Clashed destinies

War knocks at the door

Karn couldnt face himself in the mirror. He had broken Meghna's trust. He had chosen his people before his wife. Like lord Rama he too was a prey to this precarious society. He couldnt look at Meghna when she was leaving her palace. Arjun and Draupadi followed her. Arjun had criticized him for his decision...Mata Kunti and Radhama had blaimed him for the ill treatment of their daughter in law...his brothers including Duryodhan were unhappy and cross with him. No one understood his pain...his suffering. He had to abandon the most precious person in his life...the woman he loved more than anyone ever. Meghna didnt day a word before leaving the palace. Why was their destiny so crooked! Why did the society become his biggest enemy! Why was his life like this! Who could he blame for this situation but himself!
"Dont be so hard on yourself Bhrata" it was Krishna.
"I...I didnt know what to do...it seemed like the most appropriate solution Krishna. " Karn sighed with grief as tears clouded his eyes.
"Sometimes most appropriates things may not lead to a happy ending. The right thing doesnt always lead to happiness. From Meghna's point of view she has been wronged and you are her culprit. She is right in her judgement. But you are the king. For you the people comes before your loved ones. Thank god I am not a king in this life of mine. " Krishna said thinking about his hard previous life.
"Which is greater Govind? Love or responsibility?" Karn asked.
"That depends on who you are. Are you the King of Anga before you are Meghna's husband? Which role matters the most to you?" Krishna said recalling his previous life. His dear Sita!
"How can I abandon my subjects who look upto me for their justice and trust me with their life! Being a king is the biggest responsibility one can have" Karn said but his heart was betraying him. He missed his wife terribly and he couldnt imagine a life without her.

Meanwhile Meghna was trying to lead a peaceful life with his friend and brother in law. They had found their happiness in the forest. She however was missing Karn and every moment of his life was filled with the memories of Karn. How could she ever move on in life !
Things were peaceful in the forest. Duryodhan and the other pandavas frequently visited them but Karn never came. He couldnt face his wife after every thing he had done.
Things were slowly getting accustomed and everyone were gettingbsomehwat used to the arrangement when a storm came knocking ath their doors.
"Maharaj Dushashan along with Gandharraj has plotted against Hastinapur. King Drupad is also supporting them!" Mahamantri Vudur suddenly declared in the court. Everyone were taken aback.
"Maharaj Drupad! But how is that possible Kakashree? He is Draupadi's father!" Karn said.
"The same Draupadi you had ousted from your kingdom Angraj. My daughter and son in law are living a horrible life in the forest while you enjoy this palace life! " Drupad said entering the scene shocking everyone.
Karn couldnt argue back. What was  he supposed to say? Drupad was not wrong! But they didn't know Karn himself too was suffering.
"I declare war on you Angraj Karn!" Drupad shouted angrily and left the palace.
Karn sighed with grief. What else was left in this despicable life of his! Hardly did he know this was his chance to get back his love and his family.

Meanwhile in the forest Krishna visited  his best friends.
"How have you been sakhi??" He asked as a cheerful smile touched his lips.
"I am just fine Govind" Meghna replied.
"You are a very strong woman sakhi. Always remember that. And your suffering will end soon." Krishna said.
Meghna couldn't imagine a stress free life. She was accustomed to this loneliness. She didnt know if things would ever be the same. Even if everything became perfect...Karn himself called them back she wasnt sure if she would be able to forgive Karn. The humiliation...the proposal of testing her purity had killed her soul in the most gruesome manner. How will she ever forgive him? Even though she knew he didnt have much of a choice she couldnt accept his decision. It was difficult for her. She cursed the society who couldnt learn their lesson after Mata Sita's tragic death.
"There is war brewing in Hastinapur" Krishna informed.
Arjun was taken aback. He had no idea. He missed his brothers a lot . Especially his jyesth Bhrata. But he too was not happy with Karn's decision.
"Maharaj Drupad has challenged Hastinapur. Moreover Dushashan and his mamashree have joined him." Krishna said.
"What! Pitasree...but why?" Draupadi was completely shocked.
"You know why" Meghna said and slowly realization dawned upon them.
"But...bhrata Karn...its not his fault alone..." Arjun was feeling a little weak as he thought about his brother's condition.
"This war will be devastating for the subjects and Hastinapur. Dronacharya , the half king of Panchal will fight against Bhrata Karn. Drupad himself is an amazing warrior. And we all know the trickery of Mamashree Shakuni. This war will be proved disastrous!" Krishna said.
Meghna was extremely worried for Karn. Keeping aside all her anger and frustration she decided she would try to convince her husband from fighting this war which could lead to his probable death.