Changing Of Course [✔]

34. Dilemma

Suchitra’s face lit up as soon as she spotted Madirakshi. "Didi, I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, almost bouncing on her feet.

Madirakshi chuckled at her sister’s enthusiasm. "I missed you too, Suchitra!" she replied, giving her a quick hug. "Where are Ma and Pitashri?"

"There they are," Suchitra said with a grin, pointing towards their parents. "Come on, let’s go!"

With Karna by her side, Madirakshi had already met the Kurus. They were first greeted by Bhanumati and Duryodhan. Bhanumati’s face lit up as she introduced herself, clearly happy to be part of the family.

"Welcome, Bhanumati!" Madirakshi said warmly. "I'm sure you’re going to love it here."

Bhanumati smiled merrily, "I’m looking forward to it!"

They then moved on to greet Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Bhishma, Vidur, and Kunti. The air was filled with smiles, but Kunti’s eyes were heavy with emotions. She was trying hard to keep her feelings in check, her mind racing with thoughts of the secret she longed to share with Madirakshi.

Karna soon got caught up in a lively conversation with Ashwatthama, while Duryodhan was busy mingling with the other guests.

When Madirakshi met the Pandavas, they greeted her with their usual warmth, as if no time had passed. None of them let the past create any awkwardness. As she approached Draupadi, the two women exchanged a knowing look, remembering their previous meeting. They quickly fell into easy conversation, as if they’d known each other for years, not realizing they were more than just friends—they were sisters-in-law.

As Madirakshi and Suchitra chatted with their parents, the room filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. Suchitra teased Madirakshi about her serious expression during the introductions.

"Didi, you looked so serious when you met everyone! I thought you were about to give a speech!"

Madirakshi laughed. "Well, someone has to keep things in order around here!"

Kunti, meanwhile, kept a close eye on Madirakshi, searching for a moment to speak to her alone. The secret weighed heavily on her, and she knew she couldn’t keep it much longer.

★

Madirakshi noticed the tension on Kunti’s face and felt a surge of concern. "What’s wrong, Kunti Ma?" she asked gently.

Kunti took a deep breath, her voice trembling. "Avantika, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you." She grabbed Madirakshi’s hand and led her into her chamber, closing the door behind them.

Madirakshi’s worry deepened. "What is it, Kunti Ma? You look so tense. Please, calm down first."

"I wish I could, my dear, but I can't—at least not right now," Kunti replied, her voice heavy with emotion.

Madirakshi’s concern grew. "What’s the matter?"

Kunti hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s about your husband..."

At the mention of Karna, Madirakshi’s heart skipped a beat. Her curiosity and anxiety spiked. "What about him?" she asked, leaning in closer.

Kunti looked into Madirakshi’s eyes, her own eyes filled with unshed tears. "Karna... he’s my son."

Madirakshi was stunned. She stared at Kunti, unable to find the words. "He is—your son?!"

Kunti nodded as tears finally spilled down her cheeks. Madirakshi’s mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Kunti continued, her voice choked with emotion. "He was a blessing from Suryadev, born to me before my marriage to King Pandu. I kept it a secret because I had no other choice. You, more than anyone, deserve to know this, and Karna too. But I never had the courage to tell the world... I couldn’t even tell him."

Madirakshi felt a storm of emotions—disappointment, anger, confusion. But as she looked at Kunti, she also felt a deep sense of empathy. How could I have not understood the situation of a woman, when I am a woman myself?

"It’s my mistake," Kunti cried, her voice breaking.

Madirakshi’s eyes filled with tears. She reached out and held Kunti’s hand. "It’s not your fault, Ma. The real fault lies with this patriarchal society, where women are judged and shamed for things beyond their control. You had to keep it a secret because of that, not because of anything you did wrong."

Kunti looked at Madirakshi with a mix of gratitude and sorrow, her tears still flowing. But before either of them could say more, they heard a voice from behind them.

"Angraj is our elder brother, Mata?!"

They turned in shock to see Yudhishthir standing in the doorway, his four younger brothers behind him, their faces reflecting their own surprise and confusion.

But the real shock came from the other side of the corridor, where Karna stood frozen, having overheard everything. He was accompanied by Ashwatthama, but at that moment, he was utterly alone with his thoughts, his expression one of sheer astonishment.

Madirakshi and Kunti were left speechless, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air.

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Heya readers!

Hope you all are doing well!

I wanted to update this chapter from a long time, but wattpad was glitching. Then I had exams, so wasn't able to spare my time to look after that issue. I uninstall it today, and install it again.

Well, the next chapters don't need much editing, they're fine as it is, and goes well with the edited version.

Please comment your delightful thoughts and hit the star button to vote.

Stay tuned!