Maya In Mahabharat :A New End To The Old Tale

THE Plan

Karna’s Meeting with Duryodhan and Dushashan

The chamber was dimly lit, the flickering torches casting long shadows across the stone walls. Karna stepped inside, his face unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to command attention.

Duryodhan, seated at the head of the room, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I was beginning to wonder if you would come, Vasusena."

Dushashan smirked from the side. "Perhaps he had second thoughts."

Karna’s gaze remained steady. "I do not turn back on my word. You sent for me. Tell me what you plan."

Duryodhan stood, his excitement barely contained. "The Pandavas are in Viratnagar. This is our chance to strike before they fully reveal themselves. If we act now, we can break them before they even stand for war."

Dushashan grinned. "And Draupadi will be there too. Imagine her face when she watches her husbands fall again."

A muscle in Karna’s jaw twitched. Memories of the dice hall resurfaced, unbidden and unwelcome. He had stood by Duryodhan then, as he did now. He had made his choice long ago.

Duryodhan stepped forward. "I need you, Vasusena. The world may stand against me, but with you by my side, I fear nothing. Will you come?"

Karna exhaled slowly. Maya’s voice whispered in his mind, the weight of her sorrow pressing on his chest. But this was not about emotions. It was not about love or regret. This was about honor, about standing where he had always belonged.

He raised his head, his voice unwavering. "I will go with you."

Duryodhan’s lips curved into a victorious smile. Dushashan laughed in satisfaction.

Karna did not smile. He merely stepped forward, standing at Duryodhan’s side, as he always had.

The Plan

Duryodhan clapped Karna on the shoulder, his eyes burning with triumph. "With you by my side, Vasusena, the Pandavas will never rise against me."

Dushashan smirked. "It’s simple. We take our best men, ride to Viratnagar, and capture them before they have a chance to reveal themselves. Once we have them in chains, the war ends before it even begins."

Karna crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "And you think they will surrender so easily?"

Duryodhan’s smile didn’t waver. "Not surrender. But they won’t expect us to attack so soon. If we move swiftly, they won’t have time to react. We’ll strike during their celebrations—before they can even lift a weapon."

Karna’s brows furrowed. "So you plan to strike when they are unarmed?"

Dushashan scoffed. "Why does it matter? A victory is a victory, Vasusena."

Karna exhaled sharply. This was not war. This was an ambush. He had fought countless battles, but never like this. He remained silent, unwilling to voice his thoughts.

Duryodhan continued, unaware—or perhaps uncaring—of Karna’s hesitation. "But we must be careful. If you ride with us, Vasusena, it will be too obvious. The Pandavas already expect me to make a move. If you are seen, they will know we are serious."

Dushashan nodded. "You should stay behind in Hastinapur. Let us handle this. Once we bring them in chains, you will have your chance to fight them in the war."

Karna looked between them. "You want me to stay?"

Duryodhan placed a firm hand on Karna’s shoulder. "Yes. Your presence will make them suspicious. If you remain here, they won’t know what’s coming."

Karna held his silence for a long moment. Was this how he wished to fight? Through deception?

But then he looked into Duryodhan’s eyes—the man who had given him a name, a place, an unshakable bond. If this was the path he had chosen, he would see it through.

Finally, he gave a slow nod. "Very well. I will remain in Hastinapur."

Duryodhan’s grin widened. "Good. Then it is decided."

Dushashan chuckled. "By the time you see the Pandavas again, Vasusena, they will be kneeling before us."

Karna did not laugh. He merely stood there, his heart heavier than before.