Karna's Realization [Old Version]

9. Les Quatre Mousquetaires

Dhritarashtra, on Shakuni's advice, made Karna the king of Anga as the prize for winning the Kala Pradarshan, which Karna gladly accepted. Meanwhile, Bhishma declared the conclusion of the Kala Pradarshan and instructed the crowd to vacate the arena. However, he requested Karna and Madirakshi to remain as he wished to speak with them.

The royal members began descending towards the arena ground, but their progress was leisurely.

Unexpectedly, Ashwathama and Dushasana embraced Karna, who reciprocated the gesture. In that heartfelt embrace, Ashwathama and Dushasana felt a sense of lightness and comfort.

"In addition to being our friend, will you be our companion as well?" Dushasana and Ashwathama inquired in unison.

"Yes, dear Ashwathama and dear Dushasana," Karna replied with a smile.

Karna then introduced his wife to his newfound friends, upon which all three bowed respectfully, but were taken aback by the next words she spoke.

"Will you be my brothers? I have always longed for brothers in my life," Madirakshi expressed, causing the three friends to nod in agreement.

"From this point forward, you are our elder sister," the three friends proclaimed in unison.

"Siblings Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama, would you grace my humble abode with your presence for lunch?" Madirakshi invited her newfound brothers to dine at her home. The trio agreed, deciding that they would visit Karna's home the next day.

"What an unexpected turn of events for Duryodhana and his brothers. You will all partake of your lunch in the house of a charioteer," Bhima taunted, visibly agitated by Karna's presence. Bhima's words were enough to incite the anger of the Kauravas.

Duryodhana was about to respond, but Karna intervened, urging him not to engage in a fight at that moment. Yudhishthira sighed as he witnessed their relationship sour even before it could fully develop. Madirakshi felt a surge of anger but managed to control it.

Soon, the royal family, accompanied by their gurudev, arrived. Karna and Madirakshi bowed to their gurus, who bestowed heartfelt blessings upon them.

"Gurudev, please grant me the honor of serving both of you," Madirakshi broke the silence by inviting her teachers to lunch at her home. Both sages assented, saying, "We shall accompany you, my children. Bhishma, we shall return tonight, is that acceptable to you?"

Bhishma simply nodded in assurance.

Kunti observed Karna and Madirakshi while suppressing her tears. She longed to embrace her son, but circumstances forbade it, as it could raise doubts about his character.