. Bhishma greeted his guru-brother, who had come to inform the king about the completion of the princes' training.

In the royal court of Hastinapur, the revered teacher Dronacharya expounded upon the education imparted to the princes. He emphasized their transformation into formidable warriors and proposed a tournament to showcase their skills to the entire Aryavart.

As Dronacharya mentioned the tournament, Bhishma's thoughts drifted to a conversation he had with his mother, Devi Ganga.

***

Bhishma had sought solitude at the sacred banks of the Ganga, performing his daily rituals. Yet, concerns raised by Maharishi Ved Vyas lingered in his mind. Upon completing his prayers, he beseeched his mother to appear before him.

Devi Ganga materialized, her face adorned with a gentle smile, as she looked upon her youngest son. "What prompts you to summon me, my child?" she inquired.

"I am troubled by the imminent war of succession, Mother. Where can we find the savior of the Kuru clan?" Bhishma's voice trembled with worry.

"The person you seek has completed his education in warfare, and politics. He has returned to Hastinapur," Devi Ganga responded, her smile unwavering.

"What is this person's name, Mother?" Bhishma's curiosity surged forth.

"I cannot reveal his name, Bhishma. You must employ your wisdom to discover him," Devi Ganga spoke with utmost seriousness.

"Mother, how can I find this enigmatic person?" Bhishma's confusion deepened, leaving him at a loss.

"The one who can defeat all the Kuru princes shall be the man you seek, my son," Devi Ganga explained.

"How will this man vanquish the princes?" Bhishma queried, his mind clouded with uncertainty.

"Putra, in one month, Dronacharya will come to inform you about the princes' education and request a showcase of their skills. In that moment, you must open the competition to participants from all castes, embracing inclusivity," Devi Ganga revealed, her smile holding a hidden purpose.

"Why, Mother?" Bhishma's question arose from his inability to grasp her words fully.

"Only through such an act can you find him, my son. He is a Kshatriya, raised among lower castes, and he has no desire to prove himself to a society built on baseless and faceless judgments. Choose wisely, my child. My blessings are with you," Devi Ganga concluded, leaving Bhishma to his thoughts.

***

Bhishma came out of his thoughts, and Vidur, lost in his own musings, provided a personal perspective.

Tatshree, Bhishma's title, proposed that all warriors of the Hastinapur kingdom participate in the tournament, regardless of their caste. The suggestion intrigued both Vidur and Maha Guru Dronacharya. Tatshree's underlying intentions intrigued Vidur, causing him to ponder deeply.

Before the matter could be discussed further, an unwelcome voice grated on their ears, belonging to Gandhar Raj Shakuni. He had once again made his presence known in Hastinapur. Shakuni's insincere obeisance to Vidur was met with a reciprocating gesture.

"Why, Tatshree, is such an idea necessary?" Jyesht Dhritarashtra inquired, his tone tinged with apprehension.

"I wish to witness the true potential of the Hastinapur princes. Do you have any objections?" Tatshree thundered, his voice resonating with authority. The vexing presence of Shakuni seemed to exacerbate his agitation.

"No, Tatshree, as you command. Your will is mine. Vidur, please announce the Kala Pradarshan," Jyesht Dhritarashtra complied, his words laced with fear. Vidur nodded in agreement, and thus concluded the royal assembly.

This piece of news reached Karna through his spies embedded within the palace walls. He also gleaned the return of Gandhar Raj Shakuni through his trusted sources in Prithvi Sena. Commanding his spies to keep a watchful eye on Shakuni, Karna set in motion a plan to create political unrest in Gandhar, effectively keeping Shakuni preoccupied and distant from Hastinapur.

Karna, utilizing his magical abilities, had also discovered Shakuni's plot surrounding the Pandavas. With his mind set on protecting Anga Desh, Karna assumed the mantle of leadership, alarmed by the dire circumstances unfolding. His magical prowess allowed him to discern the thoughts and intentions of Shakuni and Dhritarashtra.

Within the confines of Hastinapur's palace, a woman in her fifties, lighting six oil lamps, fervently prayed for the safety of her six gems. However, grief overwhelmed her as she reminisced about that fateful day, and her tears flowed freely.