Karna's reincarnation

10. The Call Off Kalinga

I got startled when Duryodhan tapped on my shoulders suddenly taking me by surprise.

"You scared me", I glared at him.

Duryodhan smiled big at me. "I have news", he said excitedly.

I looked at him. "What?" I asked.

"You know the kingdom of Kalinga", Duryodhan said.

I nodded confused at him.

"Well we are going to go there", he said and I got the realisation. This means that Bhanumati's swayamvar and time for my marriage with Supriya arrived.

"I love a princess Bhanumati and her swayamvar is arriving. I want to go there and win her hand", he said.

"Win her hand or abduct her?" I asked coldly.

His smile fell.

"What?" He asked slowly.

"You tell me. It's her swayamvar and she can choose anyone. What if she doesn't choose you?" I demanded.

"No. She has to choose me. I love her a lot", Duryodhan said adamantly.

I sighed. "Love doesn't mean bondage. You should be happy in seeing her happy with anyone else as per her wishes if you truly love her", I said to him softly.

"Mitr", he whined.

"I am clear on this Duryodhan. I will not support any abduction and won't let you do it as well", I said to him.

He huffed and nodded making me smile.

"I was planning to go to the forest", I said.

"To hunt?" He asked.

"No. I don't kill animals for pleasure and amusement. I wanted to enjoy nature. My wives have to go for the veneration with Gandhari maa and Kunti maa so I will go without them", I shrugged.

"Oh. I will accompany you", he said.

"Duryodhan. You have to be present in state affairs and the important discussion of alliances will be held that time so you are not risking it for anything, please", I said.

He sighed and nodded. "You are hell bent on making me a king by justified means", he joked.

I chuckled at him.

"By the way, see the invite yourself", Duryodhan said and showed me the invitation from Kalinga.

I looked at it.

Respected King

I, the king of Kalinga, has taken immense pleasure in the announcement of  the swayamvar of my darling daughter Bhanumati.

The swayamvar would be a self choice ceremony where my daughter will be introduced to the respective suitors and she will garland the one she wishes to marry.

The kingdom of Kalinga is very excited for this auspicious occasion of their beloved princess and we sincerely hope that kuru princes would grace us with their presence.

Hoping to see Kuruvanshi there

With love and respect,
Kalinga-Naresh

I folded the paper back.

"Just remember what I said to you", I told him and he nodded.

"I won't abduct Bhanumati. I will be happy in whoever she chooses", he said and I noticed the pain in his eyes.

I sighed.

"Duryodhan. Trust me ok? I am doing everything for your own well being. I can't let you go towards your own downfall. And for that I need to make sure you do everything the right way", I said.

"But if you want...I can arrange for a meeting between you and her. You can meet her before and know her feelings. You can tell yours as well. I have always found it absurd that no one is given time to decide their partners which fortunately didn't happen in my and Vrushali's case. We knew each other well", I said.

"But isn't it forbidden, mitr?" Duryodhan asked in shock.

"Duryodhan", I sighed exasperated. "The quality I have always liked in you is that you do what you feel is right and what is often right. You don't get bind in social customs which are not good for anyone. If you start caring for what is socially appealing, there would be no meaning then", I said to him.

He nodded. "Alright. I will like talking to her. I promise I won't do anything in case her choice is someone else. But please take me to meet her once", he pleaded.

"Sure", I smiled. "Before swayamvar, I have heard that princesses go to temples for veneration. I will find out where she is going and we will go in disguise to meet her", I said.

"Ok", Duryodhan grinned and walked off.

I smiled at him.

There is no way he would ever argue with me. He agreed to everything I said. He trusted me so much!

I went to Vrushali's chamber.

"Priye", I called out. Vrushali looked at me and walked towards me excitedly. I hugged her and kissed her hair.

"I wanted to give you these bangles. Mata Kunti wants my wives to wear it", I said and showed her the bangles. She smiled in surprise seeing them.

I made her wear it. It looked so good on her.

"I want to ask you something", she said and pulled me to sit on the bed and sat beside me. I looked at her.

"Since the time you went to read the letters offering marriage proposals to you, whenever you see Arjun, you get disturbed. What's the matter?" She asked.

I can't tell her right now.

"It's just that I don't think he's ready for marriage", I said. I mean I know I didn't tell her that reason but I was not lying. He's not ready for marriage.

"I saw him tensed and asked him what was wrong. He told me he fears about marriage. He has just returned from Gurukul. He is not ready for such a big responsibility. I know even I married you immediately after returning in case you think why am I worrying but I am older than him so I know".

Vrushali grinned. "Don't get angry. But you seem to care for him just like you are his elder brother. You know?" She giggled.

I stiffened hearing it.

"I am sorry Arya", she said in fear of angering me. I sighed seeing her scared.

"Don't get scared of saying something to me. I am your husband not your master. And you didn't say anything wrong. I do care for him. He's like my brother", I whispered.