𝙺𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙰 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙾𝚁

࿇ ✥ ࿇ CHAPTER-52 ࿇ ✥ ࿇

"Magadha's Raj, Karna!" echoed through the hall, drawing all eyes towards the distinguished figure rising from his seat. With measured steps, Karna made his way to the center, commanding attention with his imposing presence.

Draupadi couldn't help but steal a glance at the tall and strikingly handsome man. His allure surpassed that of any other participant, his forehead marked with the emblem of the sun god and adorned with gleaming kundals that enhanced his charm. Rumors of his beauty and valor had reached Draupadi through her maids, but seeing him in person, she marveled at his magnificence. Yet, the question lingered would he prove his valor in the task ahead ?

Karna stood before the bow, a reverent aura surrounding him as he paid homage to the bow . With effortless grace, he lifted the bow, his movements fluid and precise. The metallic bow yielded to his touch as he skillfully tied its string, a display of strength that left no doubt in the minds of onlookers , a testament to his formidable prowess, visible to all who beheld him .

As Karna prepared to take aim, he cast a fleeting glance at the princess as she smiled at him . With focused determination, he adjusted his position, the reflection of the target shimmering in the pool before him. Just as he was about to release the string, a commanding voice pierced through the silence of the sabha.

"Stop this, Maharaj Karna," echoed the voice, sending ripples of surprise through the assembly. It was none other than Arjuna who spoke, a revelation that caught many off guard, though Krishna observed the scene with a serene smile, his eyes betraying a deeper understanding .

Karna sighed and shook his head, baffled by the recurring disruptions caused by the young man. "What's with this kid? Does he have some sort of perpetual problem with me ?"

"Why did you intervene during the swayamvar, Rajkumar ?" Draupada's frustration was palpable on his face. He was already on edge, worried if anyone would be able to complete the task. Only a handful had managed to lift the bow, and now this interruption was adding to his exasperation.

Draupada was deeply impressed by Karna. He harbored a strong desire to have him as a son-in-law, considering his valor and the fact that he was a king of one of the wealthiest kingdoms. But all of that could be jeopardized by the interference of him

"I wish to compete before the King of Magadha ," Arjun declared, well aware that Karna could effortlessly complete the task. He was determined not to lose the Panchal princess to him.

Arjun swiftly approached Karna without hesitation, making a direct move to snatch the bow from Karna's grasp. However, Karna held onto it tightly, refusing to yield.

"What do you think you're doing?" Karna's voice was calm yet commanding. "Are you truly eager to lose your life ?" His words hung in the air, sending shivers down the spines of everyone in the assembly .

" Take your hands from the bow before i take your hand from yourself " Karna cold words echoed through the sabha

Arjuna remained steadfast, refusing to budge as he continued his attempt to wrest the bow from Karna's left hand. With a sigh, Karna swiftly grasped Arjuna's hand and effortlessly removed it from the bow, giving him a gentle push that caused Arjuna to stumble slightly .

"Maharaj, if you don't intervene or take action, I will be forced to do something ," Karna warned, addressing Draupada. He continued, his gaze piercing as he spoke directly to Yudhishthir, "I doubt Hastinapur would care about losing a prince, considering they have so many. Will they care, Yudhishthir ?" Karna's commanding stare caused Yudhishthir to falter .

"Forgive me, Maharaj. Rajkumar Arjun, your chance will come when the announcement is made for you. Now, it's Magadharaj's turn to complete the task. Please don't interfere and return to your place ," Draupada spoke.

"Forgive me, Maharaj," Yudhishthir spoke.

"Don't give me that excuse. You and your brothers always seem to have something against me, don't you? As usual, one of your little brothers couldn't keep quiet," Karna retorted.

"If you truly wish to face me, do so on the battlefield. But remember, I won't hold back like in the competition held by your kingdom. Instead, I will crush you so thoroughly that no one from your kingdom will ever dare to challenge me again ."

Arjun, growing irritated by the ongoing speech, was about to retort, but was swiftly restrained by his eldest brother, Yudhishthir, who urged him to remain silent. Bound by respect for his elder brother, Arjun quietly made his way back to his throne, though not without silently praying for his defeat.

Yudhishthir, too, desired to win the hand of the Panchal Princess, but not at the expense of incurring the wrath of the unmatched valor of Magadharaj. With the might of Magadh's army against them, Hastinapur stood little chance.

Karna steadied himself, assuming his position with precision aimed at the target. With a deep breath, he gazed at its reflection in the pool before releasing his shot .

All eyes in the sabha were fixed on the sky's reflection, eager to witness the arrow's fate. With each moment, anticipation grew as Karna's arrow found its mark, piercing the serpent's eye, the emblem of Panchal. As soon as the target was hit, a cascade of flowers filled the air, celebrating his precise aim and skill.

"Maharaj Karna has won the swayamvar of my sister, Draupadi !" Drishtadyumna's announcement rang out, filled with happiness.

Krishna, observing Draupadi, gave a subtle nod as he descended the stairs with her by his side, until they reached the center of the sabha where Karna stood.

As the maids presented the garland on a tray, Draupadi's hand trembled slightly as she lifted it, her gaze locking with Karna's handsome face. In that intimate moment, a blush spread across her cheeks .

As Draupadi prepared to garland him, she realized Karna's height posed a challenge. With a chuckle, Krishna intervened, teasingly remarking, " Will you bow down a little for your future wife, Vrisha ?"

Karna gracefully inclined himself, allowing Draupadi to adorn him with the garland, symbolizing the beginning of their journey together.

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So Karna has married draupadi ? I know many likes subhadhra karna pair more but it was already decided at the start of the story so can't change sorry 😐

what about our subhi ? won't she be heart broken hearing her dream prince married an another women..