Suryaputra Karn - unsung warrior

One more test???

A/n: hello guys, I know you didn't expect another update today, but here it is. Today is Ganesh chaturthi, how can Karna's life story continue without the blessings of Ganesh. So here it is.......

As Karna journeyed towards Hastinapura, the anticipation of seeing his mother grew stronger with every step. The dusty road stretched before him, winding through the lush countryside, teeming with life. His thoughts were interrupted by the faint sound of wailing. He quickened his pace, his heightened senses alert to the distress.

Rounding a bend, he came upon a sight that tugged at his heartstrings. Three elderly women stood at the banks of a river, their saris fluttering in the breeze. Two of them bore expressions of anger and despair, their voices raised in heated argument. The younger woman, her eyes brimming with tears, clutched a newborn baby to her chest, her face a mask of fear and sorrow.

Karna approached cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The tension between the women was palpable, the air thick with accusations and recrimination. As he drew closer, he realized that the two elderly women were the mother-in-law and sister of the young mother, their faces etched with anger and disgust.

"What troubles you?" he asked, his voice gentle yet firm.

The mother-in-law turned to him, her eyes red with anger. "This is no concern of yours," she spat. "Leave us be, or you shall bear the wrath of our misfortune!"

But Karna's heart had already been moved by the plight of the young mother. He stepped forward, his eyes scanning the group. "Please," he said, his voice firm yet compassionate, "tell me what has happened here."

The mother-in-law's eyes narrowed, but the words tumbled out of her mouth as if propelled by the weight of her anguish. "This child," she said, pointing an accusatory finger at the bawling infant, "was born under the most inauspicious of stars. An astrologer has foretold that he will bring nothing but death and destruction to our family."

Her words hung in the air, a dark cloud of superstition and fear. Karna felt a pang of anger at the thought of such innocence being condemned for the mere alignment of celestial bodies. He looked at the young mother, her eyes pleading, her voice trembling.

"Your son is a gift from the gods," he said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. "It is not for us to question their will or to cast aside their creations because we fear the unknown."

The mother-in-law's eyes flashed with anger, but the young mother's gaze remained fixed on Karna, her eyes swimming with hope. "My son's father passed away on the day of his birth," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "These women want to drown him, claiming it is the only way to save our family from his ill-fated destiny."

Karna felt a surge of anger at the injustice. He took a step closer, his hand tightening on the Vijaya bow. "No child should be abandoned to fate." he declared. "The stars do not dictate our destinies; it is our actions that do."

The young mother found newfound courage in his words. She stepped forward, her voice stronger now. "I will not let you harm my son," she said, her chin raised in defiance. "He is innocent, and I will protect him with my life."

The mother-in-law's anger grew. "You dare to defy us?" she shouted. "You, who brought this curse upon us? If you refuse to do your duty, then you shall leave our home and never return!"

The young mother's shock was palpable. Her world crumbled around her. The very people she had looked to for support had turned against her, demanding the life of her innocent child. She clutched the baby tighter, her heart breaking. But as she looked into Karna's eyes, she found a flicker of hope.