Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 33&34: Duryodhana With Karna and Avika

The palace of Hastinapur was a grand structure, an embodiment of the kingdom's might and ancient legacy. The corridors were vast, lined with murals depicting the great kings and battles of the past, illuminated by the soft light of flickering torches. In this sprawling fortress, Karna and Avika had been given royal chambers, reflecting the respect and honor bestowed upon them by Bhishma. It was a rare sight to see guests treated with such dignity, especially in a kingdom as politically tense as Hastinapur.

After Karna's victory in the grand competition, his fame and admiration among the courtiers had grown significantly. Avika, too, was respected for her grace and wisdom. However, beneath the surface, subtle currents of jealousy and intrigue swirled around the couple, particularly from those like Subhadra, who secretly harbored feelings for Karna, and Shakuni, who saw Karna's rising importance as a threat to his influence over Duryodhana.

In his chambers, Duryodhana paced back and forth. He had been thinking about Karna and Avika ever since the competition. Shakuni had sown the seeds of manipulation, suggesting ways to bind Karna to the Kauravas by marrying him to a royal, or using Avika as leverage, but Duryodhana felt conflicted. There was something about Karna's honor and Avika's pure-hearted nature that made him second-guess Shakuni's plans. Could he truly use their relationship for his own gain?

Duryodhana decided he couldn't. He respected Karna too much, not just as a warrior but as a friend. And Avika had shown him a kindness and compassion that was rare in the cutthroat world of royal politics. Perhaps, for once, he could act out of genuine friendship rather than political strategy.

It was with this determination that he decided to visit them.

The royal wing of the palace was quieter than the rest of the palace, offering a sense of privacy and peace to its guests. Karna and Avika's chambers were lavish, but still understated, much like the couple themselves. Karna, though a great warrior, had never been one for ostentation, and Avika's presence brought an air of serenity to any place she resided.

When Duryodhana approached their chambers, he found the guards standing at attention. With a wave of his hand, they allowed him entry. The door creaked open, and Duryodhana stepped inside, greeted by the sight of Karna and Avika sitting near the window, enjoying the evening breeze that carried with it the fragrance of jasmine from the palace gardens.

Karna, ever the vigilant warrior, immediately noticed Duryodhana's entrance and stood to greet him. "Duryodhana," he said, his voice warm but with a hint of surprise. "I wasn't expecting you."

Avika smiled gently, rising from her seat as well. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Duryodhana. Please, come in."

Duryodhana's tension eased slightly at their warm reception. He had half-expected awkwardness, but here he was greeted like a friend, not a prince burdened with the weight of the crown.

"I wanted to visit," Duryodhana said, a bit uncertain as he took a seat near them. "There are things on my mind that I felt needed to be said."

Karna exchanged a glance with Avika, sensing the seriousness in Duryodhana's tone. "Go on," Karna urged, his calm demeanor encouraging Duryodhana to speak freely.

Duryodhana hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Shakuni has been advising me again," he began. "He thinks I should manipulate your bond—use Avika to keep you loyal to the Kauravas."

The room fell silent. Karna's expression darkened slightly, though he remained composed. Avika, too, stiffened, her eyes narrowing at the mention of Shakuni's schemes. They both knew that Shakuni was capable of weaving dangerous plots, and hearing this from Duryodhana only confirmed their suspicions.