Eldest : Karna and Pandava

16. Paarthasarathi

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After a long day of ceremonial procedures, the dusk wrapped the cerulean sky with a magenta blanket , with shimmering stars dusted over that cloudless expanse. Karna returned to his tent after a quick douse.

On the way , soldiers and commanders bowed in respect to the Vijayadhaari. They were finding it ecstatic to realise that the favourite student of Bhargava Parashurama stood by their side in a grand battle. Karna returned the warmth with a tight smile , as he found the new display of respect a bit unnerving.

He skewed into his tent mindlessly to notice a dark silvery complexion filling his room with presence. It was Arjun , his broad back facing the entrance. Radhey stopped on his track , then noticed that the Sabyasachi was intrigued by the legendary bow- Vijaya.

Karna leaned leisurely onto the hollow door frame of his tent, folded his arms across his chest as he watched his younger brother run a voluptuous hand over the curves and cuts of the intricate patterned arc of his Vijaya. A genuine smile bloomed on the eldest Kaunteya's lips.

It seems the bow is indeed grabbing all your attention , little brother!
Karna teased .
Arjun turned around startled, hiding his hands behind himself , like a kid caught in mischief.

Well ... I .. I was just passing by , so I thought I would just bid you goodnight
Dhananjay added sheepishly, his palms unwittingly scratching his nape.

Aaha! That's lovely of you child , and did you accomplish the task of wishing me goodnight?!
Karna asked in all seriousness, but a playful mock laced around his velvety voice.

Mm... Ya .. good night Dada!
Phalguna fake laughed as he walked to the entrance to leave, his hands scampered restlessly, brushing and stroking random things on the way.

Phalguna, do you want to ask me something?!
Karna pondered innocently.

Its nothing brother , I am just really curious about your bow.
Arjun said , sheepishly.
Karna grinned at that.
You can try.
Karna said.

You are serious?! I was just messing around.
Younger one stated.
As the Gandivdhari wrapped a strong hold around the Vijaya , he felt the energy coursing beneath those intricate motifs. He could have lifted it if he wanted to . But he decided not to.

No Dada , I am good.
Arjun stated with a satiated smile.
I will take your leave now , there is a battle awaiting us at the dawn. See you in the morning.
Arjun concluded as he exchanged a brief hug with his eldest brother.
Karna has noticed that Arjun was nerved at the mention of the war, there was a reluctance in his otherwise confident posture.
'whatever that reluctance was , it ain't good'. Karna thought to himself.
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Immersed in meditation, Karna sat in his tent. His legs crossed and feet tucked under his other upper leg. His face exuded an otherworldly calmness , but mind was prancing through all possibilities that could make this war brutal for them. No, not physically, but mentally.

As students and grandchildren, his brothers will be crushed , if they managed to remain alive by the end of this egregious blood shed. Thinking about the younger generation is even more devastating. His son and nephews were all young and curious regarding the world. If they were to perish in this war , the victory and defeat would taste the same- disgruntling.

The dirt and gore that fed his thoughts maliciously reminded him of the devastating truth about battles - no matter who wins , grief will be of both sides.
Karna tried to rein his thoughts which carved at his inner peace. But to no avail they kept evading his meditation.