Swarg Agaman //Awakening In The Next World//

८. Pristine

Yudhisthir stood facing the evening sun and collosal clouds which painted the sky saffron. Abhimanyu's direction led him to a Port. However the Port was empty at this time of day and all the Celestial Ships were arranged in a line. Only a few here and there flew like a bird without horses or any animal to pull it and he couldn't believe how any vehicle is able to scorch the sky. Swarg was still unweaving its mystery.
The sun-rays drenched the Port of Amravati and for some reason the sun made Yudhisthir eternally peaceful. Yudhisthir was so appealed to the sight, he didn't notice someone ascending from one of the flying chariots.

"My father looks a charmer today, doesn't he?" A man whispered.
Yudhisthir jumped in wilderness and was more wildered seeing the person there. The tall man smiled pleasantly, his eyes hinting mischief and his torso shone like the radiant Sun himself.

"Angraaj Karn" He somehow managed to blurt. Karn furrowed his brows. Angraaj? Does Yudhisthir not want a brother?
"Uh--I mean---" Yudhisthir struggled with words. Does he want me as a brother?
"Pranipaat Jyestha" Yudhisthir let out a sigh and in an instance Karn hugged him.
Karn never thought loving someone he considered an enemy would be so easy and Yudhisthir never thought the arms of an elder brother would be so blithering. The gleaming heart of Kuntiputra Karn merged with his younger one. He have always respected Yudhisthir; for he was one of the few people who never insulted him based on casteism and there was no denying he was an excellent emperor. But for Duryodhan, Karn never acknowledged the facts openly.
Yudhisthir felt a relief in his heart with Karn. The refuge his soul always wanted now stood before him. Karn's unsaid joy glistened in his eyes, and it was a token of acceptance for both of them.

"Abhi and Vindhya kept their word at last." Karn said wiping away his tears.
"Yeah well...they kind of tricked me. But it was worth it... Jyestha." Yudhisthir grinned. He loved saying Jyestha.
"You can be easily tricked into anything my dear Anuj." Karna laughed pulling his cheek, but it was not a joke for his brother of course.
"Why did you want to me here at this Port? And these chariots are weird" He pointed to Karn's chariot.
"You see I live in Suryalok and I need to travel in these 'weird chariots' to come here. And you are clever enough to know why a port---"

"Jyestha Bratha." A loud yet calm voice interrupted them. Both of them turned but Yudhisthir became stunned seeing him.
Duryodhan...what...oh he died in Kurukshetra. But he deserves to be here and my family don't!?!

Duryodhan and his brothers came forward and touched his feet. "May I start with a sorry?"
Duryodhan looked more calm, he still had his beard and mustache, but he had a serenity now. For the first time in his life, Duryodhan was satisfied with what he have attained. Moreover, he genuinely apologized, no underlying trap.
Yudhisthir however was now more perplexed. Duryodhan touching my feet? He never did unless was compelled to.
Yudhisthir smiled and placed his palm on Duryodhan's head. He never hated Duryodhan, on the other hand, he didn't liked him a bit. But holding on to grudges now was not an option.
"And I start with forgiving"