The realization hit Kunti like a thunderbolt. She had, in her youth, invoked a deity and borne a son whom she had abandoned by setting him afloat on the river Ganga. That child, with his distinctive appearance, could be none other than King Karna of Anga.
Kunti's mind raced as she grappled with this revelation. She had kept her past a closely guarded secret, even from her own sons, the Pandavas. The shame and guilt of abandoning her firstborn son had weighed heavily on her conscience for years.
Vidura, noticing the turmoil in Kunti's expression, asked with concern, "Sister-in-law, is something amiss? Does this revelation trouble you?"
"Oh, Nothing just missing my sons," Kunti replied, skillfully masking her inner turmoil. She had kept her secret for so long that revealing it now could have far-reaching consequences. "I will need time to process this information, Vidura."
Vidura, ever perceptive, understood that Kunti needed space to come to terms with this revelation.
He bowed respectfully and said, "Of course, Sister-in-law. Take all the time you need. If you require my counsel or assistance in any matter, you need only ask."
As Vidura left Kunti's chambers, she was left alone with her thoughts. Her firstborn son, Karna, was now a powerful king ruling over Anga.
'When my sons come after completing their studies, We can go to Karna and ask him to support Yudhishthira for the throne of Hastinapur,' Kunti thought, her mind racing with plans and possibilities.
She had always been a shrewd and calculating strategist, and this revelation presented her with a unique opportunity to further the interests of her sons, the Pandavas.
***
[Gurugram Forest, Guru Dronacharya's Ashram]
"What!!! That Drupad engaged his daughter to some new king of Anga, and that king defended his kingdom against the combined armies of Magadha and Sindhu? This cannot stand!" Guru Dronacharya exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration and anger.
"I will take my revenge on Drupad for insulting my friendship in front of the whole kingdom," he continued, clenching his fists in a display of determination.
Dronacharya's resolve to avenge his perceived humiliation by Drupad, the King of Panchala, had been burning for years. He had long harboured a grudge against Drupad for his actions during their youth.
His loyal student, the young prince Arjuna, stood by Dronacharya's side, his bow and arrow at the ready. He had inherited his guru's determination and was eager to prove himself in battle.
"Guru, what shall be our course of action?" Arjuna asked, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Dronacharya turned to Arjuna, a gleam of pride in his eyes. "My dear Arjuna, When I teach you all my knowledge, you shall be the greatest archer in the world. And then, you shall take part in the grand event that will be my revenge on Drupad."
Arjuna nodded in understanding and respect. He had immense faith in his guru's abilities and wisdom, and he knew that under Dronacharya's guidance, he would become a formidable warrior.
As Dronacharya and Arjuna continued to plan their future actions, the forest around Guru Dronacharya's ashram seemed to resonate with their determination.
Birds perched in nearby trees, their songs of the forest blending with the earnest conversations of the guru and his devoted student.
Dronacharya's desire for revenge against Drupad had become a driving force in his life, a goal that had consumed him for many years. The events in Anga had only added fuel to the fire, igniting a renewed sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, the young prince Arjuna listened intently to his guru's every word. He understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of fulfilling Dronacharya's ambitions. Arjuna had always been a diligent and dedicated student, eager to excel in the art of archery and fulfil his destiny.
"Guru," Arjuna began, his voice filled with determination, "I will train relentlessly to become the greatest archer, just as you have foreseen. When the time comes, I will stand by your side in the grand event that will bring justice for your past."
Dronacharya nodded, a sense of pride swelling within him. "Arjuna, you are a devoted disciple, and I have no doubt that you will achieve greatness. Together, we will prepare for the day when we confront Drupad."
***
[Vrindavan]
In the tranquil surroundings of Vrindavan, life continued in its idyllic rhythm. The village was nestled amidst lush greenery, and the river Yamuna flowed gently nearby.
Krishna was sitting on the branch of a banyan tree playing flute, the hauntingly beautiful notes filling the air with a sense of peace and serenity.
Villagers went about their daily tasks, tending to their fields and cattle, their hearts lightened by the presence of the divine melody.
A young girl was standing on the ground looking at Krishna with her eyes filled with love and admiration, stood nearby, watching Krishna with an affectionate smile.
After some time Krishna paused and looked down at the young girl with a playful grin. "Radha, it seems you can't resist the pull of my flute."
Radha, her eyes sparkling, stepped closer to the tree. "Krishna, your music is like a river that flows through my soul. How can I resist its beauty?"
"But I am still angry at you. You didn't take me to meet Bhrata Karna, I haven't even seen him once."
Krishna chuckled softly at Radha's pout. "Radha, my dear, you know that Karna is now a king, and he has responsibilities in Anga. It wasn't the right time for a visit, but I promise I will arrange a meeting for you when the time is right."
Radha's disappointment melted away as she gazed at Krishna's comforting smile. She had absolute trust in his words and knew that he would keep his promise.
"Thank you, Krishna," Radha said, her heart filled with gratitude. "I'll wait patiently for that day."
Suddenly Krishna closed his eyes and looked in the general direction of Anga, His divine senses saw Karna's final move during the conflict with the alliance of Magadha and Sindhu. The image of the Bhargavastra, the celestial arrow, piercing the sky and unleashing its divine onslaught flashed before him.
"Karna," Krishna murmured, his eyes still closed as he connected with the events that had transpired in Anga.
Radha noticed the change in Krishna's expression and grew concerned. "Krishna, what is it? What do you see?"
Krishna's eyes snapped open, and they sparkled with a mixture of awe and admiration. "Radha, my dear, something incredible has happened in Anga. Bhrata Karna unleashed a power beyond imagination to protect his kingdom."
Radha leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of power, Krishna? What happened?"
Krishna proceeded to recount the events that had unfolded in Anga, from the impending invasion to the brilliant strategy employed by Karna and the awe-inspiring display of the Bhargavastra. Radha listened with rapt attention, her admiration for Karna growing with each word.
"Krishna, Bhrata Karna's actions are truly remarkable," Radha remarked after hearing the entire tale. "To defend his kingdom and people with such determination and power, it's inspiring."
Krishna nodded, a sense of respect evident in his expression. "Indeed, Radha. Karna's unwavering commitment to his duty and his people is something to be admired. He has faced many challenges and continues to rise above them."
Radha's eyes sparkled with admiration. "I wish to meet him even more now, to learn from his strength and wisdom."
Krishna smiled at Radha's enthusiasm. "Your wish will be fulfilled, Radha. I promise that when the time is right, I will arrange for you to meet Karna. Until then, let his actions be a source of inspiration."
'Bhrata you are growing continuously, I have to fulfil my duty by killing Mamashri."Krishna thought as he continued to play his flute, the music weaving its enchanting spell over Vrindavan.
***
[Champa City, Kingdom of Anga]
Karna was standing in his chamber, his thoughts dwelling on the recent events and the path that lay ahead.
The negotiations with the defeated kings, the appointment of administrators to oversee the newly incorporated territories, and the responsibility he now bore weighed heavily on his mind.
He knew that the decisions he had made were in the best interest of his people and aimed at maintaining lasting peace. Still, the challenges of governance and diplomacy were new to him, and he felt the weight of his responsibilities as the king of Anga.
At that moment, his trusted advisor, came knocking on the door.
"Your Majesty, Can I come in?"
Karna turned his attention to his trusted advisor and nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, please enter."
The advisor entered the chamber and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, I come bearing reports from the newly incorporated territories of Magadha and Sindhu. The transition of governance is proceeding as planned, and the citizens appear to be adjusting to the changes without significant unrest."
Karna listened attentively, relieved to hear that the initial stages of the transition were proceeding smoothly. "That is good news. Continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that the administrators we've appointed prioritize the welfare of the citizens. We must build trust and stability in these regions."
The advisor nodded in understanding. "Of course, Your Majesty. Additionally, there is another matter I wish to discuss. It pertains to the neighbouring Kingdom of Kuru."
Karna's curiosity was piqued. "What about the Kingdom of Kuru?"
"It has come to our attention that King Dhritarashtra and his advisor, Vidura, have been closely monitoring the developments in Anga, particularly the outcome of our conflict with Magadha and Sindhu," the advisor explained. "They are concerned about the growing influence of Anga in the region."