The next day he dawned with tranquillity in the palace of Anga. Karna had risen early, as was his usual routine and had taken a moment to admire the view from his chamber window. The sun cast a warm, golden glow over the sprawling kingdom below, and the sounds of life awakening filled the air.
As he prepared for the day ahead, Karna couldn't help but reflect on the events of the previous day. The warm welcome his fiancées and family had extended to Mandodari and the beautiful, heartfelt moments they had shared were etched in his memory. It was a reminder of the love and support that surrounded him, and he felt truly blessed.
Leaving his chamber, Karna made his way to the dining hall, where a sumptuous breakfast awaited. He knew that his fiancées were likely already there, eagerly awaiting the day's plans.
As he entered the hall, he was greeted by the sight of Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Scáthach, and Mandodari seated at the table, engaged in cheerful conversation.
"Good morning, everyone," Karna greeted them with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Swami," Kamini replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "We've been waiting for you."
Karna chuckled at Kamini's playful tone and took his seat at the head of the table. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle radiance over the room.
As they enjoyed their breakfast, they discussed the plans for the day. Karna suggested a tour of the kingdom for Mandodari, allowing her to become acquainted with the people and the beauty of Anga. Mandodari readily agreed, expressing her eagerness to explore her new surroundings.
After breakfast, they set out on their tour, accompanied by guards and servants who would ensure their safety and comfort.
The kingdom of Anga was known for its lush landscapes, vibrant markets, and bustling communities, and Mandodari was captivated by the sights and sounds that surrounded her.
Karna took the opportunity to introduce Mandodari to various aspects of the kingdom, from the bustling marketplaces to the tranquil gardens.
Along the way, they encountered the people of Anga, who greeted their king with warmth and admiration. Mandodari observed Karna's interactions with his subjects, noting their deep respect and love for him.
As the day progressed, they visited the Tower of Trials at the square of the city placed by Karna himself, where warriors and aspirants from Anga trained and honed their combat skills. The Tower of Trials was a symbol of Anga's dedication to martial excellence, and it held a special place in Karna's heart.
Mandodari watched with interest as Karna interacted with the warriors and offered guidance to those who sought his wisdom.
She was impressed by his commitment to the well-being and growth of his people. It was clear that Karna was not only a beloved king but also a respected mentor and leader.
After they visited the Tower of Trials, they strolled through the peaceful gardens of Anga, where colourful flowers and lush greenery created a serene atmosphere. Karna and Mandodari took a moment to sit by a tranquil pond, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky.
Mandodari turned to Karna, her expression thoughtful. "Your kingdom is truly remarkable, Karna. It's evident that you've worked tirelessly to create a place of beauty and prosperity for your people."
Karna smiled warmly, appreciating Mandodari's words. "I believe in the importance of fostering a harmonious and thriving kingdom. The well-being of my people is my foremost priority."
As they continued their tour, they came across a group of children playing near a sparkling fountain. The sight brought a smile to Karna's face, and he couldn't resist joining in their game, much to their delight.
Mandodari watched with amusement as Karna playfully interacted with the young ones, his presence filling them with joy.
Eventually, the tour led them to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the kingdom, where they could see the vast expanse of Anga's territories and the distant mountains that framed the horizon. The panoramic view was breathtaking, and Mandodari couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of the land.
Karna stood beside her, his eyes on the kingdom he had dedicated himself to. "This view never ceases to amaze me," he said softly. "It's a reminder of the responsibility I carry and the love I have for my people."
Mandodari turned to Karna, her admiration for him deepening. "You are not only a remarkable king but also a compassionate leader, Karna. Your kingdom is fortunate to have you."
Karna's heart swelled with gratitude for Mandodari's understanding and support. Her presence in his life had added a new dimension of joy and companionship, and he was grateful for the bond they were building.
As the day drew to a close, they returned to the palace, their hearts filled with the experiences and memories of the tour. Karna and Mandodari joined his fiancées in the grand dining hall for dinner, where they shared stories of their day and the people they had met.
[Svarga, Amaravati]
In the divine realm of Svarga, the celestial city of Amaravati shone with ethereal beauty. A palace of unparalleled grandeur stood at its heart, where Lord Indra, the king of the heavens, resided. In this heavenly abode, divine beings and celestial entities moved about, going about their celestial duties.
A meeting of Deva's was taking place in the throne room of Indra's palace, where the council of gods had gathered to discuss matters of importance.
The celestial beings, each radiating their unique divine aura, were seated on magnificent thrones encrusted with gemstones of unimaginable brilliance.
Indra, the ruler of Svarga, presided over the assembly.
His majestic appearance and regal demeanour which always commanded respect and awe were not present on his face instead, a deep furrow of concern marred his divine countenance. He rose from his throne and addressed the council with a grave tone.
"Devas, we are faced with a matter of utmost importance," Indra began, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "It concerns the balance of power and the protection of the cosmos."
Agni, the god of fire, spoke up with curiosity. "What has transpired, Lord Indra, that warrants such concern?"
"Like some powerful devas among you all might have perceived that my War divinity is gone, lost to me," Indra explained, his gaze heavy with the weight of the revelation. "I have searched the divine realms and consulted Brahma dev too but he is not willing to help me this time because this is not trial and if I were to fail I might lose my title as Devraj-The King of Gods/Devas."
A hushed silence fell over the assembly as the significance of Indra's words settled in. The loss of Indra's War divinity, which represented his authority and power in battles and conflicts, was a matter of great concern for the entire celestial realm. The divine balance and order of the cosmos relied on the strength and capabilities of the gods, particularly the king of the heavens.
"But how is this possible? This has never happened before, Divinity is not a toy to be taken it comprehended unless-" Varuna, the god of the oceans, spoke with a deep frown.
"Unless someone else comprehends the said divinity at a higher level than what Lord Indra possesses," Vayu, the god of the wind, finished Varuna's thought.
Indra nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Vayu. It appears that someone, or something, has grasped the essence of my War divinity at a level beyond my own. This is not just a challenge to my authority but a threat to the celestial balance itself."
Low and mid-level devas were in panic while some high-level devas exchanged worried glances. The loss of Indra's War divinity and the emergence of a power that could challenge his authority posed a grave threat to the celestial order. The stability of Svarga and the protection of the cosmos were at stake.
But some could see right through Indra's act of desperation. Surya Dev and Goddess Ganga were among the people who held a deeper insight into the unfolding situation.
'He is using other devas to help him regain his lost War divinity,' Surya dev thought to himself. 'But what could have caused such a loss in the first place?'
Goddess Ganga, who had been observing the proceedings with her customary calm demeanour, could sense the unease and suspicion among some of the devas. She knew that this situation required careful consideration and a deeper understanding of the events that had transpired.
With a serene presence, Ganga addressed the assembly. "Devas, while the loss of Lord Indra's War divinity is indeed a matter of concern, it is essential that we approach this situation with wisdom and discernment. We must not jump to conclusions without a full understanding of the circumstances."
Surya Dev nodded in agreement with Ganga's wise words. He knew that there was more to this situation than met the eye. "Goddess Ganga is correct. We should seek to uncover the cause of this loss and assess the potential threat to the celestial balance."
Indra, who had been hoping for immediate support from the council, found himself facing a different direction in the discussion.
He realized that he needed to provide more context and information about the events leading up to the loss of his War divinity otherwise they would not agree to help him.
Just then a face appeared in his mind the face of Karna his enemy with the bloodline of his greatest enemy Meghnad. 'Yes! let's make him the scapegoat for my success while killing him in the process too.'
"Esteemed Devas, I have a suspect who may be behind this unprecedented loss of my War divinity," Indra finally admitted, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "It is Karna, the mortal warrior who possesses extraordinary abilities and is connected to the bloodline of Meghnad, the son of Ravana."
"!!!"