'Mahamaharathi is not the end.'
"I think he was talking about Mahamaharathi not being the last realm," Karna muttered to himself, the words of Hanuman echoing in his mind. It was a cryptic message, one that hinted at the existence of realms beyond the formidable Mahamaharathi.
Karna had broken through the limits of a Maharathi and reached the realm of Atimaharathi, but it seemed there were even greater heights to attain.
"Anyway let's go and have a meeting with King Vibhishana, Shaurya." Karna and Shaurya made their way out of the mystical Ragla forest, their thoughts filled with the profound experiences and revelations of their time within.
The forest seemed to whisper its blessings as they departed, and the ethereal mist gradually receded, leaving behind the tranquil beauty of the ancient trees.
*Whistle*
Boarding a divine chariot that descended from the sky, Karna and Shaurya made their way towards the newly built New Lanka, which had been constructed in a different location after the downfall of the old Lanka following Ravana's demise. The ethereal mist of the forest gradually dissipated.
After some hours a divine chariot could be seen descending from the sky, slowly making its descent towards the gates of the majestic city of New Lanka.
Karna and Shaurya, now approaching the city, marvelled at the grandeur of the newly constructed kingdom. It was a testament to the resilience and vision of its ruler, King Vibhishana.
However, upon Karna's arrival, a pulse of demonic energy, a manifestation of Maya, emanated from his body.
This powerful release of energy sent shivers through every asura in the city, filling them with a mixture of respect and fear. Many among them were bewildered, unable to comprehend why their bodies were reacting in such a manner.
[In the Royal Palace]
"B-Brother!!!" Vibhishana stammered, his voice filled with astonishment and disbelief. "HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE? First, my nephew, and now you... What is happening?"
Vibhishana stood up still shaking but trying his best to keep his emotions in check. "Guards!!!"
Royal guards came at their king's order even though they were affected by the earlier pulse of energy.
"Y-Your Majesty!"
"Go to the city bring the one who emitted that energy here immediately. And remember carefully don't do anything that might offend them."
"Y-Yes."
***
Karna and Shaurya continued their leisurely stroll through the city of New Lanka, taking in the sights and marvelling at the architectural grandeur that surrounded them.
The city was a shining example of what determination and vision could achieve, and they couldn't help but feel impressed by King Vibhishana's accomplishments.
As they walked, the residents of New Lanka looked upon them with a mix of curiosity and reverence. They had heard about the powerful energy that had emanated from Karna, and his presence seemed to have left a lasting impression on the Asura populace.
The asura guards who had been dispatched by King Vibhishana to bring them to the royal palace approached cautiously, mindful of not offending these formidable visitors.
After some time, Karna and Shaurya made their way to the royal palace of New Lanka. As they entered the palace, they were greeted by the sight of King Vibhishana, who still appeared stunned by Karna's presence.
"You are not my brother, so how do you have his presence with my nephew in you?"
The atmosphere in the royal palace was tense as Karna and Shaurya stood before King Vibhishana. Vibhishana's shock and confusion were evident, and it was clear that he was struggling to comprehend the situation.
Karna spoke calmly, "I am not your brother, King Vibhishana, But I have his bloodline running through my veins which I obtained from his legacy with the kingdom of Lanka-old one."
Vibhishana continued to regard Karna with a mixture of astonishment and wariness. The revelation that Karna possessed the bloodline of his late brother, Ravana, left him in a state of disbelief.
"But how is this possible?" Vibhishana finally managed to ask. "Ravana's bloodline has been lost for generations. It is said that after his defeat, his lineage faded into obscurity. How did you come to possess it?"
Karna sighed while looking at Vibhishana, "I can only say that before Meghnad's death, Ravana invoked lord Shiva and gave him Meghnad's bloodline while giving his own to Meghnad for hiding it which was in Rangla forest."
King Vibhishana listened attentively to Karna's explanation, his disbelief slowly giving way to a sense of wonder and intrigue. The story of Ravana invoking Lord Shiva and transferring his bloodline to Meghnad was nothing short of extraordinary, and it left Vibhishana pondering the mysteries of their lineage.
"So, you carry the bloodline of both Ravana and Meghnad within you," Vibhishana mused, his mind racing to comprehend the implications. "It seems fate has woven a complex tapestry indeed."
Karna nodded solemnly. "Indeed, King Vibhishana. Fate has a way of intertwining the destinies of individuals in ways we can scarcely predict. I bear this bloodline as a responsibility, a legacy to uphold and protect."
"SWAMI!!!"(Husband)
A woman came running from somewhere in the palace and pronounced on Karna hugging him while crying.
Karna was taken aback by the sudden arrival of the woman, who had rushed towards him and embraced him with tears in her eyes. Her cry of "SWAMI" resonated through the royal palace, leaving Karna momentarily stunned.
He gently patted the woman's back and tried to comfort her in confusion about who is this woman. "It's alright," he said softly. "Please, there's no need to cry. I am here."
"Please, tell us who you are," Karna said gently, pulling back slightly to look at the woman's face. "I do not recognize you, and your address as 'Swami' has left me perplexed."
The woman took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. Her tearful eyes met Karna's, and she spoke with a quiver in her voice, "Swami, it has been many years, but you are my husband. My name is Mandodari."
Karna's eyes widened in astonishment as he heard the woman's words. Mandodari, Ravana's queen and the wife of the late Ravana, was standing before him, claiming to be his wife. The revelation left him momentarily speechless, and he struggled to process the information.
"Mandodari," he repeated her name softly, his mind racing to make sense of this unexpected encounter. "I... I am truly at a loss for words. I did not know our connection."
Mandodari's eyes remained filled with tears as she looked at Karna. "It is understandable, Swami. Much has transpired over the years, and our paths have diverged in ways we could not have foreseen."
Karna nodded, his expression a mix of empathy and confusion. "Indeed, Mandodari. Fate has a way of leading us down unforeseen paths. But tell me, how did you come to be here in New Lanka, and how did you recognize me?"
Mandodari took a deep breath, wiping away her tears. "After the downfall of the old Lanka and the demise of my beloved Ravana, I sought refuge here in the city of New Lanka under the protection of my brother-in-law, Vibhishana. I never imagined that I would encounter you, Swami. Your presence carries a powerful resonance that is unmistakable to me."
Karna's thoughts raced as he considered the implications of Mandodari's presence and her claim of their marriage. It was a revelation that added another layer of complexity to his already intricate journey.
"I must apologize, Mandodari," Karna said with sincerity. "I did not know our connection, and I am still coming to terms with this revelation. But rest assured, you have my respect and protection."
Mandodari smiled through her tears, a mixture of relief and gratitude in her expression. "Thank you, Swami. Your kindness means more to me than words can express."
As Karna and Mandodari conversed, King Vibhishana, who had been a witness to this unexpected reunion, spoke up, his tone a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Karna," Vibhishana began, "Your arrival and the revelation of your bloodline have stirred many questions and emotions here in New Lanka. It is a matter of great significance. May I ask what brings you to our city, and what plans or intentions you have?"
Karna looked at Vibhishana with a sense of solemnity. "King Vibhishana, I-I am obligated to become the King of Lanka and protect its people. It is a duty I have inherited through the bloodline of Ravana and Meghnad. However, I do not seek conflict or domination. My aim is to bring stability and prosperity to Lanka, to honour the legacy of my forebears, and to ensure the well-being of its inhabitants."
Vibhishana nodded thoughtfully, understanding the weight of Karna's words. "I see," he replied. "Your intentions are noble, and I believe it is within your power to bring about positive change. As the ruler of New Lanka, I am open to cooperation and collaboration for the betterment of our people."
"You don't have to worry yourself, I have a way to restore the old Lanka from the ruins back to its former glory."
Karna's statement about restoring the old Lanka piqued Mandodari's interest, and she looked at him with a mixture of hope and curiosity. "Swami, if you have a way to restore the old Lanka, it would be a miracle. The memories of our once-great kingdom still live in the hearts of many, and the idea of its revival would bring joy to all who once called it home."
Karna nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Mandodari. The restoration of Lanka is not a task to be undertaken lightly, but I have a way to make it happen instantly."
Vibhishana and Mandodari exchanged surprised glances at Karna's confident declaration. The notion of restoring the old Lanka, which had fallen into ruins and been the site of numerous battles, seemed nothing short of miraculous.
"Instantly?" Vibhishana inquired, his curiosity piqued. "How is such a feat possible?"