Dream - A Karna SI

33. SYMPATHY

Karn - 30 years

Yudhisthir - 27 years

Bheema & Duryodhan - 26 years

Arjun - 25 years

Nakul & Sahadev - 23 years

ABheemanyu - 3 years

(Place: Kamyakvan)

(Karn's POV)

Krishn's presence was like a soothing balm on all our souls. His words had a unique power-able to admonish us for our wrongs while simultaneously encouraging hope. I sat on the fringe, watching as each of the warriors made their proclamations: Bheema vowing to end Duryodhan and his brothers, Dhrishtadyumna swearing to kill Dron, Shikhandi to slay Bhishma, and others making their own declarations of vengeance. The atmosphere was charged, but Arjun sat quietly, his eyes distant. I realized then that without me by Duryodhan's side, Arjun had no one worthy to focus his anger on. He still revered Bhishma and Dron and didn't yet see them as enemies. That would need to be resolved soon.

After the proclamations, Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi approached me. Their expressions were a mix of gratitude and something darker.

"Maharathi Karn! Panchal will forever be in your debt for your conduct in the dyut sabha," Dhrishtadyumna said, his voice heavy with emotion. The unspoken part of his statement was clear-they were not pleased with the rest of the Pandavas' conduct.

"I only did what any decent human being should have done," I replied, my tone humble yet resolute.

"While it is hopeless to expect decency toward women from a sabha where Bhishma sits, your deeds are indeed praiseworthy, Karn," Shikhandi added, his voice laced with bitterness. Some hatreds, it seemed, transcended lifetimes.

"I did my duty as a warrior. Let's agree to that," I said, trying to keep the conversation grounded.

"Nonetheless, if you need anything, the Panchals will be ready to fulfill your desire, even at the cost of our lives," Dhrishtadyumna said, his voice trembling with sincerity. I realized then that he needed to say this, more for his own peace of mind than for mine.

I nodded in acknowledgment. At that moment, Arjun approached and asked me to accompany him. Together, we walked over to where Krishn was sitting with Draupadi. As we approached, I could sense the emotionally charged atmosphere. I looked toward Krishn, silently questioning why I had been brought here.

"I have called you, Shoorveer," Draupadi's soft voice broke the silence. Despite the emotion in her tone, the steel behind it was unmistakable. "I couldn't meet you earlier without the presence of my husbands. I wanted to thank you and apologize for my earlier conduct."

"There is no need for any of that, Devi," I replied, lifting my gaze toward Draupadi. But as I met her eyes, I quickly had to shift my gaze to Krishn. Draupadi was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, and seeing her so vulnerable stirred something deep within me. I was immensely grateful for Krishn's presence. He calmed me in this storm of emotions, and I silently thanked him with my eyes. Krishn responded with a serene smile, grounding me.

"No, you were my only savior there. No one else lifted a finger. I was left in that sabha like an orphan," Draupadi continued, her voice trembling with the weight of her ordeal.

"Devi, the one you should thank is sitting beside you," I said, my eyes still fixed on Krishn. "If Lord Krishn hadn't pulled me out of my inactivity, I wouldn't have been able to do anything." It felt strange, this conversation where I spoke to Draupadi while looking at Krishn. Draupadi, too, was gazing at Krishn, who sat there smiling, seemingly unfazed by the tension around us. Arjun sat nearby, his face strained as he remembered his own humiliations.