Queen Gandhari embraced her daughter, her heart heavy with understanding. She had always cherished Dusshala's independent spirit and wished for her to have the freedom to make her own choices.
"Dusshala," Queen Gandhari said gently, "I understand your feelings. You are not a mere prize. Your happiness and choices matter above all else."
Dusshala looked up at her mother, her eyes still filled with tears. "But what if I do not wish to be married to a stranger, someone who may not truly value me for who I am?"
Queen Gandhari kept quiet because she knew the weight of Dusshala's concerns. She recognized her daughter's desire for a meaningful and genuine connection rather than a marriage based solely on tradition or political alliances.
Because she too is a result of the political dynamics and arranged marriages, Queen Gandhari understood the importance of her daughter's wishes.
But then she remembered, "Oh! I almost forgot my dear, Karna is gonna come to attend the Kala Pradarshan. You remember Karna, don't you?"
Princess Dusshala's tearful eyes widened in recognition as her mother mentioned Karna. She remembered him as the compassionate and charismatic king of Anga, who had treated her with kindness and respect during his previous visit to Hastinapur.
"Yes, Mother," Dusshala replied, her voice still tinged with emotion. "I remember big brother Karna. He was different from the others, and his presence was comforting. But what does he have to do with this competition?"
Queen Gandhari's smile held a hint of intrigue. "My dear, there is a good reason for you to recall Karna. He will also be attending the Kala Pradarshan event in Hastinapur."
Dusshala's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Big brother Karna is coming here? What does he have to do with the competition?"
Queen Gandhari explained, "Well, you see, Karna is a guest of honor at the event. His archery skills are renowned, and he will be demonstrating them at the competition. The inclusion of non-royal archers was announced recently, and the one who defeats all the princes will be rewarded with a unique prize."
"Me?"
Queen Gandhari chuckled softly, her affection for her daughter evident. "No, my dear. You won't be the prize in this competition. The unique prize is the hand in marriage of Princess Dusshala herself."
Dusshala's eyes widened in amazement as she processed her mother's words. She, the princess of Hastinapur, would be the reward for the archer who triumphed in the competition.
"But Mother," Dusshala said with a mix of awe and concern, "what if the one who wins is not someone I wish to marry? What if he doesn't understand me or appreciate who I am?"
Queen Gandhari's expression softened, and she gently held Dusshala's hand. "My dear, I understand your concerns. That is why I mentioned Karna's presence. He is a guest of honor and an esteemed guest in Hastinapur. Karna is known for his noble character, and his values align with ours. I have heard that he values the essence of a person's character more than their status or lineage. If someone like Karna wins the competition, you may find a kindred spirit."
Dusshala considered her mother's words, her heart filled with hope and curiosity. She remembered Karna's warmth and kindness, which had left a lasting impression on her.
"Mother," Dusshala said, "I trust your judgment. If someone like Big Brother Karna participates and wins, Then I am willing." She blushed at the thought of having Karna as a potential husband, remembering the connection she had felt with him during his previous visit.
Queen Gandhari's eyes shone with gratitude, knowing that her daughter's happiness and wishes were of utmost importance. "Thank you, my dear. I am glad you understand. Let us hope for the best and that this competition leads to your happiness."
In the royal palace of the Anga Kingdom, Karna was deep in preparations for his journey to Hastinapur. His proficiency in archery had earned him a reputation that extended beyond the boundaries of his kingdom, and he intended to demonstrate his skills with humility and respect.
"Even 'he' is gonna come to see," Karna muttered with a smile that came just from thinking about him.
As the day of departure for Hastinapur drew near, Karna received a message from the councilor who had conveyed his decision to attend the event.
"Your Majesty," the councilor began, "I have received word from Hastinapur that the Kala Pradarshan event has been made inclusive, allowing non-royal archers to participate."
Karna's brow furrowed in thought. The change in the competition's rules was significant, and he considered the implications.
It was a chance for skilled archers, regardless of their lineage, to prove themselves. However, he also knew that the inclusion of non-royal participants might intensify the competition.
"Thank you for the information," Karna replied. "This change adds an interesting dimension to the event. I shall be prepared for any challenge that comes my way."
With his resolve undeterred, Karna continued his preparations, both mentally and physically. He looked forward to the event with a sense of anticipation, understanding the expectations and the potential for it to be a turning point in his life.
[Hastinapur City, Kuru Kingdom]
The anticipation in Hastinapur continued to mount as the city buzzed with excitement. The grand arena was now fully prepared, and the royal pavilion awaited the arrival of the esteemed guests.
The inclusion of non-royal archers garnered even more attention, and skilled archers from various kingdoms began to gather in the city, eager to participate in the event.
"Wow! So many people." Kamini exclaimed while sitting on the divine chariot of Karna flying towards the royal palace of Hastinapur.
Karna smiled as he navigated his divine chariot towards the royal palace of Hastinapur. The city was teeming with people, and the excitement in the air was palpable.
Skilled archers from different kingdoms had arrived, drawn by the prospect of showcasing their abilities and perhaps winning the hand of Princess Dusshala.
"Gurudev, You even bought me here, Am I going to participate too?"
Karna glanced at Eklavya with a knowing smile. "Eklavya, you are a skilled archer, and we've trained together for quite some time. If you wish to participate in the archery competition, I believe you have a good chance of doing well. After all, you were my pupil, and your skills are commendable."
Eklavya's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, grateful for Karna's words. "Thank you, Gurudev. I would be honored to participate and represent your teachings."
Karna nodded in approval. "Very well, Eklavya. You have my blessing and support. Show the world what you've learned, and shoot your arrows with confidence."
"We are here too, you know? hmph~"
Karna turned his attention to his fiancées who had accompanied him to Hastinapur. He smiled at them with affection. "Of course, my dear companions, you are always by my side, supporting me in all endeavors. Your presence strengthens me, and I am grateful for your unwavering support."
Draupadi, Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Scáthach, Mandodari, Tara, and Lilith exchanged glances and offered warm smiles to Karna. They were united not only by their love for him but by a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
The divine chariot descended gracefully into the royal palace of Hastinapur, drawing the attention of the gathering crowd. Karna and his companions disembarked, and they were greeted by members of the Kuru royal court, who had come to welcome the esteemed guests.
Karna's arrival was met with a blend of respect and curiosity. His reputation as a just and benevolent king was well-known, and his skills in archery were legendary. The inclusion of non-royal archers had already stirred excitement and debate among the people.
King Dhritarashtra, accompanied by his sons and the Pandava brothers, welcomed Karna with open arms. "King Karna, I am delighted to have you here as our guest of honor. Your presence adds great prestige to the Kala Pradarshan event."
Karna bowed respectfully to King Dhritarashtra and the assembled princes. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored to be here and to participate in this grand event."
"These are- Ahem!"
King Dhritarashtra cleared his throat to get the attention of the Pandava brothers who were bluntly staring at the girls in front of them with lust and greed clear in their eyes.
On Karna's face, a frown made its way as he observed the behavior of the Pandava brothers. Their blatant and disrespectful stares at his companions and fiancées did not go unnoticed.
Anger started to simmer within Karna, But as if sensing his anger a—
ROOOAAARRR!
A thunderous roar echoed through the royal palace, causing everyone in the vicinity to snap their attention away from the Pandava brothers and towards the source of the sound.
A massive white lion in its divine glory landed right next to Karna, its powerful presence undeniable. The lion exuded an aura of authority and divine strength. It turned its regal head towards the Pandava brothers, its piercing eyes locking onto them.
The Pandava brothers, who had previously been engrossed in their inappropriate behavior, now found themselves trembling in fear. The divine lion's gaze bore into their souls, and it was as if their actions had been exposed in front of a higher power.
Karna, with a mixture of frustration and appreciation for the divine lion's intervention, approached the majestic creature. "Thank you, Shaurya. Your timely arrival has prevented a slaughter from happening in this sacred place."
Shaurya just nudged his head against Karna's chest in a gesture of assurance. It was evident that the divine lion was there to protect and support his master.
"HEY! WHAT DID YOU SAY HUH?"