A Change of Fate

Extras (Unheard Conversations)

Once upon a time, in the ancient kingdom of Hastinapura, there lived a young warrior named Karna. He was known for his exceptional strength and skills with the bow and arrow. But he gained those skills after he cheated on his teacher by lying about his caste. When the deception was revealed, his teacher, in his great wrath cursed him, laying the foundation for his eventual death. This is a story well-known to anyone who heard his story.

However, in this story, the past was unwritten and the ink flowed back into the pot. This Karna came back from death and turned to a changed man. For if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.

This is a conversation between him and his master about his previous life. The questions asked by a student to his master changed everything.

------------------------------------------------

After a day of light training, Radheya and Adhriratha returned home in the afternoon to see the children in their family hurriedly cleaning the house and arranging everything in the correct order. A bit perplexed both of them walked into the kitchen where Radha was cooking Kheer.

"Radha..." Adhiratha called softly. "...are we expecting guests today?"

"No pati... Sage Parashuram sent one of his students to announce his arrival at our home. He will be coming in three hours." Radha replied excitedly. "Can you imagine a Vishnu avatar coming to our home, pati." She fluttered around adding sugar to the kheer smiling happily. Adhiratha spirits were raised at those words. "Everything has to be perfect. Vasu, go help your brothers in setting up the table. There should be no mistakes today. Can bring some supplies, pati?" None of them saw the anguish in the eyes of their eldest.

The quaint hamlet was spotless by the time of Sage Parashuram's arrival. The Chiranjeevi and the only Vishnu avatar who co-existed with other avatars came alone without any of his disciples. He was garlanded by the elders of the house and was given the best room in the house. Sage Parashuram chose Vasusena to serve him for the duration of his visit.

The entire day has passed and the sage has spent the night relaxing in the house. The sage then stated that he wanted to take a walk in the nearby forest and Radheya accompanied him. The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

"Karna..." Sage Parashuram called when there were no people around them.

"It has been nearly six years since I have heard that name, Sage Parashuram." Radheya smiled wanly. "So may I know the reason you are here?"

There was a silence following that blunt statement. "I thought after that day, I would never see or hear of you again, Sage Parashuram. You did deny knowing me all the time." He exhaled warily. "So, which curse have the great sage come to my home to bestow upon me now?"

"I came here to make you my disciple."

Vasusena was surprised at the answer and stood dumbfounded for a few moments. A few moments later, he burst into laughter to the point where he had to steady himself against a tree to avoid falling.

"I never thought you were capable of making a joke, Sage Parashuram." He stated holding his sides to control his laughter. On seeing the serious look on the face of the great sage he sobered up.

"You are not joking?" After getting out of shock he started to laugh again. "Oh god!! You really are not joking." This time he rolled on the forest floor unable to control his laughter