Son of Fire, daughter of the Sun

Chapter 8: Durvasa blesses

Champa plunged into jubilation. The city was enveloped in the aroma of burning incense and thousands of flowers. Lush garlands decorated the streets and houses. In the palace, all the chambers were strewn with petals. Not having time to disperse, the kings and princes gathered again. The only ones missing were King Drupada and his daughter Shikhandini, who were unexpectedly called back to Panchal on important business. Invited from Hastinapur, Kripacharya agreed to perform the marriage ceremony. Adiratha and Radha blessed the newlyweds and the ceremony began. Decorated with white and scarlet flowers, with hands and feet painted with henna, studded with jewels, the future queen of Anga appeared in a dazzling red sari next to her fiancé. A mighty warrior with arms and a body like diamonds or Indra's vajra, capable of stopping a herd of fleeing elephants if desired, this is how the son of Agnidev appeared before everyone.

The hearts of Arjuna and Duryodhana were pierced by the same poisoned arrow as they watched. This was the only moment when eternal rivals and enemies could understand each other. The wedding ceremony of Karishma and Arundev burned their hearts with the same pain. When the seven vows were recited, and the bride and groom walked around the sacrificial fire in front of everyone, the heavens suddenly opened up, and the sage Durvasa appeared in a halo of radiance above the heads of everyone. Everyone froze in place in anticipation of something bad, but the sage suddenly smiled benevolently and loudly proclaimed:

“I must announce that the hour has come to remove the curse I imposed many years ago. Devi Karishma! You have gone through difficult trials to prove that you are no less courageous and strong than male kshatriyas. You lamented many times that you didn't get to be born in a male body. Rejoice! From now on, you will no longer have to prove and be sad. You really would have been born a man if that ancestor of yours, whose name I have no right to name by the will of Mahadev, did not incur my curse. But now the condition necessary to cancel the curse is fulfilled. Despite the fact that the innocence of the Devi was questioned, there was one who agreed to take her as his wife. Blessed are you both! Reign and glorify the gods with your righteous rule!"- With these words, the sage Durvasa raised his hand and sprinkled the bride and groom with water from the sacred river Ganges.

Karisma's body was enveloped in a radiant cloud. When it disappeared, a tall young man in golden armor and with golden earrings in his ears appeared before those present.

"His name is Karna!" Durvasa solemnly proclaimed.

- The name of this worthy man will be covered with glory, and people will remember him for many ages,

- saying this, Durvasa disappeared. The wife of the charioteer Adiratha suddenly rolled her eyes and fell unconscious, and a moment later someone’s drawn-out scream was heard from the ranks of the guests. Queen Kunti, for some unknown reason, also lost consciousness. Her sons and servants immediately rushed to her and began to fuss over her. Everyone except Arjuna. He froze as if in a magical stupor and, without moving, looked in the direction of the one who recently bore the name of Karishma. However, not only Arjuna was dumbfounded. Duryodhana opened his mouth in astonishment and stared wide-eyed at Karna, dropping his mace on the feet of Prince Shishupala, who was sitting next to him. The latter, being no less surprised, did not notice the mace. And even the usually quick-witted Shakuni, who has time to navigate in any situation, did not find a single word to express his emotions or take advantage of what happened.

Arundev, in utter confusion and amazement, looked at the young beautiful warrior in golden armor

- the one with whom he had just been legally married. He still could not understand what this man had to do with his student and bride. Not believing himself, Karna slowly looked around his new body, felt his chest and shoulders, then exhaled heavily and closed his eyes in despair. What a cruel mockery of fate! Today, exactly what was dreamed of from early childhood came true, but only the son of the charioteer Karna now had the feeling that the sage Durvasa did not bless him, but laughed cruelly at him.