✓ Narottam Arjun: Soul of the Sage

s e v e n - p r a s a d

"Don't trust the word,
Trust the actions.
Don't trust anyone for what they say,
But for what they do!"

'Suryanamaskaar' was a daily routine to the third Pandav, being the Spiritual son of Suryadev, Karn had a different affection and respect towards him.

As usual, he went for his Suryapuja, near the River Goddess Ganga, and offered his prayers.

One notable thing about this was, he would donate. He had a vow that anyone who would ask for a donation, anything that Karn could give, he will donate, even his life.

He completed his pooja and saw no one around, his lips curled in smile, 'Looks like everyone is happy in Hastinapur, and no one needs anything,' he thought.

If there was something he cared for, above his Daan Vachan, was his mother land. The meaning he intercepted of absence of anyone was the prosperity of his Kingdom. But truth was far from it.

GandharRaj Shakuni had paid anyone who walked from nearby, and didn't let anyone come. He sent an old lady and kept an eye from far.

As Karn walked back, he heard sobs. The heart of the warrior pained as he heard the wails of a woman. He walked over to the sobs and saw a old woman.

"Maiyya, why are you crying?" He inquired, she was very old, and her face was filled with scars. "What can I do son? My husband died just after our wedding, and I have no kids. Today I made this Prasad, but no one is ready to eat. Just because I am a widow," She fed lies, her fake tears and fictional sob story made Karn's blood boil.

"They are fools who deny the love of a mother, give it to me, I will have that," He added, what was harm in eating a little?

Hidden behind the bushes, was the King of Gandhar and his eldest nephew Duryodhan. "Uncle, this is a bad idea," Duryodhan spoke, "Giving his snake venom? That too the one that takes a day to kill?"

"No my son, it's perfect. Remember, today Karn has to go to Varnavrat for inspection. And he will return by morning.

When Karn does not reach Varnavrat, they will send an escort and that will come by evening.

And by the time they find him, they will find him all with poison. And since it will be dark, the antidote for this poison won't be there.

It's a special flower that blooms in the day, and by the time the flower blooms, he will be gone." Shakuni explained his master plan.

"We can give a simple poison, and end it now Uncle," Duryodhan said, crossing his arms.

A glint of revenge and hatred grew in Shakuni's eyes, "Those Pandavas will suffer more seeing their brother. Last time Bheem was saved and came more powerful, but now, Karn won't. I will see the faces of Pandavas breaking being incapable of saving their brothers, that will bring me happiness."

Duryodhan didn't reply and focused his attention towards Karn, he smiled a little as he saw Karn eat the prasad.

"Let's go Uncle," Shakuni nodded and they left.

The spot where the old woman sat was an isolated area, no one came by there. Surprisingly it was near to Ganga yet no one came here.

This place was less likely to be looked on for Karn, when they would search for him.

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Arjun sat with his hands buried under his hands. 'Uloopi' was trouble, and she proved it twice from the morning.