Karna's Realization [Old Version]

35. Wingding

In the grand city of Hastinapur, the Pandu family had arrived, their hearts filled with longing for their extended family. The brothers, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, spent cherished moments together, reveling in the warmth of their reunion. They had decided to stay in Hastinapur for the next two months, basking in the love and camaraderie of their kin. Laughter and joy filled the air, except for two individuals whose thoughts veered in opposite directions, one seeking to prevent future disasters and the other plotting to bring about calamity.

Shakuni, consumed by his desire for power, had been diligently honing his dark magic skills. He recognized that Karna's absence from Hastinapur would weaken the magical protections he had placed upon the city. Shakuni patiently awaited the opportune moment when Karna would be away, and his dark magic would have a chance to prevail.

Meanwhile, Karna, deep in contemplation, resided in his chambers, sequestered by his own volition. Thoughts of Yudhishthira's impending encounter with the treacherous dice game troubled his mind. Aware of Yudhishthira's love for the game and his willingness to risk everything to win, Karna grappled with the challenge of safeguarding his dear friend.

In a state of profound confusion, Karna realized that he needed a fresh perspective, a new approach to protect Yudhishthira from the impending disaster. Determined to find a solution, he made his way to the magnificent royal library of Hastinapur, a sanctuary of knowledge and wisdom.

Within the library's hallowed halls, Karna meticulously combed through countless books, delving into the intricacies of the treacherous dice game and seeking insights into shrewd gameplay. He knew that within these ancient tomes, he would discover the key to protecting his friend from the impending calamity.

Days turned into weeks as Karna immersed himself in his research, tirelessly poring over the texts, absorbing the wisdom contained within their pages. The denizens of the palace observed with curiosity as Karna dedicated himself to his studies, his days and nights consumed by his quest for knowledge.

Whispers spread throughout the palace, mingling with perplexity. The inhabitants couldn't fathom why Karna, the mighty warrior, had forsaken his usual pursuits to bury himself in books. Yet, amidst the confusion, Yudhishthira recognized the significance of Karna's actions. He understood that his dear friend was attempting to send him a message, a warning to navigate the treacherous terrain of the dice game with caution and cunning.

After an arduous month of research, Karna finally unearthed the gem he sought—a tale of caution and wisdom embedded within the story of Nala and Damayanti. Triumphantly, he read the tale aloud, ensuring that his words carried throughout the palace, reaching the ears of all who would listen.

The tale unfolded as Karna's voice resonated, every member of the palace hanging on his every word. He narrated how Damayanti, the princess of Vidarbha, had chosen Nala, the king of Nishada, as her husband through a swayamvara, defying other kings and princes. They lived in bliss, bearing two children, until Nala's cousin, Pushkara, challenged him to a fateful game. Nala, losing the game, was forced into exile with Damayanti, while their children remained under the care of Damayanti's father. The couple endured immense hardships in the forest, but a divine intervention altered Nala's appearance and guided him to learn the art of the game from King Rituparna of Ayodhya. Damayanti, meanwhile, faced perils, including a python attack, only to be saved by a hunter whom she cursed for his vile intentions.