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Chapter Text

I never thought about afterlife or what happens after my death. I didn't care about anything after death because death has always been the end to me. I asked myself many times,why should we care what happens when we are not here to experience it.

May be I have always been subconsciously afraid of ignorance and the unknown. May be that is the reason why I tried to help others even when it's against my thoughts. May be I was gathering the virtues for my afterlife even unknowingly.

Alas, such thoughts are useless to a soul/spirit? wandering in this infinite cosmos. But gradually, I can feel my conscious being drawn to a pillar of light. The pillar of light is concise but infinite and is beyond the mortal comprehension. Just the presence of the light filled me with serenity.

The moment of peace was broken by a voice calling my name? But what is a name to a soul. Before I could think more on it, I turned to the voice and was surprised to find that the voice was coming from the light.

May be the light or the deity sensed my unease, cause the surroundings suddenly changed and I found myself in the presence of the Destroyer, Lord of the Lords, the Great Lord shiva with his wife, the personification of energy, Mother goddess Parvati.

"Is this comfortable? ", the Lord asked, while the mother just looked at me in amusement. I just stared unable to comprehend what is happening.

The Mother goddess took pity on me and explained to me that I am getting the chance to be reincarnated as a hero with my memories. Even though I felt a great pleasure knowing that I am getting such an epic chance despite my unimpressive achievements in my life, I was also terrified of meeting the expectations of being a great hero.

As if making my fears true, the Lord spoke, "your new life will be of a tragic hero, who suffered undeserving curses. While he was generous and lived truthfully with righteousness, he has also succumbed to ego and jealousy. Even though he reached the zenith in valour despite his circumstances and became so great that no warrior was his equal, he has also lost his life for forgetting his righteousness due to his loyalty and friendship."

I realized immediately that I am going to be born as Karna, son of the Sun God. I immediately bowed to the divine couple and cried out, " O Mahadev, Maatha Paarvathi, I am blessed that you are giving my unworthy soul this chance. But, how can I meet your expectations when I am but a normal human with no remarkable achievements? "

Mother Goddess just looked at me calmly and said, " Dear child, no one is unremarkable as you put it, when Lord Brahma created this world he gave some thing unique to every living thing in this world. You shouldn't compare your abilities to others after all a fish swims underwater while a bird flies in open skies. Every one has their own place and their own talent.

Still, as you do not believe in yourself ask for a boon that will help you. But be sure to remember you cannot ask for the powers of others or immortality, so choose wisely. "

I thought long and hard to the bemusement of the divine couple and then asked my boon, " O Mother, as you said I cannot ask for the powers of any others and immortality, Give me the boon that any benefit that I receive has to amplified by 1000 times and any harm I receive has to be reduced by 1000 times. "

The divine couple just smiled at me and said "thathasthu! " ( So be it!) And darkness claimed me.

Chapter Text

In the kingdom of Kunthibhoj, Princess Kunthi is very happy.

A few days ago, the great sage Durvaasa has arrived in the their kingdom and her adopted father, King Kunthibhoj has given her the responsibility of being host to the great sage.

The sage pleased with her devotion and service, gave her a mantra as blessing. With this mantra, she can call upon any God to bless her with a child.

Princess kunthi, in her jubilant mood said about the mantra to her friend and maid Priyamvada, she didn't believe her. So, to prove the mantra and also to satisfy her curiosity, she decided to evoke the mantra. In her haste, she forgot the warning of the great sage to not evoke the mantra before her marriage.

When Kunthi decided to evoke the mantra and thought of the God, her eyes fell on the sun and she immediately thought of The Sun with his divine grace and beauty.

Kunthi evoked the mantra and the divine Sun God himself descended on earth in front of the princess.
Kunthi, pleases that mantra has worked, bowed to the Sun God and said, " O divine one, I am pleased that you have come. My gratitude on to you, I will call upon you after my marriage, O Radiant one you may leave now. "

But fate has other plans and once the mantra is evoked, a God cannot return before blessing the person with a child. So the Sun God explained, " O princess, you should not have forgotten the warnings of Sage Durvaasa, as I cannot return with blessing you with a child."

Princess Kunthi pleaded the God that she is not married and hence cannot be a mother and that her father and adopted father will be humiliated.

But the Sun God was helpless and he blessed her with a child from his radiance. He also granted the child kavacha kundala made of amrit (ear rings and armour made of nectar of Gods) as part of his body. He blessed the child that he will be a great hero renowned for his valour and generosity and that he will be radiant like a sun, a lion amongst men, with an armour no weapon can breach. He will be invincible in battle with a strength of ten thousand elephants, he will be excellent in weaponry with mighty arms, he will be big in stature like a bull amongst men. His arrows will be like sun rays and no warrior will be his equal. He proclaimed that his son will called Vijayadhari. (Wieldor of the Victory).

After blessing the child, the Sun God left for sky leaving the princess with her infant son. The princess, not knowing what to do, terrified of humiliation that she may face, prepared basket filled with lotus flower and sealed with wax with the help of her maid friend Priyamvada and with tears flowing like rivers from her eyes she kissed her first born child.

Then she took the child and carefully placed the child in the basket and then removed her jewelry and placed it with the child. The child held her finger as if asking her to not abandon him, but the princess hardened her heart and with tearing eyes and breaking heart she released the basket in the waters of Ashwanadi. She prayed to Sun God to keep their child safe.

The basket with the child slowly floated through the waters, eventually reaching the holy waters of Ganga. While the basket floated through her waters, the river godess Lady Ganga became curious about the baby crying of hunger and looked at the child. Seeing the divinity of child and looking at his condition, the mother's heart of the goddess melted and she took him to her bossom and summoned some milk to feed him. Knowing of his abandoned condition and wanting to help him, she remembered the Suta couple daily praying to the Sun God for a child in Anga on her banks and immediately took the child to Anga as it is the time the couple come to offer their prayers.

When the couple arrived and started their prayers, she let go of the basket and floated the child towards the couple. As the couple found the basket floating towards them and a child's cry coming from it, they immediately caught the basket and took it to the banks and opened it. As if the God has heard their prayers, the elderly suta couple found a child in it and immediately thanked the God for this gift.

Looking at golden earrings and jewelry in the basket, the wife named the child Vasusen (born with wealth).

The suta couple who found it in their heart to take a child they found as their own are Adhirath and his wife Radha. For this act of love, the child who they raised as if their own will proclaim that however great he may become and whatever heights he may reach, he will forever be their son and will always be known as Radheya (son of Radha).

Chapter Text

Three years have passed since the day my new parents have found me. May be it's their reward for their pure love towards me Or may be it's the grace of my godly father who is thanking them for giving his abandoned son a place in their hearts, their efforts for children succeeded and my new brother was born a few days ago. He was named sangramjeet, I don't know if it's my presence changing things or if I am misremembering the things, but I could have sworn that Karna had a brother named shon and a friend named vrishali. Anyway, I am very happy with my parents and the love and concern they have towards me especially my mother is in no way less than the love I received in my old life from my birth parents.

From the moment, I gained my memories at about six months of age, I have been trying to show myself as an intelligent child. Though the language is hard and I barely remember studying Sanskrit in my college days for marks, the child's brain is an amazing thing, even if I was not able to speak for an year other than making small noises and speaking little words, by my first birthday I was able to understand the language and after another year, I was able to speak in full sentences. This demigod's constitution is also amazing, as I am already stronger than a child twice my age and also taller than those of my age. I was able to walk by my first year and running through the streets has become a common occurrence now a days.

I recently started asking my father to teach me to read and write. As I am sure my boon will amplify any benefit by 1000 times, I am sure that I will learn it no time. Also, I did nothing but play around and think about my future all this time. I had a great epiphany today when my mother blessed me that I may celebrate many more birthdays and the God's blessings will always be with me.

It was like a spark when I realized that I was living in a time where Gods walk amongst people and we can get boons with our penance. With my boon already amplifying the power of my penance, the God's will certainly grant me many things. After all Arjuna gained even Pasupathastra from Lord Shiva in the original epic, not to mention people like Jayadrath and Shalva who got some special boons. If those people can gain boons with their penance, surely I will gain many boons with my penance amplified like vishwamitra who got many missiles and archery skills from Lord Shiva and became a Brahmarishi through penance to Lord Brahma. He was even able to create another world with his yogic power.

With this in mind, I decided to start meditating on and worshipping Lord Shiva and Maatha Paarvathi whenever I have time. Which means all the time other than when I am learning something.

My parents were astonished when I started learning all things at an impossible rate. They believed me to be a genius and that my ability to learn is a God's gift. They are partially correct because it is indeed a God's blessing but I am no genius. It's just that when I read or do anything once it is as if I repeated it 1000 times. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, I have thousand times more practice in learning correctly as any thing I learned wrong may harm me it is reduced by 1000 times, so usually I don't even remember learning the wrong things.

Seven years have passed and now at the age of ten, I have become proficient in not just reading and writing, but also in skills like swimming, horse riding, chariot making, chariot racing, carpentry, blacksmithing, sewing, cooking.. etc. All little things, but also I felt very important and learned from whomever is willing to teach. Only thing is when I tried to persuade, read follow and nag, a guard to teach me fight, my mother put a full stop to it. I couldn't even argue with her, when her eyes are filled with tears at the thought of her child getting hurt.

But there is a good news, I got another brother swarnajeet five years younger than me. My brothers are like little puppies always following me around, if anything their love and trust in their big brother makes this life worth it.

After getting my blessings from my parents on my tenth birthday and playing with my brothers, I went to the banks of Ganga, where I found a place to meditate when searching for a secluded place to build shivalinga to pray upon. But today I could tell that there is something different, I felt as if someone is watching me.

Putting aside the uncomfortable feeling of being watched by unknown, I started meditating on the names of Lord Shiva and Maatha Paarvathi. Then I heard the voice that felt like it was touching my soul. I will never forget the voice I heard in front of the cosmic light all those years ago. I knew it in my heart that it was the divine couple in front of me. I openened my eyes and beheld the highest divinity gracing my sight.

The Lord spoke, " Dear child, your penance has pleased us. Ask for a boon other than immortality and you shall receive it. "

Chapter Text

I have been waiting for this moment for the past seven years since starting my penance. My inspiration for this penance is Hiranyakashyapa, an asura who got two boons so convoluted that Lord vishnu had to descend in the form of Lord Narasimha just to kill him. He has the powers all gods other than trimurti including Indra, Yama, Kubera, Surya, Agni, Vayu, Soma, and Varuna. Of he can ask for a boon that can grant him power of gods than I decided to get most of what I need.

I immediately bowed and paid my respects to the foremost couple of all gods. I said, " O Great Souled one, O Supreme of the deities, O Maha Shakti, Aadhi Devi, O Maatha Paarvathi, my greetings on to your feet. I am truly blessed to see you again Maatha, O God of the gods.

I have thought long about what to ask O Great Destroyer! And I have decided, O Rudra! O Devi! Please grant me power!
Power to control my six sins,
Power to endure anything,
Power to face anything,
Power to overcome anything,

O Lord Pashupathi,

Give me the power of Hiranyakashyapa, who needed Lord Narasimha to slay him

.
Give me the power of Mahishaasur, who shook three universes by just assuming his Buffalo form.

Give me the power of Tarakasura, who fought even the Trimurti.

Give the power of illusion of Indrajeet that even the gods can't detect. 

Give me the power of boons of kaartaveerya Arjuna, who could only slain by Narayana Avatar.

Everyone says knowledge is power.

O Lord Bholenaath,

Give me all the celestial weapons and their knowledge.
Give me the knowledge of Ravana who was called Ravanabrahma
Give me the war knowledge of Lord Parashurama, Father of Martial arts, who destroyed the kshatriya race all over the world 21 times.
Give me the archery skills of Lord Sri Ram, the foremost of archers equal to you.

Give me knowledge and skill in all 64 arts and 14 maha vidyas including any war and weapon skills.

And finally, Grant me immunity from all weaponry, toxins and curses and Give me the ability to drain half the power of my opponents, comprehend any language and learn any skill after seeing it once. "

I could see the humour in the eyes of the divine Mother as I started my list. Even the Great Mahakaal was listening my entire list patiently. I was even embarrassed as if I am reading a grocery list to my boss. But I reminded myself that the Godly couple in front of me are omniscient and omnipotent and they would have already known what I am going to ask and they would not never have come if my penance isn't enough to get my wish.

The Lord as if reading my mind just smiled and said so be it and after blessing the Supreme couple left.
I felt as if my body is a balloon that is stretched to the utmost limit that I was terrified I would burst out. Thank God, it didn't happen and after a few moments which felt like years I was all right. Not just all right, but more than all right as if I can juggle the earth with a single hand and still have power to spare. If this is what the asurs felt, no wonder they went power mad. As I am coming to terms with power, an atom bomb, no, a hydrogen bomb, no, an entire nuclear station of knowledge burst in my mind. I felt the knowledge enter my mind and I was like trembling blade of grass infront of the planet destroying hurricane that is the knowledge entering my mind. I don't know how it is possible but I felt as if I know everything there is to know, but the reality asserted itself and I knew that what I know is a drop compared to the knowledge out there.

I may have gained much knowledge but I have no experience and I reminded my self that I have to do something about it. I then went to home with a spring in my step and a smile on my face.

Chapter Text

More than a year passed since I gained my new power and knowledge. I informed my parents immediately after getting home that day that Lord Mahashiv and Maatha Paarvathi had granted me knowledge, power, skills and various boons. My parents were very happy for me, after which my father felt that with my new found knowledge and power, I may get more opportunities in the capital of the Kuru empire. So, we as family shifted from champa city on the outskirts of Anga to Hastinapur. My father informed me that he used to be a head charioteer of a division under Mahaamahim Bheeshm before settling in the champa city. He said that he had developed a great rapport with the acting king Dhritarashtra when he was the head charioteer and he is sure he can get me a good opportunity for my future.

After settling in the Suta community of Hastinapur, my father introduced me and my brothers to locals, most of whom considered my father a friend. I am amazed that my father has such great respect that they remembered him even after more than ten years. After we settled down, my father took me to the palace to introduce me to the Royal Family and ask for a position in the army for me. Generally, People of lower castes are taken into the army at the age of sixteen, but after I requested my father that I would like to gain practical experience, he agreed to persuade the Royals on behalf of me.

Even though Mahaamahim hesitated to take me at my age, he said that he will consider if I can perform well in the coming chariot racing tournament. I, with the help of my father prepared for the tourney, while he opened the shop to make and repair chariots near our home. My brothers sangraam and swarn were more excited than me and were sure that I was going to win because their big brother is the best.

Soon, the day of tournament came and my preparations paid off as I have not only performed well, but true to the word of my little brothers I won the whole thing. But, in the commotion of my win in the tourney, little swarn escaped our notice and went near area where brahmins were performing yagna. Unfortunately, some brahmins saw my brother there and were froth with rage that a lower caste child was hearing the mantraa. They caught him and were dragging him to the Royal Family who were on the judging platforms. Seeing all the ruckus and hearing a child cries, my father ran to see what happened and seeing my brother there my father learned what had transpired and began pleading the priests for mercy as he is just a child.

In just a few moments, we were all in front of the Royal Family and the brahmins accused my brother that he was listening to that none but a brahmin Or kshatriya should listen. Meanwhile my father was pleading for leniency, While the king was sympathetic to my father, rest of the court like Minister Vidhur and Rajguru Kripa were on the side of brahmins asked the priests what should be the punishment for the aforementioned crime.
The priests, seeing the majority court agreeing, said that it is not just a crime but a sin against the tradition and picked a particularly cruel punishment of pouring molten golden in one ear.

Then Mahaamahim Bheeshm ordered the soldiers to bring the molten gold. The faces of the priests were filled with satisfaction while my mother fainted on hearing the punishment. My father has tear tracks on his face and our entire community is looking at our family with sorrow. My brother Sangraam just stood beside my father confused, while I was shocked if this was really happening. According to my knowledge this happened to shon, I don't understand why this is happening to my brother swarnajeet.
I then understood, this didn't happen to shon, this happened to swarn but some where the names were altered. I decided then and there not to completely rely on future knowledge as it may have been altered.

While I was in my thoughts the guards brought the molten gold and were holding my brother, then out of nowhere a voice rumbled like a thunder, " Stop! "
Every body jumped at the sudden command. Guards released my brother who scrambled to my father, warriors drew their weapons and while the court descended into silence.
Everybody's attention is focused on the source of voice.

Chapter Text

It is in that veritable silence, amidst the tension and apprehension of all people and the heart stopping terror on my father's face that I realized, very late mind you, that the voice mine and now the eyes of nearly the entire court are on me. I could feel the sweat on my palms, thundering of my heart and hairs on my neck, it is now, this entire thing has become too real for me.

Till now, every thing has been fun and games, the love of my parents and my brothers has been like a dream of the heaven. But now, the reality of this blood drenched story slapped me awake to the reality. For the first time in my new life, I have faced the situation that had me feel like shaking with fear. The situation is too real and the consequences too dire. I brought forth my resolve and courage from the depths of my heart because I can't fail here. The life of my brother is the line and little Swarnajeet is relying on me. I cannot face my mother if I let go of my brother like this. I have to be the big brother my little idiots believed me to be.

Bheeshma's POV:

The Great Elder of the Kuru clan, Mahaamahim Bheeshm , was the first to get over the shock that somebody has dared to halt the King's court. Even the commander of the mighty army of the Kurus was surprised that the thundering command has come from a boy, nay a child seeming to be no older than 11. But that surprise didn't stop him from observing the eldest child of Adhirath. He could see that the child is indeed special as expected when he intended to join the army at such an young age, he can see that the child didn't realize what was going on and that his mouth moved on its own. But, he can also see the resolve forming in his heart as the child prepared to do something. He commanded, " Speak child! why did you halt the king's punishment or do you think you are eligible to question the learned men of the country? " He knows he is overly harsh on the child drowned in grief and fear, but he could not allow the disrespect to the crown.

Karna's POV:

Hearing the command of Honourable Bheeshma, my thoughts immediately came to a halt. I opened my mouth to present my argument, suddenly a great amount of knowledge came to the forefront of my mind, this I realized is the knowledge from my boon. Truly, i had to marvel at the knowledge that I realised was from Ravana. He truly was a genius in many disciplines and has no equal in his scholarly pursuits making him worthy of the title Ravanabrahma.

I immediately bowed to the Royals and spoke, " O great king of Kurus and the learned men of the court, please forgive my impudence in disturbing the proceedings. It was not my intention to cause any disrespect, but my haste to stop the grievous injustice to my brother made me forget my position. O the foremost of the warriors and scholars of Aryavarta, Please give me a chance to say my argument, if you feel it is not right then I will accept any punishment as my due." 

The King who was already sympathatic to my father, was intrigued and gave me the chance to present my argument. He ordered, silencing the court, " O Adhiratha ( son of Adhirath), Speak child! Tell me who you are and share your thoughts, why do you consider this an injustice? Did you not listen when the learned Brahmans said that those mantras are for the ears of only Brahmans and Kshatriyas? But, forget not, fail to convince us and you will face double the punishment of your brother."

With this order, the faces of those brahmanas who accused my brother began to glow. I think the prospect of punishing two children in place of one excited them. Truly, Brahmans of this period are blood thirsty, nothing like those priests I met in various temples. I immediately thanked the King and started my argument as there is no place for any doubt because a small mistake my parents two sons instead of one as before. I decided if worst comes to worst I will fight with my entire power and give my family time to escape as that is the least I can do for them. I shook my head to push those thoughts aside and started to speak, " O Great king! As you said it is indeed said that the mantras are for the ears of the Kshatriyas and Brahmanas. But, my king, it is also said that the Varnas ( castes) are based on the work and not on birth. If the learned men of the court say it is the birth that determines the cast, the did the great sage Vishwamitra, born in the Kshatriya caste, become a Brahmarshi,a brahman. Our Vedas state that

the one who possess Brahma's knowledge is a Brahmana,

the one who learned weaponry is a Kshatriya,

the one who does trade is a Vaishya,

and the one who serves is a Sudra.

By these lines, O king, a person may be born in any clan can become a scholar (Brahmana) or a warrior ( Kshatriya).

It is said that Lord Brahma created everything be they living or non living, O king, so it can be said that the lord Brahma is the father of all living things. My father has three sons, Just like you , my king, have 102 children. my father treats us all three equally just as you do all the princes and princess. So, my king, if a father treats all his children equally, doesn't Lord Brahma, the creator of the world look at them equally? If the creator of the world looks at all children equally and provides them equal opportunities to become what they wish, who are we to restrict the children born in different castes from learning. By distinguishing the varnas based on profession, a child cannot have a varna before taking up the position. So if my brother is guilty of hearing the mantras restricted to Kshatriyas and brahmanas, then all the children who have not yet become kshatriyas or brahmanas i.e, those who do not have the brahmagnana or who didnot learn the weaponry are also guilty. If those children who are learning to become brahmins and kshatriyas can listen to these mantras then my brother is also eligible to listen them because my brother may also become a brahmana like sage Vishwamitra. "

Chapter Text

The entire area was filled with silence after my impassioned speech, and I was feeling restless when nobody spoke. It was after several minutes of silence, the king spoke with an air of calmness that surprised me to the core, " O Radheya, dear child, even though you are just a child, you haven spoken true. Yes, it is indeed work that decides Varna, but many of us have forgotten the fact. Today, Little one, you have stopped a grave sin here and have done as a favor. You have convinced us that your brother should not be punished and I am proclaiming him free of the accused charges.

Still there is the matter of deciding appropriate reward for coming forward to defend your brother and stop what you felt was wrong, even when threatened with dire consequences. So, O Adhiratha nandhana, choose your reward well and it will be granted."

I felt like pinching my self, cause this felt completely unreal. Today has been chaotic, one extreme to the other, first the joy at winning the race, then the terror that I may loose my brother and now again the joy that my brother is free. The king even asked me choose a boon. What the hell is this world, first I encountered blood thirsty priests and now the calmly speaking monarch accepting the mistake unlike the mud slinging politicians and patient priests I saw in my last life.

Still, one can never be sure when speaking with rulers, better to appear humble and not be seen as grasping, " O Wise King! I thank you for your benevolence, your mercy on my brother itself is a great reward. But if you insist, O just king! Let this situation never arise, please provide a chance to all the children that they may learn what they desire. "

The King pondered over my words and spoke at last with loud bellied laughter, " Ha ha ha! What a precocious child you are, I asked you to choose a reward and here you go creating more work for me. At this rate, I may have to sleep on the throne it self. "

" So be it then", the king said, " Let there be a proclamation that no child is discriminated for basic education. Henceforth every child in this kingdom will receive the basic education and no child below the age of 11 will be held responsible for any crime. If a child has committed a crime, then it is not their fault, but the environment which enabled them. So, people of my kingdom, let us move towards a future where our society protects children and prevent them from walking the path filled with mistakes."

The roaring applause and chanting of King's name reverberated the sky. It was no wonder that my voice was one of the loudest, because the king, who I thought was spineless and was puppet king, appeared to me as the wisest and most charismatic person in the court. This is the another wake up call I needed, not to underestimate any one, as the stories we learned have been passed down from centuries and have accrued many biases in the retellings.

Chapter Text

After the thankfully happy ending of the disastrous trial, I was accepted into the army and cruised through the course consisting of Wrestling, Sword arts, Spear fighting, Mace fighting, Axe fighting, basic archery and many other weaponry in just few months. My boon accelerated my learning to such an extent that I was considered once in a generation prodigy as I have breezed through both the physical and mental skills needed for the army. I have learnt the war formations, tactics, strategy, logistics and leadership skills. Now just past the age of eleven, I have finished my military training and got appointed in my father's old division as the youngest charioteer of the army. 

The other noteworthy thing that happened is that I met my Godly father on my eleventh birthday. After completing my daily prayer, I took a bow towards the rising sun and said, "O Radiant One! I have always known you as my godly father from the moment I took birth in this world. I wish to see you with my eyes, O Glorious One. O Scorcher of the foes! O Life giver! You, who is called Suryanarayana, an aspect of the Lord Narayana, O savitr, Lord of light please grant this wish of your son. "

It was then that a pulse of light travelled from the sun towards me. As it neared, it began to expand and when it reached me, the light has become the Sun God himself. He looked at me with such love in his eyes, that there is no doubt in my mind that he has done everything he could in his power without violating the rules of creation to protect his son in the original epic. But what could he do, he who never differentiate the friend or foe and burns himself to give the light equally to all, how can he shore up his son's protection without contradicting his very nature. He is not Devraj, who breaks rules with impunity and runs to the Trimurti to escape the consequences. Still, he gave his child the protective armour and earrings made of his Radiance and Amrit, the very nectar of the immortality. Even that was stolen from his child, how much would he have suffered having to watch his son getting cursed, living such a cruel life and dying helpless in front of his eyes. Truly, the greatness of the king of the planets knows no bounds. 

He will not have to watch his son suffer in this life, because I have no interest in suffering such insults and becoming fate's chew toy. 

My godly father then addressed me, " O my precious child! I have been waiting since your birth for your call. You have no idea, how pleased I am. I have watched you from the sky and always wanted to meet you, but the rules of creation have forbidden the meeting of demigods unless the demigod calls us. You, who was born from a part of myself and my radiance, has bestowed upon me most jubilant gift. Please ask for a return gift, for a father cannot leave their child empty handed. "

I was humbled by his words, why not a God is thanking me for calling him to meet me and is willing to grant me a gift. I bowed my head and spoke reverently, " O Father, O Glorious one, you with a thousand names should never thank me, for meeting you was my fondest wish and a great reward. But, as you said a father can never leave the son empty handed, then, my Lord, as your son the fire and heat don't harm me, so please let it be that no hunger or thirst affect me in your light, let it be that your light is enough to sustain my life and my energy, let your light be my comfort and my protection that no harm befalls me during the day, let your light be my strength so that I never grow weary and tired during the day. "

Lord Aditya looked pleased and relieved with my wish for he can now protect me, his son, with no obstructions. He raised his palm and said before leaving to join the Sun in the sky , " As you wish! "

Chapter Text

Six years have passed since I joined the army. Now, just a few months after my seventeenth birthday, word has spread of the deaths of Maharaj Pandu, Maharani Madri and the arrival of Pandavas to the palace. Thinking of Pandavas, it seems my brother Yudhishthir was just four years younger than me while Bheema and Arjuna were five and seven years younger. The Madra twins were eight years my juniors just shy of their ninth birthday.

After I joined my father's old division, I rapidly climbed through the positions and reached the status of Ratha, a warrior capable of fighting 5000 warriors and was promoted to the Head charioteer position for the division. My parents were filled with joy that I have reached my father's old position at such an young age. 

After I became the head charioteer, Rajguru Kripacharaya and the Commander Bheeshma called me and the Kulguru of the Kurus said, " O Radheya, now you have become a Ratha, to further improve you need the knowledge of higher celestial weaponry, which can only be learned from Gods, great sages or renowned warriors. You have learnt many lower celestial weaponry from me, but I and Mahaamahim have our own duties and cannot teach you the higher weaponry. If you wish to further learn the usage of high celestial astras and sastras, then you will have to find a teacher of your own and persuade them to take you as their student. We can give you leave to travel and learn before resuming your service in the army. "

I requested time to think on the offer and took my leave. I discussed with my parents and they just wanted me to be my best and to not have any regrets. I already have the knowledge of higher celestial weapons from my boon and I can't use them without everyone questioning where I got the knowledge. So, I decided to leave on the sabbatical to claim I learned my knowledge during this trip. I informed the Rajguru and the commander that I wish to leave on a learning journey and got their permission. 

Then, I had to think about the teacher I wish to learn from. I could go the epic Karna's route and try my hand at convincing Lord Parashuram, but he is a Vishnu avatar and he may still curse me to fulfill his next avatar's duty of eliminating the knowledge of celestial weaponry, reducing the weight of adharma and establishment of dharma through the war. I couldn't trust a vishnu avatar to have my best interests, because nobody was safe in the original epic, warriors on both sides were slaughtered and even the remaining warriors including the God himself and his favoured died in less than 40 years after the war. 

Then, I reminded myself that I am not the epic Karna, who didn't have any option other than lying, I have many options to rely on and I chose the easiest, like all the kidrs who faced a problem do, throw the problem at my dad. I travelled outside the Hastinapur for few miles along the banks of Ganga and when I found a secluded spot, I stood in the waist deep waters of the holy river and started praying for my father to show me a teacher. 

And lo behold, as all fathers do when their kids come to them with a problem, my father immediately took charge of the issue and came and took me to Devguru Brihaspati and requested him to teach me and give me practical experience. Devguru accepted and took me as his student and my learning began. Though as I already possessed the knowledge via my boon and my efforts are amplified by my first blessing, both of which I explained to my teacher, I have become an expert in many fields like medicine,astrologicaly, architecture, music, dancing, singing..etc including the all the war arts. I have also acquired mastery in the usage of all the celestial weapons and even gained personal weapons of many gods, yakshas, nagas and gandharvas in the span of just three years. I even learned knowledge of dharma and karma from my godly brothers Lord Yama and Lord shani. I was taught about feminine arts by the Celestial Beauties and musical skills by the Gandharvas. I even received many gifts from the gods like the Mace of Yama, Noose of Varuna etc, I think my benefit amplification boon is at play. I think some of these gifts were received by Arjuna in the epic, but that is not my problem, if the gods wish they can give him the copies, it is not like these weapons are not of one in the universe type as the gods still have their weapons after giving them to me. My father gifted me with a indestructible chariot made by Lord Vishwakarma, Swayambhu himself and drawn by the celestial horses and filled with celestial weapons like Suryadhanush, inexhaustible quivers, maces, spears, swords and axes. The chariot is adorned with a flag of golden sun and is said to the fastest, after my father's own chariot with capability to travel on its own at the speed of thought. 

As Gurudakshina my teacher, Devaguru, asked me to kill nivatkachas as they can only be killed  by a human. I felt as if I am taking the achievements of Arjuna, but I certainly can't reject my teacher's request so I took my new chariot and my father offered his own charioteer as I didn't know the location of the dwellings of those demons. I, along with my father's charioteer, Lord Aruna, went to location of the Nivatkachas. On seeing us those demons began assaulting us with various weapons from the walls of the city. But all those weapons were either avoided by the speed of our chariot or neutralised by my arrows. Utilising the inexhaustible quivers and our chariot's swiftness to their best, we battled for three days with millions of demons. It was as if they were multiplying, just we kill one, two others take it place. Finally, after three days of continuous fighting, we vanquished the demons.

My father and various gods have come to congratulate me and see me off to the mortal word. My teacher, Lord Brihaspati was pleased and blessed me to be ever victorious and gifted me with the Vijaya, Lord Brahma's bow, which he personally requested from Lord Bhargavarama for finally satisfying the Lord Brahma's boon that the Nivatkachas would be killed by a human. I was very happy, I had given up of ever getting the Vijaya, the bow of victory, when I decided not to go to Lord Parashuram. But, it is as if fate is rewriting itself to gift me this weapon. 

Soon, I thanked all the Gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Nagas and Apsarasas for everything and started my journey to the home. 

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My family received me with their hearts bursting woth happiness. It seems my brothers wanted to surprise me and has apparently started learning cooking and chariot making, just as I learned everything I could in what seemed like ages ago. My brothers immediately attached themselves to me like limpets and started pestering me to teach them to be like their big brother. If one listened to my brothers, they will think I hung the sun, the moon and the stars in the sky. Their belief in their eldest has only grown after the trial and has become exponentially more in my absence. I agreed to teach my brothers whatever they need after enjoying their antics for some time.

I discussed everything about my education and gifts from the Gods and my godly father with my parents. My mother said that she always knew I was special as I was a gift from Lord Surya to them, but that she never expected that the God would give them his own son. After speaking about my Godly father, the topic inadvertently shifted to my mother and I just said that she was a princess and had to leave me and that whoever she is doesn't matter, I will always be a Radheya. My mother hugged me and wept with tears of happiness.

After spending few days with my family, I reported to the army and gave a demonstation of my knowledge of celestial weaponry and was considered a Maharathi in skill and was promoted as the second in command to the great mahaamahim. This was about six months ago.

A lot has happened in the next six months. I became busy with adjusting to my new duties, started training my brothers, done renovations to our home and my father's shop with my increased salary. Our kingdom has procured the services of renowned warrior brahmana Bhardwajaputra Dronacharya, who along with his wife and son came and established his Ashram in the mighty Kuru empire with the recommendation of his brother in law Rajguru Kripacharya and the approval of Mahaamahim.

As stated previously, we also received the news of deaths of King Pandu and Queen Madri. Mahamantri Vidhur, Mahaamahim Bheesh and Queen Mothers Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika went to the forests to bring Pandavas the home. There, on the suggestion of Sage Vedavyas, Queen mothers decided stay in the monastery while the Pandavas along with Queen Kunti were brought to the palace.

The arrival of Pandavas brought with it another set of problems. The matter of succession became an issue, starting the bitter rivalry between the Kauravas, sons of King Dhritarashtra, who believed their eldest Prince Suyodhana becomes the crown prince and the Pandavas, sons of King Pandu, who believe the crown to their jyeshtha as the first born of this generation of Kuru clan.

Many great minds started fanning the flames of this rivalry to make them an inferno, be it for their own ends to fulfill their vengeance or because of their negligence while they believed in their own strength and righteousness.

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It's been an year since the arrival of the Pandavas. Many fights took place between the cousins, with King Dhritarashtra and Gandhar raj Shakuni favouring the Kauravas and the Mahamantri Vidhur and Mahaamahim doing the same to Pandavas. Pandavas claim the Prince Yudhishthir the Crown Prince, as the eldest and the son of previous King Pandu, while the Kauravas claim that Prince Suyodhana was conceived first and is the Crown Prince as the Son of the acting King. Mahaamahim and Mahamantri want Yudhishthir as the next king, as he is Devaputra, son the Lord Yama and a strict followet of Dharma. They consider the Kauravas, especially Prince Suyodhana, kulnashak, destroyers of the clan because of the signs at the time of their birth. While Gandhar raj shakuni, who had lost his family and had to watch his sister forcibly married to a blind man after the slaughter of her family, stewed in revenge and used the chance to widen the rift between the Kauravas and the Pandavas by showing the partiality of the Kuru elders towards the sons of Pandu.

Prince Bheema was born with enormous strength and none of the Kauravas other than Prince Suyodhana could face him. Even being born on same day, the two cousins could not stand each other. Just as Prince Bheema was born with enormous strength and strong body, Prince Suyodhana was born with vajra like upper body. The fights between the two has become a daily occurance and they fought like two elephants uncaring of anything. Prince Bheema used to torment the Kauravas using his strength while they used to abuse him with vile curses.

Once, after seeing such brutality by Bheey, Prince Suyodhana concocted a plan to poison Prince Bheema with the help of Gandhar raj Shakuni. But his brother Vikarna and half brother Yuyutsu heard of the plot informed the Pandavas. But, before any body could stop the plot, Bheema ate the poisoned laddus and Suyodhana seeing the chance threw him into the waters of Ganga.

Everybody believed that is the end of Bheema, who fell into Nagaloka in the underworld. He was taken to Aryaka Nag, an ancestor of Queen kunti, who recognized the young Prince and gifted him with Nagamrit, which gave him additional strength of ten thousand elephants along with his already abundant strength. He came back a week later with the take of gaining strength and meeting their ancestor after a week. During the week, he was gone the entire palace mourned the Prince and the Kauravas became the symbol of evil. The last chink of bond between the cousins is wiped out and gave way to two factions of bitter enemies. The Pandavas befriended Yuyutsu for trying to help them. But nobody remembered that Prince Suyodhana was also a child and not all the Kauravas were involved and that if the elders had but taken a few moments, the cousins would have been united. Prince Suyodhana was punished severely and even Queen Gandhari refused to speak with him. He was also made to apologize, but his claims of protecting his brothers fell on deaf ears and they said that Prince Bheema has already endured such hardship as punishment. Seeing that only he was punished, while the pandava got scot free, Prince Suyodhana was enraged and his heart became bitter and seeing their brother punished but their tormentor escaping made the Kauravas follow their brother in the feelings.

Seeing such bitter enemity between the cousins, the elders not knowing what to do sent them to Guru Drona's ashram for the education. Hoping that the hardships of the ashram life may unite the brothers. Here is where the twist laid.

Guru Dronacharya renowned for his knowledge and valour was very poor. Unable to even procure milk for his son, Ashwatthama, he went to his co-disciple and friend King Drupad of Panchala kingdom, as he had promised to help him. But, when he reached the palace, King Drupad treated him like a beggar and said there can be no friendship two unequals. Enraged at being insulted, Drona returned home to find his brother in law Kripa inviting to Hastinapur. Since the moment of humiliation, Guru Drona was harbouring vengeance in his heat and has been looking for a pupil who will make Drupad fall on his feet.

As such, when the Kuru princes arrived at his ashram, he quickly discerned their talents and began working on them and imparting them valuable knowledge. His discerning eye however quickly found that the middle pandava, Arjuna, is equally swift on both hands and unusually skilled in Archery. He decided he has found the pupil he was looking for and started to favour Arjuna and in turn Pandavas. This caused an unbridled jealousy in his son Ashwatthama, who began to feel as if he is replaced with Arjuna by his father. So, he started getting close to Kauravas and became a friend of a charismatic Suyodhana.

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Now that the Princes have left for their education, I have started thinking about myself, I had joined the army to get practical experience in fighting and now that I have become a Maharathi, my purpose of joining the army is fulfilled. But, as I was trained by the army, I have to serve a minimum of ten years. At the age of eighteen, I have already completed three years of service. So, I have seven more years of mandatory service, I had been preparing to jump the ship before getting entangled in this rivalry. Because, the current avatar of Lord Narayan, Lord Sri Krishna is here to eliminate the warrior class, end the yuga and establish the dharma. In the epic, he has orchestrated the deaths of warriors on both sides by hook or crook, either with his tricks or by his inaction. He didn't spare anyone on the either side, even his dear nephew. People generally blame the death of Abhimanyu on the cheating of Kauravas, evil Karna breaking the bow and killing a helpless child etc. But Abhimanyu was no sixteen year old, still in young age by their standards but not a child of sixteen. People mistake that when the Moon God spoke of earth years, when he said, his child Varchas will return from his human life in 16 years. No, the Lord Chandra referred to years in Chandralok, where the time passes differently. We can see the example in the story of Muchukunda, the king who fought for gods in swarga for few years, when the entire yuga passed on earth. Abhimanyu was already born during Khandavadhahan, and Kurukshetra took place 33 years after the Khandavadhahan. Also, Kauravas or Karna didn't cheat and kill Abhimanyu, he would have been captured if he had surrendered. But he didn't, when he lost his bow, he took his mace and jumped at Drumasena, son of Dushashan and they each hit other on the heads and it was Abhimanyu who was slain. We can even hear in the words of Lord Balrama at the end of the blood bath that is Kurukshetra,that Duryodhan may have done many adharm in life, but he fought the war with dharma and followed all the rules and rituals. People rail at the death of Abhimanyu but conveniently forget the death of other children. The only difference Abhimanyu's death and other's death is that Abhi's death is directly caused by Lord Sri Krishna through his inaction. But people don't want to see his role in the death, so they make others responsible for it and invent many faults of those people. Was it not Lord Keshav, who interrupted when Abhimanyu was listening about Padmavyuha formation when Arjun was explaining to Subhadra. Did he not say, he knows what's happening everywhere at once, did he not take Arjuna to chase Trigarta army, when Abhimanyu was forced to take point by Pandavas even when he claimed he didn't know how to exit, saying they will be behind him. He knows, but it has already been 16 years in Chandralok and as per the word of Lord Chandra, he let Abhimanyu die.

Anyway, leaving my rant aside, if the Lord didn't spare his nephew, whom he practically raised, what are my chances if I get entangled. In the epic, Karna's mother and wives had to endure the loss of children, if I have a chance, I will definitely avoid causing them such grief. So, my best option is remove myself from Hastinapur. If I remember correctly, Lord Krishna left Mathura and settled in Dwaraka to escape from Jaraasandh's invasions when he was 20.

I had already discouraged my brothers from joining the army, even though I have been training them, I don't want them to lose their lives in this conflict. I will definitely resign from the army after my mandatory service and will plan to settle outside the Kuru Kingdom. I have been training my brothers not just in warfare bit also in other fields like medicine, architecture etc, so that when the time comes, they will have multiple professions to choose from. I pray that fate looks my way kindly.

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Time flies like wind. The past seven years, my mandatory service in the army has flown in what felt like a blink of eye. I still remember the Princes leaving for education as if it was just yesterday not years ago. These seven years have been good to me and my family. I have finished training my brothers in war arts, medicine, architecture and music. They have also become proficient in carpentry and cooking by assisting my father and mother in chariot making and household duties. At just the ages of 20 and 22,they have finished their training with the exception of higher celestial weaponry. Even now they are near Atirathis in their strength after learning the higher celestial astras, they are surely going to be near Maharathi class warriors. As I discussed my plans with my parents, they accepted my decision to quit the army on the condition that I will marry before we look for a place outside Hastinapur.

The idea of marriage never entered my mind till now and I don't even have any friend named Vrushali like in many fictional stories I read about Karna. It appears I have become so single minded on my family, power and the army that I have neglected my surroundings and my parents plans for my future. My parents have always been my well-wishers and I know they will find a suitable bride for me, so I accepted without any hesistance.

I met with Mahaamahim Bheeshma, the Commander of the Kuru army and my immediate superior that I would like to leave the army as I have completed my mandatory service and have assured him that I have no plans of joining any other army for the period of next two years as per the general agreement at the time of joining. The Esteemed Elder of the Kurus accepted my resignation and said that he was sad to see a talent like mine go.

I thanked him for providing a chance to me early and for allowing me to work with the army all these years and for being a mentor to me during my service. I told him the I am planning to become a healer, as vaidhyas are well respected and they save lives. He congratulated me and wished me the best and said that it is indeed a noble profession as saving a life is much harder than taking it.

After taking my leave from the Commander's presence, I went home and shared the news with my parents. I spoke of opening a clinic, vaidhyashala, near my father's shop so that I and my brothers can work as healers and also assist my father in the shop. They heartily accepted, but they reminded me of my promise to marry after quitting the army and I said I have no objections. It seems my parents had been planning my marriage from a long time and have already selected a suitable bride and spoken with the family, as my father was a childhood friend of the lady's father. The bride's father, sudhama was a weapon smith who also had a shop near my father's shop and his son Satyasen works in the army as a charioteer for the Royal Family. The bride, Padmavati, named for lotus like eyes my parents said, was known to very beautiful and wise and was said to be expert charioteer, learned with her brother, who won many races in childhood. These days, she spends helping her father in the shop and assisting her mother and sister in law with household chores.

The marriage was not a huge fanfare and was performed in the community with only our neighbors attending. It seems I am well liked in the neighborhood because my father in law accepted the proposal immediately. Padmavati has admitted to me after the marriage that she has known me since the trial of my brother and admired me for standing up for the family and hoped for a husband like me. That is why her father has accepted the proposal immediately even after knowing I left the army and a high paying position. She said the she used to call me Vrisha in her mind because I stood for the truth and she hoped to be the aali(wife) of the Vrisha. It was as if a hammer struck my head with those words Vrisha's wife meaning Vrisha's aali meaning Vrishali. My Vrishali, I have my Vrishali just as Karna had his Vrishali. I don't care if she is the Vrishali of the epic, she is the Vrishali of my heart forever. I then informed her of my thoughts and fears during that trial and spoke about how terrified I was, of failing my brother failing my parents,of dying with my brother and leaving my grief for two sons. She listened to everything calmly and then she hugged me and comforted me saying that I didn't fail, that even terrified, I stood up for my family and that makes it even more admirable. I didn't know what good deeds I did in all my lives to get such a beautiful and understanding woman as my wife and said as much to her, but she denied saying she is the blessed one for getting a kind and good husband like me. One look at those beautiful eyes let me know that I am never going to win any argument with her.

My life was a smooth sailing boat for my family after my marriage. My parents accepted my wife as their daughter and my brothers treat my wife as their second mother, My wife has mixed with my family so seamlessly that it was as if she was part of our family for our whole life and we just realized we were missing her without knowing all this time. Gods have blessed me and my wife with twin sons just an year into our marriage and we named them Aadhisena and Chitrasena for both of our father's. I became a father now and I am just 26,according to the standards of this world I am still in my youngster stage. My mother, Radha was a proud grandmother and she is all but jumping in joy and was gushing about her beautiful grandchildren to any body who listens. My brothers left no ear in our community with out filling it with their talk of their adorable nephews. I thanked my wife for giving me the precious gift of fatherhood. Her tired face after delivering our children was one of the most beautiful things I ever saw in this life and I am saying this after laying my eyes on literally Gods. In the moment, I could see the beauty of Maatha Paarvati in the love my wife had for our children. I could see the glow of motherhood in her eyes rival hundred thousand suns in radiance. When I named our children, I could see her love for me grow even more. 

Next two years passed swiftly for my family between taking care of children and working as healers and helping in our father's shop. My parents started looking for matches for my brother Sangramjeet, who became famous as a good healer. Meanwhile, the rumors also spread about how the Yadavas under Sri Krishna fled from the armies of Jaraasandha, abandoning Mathura and building a new city rivaling the heavens in beauty. 

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Adhisena and Chitrasena are three years old now, running around the house and filling the house the house with their laughter. My parents found a bride for my brother Sangraam, her name is shanthi, a kind girl from a poor family. Her parents died when she was a child so she grew up with her brother's family. Her brother accepted the proposal and my brother has started his family. While brother got a wife, I got a sister now and my Parents a second daughter with first being my wife. After marriage ceremony, my family soon got back to the usual rhythm of working in vaidhyashala, our shop and spending time with each other in the evenings.

A few months after my brother's marriage, I discussed my previous plans of going away from the Kuru empire. My parents were a little apprehensive to disturb our peaceful routine as my wife has announced her second pregnancy a few days ago. Even my sister in law was now few months along and my brother is excitedly waiting for his child. I told my parents that I have planned everything and that our family stays in Hastinapur for now, as I make the preparations. I informed my wife and parents that I will be leaving the home for a few days to make arrangements and then I will come and take our family to new home away from this political unrest. My parents though hesitant gave their blessings, while my wife she would wait for me and that she believes that I will succeed in my endeavor.

After leaving my home, I immediately travelled to Magadha, where Emperor Jaraasandh of Madhyadesh resides. In the epic he was slain by Bheema before Rajasuya yagna, I do not intend to give him the chance. He may have been destined to be killed by Bheema, but Lord of the world, Lord Umapathi, the Great Destroyer himself granted me the power to overt anything. I will overcome the fate or die trying, as I do not intend to go to my death helpless like the Karna in the epic. So I went to the court of the Emperor Jaraasandh and challenged him, "O Emperor! O the one with the strength of ten thousand elephants! People say you are immortal and that even the Gods and Asurs combined cannot defeat your armies. I heard you are the best in Wrestling and that you can fight without getting tired for days. Then, O Jaraasandha! I challenge you, who had subjugated the entire Madhya desha, who had the Yadava warrior run from the battle, who is so powerful that kings bow their heads to you. I challenge you to fight me in a bout of Mallayuddh, if you win, my life is yours But if I win, your kingdom is mine. I challenge you! O Skilled One! You, who's cry is like a thunder, who's body is like a rock, who cannot be killed by normal means. Do you accept, O Great King, or are you afraid? Afraid that your boasts of battle prowess and immortality will become lies. Afraid that you will meet your death if you fight with me. "

At the audacity of my challenge and sheer insults at calling him coward, afraid of death had enraged the immensely strong emperor. Overcome with wroth and frothing with rage, He thundered, " You wretch! How dare you? Did you come here to die? You have courted death with your challenge and incited my wrath with your insults. Your honeyed words or serpent tongue will not save you, for you have invited death with your foolishness. So be it! You, who forgot your place and barked at your betters like a dog, will die a dog's death with no one daring to look at your corpse. Don't think it is over, after I kill you, I will find your family make the regret ever being related to you. I will show the the seven hells, before I let them die. "

I calmly replied, " A dog always barks. Let us see if you can keep your words or if they are as empty as your boasts. "

At this the emperor,shaking with rage, lost all his restraint and immediately removed all his ornaments and moved towards the arena with earth shaking steps and ferocity that makes lessers pass out from fear. He jumped into the arena and waved me to come. I too jumped in the arena. The moment I jumped into the arena is the moment the fight began, the immortal warrior came at me like trumpetting elephant with widening nostrils. We fought like the two elephants in heat, we rushed at each other like bulls. He cannot injure me with my armour and any injuries he got were healed immediately. The arena shook with each blow we took. Truly, one cannot never understand the strength of these warriors when reading the epic. This is Jaraasandha, the emperor defeated by Bheema. He is greatly undersold because of his defeat, it should be a testament to the strength of Bheema and Karna that they defeated this titan. His strength is no joke, when it is said that he can shake the entire Madhya desha with his strength, I never thought it to be literally. I now understand why so many powerful warriors like Shishupala, Kalayavana, Hamsa, Dinbaka were his allies and followers. I can feel the hits on my armour they don't harm me, the same armour that can withstand Lord Narayana's Sudharshana chakra, the most powerful weapon in the universe equal to only the Lord Shiva's Trishul.

We fought each other for day after day with seemingly no end to our battle. No fatigue or injuries hindered us. The emperor's boon of staying undefeated in wrestling for 14 days helped him a lot by not just healing all the injuries, revitalizing his energy and keeping the fatigue away.But he had no way of defeating me, not when he is fighting with half strength,having lost the remaining to me. He lost the battle the moment I challenged him to the battle, he just didn't know it. The fight continued for fourteen days, with him unable to harm me and with me unable to put him down. It was on the fifteenth day that the mighty emperor stumbled and I realized my chance, the immortal with abundant strength is now vulnerable. I didn't miss my chance and as I already know the secret of slaying him, I threw him on the ground caught hold of his leg and tore him vertically into parts and threw them on opposite sides. The immortal Jaraasandha was no more and I became the king of mighty empire.

After coronation, I reviewed the state of the kingdom and found that though the emperor was cruel, he was an able king and saying the kingdom was wealthy was like equating Lord Surya,my father to a lantern. After reviewing everything on the state matters, I started with issuing various reforms, ordering new hospitals and educational institutions to built and setting up the funds for the orphanages and oldage homes. I made it clear that I want no person to be homeless in my kingdom. I have also ordered Mathura to be rebuit after finding that it is deserted. As I don't want Prince Sahadeva, Heir of Jaraasandha, to loose everything I declared he will the new king of Mathura. I sent the new king of Mathura with his family to oversee the rebuilding of the kingdom. Then I started the tedious task rooting out those who didn't like me as their new ruler. After one month of leaving the home, I went back and brought my entire family with me. Of our holdings and house in Hastinapur, we took some things of sentimental value and divided the others between my wife's family and Shanti's family.

It took around an year for the kingdom of Mathura to be rebuit and the various reforms of mine to carried out. Our kingdom now boasts five major educational institutions each serving different needs, like one for basic education, second for learning trade, third for vital pursuits like medicine, architecture, fourth for military education and fifth for the scholarly pursuit like astrology, administration etc. There were orphanages and homes for the needy built all over the kingdom. Not just that, I have granted independence to all the kings under the tyranny of Jaraasandha in return for the paltry amount of one-fourth of their treasury and my might on defeating the immortal Jaraasandha has kept more ambitious kings in check. I have also bought Anga from the Kurus with a part of the wealth I got from granting independence. The city which I was raised in my childhood, has become neglected being far away from the capital Hastinapur. I have started taking measures to improve its condition. I have sent guards to patrol and curb the bamditry which has become prevalent. I have also started various rebuilding efforts as the rebuilding of Mathura Has been completed. I have also informed King Sahadeva, he too will have the option of being independent after he paid back the wealth spent on rebuilding Mathura, but till then he will to accept Magadha's sovereignty, to which he had no objections as he said that he is happy with the things are, as many kings will not show mercy to the heirs of their opponents, not to speak of giving them a kingdom and helping them rebuilding it.

Mahaamahim Bheeshma has congratulated me on my new position when I went to Hastinapur to buy Anga from them. The reason I bought Anga was that it gave me access to sea in a period where salt is one of the most expensive things. My wife and my sister in law had their deliveries and two new additions came into the family. This time my wife named my son Vrishasena, saying he will be the army his father needs. My brother named his daughter Vasavi after me. When asked he said that I have been the second father to my brothers and that I already named my child after my father. My little brother Swarnajeet began to joke that be won't have any names left for his children at this rate. My mother, who heard the comment began to twist his ears saying what children, you aren't even married yet. Do you want me look for a wife for you? He immediately started saying he is sorry and he is not ready yet. My father just laughed at their antics. I decided to start training my children from their seventh birthday, even that felt earlier to me as if I am not letting them enjoy their childhood.

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Two years after I became the king of Magadha, word has spread that Kuru princes were returning after the completion of their studies and there is going to be a Kalapradarshan. It seems that the main events of the epic are about to begin. But, there will be no Karna to challenge Arjuna this time. I wonder, if this will change the future. But, Lord Sri Krishna has stated to Arjuna in the epic, that the war was inevitable and that there would be no difference in the result whether Arjuna fights or not. So, may be there won't be any changes.

There was some major news from Hastinapur after the Kalapradarshan other than about the usual arguments of who would be the next king. It seems that Guru Dronacharya wanted his students to avenge his insult by king Drupad as Guru Dakshina. The Kuru princes waged war against the Panchala kingdom and its army. Though the General Shikandini of the Panchala army defeated and captured Kauravas. Pandavas were able to defeat Drupad and capture the King thereby securimg the release of Kauravas. Guru Drona pleased with Pandavas, took northern half of the panchala kingdom and made his son Ashwatthama its king. The remaining southern half was left to King Drupas to rule from his new capital Kampilya.

During the time between my ascension and the Kalapradarshan my younger brother is also married. I felt three sons are enough for us and asked for my wife's opinion as she is the one who has to carry the child and she agreed with me. In the mean time, my brothers welcomed new additions to the family.

About an year after the Panchala kingdom invasion, Prince Yudhishthir was announced as the crown Prince and he ruled about five years as the crown prince assisting king Dritharashtra. During that period, the already wealthy Magadha had developed a lot. Our already vast army swelled in numbers and the quality of the soldiers also went up. The forest tribes like Nishads also joined our Kingdom seeing our prosperity. The addition of several forest tribes has added considerable forest land and resources to our kingdom. Our people also gained access to obscure knowledge, which was passed orally amongst the tribes. Our scholars and healers were especially interested in such knowledge. I have formed trade and military alliances with all of our neighbors, who were very happy that I am not a tyrant,subjugating others with my strength and accepted my ventures immediately. I have also began the education of my sons and my brothers were happy to contribute. 

Many years passed and there came an invitation to swayamvara of the fireborn princess of Kampilya. She is said to be the most beautiful women in Aryavarta with dusky complex and radiant eyes. King Drupad unable to forget the humiliation by his friend Drona, wanted vengeance and performed a Yagna to get son who will be the death of Dronacharya. But the Gods along with giving him the son he requested, Drishtadhyumna, also wanted to bestow a daughter. Furious that he is saddled with an unwanted daughter, he wished that his daughter's life be full of hardships and humiliation, the gods granted his request and Princess Krishna was born. She was called Yagnaseni because she came from the yagna and Agnisuta as she is the daughter of fire. She is  named Draupadi as the daughter of Drupad and Panchali as Princess of Panchala kingdom. This invitation is for the swayamvara of that princess. Even though I had no intention of participating in the Swayamvara, my ministers urged me to attend, as there would be many kings in attendance and this will be a chance to meet all of them. So, I went to the kingdom of Kampilya. 

While, I was going to Kampilya, my thoughts turned to Pandavas. Events happened just like in the epic. After five years of ruling as Crown Prince, Prince Yudhishthir, Pandavas and Rajmatha Kunti went to Varnavrata and stayed for an year the lac palace before it burned down. Word has spread about the deaths of Pandavas. Meanwhile, King Drupad on suggestion of Lord Sri Krishna wanted to make Prince Arjuna his Son in law and use the bond to turn the beloved student against his teacher Drona. With the Pandavas hiding after the Varnavrata, this Swayamvara is used as a lure to bring them out as the contest is archery and Arjuna couldn't stop himself from competing. Moreover the bow used is Kindhura bow of Lord Indra and as his son the bow will not show resistance against Arjuna, but will fiercely resist any one other than Arjuna. Truly, the Karna in the epic is great, for whatever rendition you listen whether he succeeded in stringing the bow or failed by hair's breadth or humiliated and prevented from participating. To come even close to stringing a bow resisting him is noteworthy and if he was insulted, his restraint is admirable that he didn't try razing the Kampilya kingdom to ground. So many people may think he couldn't not do that or that Lord Sri Krishna will stop him or Arjuna will stop him. At the time, he still possessed his divine earrings and armour. He couldn't not be killed, he may have been defeated by the Lord Krishna or as some claim Arjuna (even though they are equal and battle may go either way),but before his defeat, he who has made the Pandava army flee the battle in Kurukshetra,would have destroyed Kampilya before he was stopped.

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By the time I reached Kampilya, Many kings were already there and several others were still coming from all the corners to win or even get a glimpse of the renowned dusky beauty said to be equal to the foremost celestial beauties in her grace and curves.

It was two days after after my arrival, that all the invited kings and princes were in attendance and the revelry began and continued for 14days.In this time, I have met and discussed trade deals with many kingdoms as far to the South as Lanka. I particularly favoured the Southern Kingdoms with coast on the east because, it would be easier to transport the goods between our kingdoms via sea. I am proud to say that I have multiplied the Naval trade of Magadha by several times. All in all, this Swayamvara has been a profit to me.

It was on the 15th day that the reverly and festivities ended and all the Royals were asked to gather in the Arena, where the task of Swayamvara is going to be unveiled and the instructions will be provided by the fire born Prince Dhristadhyumna. All the Royals were seated around the arena, when King Drupad stood up and welcomed all the kings ands princes with appropriate greetings and called upon his son, the fire born Prince to give the details of the task.

Prince Drishtadhyumna then addressed the crowd, "O Great Kings and Princes of the Bharatavarsha! My father wished my sister's husband to be the greatest archer among the mortals and had chosen a contest of Archery as the task of this Swayamvara. A contest, so difficult that only those who has unparalleled belief in their skill can win. You can see the mighty Kindhura bow before you, it's string is steel and the great bow will not accept any other. You will be provided with five arrows, O mighty warriors, you have to string the bow and shoot the five arrows at the golden target through the hole affixed in the machine above and make it fall. To make this task more difficult, o assembled kings, there is a stipulation that you should not aim the target directly looking at but by looking its image in the pool. Hear this, O worthy kings! To test your skill and focus, the target doesn't stay stationary rather it moves in certain pattern. One has to accomplish the task and be chosen by sister Princess Draupadi, to win her hand. "

Most of the warriors who tried have failed. Many couldn't even lift the bow and were laughed at. Many others lifted the bow but failed in stringing some even by width finger space, black gram, green gram and sesame seed. They were looked at with a grudging respect. Of the second category were the warriors like Prince Suyodhana, King Shalya. King Ashwatthama denied participating saying he is a lifetime Brahmachary. I too denied saying that I am already married and that I came to here to inform my decision in person rather than rejecting it as a sign of respect, leaving that I came here to meet other kings for alliances unsaid, no one needs to know that. Some arrogant kings laughed saying that I am making excuses to avoid humiliation as it is accepted that kings have to marry multiple wives to secure the succession. Some even said that this is to be expected from a king who lost most of the empire he won in less than two years for some measly wealth. I merely responded that words are wind and I am the one who defeated the immortal Jaraasandh and that my kingdom is the wealthiest in the Bharatavarsha even surpassing Dwaraka, which is said to be a heaven on earth. Nobody could contest with my words. King Drupad acknowledged my words calmly and thanked me for informing my decision in person saying that he is honored by my gesture.

Soon, all the assembled warriors have tried other than the few who opted out and none could accomplish the task. Seeing this, King Drupad began lamenting and insulted the all the attending Royals and the their teachers saying that this generation of kings have become incapable and what their teachers were doing if none could accomplish the task. I know this act is to motivate Arjuna to come forward, but still hearing such words made my blood boil. Who the hell is this spineless fool calling me incompetent, when he couldn't avenge himself and begged the gods to provide a son who would do it for him. He is like those fathers, who unable to achieve anything pressure their children to live vicariously through them. To those parents, children are the tools to use just like this waste of space. He prayed for a son and when he also got a daughter he cursed her, but when he thought of a use to bind Arjuna him, he shamelessly jumped at the chance. But, I calmed my myself because it is fate tempting me to pull me into the future bloodbath. I can see Lord Sri Krishna smiling in amusement at those words of Drupad, as if he were waiting for someone to take the bait. Someone did take the bait, Prince Suyodhana filled with righteous anger stood up and called out the king, "O King of Kampilya! What travesty is this? Did you invite us here to just insult and humiliate us? If you wanted an archer as your son in law, you should have said so in the invitation itself. Otherwise, you should have a task for all the warriors not just archers. Now, what will you do, king Drupad, you have insulted all the royals of the entire Bharatavarsha and nobody could complete the impossible task you set up. Your daughter will be unwed and will stay that way, we will not forget your insult. " Saying so, Prince Suyodhana made to leave with his entourage. Hearing this, King Drupad despaired and his face had taken the complexion of a burnt potato.

Lord Sri Krishna, with his ever present serene smile, stood up and addressed the capricious kings who were in agreement with Prince Suyodhana and were about to follow him, "O Prince Suyodhana! It is the decision of the father to he who would give his daughter, you can't fault him for wanting his daughter's husband to be a great archer and just because the assembled kings failed the task doesn't make it impossible. I could have done the task if I didn't consider the princess a sister and my friend. Even Magadha Raj could accomplish the deed, if he had wished. Just because the Kshatriyas failed doesn't mean others couldn't succeed. King Drupad, Open the competition to the Brahmanas in the arena. I am sure that one can win your daughter's hand today. "

Hearing this words, princess Draupadi who had recognized Arjuna in brahmana disguise felt shy and Prince Arjuna, who was busy making eyes at Panvhali, was elated. Prince Dhristadhyumna called for brahmanas who were willing to try and Prince Arjuna skipped to the platform where the bow is kept. Seeing this the attending kings got interested in the humiliation of this beggar, but alas, their expectations were upended as the young man with the mighty arms and skin as black as coal easily lifted the bow and stringed it. With unwavering focus in his beautiful eyes and great skill he took the five arrows, aimed at the target using the pool below and shot the arrows. The released arrows flew as if cutting the wind through the hole and pierced the golden target making it fall in the pool. Flowers fell from the machine on to the young warrior signifying his victory and Princess Krishna with her fluttering heart garlanded the winner.

The viewing kings felt as if they were slighted that this unnamed beggar has done what they couldn't and attacked the new couple. But Prince Bheema who was also in brahmana disguise tore a wooden pillar and threw it on the incoming kings. Prince Arjuna using the Kindura bow, and with help of his brother Bheema defeated the kings and took Yagnaseni to their home in the forest.

After seeing all this drama, I felt that the epic didn't need Karna's humiliation to end in war. What has to happen, will happen. Fate ensures it, but we can change how much it affects us and I have no intention of meeting the same fate of Karna in the epic.

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After the eventful Swayamvara of the fireborn princess, rumors spread that the Agnisuta had married the five Pandavas. Certainly such news spread far and wide as a woman having five husbands is never heard of before. The Pandavas along with their common wife stayed in Kampilya for more than a year before going to Hastinapur, where after discussions for another year, Kuru empire was divided into two parts, Hastinapur for the Kauravas under the crown Prince Suyodhana and Khandavaprastha for the Pandavas under the new king Yudhishthir, though the Pandavas ruled from the Hastinapur for about five years before a kingdom is built for them.

In the year after Draupadi Swayamvar, there was the Swayamvara of the Kalinga kanya Princess Bhanumati, said to fairest of the whole Bharatavarsha. Still smarting from the loss at Panchaali's swayamvar, Prince Suyodhana wanted to have the Kalinga princess as his wife at any cost, and on the suggestion of his uncle Gandhar raj, he sought the help of his friend Ashwatthama. Those two attended the swayamvar together and when the Princess Bhanumati rejected Prince Suyodhana, he was wroth as he was reminded of his recent loss. So, at once he pushed aside the guards and caught hold of the princess, lifting her onto his shouldeds, he shouted that he is taking the princess as his wife in the way of Rakshasa vivaah and if anybody has any objections, they can try to stop him.

Many kings already aware of the reputation of Kurus abducting brides, simply let them afraid of the might of Mahaamahim Bheeshm, while some tried but failed to get past Ashwatthama, who stood between Prince Suyodhana and the remaining kings stopping them and protecting his friend. I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony that in the epic it was Karna, who helped his friend in kidnapping the princess out of loyalty, but here it is another Karna, who is going to stop Duryodhana and his friend from kidnapping the same princess.

By the time, I decided to confront the kidnapping duo, they were trying to flee with two ladies. I got on my chariot and caught up to them before they crossed the city gates. When they saw me, they left the ladies in their chariot and challenged me to defeat them if I want the princess to be freed. By this time king chitrangadha and his guards reached us. The king looked at me with hope as he knew he couldn't overcome the son of Drona in bow or Gandhari nandhan in Mace. Even if by some miracle, he defeated and captured them, he was sure Kalinga would be destroyed by the wrath and fury of Bheeshma and Drona. I accepted the challenge and defeated Ashwatthama soon. He was talented no doubt and will become even more so in the future, but he couldn't match me, who had been honing my skills for more than two decades since reaching the status of a Maharathi. After that Prince Suyodhana fought me with his face, without a doubt he was a fine mace wielder and his talent with mace is undeniable, but his strength couldn't measure up to mine as I was already much stronger than him and he lost half his strength to me before the fight even began. The fight didn't last long. I let the two friends leave, as the king of Kalinga didn't dare to punish them fearing repercussions. As I turned to leave, the princess called me to wait. She just reached me with her friend and maid, Supriya, and said that as I have saved them from being abducted, they are my responsibility and since nobody would like to marry abducted women, I have to take them as my wives. When I said that I was already married, they argued that a king is expected to marry multiple wives and even Princess Draupadi married five husbands, so my argument is invalid. 

In a short and hasty ceremony, I took them as my wives and reached Magadha. I dreaded my facing my wife. But she just smiled and invited us. When I tried to explain what happened, she told me that I don't need to explain and that she trusts me that I wouldn't do any thing without a reason. Still, I couldn't leave it like that and described what happened. She just shook her head fondly and said I did the right thing. She then said that she now had two more sisters and accepted them into our family. My mother praised me for protecting the princess while my father about the response of the Kurus. Thankfully, nothing happened and other than the congratulations of Mahaamahim on my marriage, no other message was received from Hastinapur. 

Around two years after the Pandavas moved to Indraprastha, Prince Arjuna was exiled 12 years for intruding on the private time of king Yudhishthir and their common wife Draupadi. Though he is on exile of brahmacharya, Arjuna married three times in this period with last being Princess Subhadra, sister of Lord Krishna, just before the end of exile. In the period of exile, Draupadi bore four sons and four daughter for the remaining Pandavas and the Pandavas also married again for alliances, though their wives were not allowed at Indraprastha. Subhadra being the exception as the sister of the Lord Krishna. After Arjuna's return, Panchali bore him a son and win daughters. Arjuna also has a son from the naga princess ulupi, Iravan and another from the princess of Manipur Chitrangadha, Babruvahan and one more from Subhadra, Abhimanyu. About four years after the return of Dhanunjaya from exile, around the time Abhimanyu was three, Prince Arjuna with the help of Lord Krishna burnt Khandavaprastha forest and was rewarded with indestructible chariot, the mighty Gandiva with the power of one hundred thousand bows, and two inexhaustible quivers. They also captured Mayasura and made him built Mayasabha, which took around two years to finish and was considered a marvel of illusion

By this time, I had another four sons from wives. Bhanusena and vrishabahu from Bhanumati and sushena and vrishaketu from Supriya. Also the education of my three elder children had finished. They became fine warriors of renown. 

The years passed in hurry. In the twenty years since the khandava dhahan and the education of all my children is now complete and every child of mine and my brothers were married and few of the had children of their own. 

Now, I am eighty six years, twenty years older than my previous life. Still I feel no older than thirty. There has been reports from spies that Lord Krishna has been advising the Pandavas to perform Rajasuya yagna to become the Emperor of Bharatavarsha. To become an emperor, one need the support of atleast one hundred kings. If I wish I can become an emperor as I do have support of more than hundred kingdoms. The war is on the horizon and now I have to prepare for it. I was not afraid, I have become a Maharathi when I was seventeen and now after nearly seven decades my prowess and power has only increased. 

The day came, when the mighty Prince Bheema came to conquer Magadha with his army. He has defeated many kingdoms already with his mighty strength and made them submit and pay tribute. None could stop the immensely strong vikrodhara from laying waste to their kingdoms. The son of vayu, with arms like mountain, crushed many kings who refused to submit. Now, he has come for my kingdom with confidence from every battle so far. I know Magadha is strong and every soldier is ready to lay their lives for its protection. I was sure, Magadha will win this battle, but can we win the battle losing lives of my soldiers. I thought to find a way to keep my people from losing their loved ones. I felt like hitting myself for being so stupid, there had been a tried and tested way. I intercepted the second Kaunteya before the borders of Magadha and challenged him for a single combat to save the lives of soldiers on both sides, for I will not a single soldier escape death if there is a battle. I said that Magadha will submit and pay tribute if he wins, but he has to accept defeat and pay half his wealth as wergild and take an oath to never initiate fight against me or my kingdom. 

He responded that it will be his pleasure to show me the strength of true born Kshatriya. My brothers and sons were angered by the way the mountain like Vayuputra has insulted me. I told them to control themselves and prepared myself for the combat. Bheemasena began the combat with his bow Vayavya, he was as ferocious as the bull of elephants mad with rage. He showered the battlefield with thousands of arrows, but for all his skill, his arrows never inconvenienced me in anyway and I could neutralise them with ease. I wanted to measure the strength of the Pandavas and Bheema was said to be second in archery after Arjuna and physically the strongest among them. But what I saw didn't impress me. Soon, seeing his inability to hurt me with his arrows he began to use celestial astras and soon exhausted his arsenal. He decided to come at me with his favoured weapon, Mace, as there was nothing he could do to me with archery. I could have defeated him easily then, but I didn't, I met his charge with a mace of my own as I didn't want there to be any excuses for his defeat. My strength has increased a lot since I fought with Jaraasandh, and even though Bheema was stronger than him, the fight had been a lot easier. Fighting at half strength also didn't do him any favours and he was defeated in just five more hours after taking up the Mace even though I hadn't used my strength from the boon. 

When the Prince returned from the La la Land, he accepted his defeated and took an oath that he will never start a fight with me Or my kingdom. He also said that half his wealth will be delivered to Magadha a few days after his return to Indraprastha, but he warned me that his brothers will definitely avenge his defeat.

Even though he was unable to make Magadha submit, he continued his campaign and won the other kingdoms in the east in a single month. He gave crushing defeats to any that opposed him. Around three months after Bheema's defeat, remaining Pandavas came to Magadha with half of Bheema's wealth and challenged me to fight with their favoured weapons with same conditions as my bout with Bheema. Needless to say that the would be emperor and his brothers were dealt a devastating defeat, which they never expected. They thought atleast Arjuna would eke out a victory after I tired myself fighting the others. They accepted their defeat and took the same oath as Bheema and said that they would deliver the promised wealth in a Moon's turn. Half the wealth of the Pandavas is nothing to scoff at, as this includes part of the tributes they won in this Ranasuya campaign. 

Soon the Pandavas delivered on their promise and Magadha received its due. Along with the wealth, panday requested that I attend the yagna and give my support to their empire as an ally. I responded that it would not reflect well on their show of strength if their defeator is present at their victory celebrations. 

News spread like wildfire that the mighty Shishupal was beheaded by Lord Sri krishna at the Rajasuya Yagna and that Kauravas and Ashwatthama were humiliated by being deprived of their weapons, when they questioned the murder. So, Ashwatthama has taken the place of epic Karna as the pillar of support for Duryodhana.

Just a few days after the Rajasuya yagna, Hastinapur sent an invitation of the Dyut sabha (Dice game/court) as a part of conciliation for the disturbance at the Rajasuya yagna. Dharmaraj Yudhishthir, being an addict of gambling and also as the conciliatory act for humiliating his cousins, accepted the invitation saying that as per Dharma a kshatriya cannot reject invitation to the battle or Dyut.  Whatever opinions I had of the Pandavas and however much I didn't want to intervene in the upcoming blood bath, I didn't have it in me to stay idle when a woman was going to be insulted in public. I don't know how much truth there is in what happened in Dyut sabha, but if there is a one percet chance I can help avoid the humiliation that entire generations spoke of, I will do it happily. When I discussed with my wives the possibility that this Dyut sabha is a trap for Pandavas and the Kauravas plan to return the insult at Rajasuya tenfold on Pandavas and Draupadi, my wives suggested me to inform the Pandavas about the trap and if they still go there it is on them and that if my conscious doesn't accept, that I can intervene if the conditions are truly dire. I had informed my parents the circumstances of my birth, my godly father, how my birth mother had to abandon me and my relationship with the Pandavas, when I went to fight Prince Bheema, so they clearly understood my dilemma here and provided me with what is probably the best possible solution. 

I immediately summoned my chariot and raced to Indraprastha. The Pandavas were confused about my arrival, but soon I explained why I went there and the planned trap to humiliate the Pandavas un Dyut sabha. When I explained about the trap, I expected them to abandon the plan of visiting Hastinapur, but King Yudhishthir just thanked me for the information and said that the messenger from Hastinapur, Mahamantri Vidhur, had already informed him about humiliation. He also said that this humiliation may be enough for the humiliation of their cousins and with this the enemity between them will reduce. This has been a truly stupendous news to me and by their expressions the other Pandavas and the Empress didn't know this. I didn't know how to respond and just advised them that if they are going to accept humiliation, atleast spare the humiliation of the empress, as the y amd tears of kulvadhu will cause the destruction of the clan. But they didn't seem to listen and even the empress said that she has five great warriors as husbands and nothing will happen to her in their protection. The Pandavas reaffirmed those words and said that they will protect her and keep her from tears as promised at their wedding. 

I realized that they are too stubborn to listen to me and decided I will also go to Hastinapur in disguise and intervene if necessary to protect the fireborn empress. Having decided that I politely rejected their offer of hospitality for the night and returned to Magadha and informed everything to wives after evening prayers and dinner about what happened with Pandavas and my decision to go to Hastinapur in disguise. They said it is for the best and we retired for the night. 

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The Pandavas along with their common wife Empress Draupadi and their entourage had arrived at Hastinapur amodst great fanfare and were provided with great luxeries and comforts. The Dyut sabha was to be held five days after the arrival of Kaunteyas. Gandhar raj Shakuni has developed this trap for the Pandavas, especially Emperor Yudhishthir given his addiction to gambling. Cunning Shakuni had a pair of magical dice made from his father's bones, with which he can control the outcome of any game of chance.

After about four days of festivities, the day of Dyut sabha arrived. There was no entry for the women in court and the rules of the game were discussed. It was decided that one can stake anything that they have rights on. Emperor Yudhishthir will play for Pandavas while Shakuni will play as representative of Kauravas. I was already in Hastinapur in a disguise before the arrival of Pandavas and I had chosen a corner in the court to hide with my illusions. I can see the entire court from my hidden place and my illusions were unbreakable to even Gods.

The fated game of dice began and both the Kauravas and the Pandavas were equally winning and losing. Then as if struck by bad luck, the Kauravas began to lose more and more, the Pandavas, especially Bheema and Nakula who disliked the Kauravas, began to cheer and insult their cousins for losing. The Great Dharmaraj yudhishthir didn't say anything about it, but one can see his face delighted with all the winnings. I was surprised, for I have never known that Pandavas were winning some time as I always assumed they just lost, but it was like classical trick used by casinos in the modern world I suppose, to bait people with few wins and then take everything they have once hooked. True to my thoughts, the Pandavas just had a first major loss. Then another and another and one more and so on. Soon, the Pandavas had lost everything they gained from the Kauravas, wealth, treasury, palaces and Kingdom. The Kauravas having regained everything began to cheer and insult the Pandavas back. The Devputras stayed silent and stewed in defeat, but the son of Yama was hooked and he had a desperate glint in eye to win the wealth of Kauravas. Dharmaraj then continued staking more and more and losing everything in the hope to eke out a win. The more he lost, the more desperate he became and staked more. In just few rounds, The Pandu's sons became homeless commoners from being rulers of the second wealthiest kingdom after Magadha. The elders of the court has asked the game to be stopped as the Pandavas has lost everything now, but the eldest Pandunandhana has no interest in stopping, he has become like an addict who is on high. He declared that in the absence of their father, as the eldest son he had rights on his brothers and he is going to stake them. When asked to choose, he was about to name the savyasachi but Prince Nakula came forward and said to stake him as their brothers Bheema and Arjuna can free them and for that they have to be free. But alas, one can never win a rigged game, Yudhishthir lost and Nakul became the slave of Kauravas and so he went to the side of Duryodhan and kneeled. The same thing happened with Sahadeva, youngest Pandava, then again with Bheema, strongest of Pandavas, and once more with Arjuna, Most skilled of the Kaunteyas. Yudhishthir didn't stop even at that and amidst the protests of the Kuru elders and his brothers, he staked himself and lost. When the Kauravas began to insult the Pandavas that they were now slaves and how did it feel to have nothing, Yudhishthir declared that the game is not over and that he can win everything back. When asked what he will bet, he said that he will bet Panchaali, their common wife. The entire court, even his brothers, looked at him as if mad, but he continued that though he is a slave, he still had rights on his wife as a wife is the property of husband as per Dharma. His brothers kept their silence as he kept describing the beauty of the fireborn empress, like how supple are her breasts, how smooth is her skin, how beautiful are her eyes and how shapely are her curves. He began to go on and on describing the Yagnaseni, how much she is worth and placed her as his stake. Poor Empress, who didn't know how her husbands staked her, was recovering from her periods in her chambers. Predicatably, as if the casinos ever let a chance to sweep the poor fool go, Gandhar raj has crushed Yudhishthir in the game and won the Agnisuta. Duryodhan has ordered servants to fetch Draupadi, who is now a slave. The revered elders in the court objected this, saying women has no place in the court. But Suyodhana had argued that she is a slave and her place what her master decides. The servants returned after few minutes saying that Paanchali has declined as nobody had the authority to order their Empress. Duryodhana, now froth with anger, ordered Sushasan to drag the slave to the court. Prince Bheema roared with anger and threatened that he will kill anyt who touches their wife. I didn't know where such protective rage went when his brother was staking her, at least he spoke up which cannot be said for the other Pandavas. Soon, Dushashan came back dragging Draupadi by her hair, she was just in a single garment still in her seasons and she didn't accept meekly when informed that her husbands lost everything in the dice and became their slaves. She raged when she heard that her husbands staked her in the game like a property and lost her. Though she hardened her expression and began to ask all the elders present in the court about how her husband who lost himself can stake her, one can see that she is reeling from the heart break that her husbands had no respect orove for her. It was if she felt that she lost respect of her husbands for being their common wife that they thought nothing of treating her like property. I felt that she was true to some extent, because none of their other wives were treated like this, only Draupadi who had made her life a sacrifice to satisfy her mother in law's words, who had to do a severe penance to treat her husbands equally, who had to endure many insults for marrying five husbands.

Paanchali's refusal to accept her status as slave has enraged Duryodhan further, wanting to humiliate the Pandavas even further, he said that slaves don't wear upper garments as they are a sign of the status. Pandavas, still bowing near the feet of Suyodhana, just removed their uttariya (tower like upper garment) from their bodies, but the fire born empress didn't accept that. She declared that she was born in the fire as a princess before she became the empress and nobody had the right to take her right. She was born royal, she married royal and she will stay royal. Filled with wrath, Duryodhan commanded Dushashan to remove the robe of the slave. Prince Vikarna tried to reason with his brother that she is their Kulvadhu and this will besmirch the good name of Kauravas, but Duryodhan was in no mood to listen and just urged Dushashan to go on. Seeing Dushashan, The dusky skinned beauty threatened the Kauravas with consequences of enraging the armies of Dwaraka and Kampilya. But the threat had no more effect than light breeze had on mountain and Dushashan just moved to grab the saree of the beautiful eyed lady. Seeing no other way, she closed her eyes to pray to Lord Sri Krishna save her. Just as Prince Dushashan was about to pull her saree, I grabbed his hand and broke his wrist. The entire court was startled by my sudden appearance and the whimpers of pain from Dushashan were enough for Paanchali to open her eyes and see what was happening.

Strangely, Gandhar raj was the first to overcome the shock of my arrival. He addressed me, " O Magadha Naresh, I don't know how and why you have arrived here but you have no right to inerfere, for the Pandavas have lost their wife and the Kauravas have won her fairly. It is a Master's right to decide what happens to their slave. "

At those cunning words of Shakuni, I just serenely replied, "I have full rights to interfere because they had no right to stake Draupadi today. She is not theirs to stake and nor yours to win. She is nobody's slave, for you can't make some body a slave when you don't have the right to do it. " Everyone in the court looked at me as if I have two heads, even Pandavas, but Shakuni just laughed and spoke, " May be in Magadha, nobody had the right to make others slaves. But this is not Magadha, this is Hastinapur, here people can be made slaves. As Dharmaraj said even a slave has rights on his wife, and so even as a slave he had the right to stake their wife, which we won. So, we do have the right, Magadha raj. "

Draupadi, who had been looking hopeful since my entry, had a devastating look on her face as if there is no hope. I just assured her with a nod that I am here and she gave me what is mixture of hopeful and relieved look. I responded to Sabala's son, " O Gandhar raja! I know this is Hastinapur and Magadha's anti-slavery laws don't apply here. I was not speaking of them when I said you don't have the right to make Paanchali a slave. Yudhishthir is the one whose knowledge of the laws here is in no doubt, even you cited him earlier in your words and he has stated that a wife is the property of husband. In other words, she is the wealth of husband to do as he please. Isn't that right, Subalanandhana? "

Gandhari's brother looked at me if I lost my mind as I just repeated his words that a husband can do as he pleased with his wife. He just nodded his head and agreed with me. Then I turned to the Pandavas and asked them, "Did you not promise me half your wealth, when you lost to me before Rajasuya? "

The Pandavas agreed that they did so. Then I addressed the court, " O elders of the court, as you heard, the Pandavas had pledged half their entire wealth to me and as Gandhar raj just argued and agreed with me that a wife is also the wealth of a husband, the Pandavas here already promised me half the rights on their wife. As my mother didn't raise her son Radheya to be a lust-ridden fool, who desires other's wives and as I am not the sex-addled wretch who cannot distinguish between sister and wife, I have decided to consider the Yagnaseni as my own sister with the rights bestowed by her husbands. As such, Yudhishthir, as a slave who owns nothing,had no right to stake my sister, the princess of Magadha. "

The entire court was filled with silence, nobody spoke as if afraid of disturbing this hollow stillness. Then the moment was broken, when Paanchali, my new sister, overwhelmed with everything, shocked by the extreme circumstances, launched at me, hugging and crying, "Bhrathashri (Respected brother)! "

I covered her with my uttariya and consoled her patting on the back. I then looked around as if daring anybody to challange me now. Prince Suyodhana looked as if he is about to murder somebody, while Shakuni was trying to calm him reminding him of everything they won. The elders were looking relieved while the Pandavas were just confused. It was to this scene, that the ladies of Kuru family arrived. They heard that Draupadi was dragged to the court and came here to make sure she is alright. Maharani Gandhari raged at the king and the court while the wives of Kauravas just looked at their husbands with despair as if they couldn't believe what happened. Rajmata Kunti immediately came to Draupadi and began to console her. After consoling her daughter in law, whom she considers her own daughter, she threatened the King and Kauravas with Narayani sena of Dwaraka, if her sons are not released. It was then that the daughter of fire spoke, " My curses be on you, you who were responsible my tears, who didn't stop the harm to me even when you could. I curse you all in the court, you have witnessed my tears and my shame unwilling to do anything, you will witness the demise of this court unable to anything. I curse you, who caused me humiliation and made my tears flow, your wives will cry hundred times the rivers of tears. I curse you all, who made feel as if I had no husbands, your wives also feel the widowhood. "

She was about to say more, but the blind king who had enjoyed his son winning and Pandavas losing, who didn't bat an eye when the daughter in law of the clan was dragged and humiliated by his sons, came running and begging forgiveness. He promised anything to spare his sons from the wrath of the pious lady. Paanchali, just asked for husbands freedom and their weapons back. The king eager to please her, granted the Pandavas freedom immediately and he even offered to back all the wealth Pandavas lost in the game today. Hearing this Duryodhan and the Kauravas were angered that they were losing everything they won(they didnot know about the magical dice, so in their minds they won the game fairly), while the Pandavas were elated and began to cheer about getting everything back as if everything their wife bad to endure is a cause to celebrate. May be Panchaali also felt the same, for rejected the offer of wealth and kingdom saying that she didn't want to be known as greedy. As the Pandavas, now freed, we're about to leave Gandhar raj called for one more game. One more chance for the Pandavas to win back everything. Yudhishthir, as an addict to the truest sense, jumped at the chance. But as he just remembered he didn't have anything to stake, he hesitated. Seeing the desire and hesitation in his eyes, Shakuni threw him a hook. He said the if Pandavas take an oath to go 12 years Vanvaas ( forest life) and 1 year of Agnaathavaas (incognito), a total thirteen years of exile ong with their wife, they will stake everything the Pandavas lost today. Shakuni stipulated that as they are putting everything on the stake it is only fair that Pandavas had to put everything on the stake. So, Pandavas agreed that if they were discovered during their incognito life, they will again start the exile from the beginning.

Just a fangless snake cannot bite, Yudhishthir lost again and had to go on the exile with his brothers and wife. He asked for a period of two weeks after reaching Indraprastha to prepare for their exile. I offered that my home is always open to my sister, but Paanchali decided to go with her husbands, even if they lost all respect in her eyes. They decided to send Draupadi's children to Kampilya, while Subhadra decided to stay at Dwaraka with Abhimanyu. On suggestion of Lord Sri Krishna, they prayed to my father, Lord Surya and got an akshaypatra temporarily to reduce the burden of food during forest dwelling. Lord Keshava has also advised them to prepare for the war after 13 years. He told to Bheema to seek Lord Hanuman to increase strength and improve his archery skills, Arjuna to pray to Lord Shiva for Paashupatastra, Twins to improve their medical knowledge and finally to learn from his mistakes. Finalising their plans and preparations, Pandavas along with their wife went to live in the forests for next 12 years.

Meanwhile I, having stopped Draupadi from getting disrobed, now began to think about the fated bloodbath about begin in thirteen years.

Chapter Text

The thirteen years of Pandavas exile happened in a blink of an eye. Kurus under Prince Suyodhana tried to make things difficult for Magadha, threatening our trade deals and neighbouring kingdoms. But, a letter asking them if they are inviting me to war has put paid to their attempts. While the Pandavas had been gathering their strength and improving their skills, the Kauravas didn't stay idle. They too began making alliances. While Bheema was becoming a terrifying warrior, Duryodhana was honing his unparalleled Mace fighting skills. Arjuna has pleased Lord Shiva with his penance and was granted Paashupatastra and then went to Devaloka with his father Indra to gain various weaponry from the gods just as I did after I completed my education decades ago. At the behest of Devraj, the middle Pandava was provided with great many celestial weapons in the twelve years of Vanvaas. He was also cursed to become a eunuch for an year, which he used as disguise in the year of Agnaathavaas as Brihannala, the dance teacher of Matsya princess Uttara. During the last months of Agnaathavaas, Bheema killed commander of the Matsya army Keechaka for misbehaving with Draupadi.

After the death of Keechaka, sensing an opportunity and guessing that Pandavas are in the court of King Virata, Kuru army attacked the Matsya Kingdom. As it was the last day of Agnaathavaas and Pandavas can't be found, Arjuna in his brihannala disguise used Illusions and hypnotic arrows (sammohanastra) to make the mighty kuru army unconscious and steel their clothes.

After the thirteen years of exile, Pandavas demanded their kingdom back and Whatever you say about the Kauravas, their administration was excellent and whole Kuru empire developed a lot and people were happy with king Suyodhana's rule, so, naturally the demand was rejected by king Duryodhana and the kauravas, as they had worked hard to develop the kingdom and didn't want to lose it. Though the Pandavas claimed they will fight to avenge the humiliation of Draupadi forgetting that they were also main culprits in that event. They agreed to the conciliation if they get their kingdom back. Truly, I didn't understand how getting back their kingdom is any way of avenging Paanchali's insult. It felt as if an excuse to show them as ethical warriors I suppose. Even in Dwapara yuga, Public Relations stunts to the extreme.

Both the Kauravas and the Pandavas began gathering their armies and calling upon their allies. I didn't want Magadha to involve in this war, because you have Pandavas on one side seemingly righteous and Dharmavaan according to propaganda, with Lord Sri Krishna supporting their cause. Then you have the Kauravas on the other side, seemingly adharmis and the representatives of Demons and Rakshasas. But if you look past propaganda, you can see that the adharmis have been fair rulers, who the public adores as the capable kings and the Dharmaatma Devputras are the same men who gambled away the people, brothers and even wife forgetting the duties as king, brother and husband. In the same vein, the Pandavas want to accept peace for only five villages, while the Kauravas didn't even want to entertain the thought of giving even a needle point of land.

Both sides have their good points and bad ones. The victor will decide the other as the unrighteous and will blame everything on the losing side, while they will be paraded as the God's chosen. In my opinion, whoever wins the war, both factions are equally responsible for this bloodbath. Soon, both representatives of two factions came to Magadha at approximately same time to ask for support. It was Prince Vikarna from the Kauravas and Prince Nakula from the Pandavas. I met them both and asked them, " O Princes! You both came here to ask me for support in the coming war. Why should I do so? "

At this Prince Nakula said, " O Magadha Naresh! You had called our wife Draupadi, your sister. What kind of brother will not help ain avenging his sister? That is why I came here to ask your support in war on the side of Pandavas. "

I turned to Prince Vikarna, who responded, " O Magadha raj! You have no obligation to support us. They say you never send back anyone empty handed. You were the second in command of Hastinapur's army. You learned warfare from Rajguru Kripacharya and worked along side Bheeshma pitamaha. It was Rajguru and Pitamaha, who stopped king Duryodhana when he tried to create war between us. They didn't want to fight you, as you were like a son to them. Now, I am not asking you to support us. But, please don't fight against Mahaamahim. He despairs everyday having to fight Pandavas, Don't make him fight you too. "

You both have spoken the truth. Let me ask you something, " You asked what kind of brother doesn't help in avenging his sister. I say the brother who can avenge her himself. I don't need to support you, if my sister wished I alone would have slain all those responsible for her humiliation on that day including you and your brothers, Prince Nakula and you, Prince Vikarna, you say that mahaamahim Bheeshma and Rajguru Kripacharya urged for peace, when I threatened war because I was like a son to them. I say, you are wrong, Prince Vikarna, they urged for peace because I would have razed Hastinapur to ground, if there was a war. If truly Mahaamahim were such soft hearted he wouldn't have stolen Kashi princesses for his brother nor your mother Queen Gandhari, for his blond nephew. Why do you think this war is happening? This war is not between Pandavas and Kauravas Or dharma and adharma as every one believes. This war is between the might of ruthless Bheeshma and the cunning of vengeful Shakuni. Whatever the outcome of this war is, the result has been decided long before. Whichever side wins, be it the Pandava army Or the Kaurava army, Mighty Mahaamahim loses his grandchildren and Sly Son of Subala satisfies his vengeance. "

The two princes were stupified by my words and before they can recover, I continued, " And O Princes! I don't care if the Pandavas win or the Kauravas win, nothing changes for me. You both are same. Your laws will be same, only difference is the name of the king. My priority is to my family and my kingdom. What should I answer to families of my soldiers, if I send them to their deaths to get you the throne. What will my people get sacrificing their lives for people they don't know and don't care. So, listen well, Princes, because I will only say this once, Magadha stays neutral. No soldier of Magadha will fight on this accursed war. "

Chapter Text

Even though I decided to not involve myself in this cursed war, Fate had been trying its best to pull me into it. First came, Lord Sri Krishna with his sweet promises, speaking about my birth story, saying that Rajmata kunti was my mother and the Pandavas were my brothers and would serve me. I replied that though she had given birth to me, Rajmata Kunti was not my mother, for my mother is Radha, who has loved me, cared for me and nurtured me as if I am her own. Come whatever may, this Radheya will never forget the mother who raised him nor will he replace her just because she didn't give birth to me. As for the Pandavas, I responded that I can never consider those wretches, who staked their wife and sat silently as she was humiliated, as my brothers. Madhava said that he had known this will be my answer, but it was his responsibility to try. Then came Rajmata Kunti, I don't know how she learned about me, I suspect Keshava's hand, She began weeping about how she is a wretched mother to throw me away and to forgive her. I felt my heartbreak hearing her grief, I said I understood her situation and do not blame her, but I informed her that though she may have given birth to me, I have a mother. She said, she was happy I had a loving mother and that she will always be greatful for raising me. It was then she began to speak about the war and asked me take part on the side of my brothers to help them win. I responded that I declared neutrality and as an elder brother, I had already saved their wife from their folly when they ignored my advice to walk into the trap by claiming her as my sister and that I cannot fight on the side of those, who caused their wife such humiliation even after I warned them of the trap. When she said that she is begging for children's lives, I said that every soldier is a child of some mother and I cannot be the one who causes them grief to spare you the same. I offered her and her sons sanctuary if it is needed but once more affirmed that I will not involve in this war. I also said that her nephew Lord Vasudeva is on Pandavas side and he will make them win the war with his trickery and reminded that her sons were Devputras, whom the gods wouldn't let die easily.

The accursed bloodbath was decided to be held on Kurukshetra. Both sides were prepared, but the Pandavas had their cousin Lord Govind on their side with their warriors believing in their cause, while Kauravas had superior numbers, nearly the double, Great warriors like Bheeshma, Drona, Kripa etc. The only thing here is the Great warriors on Kaurava army were Pandava sympathasizers and wished for their own defeat. Still, the war raged furiously for 16 days, Bheeshma fell on the tenth day because Arjuna hid behind Shikandi and shot the weaponless Mahaamahim, as such the great warrior was felled by his dearest grandson making the sure victory of Kauravas to doubtful. Drona, the peerless warrior and teacher fell on the 15th day, the second commander of the Kauravas, who loved Arjuna like his own son, was slain when helpless when he believed the words of his son's death from the mouth of Dharmaraj, Making the doubtful victory a defeat of Kauravas. Finally on the sixteenth day, King Duryodhana was killed when hit on the thighs against the rules of Mace combat, finalising the defeat of Kauravas. King Duryodhana, who was invincible in the Mace combat after practicing for thirteen years was crippled with a treacherous blow by Bheema on the suggestion of Arjuna. Lord Balarama, who witnessed such grievous crime was enraged and wanted to slay the Pandavas, but again Lord Sri Krishna intervened to save them. Here, not content with crippling Suyodhana, Bheema kicked the fallen warriors head. Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and Nagas who witnessed this, accused the Pandavas of treacherously winning the killing the righteous Bheeshma, Drona, Bhurishravas and now Duryodhana unfairly. Lord Balrama, who witnessed his favoured disciple's state, whatever crimes Suyodhana may have committed, he has fought the war fairly and righteously having performed all the yaganas and sacrifices and having followed the rules of war and finally sacrificing his life in a righteous combat, he will attain the heaven for his virtues. It was then the Pandavas realised finally that they are not as righteous as they believed themselves to be and they were consumed by grief of slaying their loved ones in treacherous ways. Lord Krishna consoled them the war was inevitable and there would have been no difference in the result. Saying this they left the battlefield, leaving Duryodhana to bleed out. It was in such state that Duryodhana was found by Ashwatthama and seeing his friend in such condition and learning of the Pandavas treachery, the enraged Dronaputr has vowed to destroy Pandavas before the morning. He along with Kritavarman and Rajguru Kripacharya, attacked the pandava camp in the night and summoning rudra avatar into ashwatthama. The rudra avatat along with ganas could not be stopped as they destroyed the camp. Ashwatthama found the pandava tent and saw five sleeping forms. Assuming them to be Pandavas he killed them in sleep. But, Pandavas along with Draupadi were with Lord Krishna and it was the sons of Draupadi, who died to Ashwatthama's rage. Lord Vasudeva, knowing that Pandavas will die, if they stayed in the camp, took them with him to protect them and their children paid price for their treacherous ways in the war.

Chapter Text

It had been many years, since the end of the war. Ashwatthama was cursed to roam around till the end of Kaliyug full of wounds and diseases. Lord Sri Krishna had taken his forehead mani as per Paanchali's request. After the War, The Pandavas learned the truth of my birth and came to my court. As the eldest, they wanted me to be the ruler of the empire. But, I rejected them saying that even though we were born of same mother, I was not a Pandava and I don't have any right to their throne. Even when they insisted, I declined saying that Magadha is enough for me and that Yudhishthir can be the King. They finally accepted saying that they were glad that the warrior who defeated them was their brother and they didn't have their own brothers blood added to their now bloodied hands. I just reaffirmed my offer of sanctuary as I told rajmata, saying that they will always have a place under my roof, which they utilised very well, staying months to spend time with me saying that Sangraam and Swarna had spent entire childhood with me and now it's their turn. I don't know how the warriors with grown up sons can still act like children.

A few years after the war, I passed the throne of Magadha to my son Aadhisena, now that even my great grandsons are at the age to be married. I felt it was about time, I retired. I went to the forests along with my wives to live with nature peacefully and started our penance in the name of the Supreme Couple, who had given me a chance to such a peaceful life.

Many years passed in our penance, when we were graced with the presence of the Divine Mother, The personification of the power, Maatha Paarvati and Lord of the Lords, the Great Souled One, Lord Parmeshwara themselves. They said that we have pleased them with our penance and asked us to choose our boons. I know, most people pray and desire for liberation, but not me, I have already discussed with my wives about my reincarnation and wanted to live and experience many lives with my wives. So, we have already decided on the boond we were going to ask the foremost of the Gods.

My youngest wife, Supriya, addressed the Celestial couple first, "O Maatha! O Swami! Please grant us the boon that we four are never seperated and are always together in every life. Give us your blessings I and my sisters are always with our husband in all our next lives and that there will be nothing that seperates us any way. "

Then my second wife, Bhanumati spoke, "O Devi! O Mahadeva! Let us be ever young and free of ailments. Please bless, I and my sisters, that we will never know the pain of widowhood or the loss of our loved ones. "

I continued after Bhanu, " O Foremost of all the Celestials! O Supreme among the deities! Let it be that my power, knowledge and skills never leave me in this life or the next ones. Let me be always connected to my wives with a spiritual bond that can never be broken. Let us share our powers and knowledge between each other and let my strength and skills be always available to my wives. Let my wives have everything of mine and let me be everything of my wives. "

My eldest wife, Padmavati, my Vrishali requested the highest of all the Gods, "O Father! O Mother! My sisters and my husband has requested everything we need. Please let their wishes be fulfilled and provide us with power to travel the Other worlds my husband spoke of, either on our wish or as a rebirth after our deaths. Let us be long lived to savour the experiences. "

The Lord of the Destruction, the great Destroyer, the Three eyed one, Lord Maheshwara and his wife, Goddess of energy, Personification of the power, universal symbol of motherhood, Maatha Paarvathi raised their palms and said, "As you wish! "

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India - Present Day:

Most of the prominent historians today believe that the reason the Great Indian Sub continent, now occupies the title of second Largest country after USSR, is largely due to the descendants of the most forward thinker of the Dwapara yuga, the mighty generous warrior king of Magadha, Radheya Vasusena Karna. He was the first king to lay the foundation for the equality among the people. The emphasis he laid on education being available to all has made the ancient Bharatvarsha the most advanced society of the era. His grandson from his second son Chitrasena, also named Vasusena is the one who succeded the throne of Magadha from his uncle king Aadhisena, whose children declined the throne to focus on the upliftment of the society in the image of their grand father, and the title of Emperor from his grand uncle, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir, while his cousin King Parikshit still ruled Hastinapur.

Many theologists say that rule of Karna and his descendants was the golden period of the Bharatvarsha. At their peak, their empire consisted parts of the present day Africa and Europe. It was because of their advancements in naval trade, Americas were discovered and the native Americans looking so similar to Dravidians were considered their lost brothers. It was because of this connection, that Americans, still to this day, Consider the Indians honorary Americans. Even after centuries, as the Government changed from monarchy to Democracy, the descendants of the generous king still live in their native state Magadha Or as the city is called now Patna in Bihar, and are revered for their family's contribution for the country. Even when Turkish and Muslim Empires invaded the Great Nation, her people didn't not flinch. Nor did they torment the defeated countries. Having learned to be open-minded from generation, the Indians, as they are called now, embraced even the defeated invaders and uplifted them. They taught these societies values of Dharma and shared their knowledge and wealth with them. When the Europeans came here in the name of trade and tried to raise discontent, they were crushed with overwhelming might and were kept in check. It was during this time, Bharatavarsha has become the most powerful country of the world and people around the globe looked at this country like an icon, a glowing light. People began to compare this Great nation to a torch, a glowing light, a dhiya for the world. This made the country popular as dhiya of the globe, which soon became India.