Mysterious Time Traveler in Dwapara Yuga

Chapter 29: Surya Dev's Vow and Ira's Destiny

Seeing his own son looking at him as if he were an illusion made Surya Dev's heartache. Even in his previous life, knowing the ill fate of his son, he could do nothing to change it. It was always a scar in his life and heart. As a father, he could only provide Karna with his kavach and kundals to protect him from harm when he was floated away by his mother after his birth. He badly wanted to take him to Suryalok with him, but destiny had different plans.

Despite his desire to help, Surya Dev could not intervene because, as a god, he could only assist those devoted to him. He had helped the Pandavas during their exile by providing a copper vessel that gave unlimited food for seven years as a boon for Yudhishthira's devotion even after knowing the fate of his son as God cherish their devotees. Even knowing Indra's plan to take Karna's kavach and kundals, he warned his son. But Karna humbly said it would be against his nature to say "no." Fully aware of the consequences, he still fulfilled his vow. Thus, he provided for a Brahmin, knowing fully well it was Indra Dev in disguise, and cut off his kavach and kundals, giving them as a daan, proving he was truly a Daanaveera.

As a father, Surya Dev could provide solace to his son whenever he needed company, knowing that Karna's unwavering devotion and sacrifices made him the noble warrior he was.

When Ira gave flowers to Surya Dev to bless and advise Karna, it broke his stupor. He smiled happily at Ira, who responded with an overjoyed smile. Surya Dev took the flowers and turned to Karna, who now seemed to accept his presence, looking at him with deep devotion. Surya Dev blessed his son with a long life and a happy family. All noises around them muted, as if they were the only one's present.

Then Surya Dev asked Karna, "Will you do me a favor by giving me one promise?"

Hearing Surya Dev's words, Karna replied, "Thank you for visiting this humble one. When Ira suddenly asked me to call you, I didn't know what to do. I am sorry if I disturbed you. I will always be grateful for your presence. Please, order me, my lord, and don't speak of favors."

Surya Dev smiled and said, "All gods are happier to present themselves before their devotees. You are one of my greatest devotees. How could I not come when you call? For gods, their devotees are a cherished bond. Always place Rajkumari Ira before all kinds of relationships-parents, brothers, friends, wife, son, or even your vows. If you do this, you will have the peaceful life everyone seeks. Protect her with everything you have, for as she grows, she will face many difficulties in her efforts to better all lives on earth and to make everything peaceful. She has already lost so much without anyone knowing. Please be there for her as she has been for you when you needed it. Will you promise me this?"

When Karna heard that Ira would face difficulties, he vowed, "I will be the one to remove any obstacles placed before her, no matter what, and I promise you this in the name of Vaikartana."

As soon as he made his vow, all noises seemed to return. Surya Dev, with a fatherly smile, said to Karna, "Rajkumari Ira is truly right; this name suits you more than anyone. I bless you that your name, Vaikartana, will be passed down in history for your greatness."

Then, they heard the shouts of people rising to the sky, "Hail Raja of Assaka, Hail Raja Vaikartana," along with praises for the Royal family of Kuntala. The loudest cheers were for Rajkumari Ira, demonstrating the people's love for her, which filled her family and Karna with pride.

A Festive Luncheon and a Protective Plan

After finishing every formality, everyone returned to the dining hall to have lunch. Present were only the Royal family, the Senapathi family, and the Mahamantri family. They had also prepared lunch for all the people who attended, so the outside was still filled with a festive mood.

However, Karna's mind was in turmoil over what he had heard from Surya Dev about Ira. The elders and Yuvaraj Makaraksha noticed his unease, but Ira was content. She was happy because Surya Dev had placed the crown, which she knew would reduce the jealousy and gossip about Karna. Through her spy network, she had discovered that a corrupt official was planning to sabotage Karna after his coronation by spreading rumors about his origin as a Sutputra and inciting riots to dethrone him.

That's why she had asked Karna to call Surya Dev. If Surya Dev was the one to present the crown, then the rumors would be rendered useless. Surya Dev had played his part perfectly, giving a blessing that reinforced Karna's new name, Vaikartana. Now, no one would be able to defame Karna. Pleased with her successful plan, Ira treated herself to the jalebi present on the table.

Those who knew Ira well could tell she was very pleased, especially by the speed at which the jalebi disappeared from the plate and into her stomach. Seeing this, Meera, her head maid, moved the jalebi plate further away from Ira, giving her a look that said, "If you eat one more, you're done for." Ira smiled sheepishly and said, "Yes, one should not eat too many sweets; it's bad for health."

Once again, Karna vowed in his heart to protect Ira. The elders, noticing Karna's troubled expression, saw a look of determination in his eyes as he gazed at Ira. They connected the dots and sensed that something related to Ira was troubling him, giving them a bad feeling.

After lunch, everyone returned to their rooms except the elders, who stayed behind to talk with Karna. After a while, Yuvaraj Makaraksha came in and said, "The coast is clear." Everyone turned to Karna, who was confused by what Yuvaraj Makaraksha meant.

Maharaja Chandrahasa then asked Karna what was troubling him. Realizing that his turmoil was evident on his face and that parents always sense something wrong, Karna decided to confide in them. He thought about what Surya Dev had said and decided to tell Ira's family so they could help protect her.

He shared Surya Dev's words with them, and their hearts nearly jumped out of their chests. Maharani Vishaya's eyes watered as she said, "From now on, I will pray to Tridevi for the safety of our daughter."

Yuvaraj Makaraksha assured her, "Don't worry, Mata. If anything bad befalls my sister, it will first have to pass through me." Karna, Padmaksha, Chandran, Karthi, and Aryan echoed his sentiments.

Seeing the others, Maharaja Chandrahasa asked, "When did they arrive?"

They replied, "Our Yuvaraj's stealth needs improvement, so we heard everything."

The group became even more protective, if that was possible, but Ira remained unaware of the conversation. Although she noticed their increased protectiveness, she didn't give it much thought.