DIFFERENT SURYAPUTRA

Chapter 21

Adhiratha: Putra, we are waiting for you only. There is something we want to tell you and I don't know if you would forgive us or even accept us any further but I think its right to tell you.

Karna got a fair idea of what they were going to tell, he just smiled.

Karna: Pitashree, there is nothing in this world for which you have to ask me to forgive or I will leave you.

They were emotional hearing his declaration, from his smile they got solace.

Adhiratha: First listen to what we have to say, son. We are not your…

Karna: Not my birth parent, I know Pitashree but what difference does it make. You both adopted me and raised me. Because of you I am what I am today. For me you both are my parents.

Radha left his embrace and looked at him shocked, so was Adhiratha who was gawking at him with wide eyes.

Radha: You knew, Putra…

Karna: Yes, I know about it.

His voice was very calm and his face had a calm smile but the more he is like this the more guilty his parents felt.

Adhiratha: Since, when you are aware of it. Son.

Karna: Since, long before Pitashree.

Radha: Then why haven't you confronted us?

Karna: Confront? Maa why would I confront you? What should I confront you? Why did you pick up a child who was abandoned? Why didn't you, like several others, leave me to my destiny, which is to die drowning in ganga? Should I ask why you bothered to accept me and raise me like your own? Or should I ask why you have given all your love and care to someone who was discarded as trash?

Radha couldn't help but slap him hard because of his words, but after slapping him, she regained herself and feeling guilty she immediately cupped his face.

Radha: I am sorry my son, I shouldn't have done that but, why were you speaking like that?

Karna gently held her hands,

Karna: See Mata, I got hurt and you felt pain. It has always been the case, you were one who nurtured me with all your love and care. Just giving birth doesn't make a mother nurturing does, you are my mother and I am your son. Do you think I would ever question your love towards me? I am Radhey and Radhey will be what I ever will be and I am proud of it.

Radha just sobbed hard in his embrace, even Adhiratha was teared. He too joined the hug. Karna couldn't do anything but to embrace them because the embrace was his assurance. He knows today's event may have caused their parents to feel like this. He was glad they did tell the truth not because he didn't know but because it would be lighter for them. Their bond would be stronger than ever.

Radha: Do you know your real parents too, Putra? Have you met or seen them?

Karna: I am aware of them. I have seen and met them but only to my father as his son but for the woman that gave birth to me we are nothing but known strangers.

Adhiratha: Who are your birth parents, Putra?

Karna: I am the spiritual son of Suryadev who was born to devi Kunti before her marriage and then was abandoned in river Ganga to save her's and her father's reputation.

Adhiratha and Radha were too shocked to say anything, they looked at Karna who was talking about it so casually like he wasn't speaking about himself as there was no fluctuations in voice, even talking about strangers there is sympathy towards him if such happened to him but their son wa talking about himself as if it's not a big deal.