Dream - A Karna SI

2. SURPRISE

Adhiratha's POV

Vasusen was a strange child. Even as an infant, there was something extraordinary about him. His eyes, deep and knowing, seemed to understand more than they should. By the age of two, Vasusen could speak fluently and run with the grace of a deer. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, displaying an intellect far beyond his years.

Adhiratha often found himself marveling at his son's abilities. Vasusen's curiosity was insatiable, his questions unending. It was as if the boy carried the wisdom of ages within his small frame. Adhiratha sometimes wondered if Vasusen was an incarnation of a devta, a celestial being sent to live among mortals. 'Could it be that the gods have truly blessed us?' he often pondered in quiet moments.

One evening, as Adhiratha sat by the fire, watching Vasusen play with other children from the village, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Vasusen stood out like a gem scattered among the dirt. His beauty was astonishing, with his golden skin and striking features. The kavach and kundal, the divine armor and earrings he had been born with, made him easily distinguishable among his peers. They gleamed in the sunlight, a constant reminder of his unique destiny.

Radha joined Adhiratha, sitting beside him and following his gaze to their son. "He is special, isn't he?" she said softly, a smile playing on her lips.

Adhiratha nodded. "Indeed, he is. I sometimes wonder what the gods have planned for him. He is no ordinary child."

Radha's smile faded slightly, and she looked thoughtful. "We must protect him, Adhiratha. His path will not be easy. The world may not understand his greatness, but we must ensure he grows strong and noble."

Adhiratha took her hand, squeezing it gently. "We will, Radha. We will raise him to be a man of honor and virtue, no matter the challenges he faces."

As Vasusen grew, his raw talent for archery and warfare became undeniable. Adhiratha, a skilled charioteer himself, taught Vasusen how to hunt wild game. He called in favors from friends in the army to teach his son the ways of warfare. But the community around them consisted of low-level fighters, and Vasusen outgrew them within months. His thirst for knowledge was unquenchable.

Where Vasusen truly shined was in teaching. He analyzed everything taught to him in strange and insightful ways. He questioned why things were done a particular way - why the bow was curved, why it was kept unstrung, how an arrow was balanced, how to see a target. He would then practice different techniques, tweaking them until he settled on the best method and practiced it to perfection.

Karn's approach was methodical and relentless. He would then pass on his refined techniques to his peers and juniors. Adhiratha wasn't ashamed to admit that Karn had improved some of his own flawed techniques. The boy's natural talent and innovative thinking were beyond anything Adhiratha had seen.

But what impressed Adhiratha most was Karn's humility. Despite his exceptional abilities, Karn never boasted. He didn't see any work as menial; everything was an adventure for him. Whether it was mending a broken chariot wheel or perfecting a complex archery maneuver, Karn approached each task with the same enthusiasm and dedication.

Adhiratha looked at Vasusen, who was now demonstrating a technique to his friends. He silently renewed his vow to protect and guide his son, to prepare him for the destiny that awaited. Vasusen's journey had only just begun, and Adhiratha knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges. But he also knew that with their love and support, Vasusen would rise above them all.