Eldest : Karna and Pandava

7. Son

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Glorious, regal and illustrious, she would describe the divine appearance of the Sungod as such, which is still so vivid in her memory. Now seeing her first born infront of her after so long , Karna reminds her of the eventful day of his birth. She let him flow away from her motherly embrace with sorrow weighing down her heart and life . yet she had to do it for a better future , of herself , her family and her son.

People would call him fatherless , she would be ridiculed as a characterless woman by the society, and her father's name and reputation would be tainted forever due to one stupid curiosity of her's. She couldn't allow that to happen, so she let her son go, for he deserves better in his life than an unfortunate mother like her.

As Kunti walked up to the front stairs that lead upto the Varantha ,
Pritha's second eldest son stood firmly beside the Suryaputra. Yudhishthir tugged at Karna's arm as Kunti walked to face them.

The mother in her wanted to scream and shout at the society for the injustice they have done to her. Her sunshine has grown into a handsome gentleman, and she didn't got to see her child growing up.
But she couldn't blame the society alone , as it was, nonetheless her decision.

Yudhishthir bent down to touch her feet ,
Always stay blessed my son.
Kunti said , her eyes welling up all over again , as she caressed Yudhishthir's hair gently. He straightened and stepped back , a gesture to give some space for both mother and her eldest son.

Radha , who stood right behind Radhey , ushered him to seek Kunti's blessings with a gentle pat on his shoulder.
Karna obliged,
Pranipath Rajmata.
He chocked out.

Kunti's breath hitched , a lump formed in her throat chocking her even further , tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Bheem's and Nakul's face fell, Arjun had an understanding demeanor as he looked at his Bade Bhaiyya, so did the youngest. Arjuna gave an assuring nod to his brother . Sahadev placed a hand on his mother's shoulder to help her calm down.

Live longer and stay healthy my son.
She said, her voice strained and tortured. Karna felt bad again , he knew he was definitely hurting her , but Radhey just couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal that he felt each time he faced her.

Please step inside Devi .
Radha said after welcoming Kunti with an aarthi.

Kunti shifted her gaze to the lady who has been kind to her the whole time , by taking care of her son, or maybe their son . Karna is Radha's son as much as he is Kunti's. And even though when she put it like that; Kunti's heart knew Radha was much more of a mother to Karna than she  could ever be , even though it hurts her to admit it. Maybe she can beg Radha to share a little love of her son with the unfortunate mother she is, so her soul could rest in peace.

Kunti gave her a grateful and relieved smile , that conveyed a lot more than her words could have. Radha reciprocated her gesture. She ushered them inside.
Karna just stepped aside to stand near Krishna and Yudhishthir. Keshav wrapped a hand over his shoulder, as karna melted into the comforting touch, he heaved a heavy sigh.
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Vrishali was a lovely lady . Kunti liked her very much. Vrishali conversed with her with utmost respect, and addressed her as mother-in-law, as Radha suggested.
Pritha has handed her the heirloom bangle that was reserved for the eldest daughter-in-law , Vrishali , as expected has denied it at first , but upon Kunti's and Radha's constant insistence, she agreed to wear them.