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Karna was heading to nowhere with Ashwathama at his tail. Vijaydhari, for the first time felt a feeling that was so foreign to him - fear.
And the reason was his real identity; what an irony!

He is your mentor , and you met him at the banks of Vamsadhara, you said it like, it explains everything just happened. Vasu , stop being a brat; and answer the questions.
Ashwathama was loosing his patience little by little . He has been questioning Vasusena about the same event for a while now, but hasn't been able to nail any logical reasons for the vanishing man.

Karna was abruptly stopped between his long strides when Duryodhana came into view.
'I am doomed' thought karna

Now we will see.
Voiced Ashwathama

Where are you both headed to? Thought you both would be at the Garden , there weren't even a ghost of you both , So I was looking around for a while now !
Duryodhan's voice boomed and echoed in the corridor.

I was with Karna and a Vanishing man.
Ashwathama laid his words carefully.

Vanishing man.. haha!!
Exclaimed Suyodhana.

What is Ashwa talking about Mitr Karn , has he lost his mind?
He further asked acknowledging Karna.
Radhey's face flushed red , he didn't knew how to explain that phenomenon to either of them. He could feel Ashwathama's eyes poking holes on him.

Well it was nothing but a... A misunderstanding.
Karna stuttered. Duryodhan's brows knitted close to form a frown.
But he smiled amusingly at Karn's red face, it was indeed a rare sight.
A hue of Scarlett on his ever so pale skin.

Your face says something else, my friend.
Duryodhan added.

Tag along you both.
Ashwathama sighed and left gesturing both his friends to follow.

______________________________

I can explain...
Karna started once again.
Ashwathama has dragged them to the banks of Ganga to get some privacy along with a pleasant atmosphere.

You have been on that same damn line for the past hour Vasu , move on..
Duryodhan said exasperated .
After the discription of event from Ashwathama he is more than curious and also a bit worried for the current flustered state of his dear friend.

Ok he is someone who helped me at the most dire situation, he told me not to lie to my teacher , which helped me to a huge extend and I later came to know that he was an extended family.
Karna paused.
And he deals with after-life stuff...

"After-life stuff" Ashwathama quoted,
What does that even mean.. is the vanishing man the god of death to deal with after life stuff?!
Ashwathama made a silly retreat and eventually realised the fact in his words.. his smirk died at the end of his lips , he turned a wide eye to Karn.
Karna had a blank face with an unblinking eyes.
Duryodhan just stared back and forth between his friends.

Well .... I wouldn't deny that...
Karna shrugged .

WHAT??!!
Ashwathama shrieked.

_________________________________

So the God of death is here to take someone with him? Who is dieing?
Asked Ashwathama, his teeth nibbling on his nails.

But if that's so, why would he appear in front of everyone like that?!
Duryodhan added particularly to no one.

Relax you both , Nobody is dieing. Like I said he was here to visit me.
Said Karna.

Alright, so are you both that close?!

- yeah.
Their questions were none ending and karna felt like digging a grave for himself.
What a mess his brother has brought upon him.

_______________________________

You might be bothered about it for now my brother , but you will start enjoying this soon.
Muttered Yama from his Abode.

________________________________

Soon the next day came , and so did the sun. Karna rose from the waves of Ganga offering his venerable devotion to the Sun god.. the nurturing father of all being on earth.
He was staring at his father with so much adoration, that he felt annoyed at somebody else's presence.

I hope I am not interrupting the time of a devoted son with his father.
Said the Lord of the universe, with his ever enchanting smile etched on his face. He seemed more happy than ever.

Krishna has predicted the turn of events when Karna decided to tell the truth to his teacher. And he is glad with the change , karna is more easy on himself and is generous than ever.
His heart is pure and bright even when it's adorned by the scars left by the society only having a little impact on him rather than consuming him as whole.

Krishna was glad , that a tormented yet pure soul was having a better journey this time.

You always seem to know what exactly you are doing Keshav, then why these questions?!
Even though annoyed at first , karna enjoy the Yadav's company. He is different.
Karna isn't surprised at this point, that Dwarkadheesh is aware of his real parentage. According to karna , or from what he observed, Krishna knows everything.

I see , your brothers have been roaming around on earth from yesterday. Beware , don't let them cause any mischief, who knows what would breaking of rules will ultimately lead to !!
Krishan exclaimed with a fake anxiety, mischief surging in his ever sweet voice.

I will look out for them , I don't want to put them in trouble for my sake.
Karna said almost to himself. Worry creeping in his sharp and aristocratic facial features.

'How did everyone managed to sleep on such evident resemblances he has with the celestials?'
Krishna thought with amusement.

Shall we head towards the palace then.
Krishna voiced his suggestion.

Sure; your Parth will be at the gates anytime with his wife, who happened to be your sakhi (a female friend) as well . Why waste time here?!
Karna said with a not-so-intrested smirk on his face.
Krishna felt it , the insult his sakhi gave him that day ,has left a mark on his memory, so vivid.

Don't take her words literally Vrisha , her intention was not to insult you. It was something said in a haste. I apologise to you on behalf of her.
Janardhana tried to reason with his sakhi's actions.

When you feel hungry next time , do tell me , I shall eat something for your sake , and I am sure your hunger will be subsided.
Karna added a mischievous remark.
Even though he was annoyed.

Keshav just smiled at him
I know what you are intending to say...

You cannot apologise for something someone else did, an apology should be something out of regret and guilt of once own actions or words. And I am damn sure Yagyaseni isn't regretting her decision.
It's alright Jayantha , I am used to these kind of words, and once again hearing it doesn't make much difference.
Karna said with his normal sincerity lacking a bit at the end.
And Krishna noticed it.

Why does it seem like it does?
Krishna quipped.

It's just , I didn't expected a 3-4 month old person to be so plagued by casteism , it's truly devastating to realise all over again , how deep the caste system runs in our society.
Karna said with a defeated look.
Krishna understood his friend's dilemma. He was trying so hard to get it out of this society, yet it's diseasing the newest of the leaves and branches. It was indeed concerning.

Yes , in that angle , it's concerning.
Madhav voiced his thoughts while they both walked aiming the palace.

________________________________

WHAT!??
Bhishma exclaimed loudly breaking the long silence.
It's not acceptable!!.
Saying so Mahamahim of Hastinapur left the place.

Pandavas along with their common wife Panchali and Rajmata Kunti has reached the palace safe and sound .
Apon hearing about the marriage between all five brothers and panchali , a huge silence prevailed at first then it was followed by a harsh rejection from the eldest patriarch of the family.
Nobody was pleased with the current situation except Gandhar raj Shakuni and Yuvraj Duryodhan. They have gotten a valuable point to hold against the Pandavas in the matter of throne.

Karna was surprised and felt a bit of sympathy for Draupadi. She will have to go through the taunts of society in all walks of her life for no mistake of her's. Karna related to it , way too much.

He kept glancing at the gates during the drama.

What is so important at the gate?!
Ashwathama enquired.

Nothing . Karna shrugged.

Ashwathama gave him a look with a frown.
Karna royally ignored it , and looked at Kunti , she was safe and he was happy and relieved about it , Rajmata Kunti was fine and alive, and standing in front of him....

_________________________________

Court session has been running for a whole prahar( 3 hours) now.
Karna was exasperated , would be an understatement.
He was worried , anxious, frustrated and what not.
Krishna was having the best time of his life , seeing the ever-calm Vrisha being so restless... That too because of a certain 'Karmaphal dada(giver)' . He would love the drama that would take place here.

Karna abruptly stood up from his throne. Discussions were paused mid way as everyone gave their attention to Angraj Karn.
Do you have anything to suggest Angraj ?
Gandhar raj asked , his tone responsible and sweet as honey , yet anyone could sence the slight mock in it.

Shakuni would definitely like to get rid of Karna , if it wasn't for his Archery skills. Shakuni hated how Duryodhana sometimes went against Shakuni's decisions just because Karna was against the idea . So the Varnavrat incident was kept completely hidden from the eyes of Angraj , so Duryodhan wouldn't be influenced by any sort of righteousness that would make him act against Shakuni's wishes.
He hated Karna's righteous thoughts and deeds , it is being a major problem for him recently, as Duryodhana now tends to listen to Karna more , along with Guruputr.

Karna left a glance at Shakuni and then addressed the King,
O revered king , With your permission, I would like to take my humble leave , as I have an urgent matter to tend to.

Duryodhana and Ashwathama stared at karna with a blank face , asking a million questions with their eyes.
They decided to support his friend by being quiet. They realised it was a better option , after what Karna told them at the river bank.
Karna mentioned about him being the  adopted son of Radha and Adhirath and having knowledge about his biological father and not about his mother and his father's family having connections with the God of death.It was a lot to process , but here they are...

Kunti wanted her eldest to stay, she looked at him with a concerned face .

And what would that urgent matter be? That you have to leave the Hastinapur's court session in the middle?
Bhishma addressed his request with a heavy tone.

I am incapable of explaining it now , I apologise, please grant me permission to leave , king !
Karna once again asked.
King Dritharashtr needed his son's friend in the court at this point , he is a vassal king , and has good influence in the politics and economy of Hastinapur.
King of Anga, no matter is more urgent than deciding the crown prince of Hastinapur, I ask you to take your seat and be a part of the court session.
King Dritharashtr said.

Sure.
Karna sat back, his jaw clenching.

I will be honoured to know that I am the urgent matter you were referring to earlier, dear brother.
A voice echoed through the magnanimous court of Hastinapur.
Heavy with the weight of eons of experience and the words as pious as an elegant sword , which sounded smooth yet felt lethal.

A being with a royal blue aura stood at the entrance of Hastinapur court.
He looked ethereal, his cloths and accessories exuding regality .
His posture and voice commanded respect.
But his sight gracing the Ground and only the ground.

He walked forth..

A few gasped. Karna just face palmed.
This was the last thing he wanted today, Shanidev in the middle of Hastinapur court.
He looked at his brother,
shall we go , we do have something important to tend to.
Shani said looking at his beloved brother.

Who is that?
Asked the blind king.

He is.. Karna started

- I am Chhayaputr Shani. If you are satisfied with the answer , I am taking my brother with me.
Shani interrupted Karn. Still his eyes fixed on Karna.

Everyone in the court stood up and bowed down in respect.

Shani?! That doesn't explain , why you are here in my court.
The blind king said with a frown, still not comprehending the situation.

That's enough Putr Dritharashtr.
Gangaputr restrained the king .
Forgive his ignorance my lord ,
Please give us the opportunity to serve you with respect.
Bhishma came to the centre of the court , addressing The god of Karma.

I prefer not to have any respect offered from people who insults my Vaikarthana, afterall I am his elder brother.
Said Shani with a smirk growing on his face.Karna felt his knees wobbling,
He didn't knew what his brother's were planning. Shani was still staring at him like the rest of the presence didn't mattered to him.

Tag along Karn , you got better things to do.Shani said.
Shani diverted his eyes from Karn to Shakuni , for that moment shakuni  paled, he felt like his soul was being examined , a fear gripped him.

Then his gaze went to Yagyaseni who insulted his brother in the crowded arena of her swayamavar.
Draupadi was given a glimpse of her insult in Dyut sabha that wouldn't necessarily happen in the future anymore, after these changes.
She immediately felt the ground slip from under her feet , she paled and felt sick.
Karna instantly understood what was going on, he knew his brother way too well.
He immediately ran to Shani and turned his face to him palming his face gently with both his hands.
Please Don't do that Bhratha , you quite know what your gaze could do to one.
Karna spoke softly, yet it was audible to everyone in that silent court.

Why is that 'sutputr' addressing Shanidev as his Brother?!
Nakul asked to Bheem in a hushed tone , yet it was audible to everyone.

If you have a sibling who happened to be younger than you , then they address you as 'Bhratha' . Incase you didn't knew.
And ,it is Thathshree for you, your celestial father happened to be my younger brother, so you are supposed to address me as your Thathshree (elder brother of father) . And Karn would be your Kakashree.
Said Shani turning to Nakul.
Karna cringed at the thought of that.
Nakul turned red. He didn't expected the god to hear him.
Krishna snickered.

I apologise on behalf of my brother's ignorant words, kakashree..
And please grand us the opportunity to treat you with our utmost hospitality, shanidev.
Said Yudhishthir.

Oh it's not necessarily dear nephew ;
Karna you tagging along? , I can't tolerate these people for long, let's go.
Said Sauri .

Sure , if the king grant the permission for me to leave.
Karna said with a smirk.

Please assist your Brother Suryaputra,
I give you permission to leave.
Dritharashtr said in haste.
Shanidev slightly bowed his head to Krishna in respect, krishna returned the gesture.
Vidur simply shook his head.
He was conflicted to a good extent , this will change a lot, he could sense it.
It seems like ,

'Not everything we see is necessarily how it actually is , we see what we want to see , and it necessarily might not be the truth .'

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To be continued.....

Should we continue this , or should we end it here?! 🤔 Or may be one more part?!

Anyway let me know how it went , I was feeling a bit fuzzy from the morning. Both my stories were eating my brain 😂😁 . So there will be few rubbish , and this is supposed to be a  silly read , just to feel stupid.☺️take it as such...

Thankyou for reading ❤️
Har har Mahadev!!

Take care ❤️