Dream - A Karna SI

17. DEPLOYMENT

Karn - 18 years

Yudhisthir - 15 years

Bhima & Duryodhana - 14 years

Arjun - 13 years

Nakula & Sahdeva - 11 years

Karn's POV

I meticulously checked my equipment and essentials once more, knowing that every item had to be carefully wrapped in cloth and secured with ropes. The lack of proper bags made packing a challenge, but I managed. The time had come to bid farewell to my family, but I knew it wouldn't be easy, especially with my mother, Radha, who was already on edge about my plans to leave so soon after returning home.

I recalled the heated conversation we had just a short while ago.

"No, I won't allow it!" my mother had declared, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and fear. "You just came back, and now you want to leave again? You're like a chariot without a charioteer, wandering aimlessly. What you need is a good wife to anchor you, to give your life direction."

Her tears and frustration tugged at my heart, but I knew I couldn't stay. "Mata, I understand your concern, but I have to go. My training wasn't just for show. Guru's teachings have a purpose, and there are tasks I must fulfill as per his guidance. I need to make use of what I've learned."

"If you're so determined to fight, then join the Kuru army. Your father can speak to King Dhritarashtra and secure a position for you. Why can't you stay here and serve your purpose?" she countered, her voice laced with desperation.

"Mata, it's not that simple-" I began, but she cut me off.

"Don't patronize me, Karn! You don't need to prove anything by running off to who knows where. You can achieve greatness here, close to your family."

The conversation seemed to be going in circles, with no resolution in sight. But then, Adhiratha, who had been silently listening, finally spoke.

"Let him go, Radha," he said, his voice steady and calm.

Radha looked at him as though he had betrayed her. "But, Swami, how can you say that? He just returned, and now you want him to leave again?"

Adhiratha's gaze was firm as he looked at her. "Because he is needed elsewhere, Radha. Karn didn't endure all that rigorous training just to become a common soldier in the Kuru army. His path is different. His training has a higher purpose."

His words resonated deeply within me. I hadn't expected such understanding from my father, but his support meant everything in that moment.

Adhiratha continued, "We've always known that Karn is special, Radha. He's destined for great things. We can't let our love for him chain him to a path of mediocrity. Let him go, and let him explore the horizons meant for him."

Radha's resistance crumbled. She looked at me with tear-filled eyes, her earlier defiance replaced by sorrow. She broke down, crying, and I immediately embraced her, holding her tightly as Adhiratha placed a comforting hand on our shoulders. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between us-a bittersweet acceptance of the path I had to take.

With everything packed and secured, I took one last look at the home that had nurtured me, at the family that had given me so much love and support. After bidding farewell to my parents and brothers, I started my journey on foot, heading towards Mathura. The road ahead was uncertain, but I knew it was the path I was meant to walk. Destiny awaited, and I was ready to meet it head-on.

(After a few weeks)

Karn's POV