The Other Princess

Friend

The grand competition in Hastinapur was a sight to behold, a celebration of skill, strength, and valor that had the entire kingdom on the edge of excitement. The royal grounds were filled with spectators, nobles, and dignitaries, all eagerly awaiting the display of might from the greatest warriors of the Kuru dynasty.

The competition began with displays of mace fighting and wrestling, where Bhima and Duryodhana, the two titans of the Kuru clan, showcased their immense strength. The earth trembled as they clashed, each blow echoing through the arena like thunder. The crowd roared in approval, cheering as the two warriors demonstrated their unmatched prowess in combat.

Next came Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who displayed their skills in sword fighting and javelin throwing. Yudhishthira's strikes were precise and controlled, while Nakula and Sahadeva moved with the grace and speed of seasoned warriors. The crowd cheered them on, their admiration growing with each impressive feat.

The Kauravas, not to be outdone, also displayed their martial skills. Their performance was met with equal enthusiasm, as the crowd admired their strength and determination. The arena was filled with a cacophony of cheers and applause, a testament to the audience's appreciation of the skill and valor on display.

As the crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch, Arjuna stepped forward with his bow, Gandiva, in hand. The atmosphere was electric as he took aim at the sky. With a single, graceful motion, Arjuna released his arrow. The sky seemed to split open as a shower of arrows rained down, forming a perfect circle around the arena. The crowd erupted in wild applause, their cheers echoing off the palace walls. Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Bhishma, Kunti, and Gandhari exchanged pleased glances, clearly impressed by Arjuna's display.

But amidst the cheers, one man stood silently, his eyes narrowed with determination. Karna, standing on the sidelines, felt a deep surge of ambition rise within him. He could sense the admiration for Arjuna, but he also felt the burning belief that he could match, if not surpass, Arjuna's skills.

"Why should Arjuna alone bask in this glory?" Karna thought to himself, his grip tightening on his own bow. "If given the chance, I can prove that I am his equal—if not his better."

Unable to contain his desire any longer, Karna stepped forward and, with a voice that cut through the noise of the crowd, called out, "Arjuna! I challenge you to a contest of archery! Let us see who truly is the greatest archer!"

The crowd fell silent in astonishment. A murmur spread through the arena as all eyes turned to this unknown warrior who dared to challenge Arjuna. Arjuna himself looked at Karna, intrigued yet confident.

Dronacharya's face, however, darkened with concern. He knew the stakes of such a challenge. "Who are you?" Dronacharya asked sternly, his voice commanding the attention of everyone present. "Which kingdom do you belong to, and by what right do you challenge my disciple?"

Karna hesitated, his heart pounding. He knew that revealing his true lineage—his origins as the son of a charioteer—would disqualify him immediately. His silence spoke volumes, and the crowd began to whisper in confusion.

Before Karna could respond, Duryodhana, who had been watching the scene unfold with keen interest, stepped forward. He had been struck by Karna's confidence and the fire in his eyes. "This man," Duryodhana announced loudly, silencing the murmurs, "is not just any warrior. I, Duryodhana, declare him the King of Anga!"

The crowd gasped in surprise. Karna turned to Duryodhana, shock evident in his eyes. He had expected nothing of the sort. Duryodhana continued, "Karna is my friend, and he is no ordinary man. I grant him the province of Anga as a token of my respect and friendship. With this, he has every right to challenge Arjuna."

Arjuna's eyes widened slightly, but he remained composed, his grip on his bow firm. Dronacharya, however, was not convinced. "Duryodhana," he began, his voice firm, "one's skill is not determined by titles or land. This man's origins—if he is of low birth—mean he cannot compete with the likes of Arjuna. This is not merely a contest of skill but also of honour and lineage."

Karna's heart sank at Dronacharya's words, and the familiar sting of rejection threatened to overwhelm him. But before he could react, Duryodhana placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Dronacharya," Duryodhana said, his voice calm yet authoritative, "you speak of honour, yet true honour lies in one's actions, not in their birth. Karna has the heart of a warrior, and I believe he can prove his worth. Should we not judge him by his skills rather than his parentage?"

Dronacharya's eyes narrowed, but he did not respond immediately. The crowd waited with bated breath, sensing the tension in the air. Finally, Dronacharya shook his head. "I cannot allow this. The rules are clear. Without proof of noble birth, this contest cannot proceed."

Karna's shoulders slumped, disappointment washing over him. He had been so close, yet the chance to prove himself had been taken away by a status he had no control over. But before he could dwell on his misfortune, Duryodhana turned to him with a reassuring smile.

"Karna," Duryodhana said, his voice filled with genuine warmth, "do not be disheartened. You have nothing to prove to anyone. You are my friend, and that is worth more than any title or victory. I have given you Anga, not out of pity, but because I see in you the qualities of a true king. All I ask in return is your loyalty and friendship."

Karna was deeply moved by Duryodhana's words. He looked into Duryodhana's eyes, seeing the sincerity and respect there. With a nod, he clasped Duryodhana's hand firmly. "Duryodhana," Karna said, his voice filled with emotion, "I pledge my undying loyalty to you. I will stand by your side, as your friend and ally, in all battles and in all moments of life."

The crowd, sensing the bond between the two men, began to cheer once more, not for a contest, but for the friendship that had been forged before their very eyes. Arjuna watched silently, a mixture of respect and caution in his gaze. He knew that this was not the last he would hear of Karna.

As the day drew to a close, the crowd slowly dispersed, still buzzing with excitement over the events they had witnessed. And in the midst of it all, Karna and Duryodhana walked side by side, a friendship born out of a challenge, and a bond that would shape the future of Hastinapur.