Karna's Realization [Old Version]

10. Civil War

Karna was preparing himself to undertake his noble duty as the paragon of justice. Clad entirely in ebony garments, only his resplendent lotus-hued eyes graced the scene.

Harnessing his enchanting powers, he conjured forth a mystical equine companion, a creation that bestowed upon him unparalleled efficiency in his travels.

Meanwhile, Madirakshi's heart brimmed with concern for her husband's well-being, for he had been deprived of restful slumber in the past two days.

Karna's endurance had swelled with each passing day, as he rendered justice to countless denizens of Āryāvrata. He liberally dispensed golden coins to farmers, enabling them to repay their burdensome debts. He championed the cause of those enslaved, delivering them from their shackles.

Before embarking on his imperial duty, Karna bade a tender farewell to his beloved wife.

He meticulously ensured the tranquility of Āryāvrata, making his way towards the headquarters of his formidable Prithvi Sena in Gandhar. There, he was slated to partake in a momentous gathering with his loyal spies, who had now infiltrated even the most powerful realms.

Having just meted out justice to a family of agrarians, emancipating them from their tyrannical landlords and dealing the oppressors a severe retribution, Karna now advanced toward Gandhar, ready to execute his strategy to oust Shakuni from Hastinapur. Formerly spies under Shakuni's employ, they had now pledged their unwavering loyalty to Karna.

Karna had become an astute connoisseur of Shakuni's schemes, effortlessly maintaining a one-step lead over the wily mastermind in every facet.

***

Within the grandiose precincts of the Hastinapur palace, Bhishma brooded over the contents of a missive, contemplating its implications. He pondered deferring the proclamation of the crown prince. Engrossed in deep ruminations, he weighed the repercussions this decision would unleash.

Bhishma apprehended that the pronouncement of a crown prince would exacerbate the already yawning chasm between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, an irreparable rift that the manipulative Shakuni would exploit to his advantage. The brainwashing machinations of Shakuni, the king of Gandhar, would successfully inveigle Duryodhana and his kin.

"Given Ashwathama's allegiance to Duryodhana, it automatically aligns Dronacharya with the Kauravas. Furthermore, today I discovered that Karna harbors an aversion towards the Pandavas, which further bolsters the Kauravas' standing both on paper and in strength. Bound as I am by my oath, my service to Dhritarashtra has inadvertently allied me with Duryodhana," ruminated Bhishma, contemplating the impending future.

"Pandavas find themselves bereft of substantial support and allies. The incident at Kala Pradarshan has diminished their popularity. Now, the public is divided, with half supporting the Pandavas and the other half siding with the Kauravas. Dwarka, angered by their kinsmen's failure to assist them in the war against Jarasandha, has declared neutrality," Bhishma cogitated, delving deeper into the intricate political machinations of Āryāvrata.