[Champa City, Entrance Gates]
Karna and family were gazing at retreating figures of King Drupad and his family back to Panchal. After some time everyone went back to the palace.
"Karna come let's go back, they are gone already." Kamini's voice carried a gentle tone as she stood by Karna's side, her hand reaching out to lightly touch his arm.
Karna's gaze remained fixed on the path that King Drupad and his family had taken, his thoughts seemingly lost in contemplation. He turned his head slightly toward Kamini, his lips curving into a soft smile as he met her gaze. "Yes, You go first I will follow in a while."
"Okay, But come fast dinner is going to be ready in some time don't be late~"
Kamini gave Karna a warm smile and a playful wink before turning to head back to the palace. Karna watched her retreating figure for a moment, a sense of warmth and contentment filling his heart. He took a deep breath and turned his attention back to the path ahead.
"Vritra!" Karna muttered softly right after which Vritra appeared in front of him on one knee and head down.
"You called, Master," Vritra's deep voice rumbled like thunder, resonating through the air.
"Yes, Go after them and see to it that they reach their kingdom safely. Of course from shadows."
Vritra nodded in acknowledgment of Karna's command. "As you wish, Master. I shall ensure their safety and keep a vigilant watch from the shadows."
With a bow, Vritra vanished into thin air, leaving Karna standing alone at the entrance gates of Champa City. The weight of the day's events lingered in his thoughts as he contemplated the decisions that had been made.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Karna finally turned and made his way back toward the palace. The palace's grand architecture stood as a testament to the city's history and the many lives that had been shaped within its walls.
Inside the palace, the air was filled with the aroma of food being prepared. Karna navigated the corridors with a sense of familiarity, his steps carrying him toward the dining hall where his unconventional family had gathered.
The dining hall was alive with laughter and conversation as Karna entered. Kamini, Kali, Brinda and Scáthach were already seated with Radha Maa, Ganga Maa, father and his uncles sitting and talking among themselves. Their gazes lifting to meet Karna's as he walked in.
Kamini's smile was radiant as she looked up from her conversation with Kali. "There you are, Karna! We were just about to start without you."
As Karna settled into his seat, the conversation at the table flowed seamlessly, a mixture of light-hearted banter and meaningful exchanges.
The bonds among this unconventional family were evident in the way they interacted – a blend of respect, familiarity, and genuine affection.
Scáthach's gaze met Karna's from across the table, and she offered him a reassuring smile. "Today has been quite eventful, hasn't it?"
Karna nodded, his eyes holding a mixture of reflection and contentment. "Indeed, it feels like the winds of change are blowing."
...
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a gentle glow over the city of Champa. In the chambers of the palace, Karna sat by the window, his thoughts drifting as he gazed at the stars.
The events of the day replayed in his mind—the confrontation with Bhishma, the unexpected proposal, and the acceptance of their unconventional union.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his reverie, and he turned to see Kamini standing in the doorway, a warm smile on her face. She entered the room and closed the door behind her, the soft sound of her footsteps echoing in the quiet space.
"Mind if I join you?" Kamini's voice carried a gentle tone as she approached Karna.
Karna shook his head, a small smile gracing his lips. "Not at all. Please, come in."
Before Kamini could enter the chambers fully Kali, Brinda and Scáthach rushed in before her like they were hiding nearby.
Karna's smile widened as he observed the playful entrance of the other women, each wearing a mischievous expression. They seemed to be conspiring in some way, and Karna couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity mixed with amusement.
Kamini chuckled softly, giving her companions a knowing look before turning her attention back to Karna. "We thought we might all join you for a late-night chat. Is that alright?"
Karna's gaze shifted between each of the women, their camaraderie and shared energy evident in their interactions. "Of course, I'd be glad to have all of you here."
The women settled around Karna, forming a loose circle in the dimly lit room. The moonlight filtering through the window added a touch of ethereal beauty to the scene.
Kali's eyes sparkled as she leaned in, her voice carrying a hint of mischief. "So, Karna, how does it feel to be on the brink of marrying not just one, but all of us?"
Brinda's laughter was soft and melodious. "Yes, tell us. Did you ever imagine your life taking this turn?"
Scáthach's gaze held a mix of curiosity and genuine interest. "In the realm from which I come, such unions are not unheard of. They are often founded on alliances and shared goals. But here, it seems to be a decision driven by emotions."
Karna's expression was contemplative as he regarded the women around him. "It's true, this path is quite different from what I envisioned for myself. But as I've learned, life rarely follows a predictable course."
Kamini's fingers brushed against Karna's hand, her touch gentle and reassuring. "And you've never been one to shy away from embracing the unexpected, Karna."
Karna's gaze met Kamini's, gratitude evident in his eyes. "That's true. But more than anything, what matters to me is the bond we share—the trust, the understanding, and the genuine care we have for one another."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of their shared emotions filling the space. As they sat together, gazing at the moonlit sky, the sense of unity and belonging among this unconventional family became palpable.
"Alright now go and rest for night tomorrow is new day." Karna stood up and went towards his bed and raised his head to look at girls but they were not where to be seen.
"Girls?" Karna's voice carried a note of amusement as he glanced around the room, wondering where they had disappeared to.
A soft giggle echoed from behind his back, and as he turned around, he found them laying on his bed, arranging themselves in a way that was both playful and comfortable. Kamini's playful grin was mirrored by Kali, while Brinda's serene expression and Scáthach's composed posture completed the tableau.
Karna chuckled softly at their antics. "Taking over my bed, I see?"
Kamini patted the space next to her with an inviting smile. "Plenty of room for you, Karna. Come join us."
With an amused shake of his head, Karna complied, settling onto the bed beside Kamini. The mattress dipped slightly under their combined weight, and the other women shifted to make room for him.
As Karna reclined on the bed, surrounded by the warmth and presence of the women who had become his family, a sense of peace settled over him. The moon's soft glow filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light on their faces and creating an intimate atmosphere.
Brinda clenching his right hand while Kali took his left side and Kamini slept on his chest, While Scáthach gazing at them with amusement and so what hopeful to sleep near Karna.
The room was filled with a comfortable quietness as Karna allowed himself to fully immerse in the moment. The warmth of the women beside him, their gentle breathing, and the soothing ambiance of the moonlit chamber created a serene haven. Karna's gaze shifted between each of them, his heart brimming with a mixture of gratitude and affection.
"Are you comfortable, Karna?" Brinda's voice was soft as she looked up at him, her eyes conveying a sense of care.
Karna smiled down at her and nodded. "Very much so. This feels... right."
Kamini lifted her head slightly from his chest, her eyes meeting his with a tender expression. "We're here for you, Karna. Always."
Kali's fingers intertwined with his, her touch gentle and reassuring. "No matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together."
Scáthach's gaze held a quiet intensity as she regarded the scene before her. "It's a rare privilege to find such a connection, a bond that transcends boundaries and norms."
Karna's voice was soft but firm as he spoke, his gaze encompassing all of them. "I couldn't agree more. And I'm grateful for each of you, for the understanding and strength you bring into my life."
As they lay there in the moonlit room, their intertwined lives symbolized by their physical closeness, Karna felt a profound sense of belonging. The future was uncertain, and challenges would undoubtedly arise, but he knew that the unity and support of this unconventional family would guide them through whatever came their way.
The night continued to envelop them in its quiet embrace, and as their breathing synchronized and the room fell into peaceful silence, Karna's thoughts began to drift, carried away by the tranquility of the moment.
The stars outside continued their timeless dance, bearing witness to the bonds that had formed within the walls of Champa Palace.
And as the night deepened, the moon remained a silent observer, casting its gentle glow over the intertwined destinies of those who had chosen a path of unity, love, and shared purpose.
[What about me?...]