Dream - A Karna SI

13. INTERIM

Karn - 18 years

Yudhistira - 15 years

Bhima & Duryodhana - 14 years

Arjun - 13 years

Nakula & Sahdeva - 11 years

Karn's POV

The dawn broke gently over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the ravine where I stood. The first rays of sunlight warmed my skin as I offered my prayers to Surya, the radiant lord who had guided my path for so many years. As I closed my eyes, sinking into meditation, I felt the familiar warmth of his presence enveloping me. When I opened my eyes, there he stood, his form brilliant yet comforting, like the morning sun itself. A gentle smile played on his lips.

"Karn," Surya began, his voice as soothing as it was powerful, "your training, for now, is complete. What you need now is practical experience. Have you decided where you will go next?"

A shiver ran down my spine, a sense of foreboding that I could not shake. The years of rigorous training had honed my skills, but the true trials-the events foretold in the Mahabharata-loomed large in my mind. I knew the path ahead was fraught with challenges, and though I had learned much, there was still more I needed to acquire.

In my training, I had mastered the Divyastras-the divine weapons such as Agneyastra, Varunastra, and others. But these were only the beginning. Above them were the Devastras, weapons imbued with the power of the gods themselves, like Indra's Vajra or Yama's Pasha. And higher still were the Big Three-Brahmastra, Narayanastra, and Pashupatastra-each possessing unimaginable power. Yet, I had only scratched the surface of these mighty armaments.

"Thank you for all your teachings, Bhagwan," I said, my voice steady despite the storm of thoughts in my mind. "But what of the Devastras? Shouldn't I complete my training with those?"

Surya's laugh was warm, yet it carried a depth of understanding. "I wondered when you would ask about them. But before you can wield the Devastras, you must gain practical experience on the battlefield. Only through struggle and necessity will you truly feel the need to acquire these divine weapons. And remember, no divine weapon can be granted without the grace of Mahadev."

His words resonated with me, a reminder of the long journey still ahead. But I felt a profound sense of gratitude, knowing that I had been blessed with knowledge and guidance that few could ever hope to receive.

"As you command, Gurudev," I said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for the knowledge you have bestowed upon me. I am deeply grateful that you chose to impart so many secret teachings. Without your guidance, I would have been adrift in this world, rudderless and lost. I know you have no need for anything, but I would be honored if you would accept a Guru Dakshina from me."

Surya's gaze was intense, searching, as if he were looking into my very soul. After a moment, he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of divine wisdom. "Karn, I understand your desire to repay me. But the greatest Guru Dakshina you can offer is through your actions. I have taught many disciples before you, and from all of them, I asked the same thing: to uphold Dharma at all costs. Among them was the great Hanuman, who is duty and dharma personified. You know that the Bhagavad Gita was first taught to me by Bhagwan Vishnu, and in turn, I have shared its essence with you. Therefore, as your Guru Dakshina, I ask you to uphold Dharma in all circumstances. Have the courage to do what is right, no matter the cost."

His words were both a blessing and a warning, filling me with a mixture of gratitude and resolve. "Your path will be difficult, Karn," Surya continued, his tone somber. "You will face many trials, and you will be tested in ways you cannot yet imagine. But may you always remember to keep Dharma at the forefront of your actions. I will not be able to guide you regularly from now on, as it would interfere with the affairs of mortals. However, I believe you are ready to face the challenges ahead."

The gravity of his words settled over me, but so too did a deep affection and gratitude for my divine father and guru. "I will strive to be worthy of your teachings, Bhagwan," I vowed, my voice filled with determination.

Surya's smile returned, and he gestured to his side. As I looked, a collection of weapons appeared before me, gleaming in the morning light. There were two bows, one long and one short, both crafted with unparalleled skill and strength. Two quivers filled with fine arrows of various types-Bhalla, Narach, Ardh-Chandra, and more-stood beside them. A spear with a razor-sharp tip and a shaft made of the toughest wood, and a double-edged short sword of exquisite craftsmanship completed the arsenal. Each weapon exuded a divine aura, unlike anything I had ever seen before.

"Gurudev, this is too much," I stammered, overwhelmed by the sight. "How can I accept so many gifts? A guru should not give gifts at parting-it is the disciple who offers."

Surya's laughter was like the sun's warmth after a cold night. "Whoever told you that, Karn? A guru should indeed guide, but a father may bestow gifts upon his son. These weapons are not just gifts; they are tools for your journey ahead."

He continued, explaining the significance of each weapon. "These bows are necessary for wielding the celestial weapons. They cannot be destroyed by normal means. The quivers are linked to your weapon store by a mantra, which I will teach you. With it, your quivers will never run empty-each time you draw an arrow, they will refill themselves. The spear and sword are similarly indestructible by ordinary weapons. They will also return to you after an interval of a day, if you lose them. It is up to you to incorporate them into your fighting style."

I could only bow my head, for the gifts and thelove behind them. "Thank you, father. I will try to use these weapons wiselyand with honor."