Tantra - a Dwapar yug adventure [Ongoing]

Chapter 11

Guru Dronacharya had announced a friendly competition to celebrate the prince's education being completed, he had been waiting to announce his star pupil's achieveaments. The day had come, all the members of the royal family were seated in the arena. Mata Kunti and the three girls were excited to see the Kuru clan, they whispered amongst themselves excitedly.

Dronacharya announced the arrival of the first prince, a figure landed from the sky gracefully. Nakul flourished his sword with expertise, his opponent was Dushasan. Dushasan fought valorantly but was defeated. Bheem entered next, his arrival shook the stands and the commoners were frightened by his strength. Kunti looked at her son with adoration and smiled. His opponent was a Kaurava prince who was defeated in mere minutes. Subhadra's breath hitched when she saw her favourite prince arrive gallantly in a chariot. Armed with a bow and arrows, he faced Duryodhana. Dronacharya announced the arrival of Arjun as the 'strongest and most brilliant archer in the world'.

A shadowed figure standing on top of the pillars of the arena boomed 'Wait', everyone craned their necks to look at the looming figure. The man reached the arena grounds and faced Arjun, Tantra realized that it was Karna. Pitamah and Guru Dron stopped him and asked him to declare who he was and what he was doing here. 

Karna said "I am Karna, the son of Adiratha and Radha. I am here to compete against Arjun as you have conveniently declared him as the best archer in the world with no considerations of others"

"You are a suta and have no rights to compete against a prince!" declared Dronacharya

Tantra boiled with rage, she stepped down from the stands and stood next to Karna.

"Guru Dron, you have been subjected to mockery by your friend Drupad because of your caste and yet demean someone else in the same way. What hypocrisy do you preach! Do you not remember Ekalavya and how you cruelly ended his dreams, what kind of guru does that? Your partiality for Arjun has made you blind to every other student and your son as well"

Dronacharya looked at her with immense rage and was about to descend down the steps, Pitamah stopped him and replied to Tantra.

"Putri, you cannot speak to such a revered person with such words"

"I said nothing but the truth, let the gods punish me if I said anything wrong!"

Everyone looked at her in shock and awe, the commoners were proud of her for standing up against the hypocrite royals.

"Fine, Karna may battle against Arjun, provided they do not hurt each other", said Pitamah

Tantra smiled at Karna and returned to the stands

Arjun looked at them in annoyance, the duo faced each other and circled each other. Arjun drew his bow first, Karna defended himself and sent a shower of arrows on him.  They both kept fighting fiercely till the conch was blown signalling sunset.

Arjun huffed in disappointment of not defeating Karna, the King congratulated the princes and Karna on successfully completing their education, the crowds started to disperse.

Guru Dron and Pitamah left, pondering the arrival of the newcomer. Kunti mata appeared shocked, she realized who Karna was.

Tantra descended to the arena, she congratulated Arjun before turning to Karna. She squeezed Karna's palms in happiness and said " I am proud of you, you fought well"

"I am very grateful that you stood up for me and had faith in me"

"Please do not say thank you to me, I am glad to have you here"

Karna smiled at her affectionately

Duryodhana cleared his throat to catch her attention, Tantra turned 

"Oh, Karna, this is Kaurava prince Duryodhana. Duryodhana, this is the one and only Vasusena"

Tantra beamed at him happily, Duryodhana wondered if there was something going on between Tantra and Karna

"I am heading to the palace, would you like to come with me?" asked Duryodhan

"I will be there in a few minutes, you go ahead" said Tantra

Tantra looked at Karna and said "We can meet tomorrow, take rest. Radhama will be waiting for you. I am sure you will earn a earful from Adhirath baba"

Karna chuckled and agreed with her, they parted ways. Each with a smile returned to their homes.

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Sorry for the delay, was occupied for an entire month so lost track of time and did not feel like writing.

Tell me what you liked about this chapter :)