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T-iss ss guood..
Said Shani , his mouth stuffed with roasted peanuts.

Is what?!
Exclaimed a confused karna his eyebrows arched up high.

They sat beside eachother at the banks of Ganga facing the river on a rock in the shore, calm breeze brushing past them gently.
Waves seemed more excited.

This is really good.
Said Shani again; this time his mouth emptied.
Karna's eyebrows went back to making a deep frown.
He was staring at the ground , immersed in his thoughts.
'What a mess , what a mess! what a freaking mess... !!'
His thoughts just revolved around these words and just these words. He didn't knew what to do at this point . Everything is so out of his hands.

What do you think I should do now?!
Karna turned completely to his elder brother, his eyes stern on Sauri. his frown deepening further, the longer Shani delayed to answer.

You don't have a damn idea about the situation you created , do you?!
Asked a frustrated Karna.

What were you both thinking ?!
Karn added. Not letting Shani talk.
Shani opened his mouth to talk,-
I thought jyesht was a bit responsible!
Karna again made his brother shut his talk even before it began.
Shani kept opening and closing his mouth.
'Wow!! why were they trying to help this monkey out of his mess.' thought Shani. He shook his head side ways at that thought.

Monkey , listen.
Shani called out, his voice gentle.
Don't stress out too much on this matter. Let it flow on its own pace. Enjoy the journey, stop worrying too much about the results.
Shani grinned cheekily.

Bhratha , you are a god , you can choose to leave any time you want , you don't have to deal with these egoistic people ever again if you choose not to. But I will have to deal with their tantrums everyday, even if I hate it to the very fibre of my existence.
Karna finished , his jaw clenching with frustration and annoyance.

Whoa whoa whoa!! Relax . Look at the waves .
Shani gestured to the Ganga flowing in front of them .
Look at her, if you throw a stone at her , no matter what the size is, she will keep flowing , even if you build a bund against her flow, she will eventually find a way to pass that too...
That's life or, that's what life is supposed to be. Being stuck at something or someone is never gonna take you further , you will have to find a way to catch up with the rushing time. To meet the sea , we have to cover the distance from the mountains of ignorance and arrogance through the deepest valleys of our lives and high hills of victories and through terrains and plateaus, over the hurdles , mix with all people and situations that life throws at us , and humble us enough to eventually merge with the ultimate reality we belong to , just like a river originating from a high mountain , passes through all the valleys and terrains to reach her ultimate destination- that is the sea.
Shani said , his eyes filled with wisdom and compassion for his brother.

It was silence , a silence , so thick , that a knife could cut it.

Can you give me a solution?!
Karna asked with a blank face.

Shani smacked his head,
You brat, I am being sincerely emotional and you chose to ignore it?!

Ouch!!
Karna rubbed over his hair.
Noo ! My hair..

Let's go back to that palace and tell them that you are leaving Hastinapur and going to Shanilok with me.
Said Shani, his voice filled with excitement.
Karna just facepalmed.

Say something applicable.
Said a bored Karna.

Let's find something to eat first , I can't think on empty stomach.
Shani once again threw a tantrum.

Oo lord!! Why am I the one to suffer..
Sighed Karna.

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Radha ma, I am loving this , do you mind if I visit once in a while ? This delicacy is something that I shall always tresure.
Said Shani.

It's your home too putr , karna said you are like a brother to him , so consider this your home.
Radha affectionately fed Shanidev.

He said so ,he consider me 'like a brother ' ,how generous of him!!
Shani said , his voice high pitched ,  mockery being it's undertone.

Why don't you stay back for a while putr, if you don't have any urgent matter to tend to!!
Asked Radha while handing him a towel to dry his hands.

Maa , I would love to stay back and talk to you , but matter is too slippery that it shall be attended as soon as possible, otherwise it will slip away further than expected and your son might eat my brain .haha!!
Shani expressed loudly and casually, his gaze at her feet and voice filled with respect and adoration.

I will always be happy to feed you again son , come home soon when you have time !!
Radha bid him farewell with lots of motherly love.

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Duryodhan never thought he will be intrested in anything Yudhishthir has to say in his whole life , but here he is , listening to each word he utters with utmost attention.
So was Arjun , Bheem , Nakul , Sahdev , Vikaran, and Yuyutsu .

Dushala sat aside along with Dushasana , him fussing over how Karna, whom he considered a brother, chose not to tell him such an important matter.

Few other brothers of Duryodhan were sprawled across the vast room and were engaged in their own discussions and activities, most of them related to the drama that happened in the court earlier.

Gandhari along with Kunti entered ,
Kunti looked sick for some reason.
Gandhari was brighter than usual.
Ashwathama barged in , following the Queens.

Hey , they are ..hh.. coming towards t..he ..h.. palace again ..
Said a breathless Ashwathama

Lets meet Angraj at the front Garden and ask him directly.
Said a thoughtful Arjuna.

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Most of the Kuru princes were heading towards the gate , that too together , without arguing, with such unity .. Bheeshma felt like his age was finally catching up with him, was he hallucinating ?!! Was his sight betraying him?!

Children!! Were are you all heading to? That too together?!
Bheeshma asked out of sheer curiosity.

Pitamah!! Pranipath.
Yudhishthir greeted , others followed.

Kalyan ho,
Is everything alright? Why do you all look worried?
Gangaputr pondered again.

Pitamah, we were going to meet Angraj , he is at the gate with his brother , we thought we will talk this out with himself. It's better than reaching to false conclusions.
Said Sahadev.

Then count me in.
Devruth suggested.

Pitamah , I think it's better we just casually ask him and then involve the elders , I think we all will be more at ease with a casual atmosphere.
Nakul added.

If that's so , then go ahead. Let me know if you got to know something important.
Bheeshma said.
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Mitr Karna, we have a lot of queries, you will have to give an answer to all of them .
Said Duryodhana while rushing to his friend.

Just ask it away my friend, what is it?
Karna said ,confidence in his voice not so much in his heart.

Pranam Angraj , we are quite taken aback because of all the ongoings. I can't believe the God of Karma is actually here in Hastinapur Palace.
Do you mind telling us the actual reason of his visit?
Yudhishthir came right to the point.

It's just , we are not very sure of a god roaming around between us, us mere mortals , there is nothing wrong in it , but it just doesn't feel so right either .
Sahadev supported his brother.

I am not at all uncomfortable about it , I mean it's not every day we get to see Thathshree...
Nakul cheekily added.

By the way , where is Shanidev , Ashwa told us , he was with you as well.
Duryodhana addressed everyone's curiosity.

I am here, Gandharinandan.
Said Shani.
The Kuru princes all bowed down and took blessings from him.

What were your questions again?
Shani continued.

Can we move to some shade under the trees in the garden, I mean you don't need a carbon extract of my handsome face , do you?!
Said Nakul while holding his hands over his face.

Isn't Sun god your Grandfather.
Arjun sniggered.

Stop it Bhratha..
Nakul said annoyed , his lips slightly pouting.
Others laughed ,
This was new , Karna felt , this situation wasn't entirely bad afterall.

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So your mother says that you are a blessing they received , in a BAsket??!
Exclaimed Sahadev, a bit confused at the end.

Thats sounds like something without a head and a tail.
Arjun added , immersed in his own world of thoughts regarding the same.

How long has it been , since you know about this?!
Yuyutsu asked.

A few good months , almost a year and a half.
Karna replied.

Mitr, I know how it feels, to know everything you ever believed was just a lie. It hurts.
Duryodhana said , his eyes held a longing look.
Karna patted him on shoulder, and smiled so warmly at him.

Arjun for some reason felt a pang of unknown emotion coursing through his veins.
Karna never smiled so warmly at any of them , and he , for some reason felt if that serene , assuring ,bright smile was directed towards him.
It was melting to see , so warm and bright, like a mini sun.

'How did they managed to ignore such obvious evidence of him being a walking sun on earth'
Thought Bheema after witnessing that eye blinding smile.
So blind they were.

Yudhishthir felt bad and so did the twins . Nakul always found Karna very handsome, a good competition for himself, now everything made sense. The divine Armour and earrings, that dignified walk that commands respect, prowess of a Lion, and the elegance of a King , now everything made sense to Sahadev, now it fit so perfectly.

Shani saw things coming to track , so he just left after giving an assuring smile to his youngest brother.

So were you adopted by Radhama and Adhirath mahoday ?
Added Vikarana.

Yes Vikarana, unfortunately I am just their adopted son , I wish if Radhama has brought me to this world.
Karna sighed heavily , a sad smile still adorning his aristocratic features.

Dushala sprinted to where they were sitting ,
I think a court is to be summoned again.
Soon a guard came to inform the same , a court session again.
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I announce Anga as an Independent Kingdom .
Announced Dritharashtr.
Gandhar raj didn't felt it right.

Why such a haste dicision My king , who knows to which Kul he belongs ? Who is his birth mother ? We shouldn't declare a kingdom as independent just because, one day Angraj decided to tell us that he is not a sutputr.
He said , venom dripping from his voice.

I never told you that I am not a son of Suta , I am still the son of a charioteer as much as I am the son of Sun god.
Even though I am biologically a Suryaputra, I was raised by Suta parents , my morals are of a charioteer, my principals are derived from the agonies of a working class.
I am sutputr as much as I am a suryaputra. And about my mother, she just gave birth to me , for which I will be indebted to her. Until she didn't raised me or instilled morals and values in me , her influence isn't even a question.
Karna defended.

But you betrayed everyone here , including the subjects of Anga ,what about that Angraj? You knew this way before didn't you , still you chose to keep it a secret.
Countered Shakuni.

Because it wasn't my secret to say , and I don't really care where I belong from birth , I am defined by my actions and talent.
Karna said , anger creeping in.

But your subjects deserved to know the truth, so did your friend Duryodhan,who is also the Yuvraj of Hastinapur ,you betrayed their trust and thus you are not capable of being a king let alone be the king of an independent nation. you might be an illegitimate offspring of a characterless woman, and so abandoned from birth.
Retorted Shakuni.

That's enough Shakuni..
A voice echoed in the court.

Yamraj along with Shani and Yamuna appeared in the middle of the court.
Everyone bowed in respect.
Yamraj's one stare shivered the very soul of Shakuni. He went numb and cold.
Karna closed his eyes shut , his palms formed a fist.
Duryodhan's jaws clenched,
He could never tolerate his friend being insulted like this , no matter even if it was his uncle.

With your permission mata, Mamashree I want you to leave this court and Hastinapur now and to never return.
Duryodhana said his voice calm and cold like ice.

My dear Nephew, you are neglecting me for this Illegitimate -

-THAT'S ENOUGH!!!!
Duryodhan roared.

Didn't you heard the order form the crown prince, Gandhar raj , leave the court and the land of Hastinapur.
Bheeshma said , his face blank , but he was really thankful to all gods , he knew about how Shakuni wasn't a good influence for Suyodhana.
Shakuni clenched his fist and looked at Karna with a disgusted face.

Yama interrupted,
You would desparately want to leave later ,if delayed now. Leave...

Shakuni almost dragged himself to the exit , expecting his nephew to call him back, nothing of such sort happened.

Non of you have to grant your mercy to our brother , he can conquer any land he want, without any help.
Said Yami.

No Goddess Yamuna , this isn't something out of mercy ,
The land of Anga was barren over a decade and Karna managed to bring that land to one of the most powerful Kingdoms of Aryavarta. We were already planning on declaring Anga as Independent. He is receiving what he earned. This just added up to it.
Said Vidura.

Then without delay, I am glad to -
Dritharashtr began.

Extremely sorry to interrupt my King , but I would like to relinquish the throne of Anga.
Like said earlier, my actions shall define me, not my birth.
If I accept this now , I would be silently agreeing to a false belief of birth status having an upper hand on a person's worth. I will never do such a betrayal to myself. And I don't deserve to serve the people of Anga anymore as I betrayed them, even though unintentionally. Karna said addressing everyone at the court.
Mitr Suyodhana, please let me relinquish the throne of Anga, but I will always be grateful to remain your friend , if you still would consider me as such.
Concluded Karna.

Duryodhan hugged him close.
After what Mamashree said , I won't stop you from leaving the throne my friend, I would never want to hurt you , ever. And don't you dare say grateful , we are friends and I consider myself lucky to have a friend who is a brother , a guide ,a teacher and a well wisher .
You were always with me my friend , and I promise I will always be there by your side on anything.
Duryodhana said, his eyes moistening.
Karna smiled softly, his eyes welling up as well.
He pulled his friend into another hug , and handed the crown over to him.

He went to Ashwathama ,
Keep in touch Ashwa.. visit when you have time.
Said karn while they shared a hug.
He took blessings from Gandhari and kunti
Give me permission to leave mata.

Kunti sat like a stone , she wanted to scream at the world and tell them that the unlucky mother was her , she was the one who had to abandon such an invaluable gem in the waves of Ganga , she was the one that deserved all the taunts not her dear son ,she felt motherhood because of him ,her first born , her Karna.
Krishna expectedly looked at Kunti , so did Yama , Yami and Shani
But she said nothing.
Krishna closed his eyes tight. He knew Karna was going far from her from now onwards.

Long live my dear son.
Queen Gandhari blessed him wholeheartedly.

Kunti just smiled in tears , afraid of her voice betraying her.she caressed his cheeks with her palms and just felt her son's presence.

Let's go Vaikarthana.
Said Shani , his voice cold.

Yama took his brother's hand , they vanished from the court.

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An eventful day came to an end.
It wasn't decided who would be the next crown prince, but for some reason Suyodhana's heart felt at ease, may be because his friend was feeling easy , he thought. An adoring smile gracing his lips thinking about his dear friend - Karn.
Duryodhan was walking along the corridors while he heard someone weeping.

He is my first born Priyamvada , didn't you heard what Krishna said , if not now I might never get my Karna back , I will never have my son back , I am such an unlucky mother , even after having 5 sons , I always yearn for my eldest to be in front of my eyes , I yearn to let him sleep in my lap, I crave to hear him call me mother , but I... I am such a coward , I can't even accept the sin I committed...
It was Kunti's voice,
Gandharinandan was sure it was his Bua ,
Karna was his eldest brother then , elder than him and even Yudhishthir.

That day the Son of Dritharashtr, the eldest of Kauravas took an oath ,
He will bring  his eldest brother back home . He will complete his family , not for anyone else but for him, he cannot just let it go , because Karn was always a brother to him .. and will always remain such. And he wouldn't let go of something like this, not even if the hell freezes over night.

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Hope you liked how it turned out .
I felt like I was rushing at the end 🥲

Let me know your opinions through comments and votes 🥰
Lots of love , Take care ❤️

Har har Mahadev!!