Raghukul: Mahabharat

Chapter 6: The Invitation

Karna stood in front of Drona and his 105 students and said, "Are you ready?"

Drona responded confidently, "My students are enough for you, but let's start."

With that, all the princes, except Arjuna who was an archer, ran towards Karna. Karna just smiled and raised one hand in the air. The bow, a gift from his mother, appeared in his hand with a bright golden light. Bhishma and Shakuni recognized the bow.

Karna pulled the string of the bow without an arrow and released it. A thunderclap echoed through the arena, and a shockwave sent every prince rushing towards Karna flying away. Only Arjuna and Drona kept their ground.

Karna said, "Hmm, are these your students, Drona?"

Drona replied, "They are nothing. Arjuna is my best student."

Karna then quickly shot an arrow towards Arjuna, which broke Arjuna's bow in half. "Come, Drona, we gotta fight," he said.

Then a fierce battle commenced between Karna and Drona. Divine astras were fired around as if they were normal arrows, illuminating the battlefield with their brilliant light. The clash of their weapons echoed through the arena, creating a thunderous noise. After a few hours of intense combat, Karna emerged victorious by breaking Drona's bow and binding him with the Nagpash.

The onlookers were left in shock, unable to believe their eyes, except for Bhishma and Shakuni who already knew about Karna's prowess.

The next day, Karna left Hastinapur and headed back to Ayodhya with his sisters.

One year had passed since the KalaPradarshan. The event had left a lasting impression on everyone, especially with Karna's display of power and skill. Shortly after, Guru Drona demanded his GuruDakshina from the Kuru princes, seeking revenge against Panchal. Under his guidance, the Kuru princes launched an attack on Panchal, defeating King Drupad. As a result, half of Panchal was returned to Drupad, while the other half was given to Drona's son, Ashwatthama. The balance of power shifted, and the land was divided.

A month after the conquest, a tragic event struck Hastinapur. The Pandavas were reported dead in a devastating forest fire, a loss that shook the kingdom to its core. Mourning filled the air, and the future seemed uncertain.

In Ayodhya, life continued, and a new challenge presented itself. One day, a royal messenger arrived with a letter from Kampilya, the capital of the half of Panchal still ruled by Drupad. The letter invited Karna to participate in the Swayamvar of Draupad's daughter, a princess born from the sacred fire. The Swayamvar, a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband from a gathering of suitors, was set to take place in a week.

Karna read the letter carefully. The invitation was not just an honor; it was an opportunity. He knew participating in such an event could forge new alliances and strengthen Ayodhya's position. After a moment of contemplation, Karna decided to accept the invitation.

The next day, Karna bid farewell to his family and set off alone for Kampilya. He traveled at a leisurely pace, taking time to enjoy the journey and reflect on his experiences. The road to Kampilya was long, but Karna was in no rush. He admired the changing landscapes, from lush forests to serene rivers, and took solace in the tranquility of nature.

Two days before the Swayamvar, Karna arrived in Kampilya.

As Karna entered the bustling kingdom of Kampilya, the city seemed to buzz with anticipation. A loud announcement echoed through the streets: "AyodhyaRaj Karna Padhar Rahe Hai!" (The King of Ayodhya, Karna, is arriving!) The words spread like wildfire, and every resident in the vicinity turned their gaze towards Karna, their admiration evident in their eyes.

The Royal Palace loomed ahead, an imposing structure that showcased the grandeur of Drupad's rule. As Karna approached the palace, he noticed the figure of King Drupad standing prominently at the entrance, accompanied by his son, Dristadyumna, who was Draupadi's elder brother. The royal family was in full attendance, and the atmosphere was one of high expectation.

Amidst the royal entourage, one figure stood out prominently to Karna. It was Vasudev Shri Krishna, the eighth avatar of his father Narayan. The sight of Krishna, known for his divine wisdom and grace, filled Karna with a mix of reverence and emotion.

Ignoring the formalities and the other dignitaries, Karna made his way directly to Krishna. With deep respect, he touched Krishna's feet, acknowledging the divine presence before him. He then embraced Krishna in a heartfelt hug. The gesture surprised many, as the others present did not immediately understand the significance of this encounter.

Krishna, however, responded with a warm smile and a gentle pat on Karna's back. "We will talk later," Krishna said, his voice soothing and reassuring. Karna, understanding the import of Krishna's words, nodded and stepped back.

Turning his attention to King Drupad, Karna approached him with a respectful bow. "Pranipat Maharaj," Karna greeted.

Drupad, with a welcoming demeanor, responded, "Pranipat. A Dasi will escort you to your guest room shortly."

Before the arrangement could be finalized, Krishna interjected, "Maharaj, do not worry. I will take him to his room myself."

Drupad, slightly taken aback by Krishna's offer, nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well, Krishna. I trust you will see to it."

With that, Krishna led Karna through the majestic corridors of the palace. As they walked, Karna's mind was filled with thoughts about the upcoming Swayamvar and the potential changes it could bring. The presence of Krishna, a figure of immense significance in his life, added an extra layer of importance to the event.

They reached the guest quarters, where Karna was shown to a room prepared for him with great care. Krishna assured Karna that everything would be in order for the Swayamvar and that they would have time to discuss matters further later.

As Karna settled into his room, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. The stage was set for an event that could alter the course of his life and the destinies of many others.