The sun beat down upon the dusty terrain as Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava brother, stood before the assembled crowd. With a grand gesture, he beckoned Karna, the sutaputra warrior, to approach.
"Karna, your prowess in battle is renowned," Duryodhana declared, his voice booming across the landscape. "I hereby appoint you as the king of Anga, a realm worthy of your exceptional skills."
As Karna stepped forward, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Some nodded in approval, while others whispered among themselves, their eyes narrowed in skepticism.
Adhiratha, Karna's father, emerged from the throng, his eyes shining with pride. However, his joy was short-lived, as Bhima, the Pandava brother, sneeringly remarked, "A charioteer's son becoming a king? How quaint."
Karna's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. Yet, he remained silent, his gaze fixed on Duryodhana.
"Let us proceed with the ceremony," Duryodhana said, his voice firm.
As the ritual unfolded, Karna's thoughts swirled with a mix of emotions: gratitude toward Duryodhana, resentment toward Bhima, and a burning desire to prove himself.
With the coronation complete, Karna stood tall, his eyes scanning the horizon. He knew that his appointment as king of Anga was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a calculated move to counter Arjuna's influence.
"I will not disappoint you, Duryodhana," Karna vowed, his voice low and determined.
And so, Karna embarked on his new role, his path forever intertwined with the fate of the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
The sun shone brightly as Karna stood before the gathered crowd, his eyes fixed on the crown that would soon adorn his head. The air was thick with anticipation, the atmosphere electric with excitement.
As the priest announced the final ritual, a hush fell over the assembly. "The woman closest to the king's heart shall place the crown upon his head," he declared.
Karna's eyes scanned the crowd, his gaze searching for the one who would bestow this honor upon him. But his mother, Radha, was nowhere to be found.
In the awkward silence that followed, Kunti, the Pandavas' mother, stepped forward. "I shall perform this ritual," she said, her voice firm.
But the Pandavas protested, their faces darkening with disapproval. "No, Mother!" Arjuna exclaimed. "This is not proper!"
Maya, sensing the tension, approached Karna. "Shall I do it?" she asked, her voice soft.
Karna's eyes met hers, and he nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Maya. You shall be the one to crown me."
As Maya stepped forward, the crowd gasped in unison. Her beauty was mesmerizing, her presence commanding attention. For the first time, people saw someone as beautiful as Maya, and they were struck by her radiance.
With graceful fingers, Maya placed the crown upon Karna's head, her touch sending shivers down his spine. The crowd erupted into cheers, their applause thundering through the air.
Karna's eyes locked onto Maya's, his gaze burning with gratitude. In that moment, something shifted between them, a connection forged that would forever alter the course of their lives.
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Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale
Historical Fiction(Discontinued) "When the dust of war settles, a new beginning unfolds and not every war is external,not every war is fought with bows, arrows,swords etc.for land....some tough ones are fought with your own heart for your happiness and Inner Piece" ...
