THIRD PERSON POV:

The nerve-wracking fight of several days has finally concluded with a twist of it's own ....an unexpected outcome... An unexpected enigmatic, compelling and majestic victor. Shock is definitely not the word that can describe the expression of the allied Kings and townfolk of Hastinapur. Someone has not only defeated but managed to draw blood of the Great Grandsire of Kurus...that too a Sutputra.. Can there be a better news??

Nevertheless, the fight has ended and that's a great relief for everyone.

Just as announced by Great Kuru Queen Satyavati.... A grand feast and celebration is arranged in honour of all the allied Kings , Princes, Bhishm and Karn .

The otherwise gloomy palace is clad in vibrant colours emitting festive vibes. The caterers, decoraters and palace staff were hurrying to make the best of everything. It would have been easy for them to hide their lazy work from Gandhari and Kunti but having Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika around meant having time ticking bomb.... especially Satyavati who wouldn't bear tardiness for a second. In these several days one thing was clear to everyone, may it be a palace staff or courtier-- "Never cross Queen Mother Satyavati".

After the fight , Bhishm was taken to treat his wound and Karn was escorted by Suyo , Ashwatthama and other Kauravs who were conveying their excitement and awe for the fight ... They behaved like children who had seen the fair for the first time & Karn heard their rambling with a brotherly affection.... Any other person would have been too proud of his achievement but Karn was unfazed by it.

Among all these , his eyes searched for her.... He expected her to be the first one to run up to him and congratulate ..but alas destiny had other plans....

On reaching the palace grounds, Karn was given a grand welcome by none other than Satyavati and Gandhari ... Although Radha and Adhirath didn't want to be present there; but stayed back for Karn , Amba and Bhagwan Parshuram...

RADHA'S POV:

People can be such hypocrites, especially the royals... Years back they didn't even hear our pleas of justice and now when my Karn has proved his supremacy, they are madly following him... Hmph!! I know this celebration and welcome means nothing to my son. He was here for justice and he has achieved it ... Soon we will be on our way back home...

In this labyrinth of lies , deceit and scheming I feel sad for Queen Gandhari.. Someone as pure as her doesn't belong here... She is the only one that I feel sorry for ... She has asked for my forgiveness although there's no fault of hers... Sometimes I admire her strength and at times I sympathies with her fate.... Y do u give most sufferings to pure people, Mahadev? What sort of test is this , that never ends? Hope she gets some peace with her son's return just as I got with my Karn.

DEVI GANGA'S POV:

I never wanted to be here, in this palace again but seems Parvati has other plans. Seeing this palace after so many years refreshes all those times I have spent here.... I'm glad that King Shantanu didn't change anything in my quarters , neither gave it to Satyavati... He made sure that Satyavati has everything of her own and my things are kept as such. Bhishm too has maintained everything...but not like Shantanu.

The crease on my son's forhead clearly says that it's the first time he has been needing medicine...

Ved ji Mahamahim... Have this medicine twice a day for 5 days ... Although the wound is nothing serious I still suggest you have some rest...

It's okay Ved ji ... I'm fine ... I don't need these medicines neither rest ....

: Devrat!!(glaring)

Ved ji keep the medicines on that table ... I will have them & then rest...

Hmm...

What is on your mind, son?

Karn and whatever you and Devi Amba said before this duel ....

Karn has changed so much... He has become what he always wanted to be.. A great archer.. But I lament that I wasn't there in his journey.. As a child he would always speak about my archery skills and now see... He has surpassed me.... He has defeated me...

I can understand his feelings of remorse , guilt and longing... Karn was the only one with whom he spent his free time , he was dear to Devrat & now meeting him after so many years has made him emotional.. I never thought I will see emotional side of my tough son....

Bhishm:Do u think he hates me?

Devi Ganga: Hate is a heavy word..... & something that Karn isn't familiar nor would ever be familiar with....

He doesn't hate u... He doesn't hate anyone... He can dislike u and be polite about it but hate ... Nope never...

When he said he has forgiven everyone, he really meant it...He won't say something he didn't mean.

He didn't challenge u to insult or something, he just wanted to prove that he was right....

Bhishm: I have never felt this tense Mata.. Do u think he will like to reconcile with me?Do u think he will talk with me?

Devi Ganga: Question is not what he will like ... question is what can u do to get him back.. Are u ready to put efforts even if things are going downhill?? Are you ready to bear his anger if necessary? Can u keep ur ego aside for ur relationships? Can you? If yes... Then there's nothing that can stop u from reconciling with him...

BHISHM'S POV:

Mata has always helped me overcome my insecurities and this time too she is right.... If I want the little troublemaker back in my life ... I will have to try...

Devi Ganga: Devrat, time was hard ;not only for u but for him also...

But now everything has changed... For the better of course...

....

Mata does talk in riddles but what is she getting at?? And Devrat ?? She hasn't addressed me by this name for god knows how many years... She initially called me Devrat but with time I was Bhishm ... And I think I know y she started calling me as such.... But then y did she call me Devrat after so many years??

As if sensing my queries she said....

Life gives everyone a second chance... A chance to accept, apologise and correct their mistakes.........Life has given u this chance ...

Huh??What chance is she talking about?

A chance to become Devrat again...

Karn has defeated Bhishm today ,that Bhishm who's sole duty was to keep Hastinapur's flag and glory high...to keep it undefeated... By defeating Bhishm , he has conquered Hastinapur in a way... He unofficially has set his claim on Aryavrat. He has uprooted the plant under which Bhishm was thriving...

I know Bhishm was born because of Shantanu and Satyavati's love but his prime goal was to secure Hastinapur and now that goal is crushed ... There's no need for Bhishm anymore... Hastinapur doesn't need Bhishm now....

It needs Devrat... And only u can get him back... Karn by drawing blood of Bhishm has paved a way for Devrat to return... Don't waste this chance. Karn might not forgive Bhishm but he would always give a chance to Devrat... Be wise in ur decision, son... The future of Hastinapur depends on u now..... Choose wisely.

With this Mata left my chamber ... leaving a lot for me to ponder on. Honestly, If I think along the lines of what Amba and Mata said... Bhishm has done good for Hastinapur but not for the society... May be they are right... May be it's time to be Devrat...

SATYAVATI'S POV:

I haven't even got time to breathe properly... I have got two dedicated dils and grand dils but yet have to do everything alone... checking everything repeatedly to make sure celebration of Karn's success is remembered by everyone. The grand welcome he received isn't even one fourth of what the party would be. I just hope he likes it.

It seems it's not only me who is excited for his success party ...

Sugandha... U have told them to decorate everything in shades of yellow, orange , red and white ...Have u asked them to put Karn's favourite flower? (What do you think is Karn's favourite flower?)

Relax .. Maharani everything has been arranged according to Karn's choice and before u ask I have already told the head chef to vacate a place so that u can cook kheer for ur kids. Afterall all of them love it ...May it be Karn , Kauravas or Pandavas...

Okay!! How much time do we have before preparing it? I would really like to thank Mahadev for returning Karn in our lives...

A pang of guilt and sadness hits me... Ananya was right.. In our selfishness, I never thought how much we have wronged Gandhari and how silently she has gone through everything... I was the head of the family.. It was my duty to ensure everyone's happiness and I completely neglected her. I never saw her point of view, neither asked for it. She needed someone to support her and it's shameful that she had to depend on her friend to share everything than her family.... Was I so delusional or was I so stone-hearted for not caring about her?

"It's never late to do the right thing."

I walked up to them ...

Pranipat Rajmata Satyavati..

Pranipat Pitamahi..(paternal grandmother)

I heard u both were going to thank Mahadev... Let's go then ...

I saw their suprised or better say shocked reactions... But nevertheless they followed me obidiently....

After thanking the lord , I assigned Sugandha some work and decided this is the best time to talk to Gandhari or better say apologise to her ....

It is difficult for me ... After becoming queen Satyavati, I never apologised to anyone other than Karn ... So it's difficult for me... I'm not that expressive ...but hope she understands....

Satyavati: Gandhari... I..I ...I'm sorry... I really am sorry...

Pitamahi... Y are u apologising? Did something happen? It's okay Pitamahi u are elder to me ... Please don't apologise....

If I didn't knew Karn was not born from her , I would have thought her to be his mother... Both are too forgiving for their own good....

Gandhari... U need to hear and I need to say it... U are here because of me.. Because of my wishes , aspirations and ambitions... I wanted the best for Kuruvansh but it lead to the destruction of ur lineage ... Everytime u were wronged , I was there standing like a statue instead of supporting u... May it be ur forced marriage, may it be how Dhritarashtra wronged u , may it be how u were taunted for not giving kids . Everytime I stayed mum .... Instead of supporting u... Instead of understanding u ...all I did was use u for my lineage's benefit. I know no amount of sorry can correct what I did but I still want to apologise.... I don't know if I can ever make up to u in any way but .... Today , infront of Mahadev I promise to be always there for u... To support, understand and protect u just like I should have done.... & This isn't a promise of Rajmata but a promise of a woman to another woman, a promise of the head of the family to it's member ....

I saw her tears and understood how overwhelming it must be for her. All her life she searched for acceptance ,support understanding but was denied and now getting it must be too much .... I'm not the hug type but seeing her tears I knew I had to calm her ... I hugged her and she immediately hugged back and sobbed.

I smiled and softly patted her hair.

Come on now... Stop crying.. There's a lot of prep to do. Let's go.

She nodded and we together walked out. But before walking I looked at the Shivling.... It felt as if someone has lifted a burden off my chest.... Mahadev is truly the destroyer of all worries and fears, therefore his devotees are like him too... Naive , forgiving and serene.

THIRD PERSON POV:

In the palatial room with clothes scattered on floor and bed, ornaments here and there , perfume bottles half broken stood the jyesth Gandharinandan.... stressed... But more than him , Ashwatthama and other Kauravs were tensed...

This is ridiculous.... Have we gone bankrupt??? There's nothing stylish for today's occasion.... Do the elders think of us to be in late 60s to wear such old fashioned clothes.... Nope not acceptable... Get me new clothes .... Fast....

Bhrata... We aren't bankrupt but if u keep on asking for new jewellery and clothes for every occasion... Soon we would be....

Vikarn, Sushasan, Sumarsh,Vivisati burst out laughing along with Ashwatthama.

Don't say that our princess will get angry ....

Princess???

Ashwatthama gestured towards Suyo and everyone laughed.

Suyodhan: That's gender inequality.. who said only girls have the right to look good and fashionable... We men can look handsome and dashing too... But how will u monkeys know the meaning of good looks?

All & Ashwatthama: Bhratashree!! Suyo!!

Voice: Are u all ganging up on Suyo?

Bhratashree Karn!

with innocent face): Yes ... They're troubling me .. not even letting me get ready...

Karn looks around the room and sighs...

U guys are lucky Ananya didn't see this ... Otherwise u all would have been dead....(picking up clothes)

Seeing him doing so .. Kauravas instantly snatched the things from him and stopped him ..

Bhratashree... Maids would do it.. Leave it...

Did they make the mess?

All shook their head in no...

Then y should they clean it?? Learn to clean ur mess...Come'on help me clean this place up boys... This place looks like tailor shop rather than a Prince's bedroom..

Ashwatthama decides to help first and starts gathering everything alongwith Karn... Seeing them working, Suyo and others decide to help ...

In no time the room becomes spotless again....

See that wasn't tough was it??

But as a answer all the Kauravas sit with a thud heaving heavily ... Ashwatthama facepalms himself and Karn chuckles at their drama.

Okay okay!! Now get ready we have celebration to attend to...

But...

U don't have clothes....

: Then what are all these??

Ugrasen: Old fashioned clothes..

Seeing Karn's confused face ..Sudharsh decides to clear up things..

There's nothing that fits jyesth's taste

Hm... Okay.

Karn immediately separated and sorted certain clothes and paired it up with ornaments and called each one in the room and handed it .

Suyodhan was the last to get ready. He definitely didn't want to wear those clothes but when Karn himself sorted and selected everything.. he had no heart to say him a no..

Oh ..my!!! I look so good.... Everyone of us looks like we have descended from Swarg....

: We aren't apsaras u fool ...

Neither ghosts

I was appreciating my looks ....hmph!!

Bdw y aren't u ready? (Looking at Ashwatthama)

Seems someone needs an apsara for getting ready?

Oh!! Hush!! I just don't like this royal stuff...

& that's why I have choosen this for u.... Now get ready....

: But...

: Seems someone needs help...

The Kauravas exchange glances, smile and advance towards Ashwatthama with a predatory gaze...

I am getting ready on my own .... No need to help.... (Rushes towards changing room with lightining speed )

All burst out laughing....

(shouting) I will avenge this....

He returns looking all charming and dashing...

This is comfy and good... I like it ....

Everyone nods.

Vikarn: Don't u think someone else too needs to get ready?

All eyes move to Karn , and the struggle for selection of clothes and ornaments begins until the sound of anklet catches their attention....

: Bhratashree....

Dushala, the youngest of Kauravas and apple of her mother's and brothers eyes was standing their with a goofy smile.

So finally u got time to meet us?

Nooo... I didn't come to meet u... I came to meet Bhratashree Karn...

She immediately marched upto Karn and introduced herself..She was generally shy but not with people she knew... She loved talking....and chatted with Karn for quite sometime until Suyo had to put a sweet in her mouth to finally shut her ....

How can a tiny human like her talk this much?

All just shrugged and Dushala pouted...

Well I forgot ... I had to introduce u to my friends , give u something and also thank you... (Looking at Karn)

Karn was perplexed...

Dushala: Meet Subhadra ,Urvi , Supriya ... They are my friends from Kanyakul... Subhadra and Urvi are junior to me. Subhadra is Princess of Dwarka, Urvi is Princess of Pukhiya and Supriya of Chandragarh.

Karn nodded and smiled at them...

: Okay I will be back in a minute..

Urvi: She is always this giddy and bubbly..

Supriya: Doing God knows what....

All the Kauravas chuckled and Karn smiled ....

: Bhratashree.... Take these clothes...(heaving after running)

Dushi Relax.... Breathe first. We can continue with fashion show later.......

Bdw these clothes and ornaments are great... Did you select it?? It's exactly my taste ....

Nope ...Ananya jiji gave it for u, saying to give it to u when u win. She was so sure u would win.

The smile that graced Karn's lips on her mention could actually fade Suryadev now. All the Kauravs and Princesses were in awe of his smile.

Dushala: & I had to thank you for these e beautiful earrings....