"HEY! WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY HUH?"
Karna's eyes flashed with a hint of anger as one of the Pandava brothers, Bhima, shouted, his voice filled with arrogance and defiance. The presence of the divine lion had shaken him, but he wasn't one to back down easily.
The tension in the air was palpable. Bhima's outburst had disrupted the atmosphere in the royal palace. Karna maintained his composure, but his irritation was evident.
"I said," Karna replied calmly, "that your inappropriate behavior almost led to a situation that we all should avoid. This is a place of honor and respect, and such actions are not befitting of this grand event."
Yudhishthira, the eldest among the Pandavas, stepped forward, his voice carrying a tone of diplomacy. "King Karna, we apologize for our behavior. It was disrespectful, and we acknowledge our mistake."
Karna, while still maintaining his composure, observed the Pandava brothers. Yudhishthira's apology held a tone of sincerity, but it was evident that the other brothers were not entirely remorseful for their actions.
Karna nodded in acknowledgment of the apology. "I appreciate your acknowledgment of the disrespect shown. Let us maintain the decorum and dignity befitting this occasion."
"Are you also participating in Kala Pradarshan, Angraj Karna~?" Bhima asked, his tone laden with a hint of mockery.
Karna's eyes met Bhima's, unwavering. "Indeed, I will participate in several competitions of the Kala Pradarshan. It is an opportunity to showcase one's skills and honor the spirit of competition."
Bhima's smirk grew wider. "Well, let's see if the rumors about your archery skills hold any truth. It would be amusing to witness."
"Yes, I would also like to destro- I mean have a 'battle' with you~" Arjuna, the third Pandava, chimed in, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Karna, undeterred by their taunts, maintained his composure. "I look forward to the competition and the opportunity to learn from my fellow warriors."
"Greetings Angraj Karna, I am—"
"Oh! He is Duryodhana, The 'Crown Prince' of the Kuru Kingdom." Bhima intervened as Duryodhana attempted to introduce himself to Karna.
Karna nodded at Duryodhana and folded his hands together returning the greeting. "It is an honor to meet you, Crown Prince Duryodhana. I look forward to participating in the Kala Pradarshan event alongside the warriors of Hastinapur."
Duryodhana, in contrast to his brothers, displayed a respectful and courteous demeanor towards Karna. He recognized the significance of Karna's presence and the potential for a valuable alliance.
"The honor is mine, Angraj Karna," Duryodhana replied. "Your reputation as a formidable warrior and king precedes you. I trust that your participation in the event will make it all the more extraordinary."
As Karna and Duryodhana exchanged pleasantries, the Pandava brothers watched with mixed emotions. The tension in the air remained palpable, and the divine lion, Shaurya, stood as a silent sentinel, reminding all of the importance of respect and honor.
"These are my fiancées, Kamini..."
The bundle of energy stepped forward with folded hands and a warm smile on her face. "Greetings, I am Kamini. It's wonderful to be in your presence."
Kamin's cheerful demeanor and warm greeting were in stark contrast to the tension that had hung in the air moments before. Her presence seemed to lift the spirits of those around her.
Karna continued with the introductions. "Draupadi..."
Draupadi stepped forward gracefully, her eyes holding a sense of regal composure. "Greetings, I am Draupadi. It is a pleasure to be here on this auspicious occasion."
Her presence exuded an air of grace and elegance, and her words carried the weight of royal refinement.
"Brinda..."
Brinda, with her serene aura, stepped forward and greeted with a gentle nod. "Greetings, I am Brinda. I wish for this event to be a celebration of unity and honor."
Brinda's calm and collected demeanor brought a sense of serenity to the atmosphere, and her words resonated with a desire for harmony.
"Kali..."
Kali, with her enigmatic presence, simply inclined her head in acknowledgment. Her eyes held a hint of intrigue and mystery.
"Scáthach..."
Scáthach, the warrior-queen, stepped forward with a hint of a smile, her posture exuding a readiness for action. "Greetings, I am Scáthach. I look forward to witnessing the display of martial skills."
Her confidence and martial prowess were evident in her bearing, and it was clear that she had a keen interest in the forthcoming competitions.
"Mandodari..."
Mandodari, with her queenly aura, greeted everyone with a warm smile. "Greetings, I am Mandodari. I hope this event fosters camaraderie and the spirit of competition."
Mandodari's grace and diplomacy were evident, and her words held a sense of unity and goodwill.
"Tara..."
Tara, with her serene and gentle presence, inclined her head with humility. "Greetings, I am Tara. May this event be a testament to the strength of character."
Tara's humility and sincerity were evident in her greeting, and she hoped for a demonstration of true character in the upcoming event.
"And Lilith..."
Lilith, with her captivating and otherworldly aura, nodded in acknowledgment. Her eyes held a hint of intrigue and curiosity.
The introductions of Karna's fiancées were met with a mix of reactions. Some of the Pandava brothers displayed surprise at the diversity and unique qualities of Karna's companions, while others were still clouded by their previous inappropriate behavior.
"And this here is my familiar/friend, Shaurya who is a descendent of Lord Narasimha."
Karna introduced the divine lion, Shaurya, who stood beside him, radiating an aura of majesty and power. The lion's presence had already commanded the respect of those present, and its connection to Lord Narasimha added to its mystique.
As the crowd took in the sight of Shaurya, a hush fell over the assembly. The divine lion was a symbol of strength and divine protection, and its presence sent a clear message about Karna's unwavering connection to higher powers.
The exchange of introductions and the presence of Shaurya, the divine lion, had set the tone for Karna's arrival at the royal palace of Hastinapur.
While the Pandava brothers struggled to reconcile their initial disrespect with the reality of Karna's capabilities and divine support, Crown Prince Duryodhana and the hunched-back man, who was Shakuni, saw the potential for a meaningful alliance with Karna.
Shakuni, a master strategist, understood the significance of having Karna as an ally and recognized that the current circumstances offered opportunities for diplomacy and collaboration.
"Ah! I am Gandhararaj Shakuni," Shakuni said as he stepped forward, taking advantage of the moment. "I see that the presence of Angraj Karna and his companions brings an air of diversity and distinction to this event. It would be wise to foster goodwill and cooperation during this grand competition, Right Maharaj Dhritarashtra?"
Shakuni's words carried an undercurrent of shrewdness, but they were wrapped in the veneer of diplomacy. He understood the delicate balance between rivalries and alliances in the realm of politics.
King Dhritarashtra, sensing the potential for collaboration, nodded in agreement. "You are right, Gandhararaj Shakuni. This is a time for unity and cooperation. Let us focus on the spirit of competition and honor the diversity of our esteemed guests."
"Duryodhana, Please show Angraj and his companions their chambers for stay."
Duryodhana, respecting his father's words and seeing an opportunity for diplomacy, nodded and spoke with a sense of courtesy. "Of course, Angraj Karna, your companions, and you are most welcome here. Please allow me to show you to your chambers for your stay."
Karna acknowledged the gesture with a nod. "Thank you, Crown Prince Duryodhana. We appreciate your hospitality."
"I say to you all, Don't mess with Angraj and his companions otherwise there will be a catastrophe. I have readen his stars with ours and it is not favorable to go against them." Sahadev warned his brothers who still look unconvinced and somewhat dismissive of the potential consequences.
"I look forward to it, Then I will crush him and will take that girl Kali for myself after humiliating him in front of everyone," Bhima said in a defiant and overconfident tone. He was clearly not heeding Sahadev's warning and seemed determined to prove himself against Karna in the upcoming competitions.
"If it's like that then I will also take that girl Draupadi after defeating him in Archery," Arjuna said with a competitive spirit. He was well aware of Karna's reputation as an archer and was eager to prove his skills in front of Draupadi.
"Well, I like the one named Brinda. She seems different from the others," Nakul said, expressing his own preferences and not appearing too concerned about the rivalry that seemed to be brewing.
"But—"
"Oh, come on brother tell us who you like~"
Sahadev sighed, realizing that his warning might not have the desired impact on his brothers, who seemed more focused on their personal interests and rivalries with Karna. He decided to share his thoughts on the matter.
"Personally, I find Kamini to be quite charming. Her warm demeanor and positive energy are refreshing. However—"
"And you Jyeshthha, Who do you like among them?"
Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, listened to his siblings discussing their preferences regarding Karna's companions and appeared thoughtful. Unlike his younger brothers, he hadn't been vocal about his interests or preferences until now.
As his brothers turned to him, Yudhishthira paused before responding. "Among the companions of Angraj Karna, I find Mandodari to be the one who stands out the most. She carries herself with grace and diplomacy. It's clear that she possesses the qualities of a true queen."
Sahadev, who had tried to warn his brothers about going against Karna, noted Yudhishthira's preference and the way he spoke with respect. He recognized that Yudhishthira's view was less driven by rivalry and more by a genuine appreciation for character and qualities.
Bhima, Arjuna, and Nakul glanced at each other, their own preferences and rivalries still in the forefront of their minds. Yudhishthira's measured and diplomatic response provided a contrast to their more impulsive and competitive attitudes.