Karna, Duryodhan, Ashwatthama, and Dushashan huddled together in a secluded chamber, the room thick with tension. The four men discussed their dark plans for the Dyut Sabha, their voices low but laced with malice.
"This game will ensure their downfall," Duryodhan said with a sinister grin.
"Let us ensure every detail is accounted for," Ashwatthama added, his eyes sharp with focus.
Just as Karna nodded in agreement, a sudden clatter of hurried footsteps broke through the heavy atmosphere. The door to the chamber creaked open, and a small boy came sprinting in—Mrish. His laughter rang out, startling the men, a stark contrast to the ominous ambiance of the room. Without hesitation, Mrish ran up to Karna and clung tightly to his legs, looking up with wide, innocent eyes.
“Pitashree!” Mrish exclaimed, his face lit with a mischievous smile.
Karna’s stern expression softened for a moment, but before he could respond, a soldier stumbled in, panting and visibly flustered. “Apologies, Yuvraj,” he began, addressing Duryodhan, “this child escaped my watch and ran straight here.”
Duryodhan's expression remained composed, but there was a slight warmth in his voice as he addressed the soldier. “It's fine. Let him be. The boy clearly wants his father's attention.”
Mrish peeked out from behind Karna’s legs and stuck out his tongue at Duryodhan. Ashwatthama smirked, his voice tinged with amusement. “Looks like he’s got his father’s confidence, at least. But this is hardly the place for him.”
Karna’s face grew more serious as he crouched down to meet his son’s eyes. “Mrish,” he said, his tone soft yet firm. “This is not a place for you right now. Go with the soldier.”
“But Pitashree, you promised to teach me archery today!” Mrish pleaded, his small hands still clutching Karna’s arm.
Karna sighed, his gaze softening momentarily as he looked at his son. “I will keep my promise, but now is not the time. You must leave.”
Reluctantly, Mrish let go and allowed the soldier to lead him away, though not without a final, mischievous glance at Duryodhan. As the door closed behind him, Duryodhan glanced at Karna, his expression shifting back to seriousness.
“He’s got the fire of a warrior,” Duryodhan remarked, his voice quieter now. “A reminder of what we stand to gain—and lose.”
Ashwatthama gave a slight nod.
With that, the men returned to their discussion, the weight of their plans settling back into the air like a heavy shadow.
Dushashan's gaze lingered on Karna for a brief moment, his tone hardening. “You should not let such distractions pull you away from what needs to be done, Angraj . This game will change everything, and we cannot afford to be weak
YOU ARE READING
Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale
Historical Fiction(Discontinued) "When the dust of war settles, a new beginning unfolds and not every war is external,not every war is fought with bows, arrows,swords etc.for land....some tough ones are fought with your own heart for your happiness and Inner Piece" ...
