Dream - A Karna SI

45. MAHASANGRAM - 5

Note 1:

The great war is ongoing. Its day 5 of war.

I have taken inspiration from various sources and primarily from Dr. S. Bapat of BORI and his descriptions of the Mahabharat.

The war started after making the below rules and each of them were violated by the end of the war, by both sides.

1. Everyone will fight with there equal. A Maharathi with Maharathi, an atirathi with atirathi, a Hasti (elephant) with a hasti.

2. Nobody should attack a weaponless opponent, no should one attack an opponent who is fleeing.

3. People should declare there leanings and issue challenge, before attacking. The challenge must be accepted by your opponents.

4. No poisons, should be used in the battles.

5. The attackers should not gang-up on a single warrior.

Note 2:

I have not drawn the imagery for this day, as it is very obvious and has countless references available.

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Karn - 43 years

Yudhisthir - 40 years

Bheema & Duryodhan - 39 years

Arjun - 38 years

Nakul & Sahadev - 36 years

Abhimanyu - 16 years

Kurukshetra, Day 5

(Karn's POV)

The fighting had raged on for hours. My body moved mechanically, guiding the chariot through the haze of dust and blood, but my mind was elsewhere-fixated on the shifting movements of the Kaurav forces. Arjun's chariot had pulled away from the heart of the battle, farther than usual, and something in my gut tightened. Then, the Kaurav lines began to rearrange, not in a haphazard retreat, but with methodical precision. A formation emerged-round, encircling, tightening. It was unmistakable. Chakravyuh.

That cursed, inescapable whirlpool.

An uneasy chill settled over me. I had heard tales of this vyuh from Arjun and Krishn, and they always sent a shiver down my spine. The roundness of it-the closing in from all sides-made my stomach churn with a fear I could not name.

A horse rider galloped toward me, his face pale under the grime of battle. "Samrat Yudhisthir has called for you, Aarya."

"Prativindhya," I commanded, my voice tight, "take command of the infantry. Hold position unless provoked, and if forced to engage, do so minimally. Maatang, ready the cavalry for any ambushes. I will return shortly."

I rode toward Yudhisthir, the unease gnawing deeper with every step. His face, as I approached, mirrored the grim expressions of the men around him. This was no ordinary meeting. The weight of something perilous hung in the air.

"Karn," Yudhisthir began, his voice measured but tinged with urgency, "Abhimanyu says you all have trained in breaking the Chakravyuh. We need Abhimanyu and you to lead us."

I turned my gaze toward Abhimanyu, his youthful face was filled with a dangerous resolve.

My heart sank, though I kept my tone steady. "Rajan, only Arjun and Lord Krishn can break this vyuh completely, in my knowledge. Abhimanyu knows how to enter, but his knowledge ends there. Based on that, we've trained on many vyuh formations to test their merits."