KARNA : THE WARRIOR

Chapter 41

After spending a week in Anga. Karna, Ashwatthama and Duryodhana decided to finally go to khandavprastha to settle everything.

Three of them left the palace after informing the ladies not noticing the twinkle in their eyes.

Unknown to them after some time they left the palace another chariot left the palace with Draupadi, Bhanumati and Sushala on it.

“Jiji, we won't be any trouble, na?” Bhanumati asked with skepticism while Sushala also nodded.

“Don’t worry, everything is fine.” Draupadi reassured as everything was her Idea though the other two didn't object to it but now were fidgeting.

Karna group unaware if their follower reached khandavprastha after a few days of journey.

Karna as planned picked up a shankh and blew it hoping to get the attention and audience of Takshak. Ashwatthama and Duryodhana were already alert with weapons in their hands.

Few moments later a few nagas came outside with their ruler in lead.

“Humans, why have you come here? Go away, no humans are allowed in my territory,” Takshak said.

“Nagraj, the land of khandavprastha came under jurisdiction of Hastinapur. Since your clan lives in the van here, we never disturbed you before but now khandavprastha is my soon to be kingdom. I came here with good will hoping for a co-existence along with your clan in the new Kingdom that I want to establish here,” Duryodhana said.

“Hiss no never, No humans will ever enter the forest until I breathe. This is your last warning, else you will suffer my wrath,” Takshak angrily screamed. 

“Will you let your entire clan perish for your pride, Nagraj?” Ashwatthama said in a cold tone.

“How dare you, insolent human. I will kill you three right now,” Tashshak said as he pulled out his weapons along with others who were accompanying him.

Karna, Ashwatthama and Duryodhana were already ready and a war took place. Soon three of them vanquished everyone else except Takshak who was gravely injured.

“Indradev, please come to protect me and my clan. See what injustice is happening to us in the sanctuary you promised us,” Takshak called out screaming looking at swarg.

As he finished speaking a powerful trumpet of elephant resounded and Indradev descended on Airavat.

“Who dares to harm nagas near khandavan?” Indradev angrily yelled but he was shocked to see a familiar figure.

“Putra Karna, why are you here?” Indradev said in astonishment.

Ashwatthama and Duryodhana were also shocked by his addressal and turned toward Karna who sighed and folded his hands in respect.

“Pranipat Kakashree, I and my friends are here because my Friend Duryodhana has asked for khandavprastha to build his new Kingdom. We came in good faith hoping for co-existence with nagas but Nagraj is against the idea and waged war. We only defended ourselves,” Karna said politely.

Ashwatthama, Duryodhana and Takshak were shocked as Karna addressed Devraj. Ashwatthama and Takshak were in disbelief for different reasons than Duryodhana who was gaping like a fish thinking Karna knew his parentage.

“Takshak, is this true?” Indradev asked.

“What does it matter, Devraj? Thus van us our sanctuary and you have promised to defend it. Don't tell me you will go back on your words because of personal relationships. Doing this doesn't suit you, Devraj,” Takshak responded.