Journey to the Raj Mahal
The morning sun bathed the fields of Champapuri in gold as Adhirath, dressed in his finest cotton dhoti, guided a modest chariot carrying Karna and Aryan toward Hastinapur's Raj Mahal. The palace's white walls shimmered in the distance, flanked by lush gardens and trained guards.
Karna's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Aryan, dressed in a simple saffron tunic, held tightly onto Simha's reins, who padded silently behind the chariot.
"Are we really going to meet the Maharaj today, Pitashri?" Karna asked.
Adhirath nodded. "Yes. Queen Gandhari herself requested it. Remember to speak with respect."
As the chariot entered the palace gates, curious glances followed them. Commoners rarely passed these walls, let alone a charioteer and his sons.
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Reunion in the Courtyard
In the courtyard, Duryodhan ran up to Karna. "Finally! I thought you forgot your prince friend."
Karna laughed. "A warrior is never late, just delayed by fate."
Dushasan, sharpening sticks into mock spears, waved. "Let's compete. First to hit the mango branch wins."
As the boys ran toward the archery ground, Aryan was pulled aside by Duhsala, her silver bangles jingling.
"No! You're playing with me today!" she declared, hands on her hips.
Aryan chuckled. "Simha's the referee, then."
They ran through the palace gardens, hiding behind pillars, giggling behind fountains, while Simha roared softly in excitement.
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Kunti's Arrival – The Striking Resemblance
At that moment, Queen Kunti, accompanied by her attendants, passed by. Her eyes fell on the group of boys.
When her gaze landed on Karna, time seemed to freeze. Her eyes widened.
The kundal (earrings), the sunlike radiance, the manner of speech—it all struck her like a thunderbolt. Her steps faltered.
"He looks like... my son..." she whispered, hands trembling.
She walked closer, unable to resist the pull. "Boy," she asked gently, trying to steady her voice, "What is your name?"
Karna turned and bowed. "My name is Karna, Rajmata. Son of Adhirath and Maa Radha of Champapuri."
Kunti's heart wrenched. Her voice cracked. "And your mother... your real mother... Do you know her name?"
Karna blinked, confused. "No, Rajmata. I was told I was found by the river in a golden box. Maa Radha raised me as her own."
Tears welled in her eyes. She longed to say, "You are my blood, my first son…" but centuries of royal decorum and fear of scandal held her tongue.
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The Pandavas' Comments – A Sting of Prejudice
Just then, the Pandavas, returning from their lessons, passed nearby.
Bhima, large and loud, laughed. "Duryodhan, is this the friend you boast of? A charioteer's son? Only he can match you, not any real warrior?"
Nakula smirked. "Must be nice to win in mud games. At least Arjun has real rivals."
Karna's shoulders tensed. His hand gripped the bow tightly. His lips quivered—but he said nothing.
Kunti, her patience breaking, stepped in.
"Enough! You are princes, not bullies. Do not mistake birth for worth." Her voice rang with command. "The greatest souls have risen from the humblest origins. You shame your father's name with such arrogance."
The Pandavas fell silent, stunned.
She turned to Karna and softly said, "Never feel ashamed of who you are, my child. Strength lies in the heart, not bloodline."
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The Archery Demonstration – Drona's Discontent
Later in the royal courtyard, the children began showing off their archery.
Arjun stepped forward, hitting three targets in quick succession.
The court clapped lightly. Drona, his guru, nodded in approval.
Then Karna stepped forward. With a quick prayer to Surya, he released five arrows in succession—each splitting the previous one mid-air.
Gasps erupted. Even Aryan, standing beside Simha, gave a small smile.
Drona's eyes narrowed.
Then Aryan stepped forward. Without bow or arrow, he picked up a single wooden shaft and launched it with raw internal energy, enhanced by his system.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
> Divine Throw Activated: Kinetic Multiplier ×1000
The arrow blasted through stone slabs, embedding itself in the trunk of a banyan tree across the courtyard.
The crowd stood stunned.
Drona walked forward, visibly disturbed.
"Who trained these boys? A charioteer and an unknown mystic prodigy? This threatens everything..."
He stepped closer to Adhirath. "Your son's skill is commendable, but this is a royal ground. Only those of noble lineage are chosen to compete here."
Karna's jaw clenched. "A warrior is known by his aim, not his ancestry."
Aryan stepped forward, eyes glowing faintly. "Are you afraid, Acharya? That your prized student will no longer shine brightest if others rise?"
The crowd murmured.
Drona's face twitched, but he remained composed. "Watch your tongue, boy. Greatness is more than showmanship."
"And arrogance is more than confidence," Aryan replied coldly.
Before the tension could rise further, Queen Gandhari entered the courtyard.
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Gandhari's Intervention – Summons to the Throne
Blindfolded, yet regal, Gandhari walked with presence. Her voice cut through the tension.
"What is happening here? Why are voices raised where children play?"
Duryodhan rushed to her. "Maa! Karna and Aryan—they're incredible! They beat us all! Even Arjun couldn't match them today!"
Gandhari smiled and placed a hand on Karna's head. "Then we must celebrate such strength, not suppress it."
She turned to Drona. "A true guru uplifts all talent, not only the convenient ones."
Drona bowed, hiding his grimace.
"Come, both of you," Gandhari said warmly to Karna and Aryan. "The Maharaj wishes to meet the boys who shook the stones of Hastinapur today."
As the two brothers followed her, Kunti remained behind, staring at Karna's retreating form.
"Forgive me, my son... someday, you will know the truth. But until then, rise higher than I ever let you be."