The celebration ended on a happy note with all the Kings returning to their unattended Kingdoms as soon as possible. All of them were bid a pompous farewell , much to Karn's annoyance. The fact that he was supposed to stay back for collecting information on Anga distressed him furthermore. It's true that he had forgiven everyone but how can one forget a waking nightmare...the one that changed his life forever? Walking, smiling and laughing in the place where breathing is tedious... But who can get through the acting of the one trained in dramatics by Mahadev himself?

Nevertheless, Karn stayed for the happiness of the people who had nothing to do with it .... A firm believer of :

"Even if 1000 culprit escape one innocent should never be punished .

&

Punishing someone for the crime committed by his/her near dear ones is a sin. "

During the celebration, where everyone rejoiced , only he knew how he had kept up his facade... His facade of being unbothered by the events of past and... Ananya's disappearance. Not only he .. Radha and Adhirath too maintained their facade so as not to hurt anyone until Amba , who wanted to serve the Rishis in Karn's Kingdom and Bhagwan Parshuram asked Adhirath and Radha to accompany them to Karn's new kingdom. Both wanted to serve him but were reluctant to leave Karn behind. If not for Karn's ardent insistence , they wouldn't have left him alone.

In Hastinapur where Karn was facing a emotional turmoil; on the lands of Kashi , it's princess is struggling to figure everything out . Both knew hard times are ahead and both were trading safely, to avoid the fall.

The darkness and solitude of one night ended with hopes of brighter sunrise ;

But they knew ......

A new sun marks the beginning of a new struggle.

Themajestic royal court of Kurus stood proudly in its grandeur. The mellow royal yellow walls carved with fine gold architecture, emitting fragrance of incense and freshly plucked flowers made the place even more enchanting.

( U can ignore or appreciate the people involved in creating such a grand set)

It's been years, I have set my feet here.. but this place still makes me feel a power that I never felt even during our self-exile. I'm ashamed on the fact - even after so many years of dedicated penance, I still crave power. A power that would never be mine. No , I am not jealous just pained.... I don't regret the decision of following my mil to the forest ; afterall she became the mother I never had. At times I even missed Amba jiji but now I am at peace knowing she has got what she always wanted...The crown... The title of a queen... A self made Queen... Queen of Kashi..

In all these years spent in this palace, I grabbed every opportunity that could be beneficial for me whereas Ambalika took the back stage , being meek and shy. But then time happened, her son became king and my son....

I don't envy her , neither Pandu ... One thing that I learned in my early years - destiny always favours the deserving.

May be back then Pandu deserved the throne , but then it came to Dhritarashtra & from then he has been the King....& Gandhari the Queen...

Coming to Gandhari ... Both Ananya and Amba jiji made us realise how wrong we treated her. Amba jiji was furious on us for being mean and so unsympathetic and we deserved every bit of it. I haven't ever apologised to anyone may be that's why I can't do it but I have promised jiji to try and support her whenever possible.

The trumpets blew and entered Dhrit in his kingly posture...

I felt many eyes on me on entering the royal court, something that I am used to. I climbed the stairs and sat on my throne. I could hear sounds indicating everyone has seated and the court could be started.

The topic I dreaded and avoided for so many years was finally gonna be discussed... The crown prince...

The court was about to begin when footfall is heard ... Who dared to enter the royal court this late? The entire court fell into silence... I felt a piercing gaze on me but before I could recognise it ...

Bhratashree Karn!!

Karn... His presence still makes me happy.. although he doesn't talk to me. He was the only one other than my family who truly admired me. If I hadn't taken that idiotic decision in my insecurity may be our dynamic would have been different. Hearing about him and his antics from Gandhari is so very endearing. I really look forward to reconcile my relationship with him... But I know it's impossible. Not because Karn won't forgive but because I won't be able to apologise.

Relationships doesn't break because we don't realise our mistakes but because we realise them yet fall prey to false ego and don't apologise... It's the same in my case ... Although I am at fault, I can't apologise...

Vidur: Maharaj... Time has come for the announcement the entire Hastinapur has been waiting for... Announcement of Yudhishthir as Crown prince.... I request you to announce it so as to start the preparations soon.

Shakuni: Y Yudhishthir? My nephew Suyodhan too deserves to be the crown prince... He was conceived first , therefore he must be the crown prince if u are considering birth as basis of selection.

Vidur: Yudhishthir is first born and more eligible...

Shakuni: Only in dharm gyan... In might and intelligence Suyo surpasses him...

Devrat: Enough!!! I'm done here... Do u realise this is Kuru's royal court??

The topic of crown prince is important and not some joke ..u ..

I here another set of footfall and entered ...

Dron: Maharaj.... U can't pronounce the crown prince....

I am relieved... Thank god... But y?

Dhritarashtra: Y Guru Dron? What is it?

Dron: Maharaj.. They haven't given me Gurudakshina therefore they are still my students and until they give me Gurudakshina they can not be prince or crown prince.....

Dhritarashtra: What is it that u want in Gurudakshina?? Just name it...

Dron: I want .... I want my students to avenge Panchalraj Drupad for me. To go on a war against him and capture him.

What??? Has he gone berserk? I saw a glimpse of his madness at Kalapradarshan but this is too much...

Dhritarashtra: Do u realise what u are talking about?? Panchal is not some little town that they would conquer but a Mahajanapada... One of the most powerful Kingdoms of Aryavrat and definitely a enemy Kingdom... U want to wage war ??

Dron: Yes ... I want Drupad on my feet ... And that too on might of the knowledge I have imparted to my students...

Y do I feel like I have done a great mistake by appointing him as Guru of my children?

This is outrageous... Does he even realise how chaotic this will be? I heard whispers going around the royal court....I felt a strong heated gaze and it's source was ... Queen Satyavati... Okay!! Count this as a mistake I made as Bhishm ....

By looking at her ,I can understand how pissed she is ....

Our political relations with Panchal weren't good or stable ever ; we managed to stay away from each other's affair. But Dron's this demand is too much...

Devrat: This demand is too much Dron... Although ur GuruDakshina but this demand is outrageous... By this u are gonna create war between two Mahajanapadas which would affect everyone.... I don't support this .. Please ask something else...

Dron: I'm not asking for alms , I'm asking for my rights as Guru.... If u can't just say , I will leave....

Satyavati: Enough!!! I'm done with u... I have been quite for so long bearing all these but now this is enough.... Dhritarashtra and Bhishm both have said about the repercussions of sending princes to war yet u don't understand.... What do u want to destroy everything I have created from my blood and sweat?? If so , then u are mistaken.... I have been bearing u only because u are a Guru but if this is what u preach .... I really doubt the future generations....

Dron: Rajmata... U can't just insult me for asking my Gurudakshina, my rights...and moreover I have trained them ... I know their capabilities... They will easily defeat Drupad... They're are the best afterall..

This is height of foolishness.... If I am saying Panchal is not that easy to win , then what chance do the younger generation has?? If it was Karn instead, I would have allowed but these novices No.. A big No... They're too consumed in vanity and overconfidence to fight someone like Drupad ....

Karn: Revenge , war, win, defeat, insult praise , best of claims .... Don't u have anything else other than these Guru Dron.

I had a very good mood today ... But thanks to u.... for ruining it....

Now as u have ruined it ..my turn to ruin.. reason with u ...

U asked about ur GuruDakshina... And what is it?? Ur students against Panchal naresh Drupad ... Hmm...

U have nothing to do with this Sutputra so be mum....

: U and ur revenge is definitely none of my business but as it potentially affects the entire Aryavrat, and my brother's .I have right to intervene...

My eyes move towards Duryodhan, Sushasan , and other Kauravs whose eyes are gleaming in love , affection and respect. I have hardly marked these emotions in their eyes for anyone. They don't even show these emotions for Dhrit , Gandhari or their Shaku Mama.

I look at Karn only to get confirmed another show is on its way... Please No!! ...As if hearing my thoughts Karn looks at me and smirks.... Ughh!!

There are three reasons y ur this particular Gurudakshina can't be fulfilled..

Let's start with the minor reason...

1.These students of urs have no real life war experience... They don't have an inch of idea how gruesome it can be especially against a Kingdom like Panchal... War is not won on might alone. Every moment the look of war can change and therefore the leader must make mindful decisions to be victorious & this comes with experience which obviously they don't have....

Coming to experience... How many wars have ...U ..fought?

This is what slapping someone without the use of hands must feel like.....

2. Next Panchal is ruled by Drupad who is a master of illusion. Not only he has army equal to Hastinapur but also is very shrewd in his ways.

Also a war between two Mahajanapadas would unsettle the common folk and lead to death of many which isn't needed. Moreover Hastinapur would be seen as guilty as it has no prior reason of attacking Panchal other than ur whim.

Atleast someone here is smart ....

3.Last, this isn't even a Gurudakshina.

Y would someone ask for revenge in Gurudakshina when every guru is well known to the fact that revenge is adharm. What sort of things are u preaching them in name of Dharm? Caste system revenge and all??

Let me think.... U did all of this.... became the Guru of Kurus, gave Kuruvansh the best of archers and weapon wielders so that they can't refuse u when u ask for revenge from Panchal Raj... Am I right or I'm right...? This revenge has always been on ur mind coupled with the desire to become the best Guru ....Ur being righteous loving Guru was all a farce right? ... No doubt y these people behave like this ....

Arjun: Enough Angraj!!! U can't talk to my Guru like that?? Don't u know how to respect a Guru?

Karn: Ummm...No!!.... I have been taught to respect the one who deserves it and ur Guru by far hasn't done anything to deserve it....

Yudhi : Angraj follow the decorum... This is against dharm .... What a Guru can ask or what not is not stated in any book!!

Karn: And asking revenge and thumb as Gurudakshina is dharm?? This is written in ur dharm books?

Woow u really have impeccable knowledge on dharm ....

I thought you were level minded but no... U too are like others....

Is it me or did Yudhi really felt hurt by Karn's words?

The situation was getting heated.... & I was hurt!! Y won't I be? I'm his brother yet he called Yudhi as level minded...

Sushasan: (whispering) Jyesth ... What do you think? Bhratashree Karn favours Pandavas or us??

How can I answer something I don't know.. I glare at him and he immediately shuts up...

I glare at Yudhi too... From childhood he snatched everything from me... First my title, the little love and respect I had... Everything... But I won't let him snatch Bhratashree Karn from me , whatever happens . My Bhratashree is mine... No sharing there...

(whispering) U sound like a jealous gf!! & Stop glaring daggers at Yudhi..

I look at him confused.... Did he hear that? He just dramatically nods..

Ashwatthama: (whispering) Bro .. If u keep on this attitude... I'm sure Maharathi Karn would die single...

Suyo: (whispering) I meant I won't share my brother... He can have as many gf as he wants... Although I doubt he supports polygamy..

Ugrasen: (whispering) Bros ... When we should be planning for the war at hand u both are busy doing family planning... Woow how progressive of u....

We both gave him a murderous glare and he immediately recoiled...

Dron: I have had enough...If this vansh can not give me my Gurudakshina then I will leave ...

Arjun: No Gurudev... Please don't leave like this... I promise u I will get u ur revenge... I will drag that Panchal naresh to u and make him wash ur feet and crown u as King of Panchal...

Woow... Other than archery Gurudev has also taught him how to make claims...

It's not that I am afraid of Panchal Raj or anything but let's be practical... If Pitamah is against this idea, then this must be serious...

Dron: I'm proud that I have got atleast an obedient shishya..

Did he just insult us? Oh com'on Arjun has always been the one obedient flawless brave than mighty student for him so obviously we are nothing . I felt Ashwatthama getting tensed beside me.

Bheem: Yes Gurudev.... We will avenge u .. We Pandavas will get ur revenge unlike some cowards...

How dare he?? What does he want to prove? We too can fight and give Gurudev his Gurudakshina.... We are no cowards...

Suyo: We too will fight... He is the Guru of Kurus and not only Pandavas...

Karn: Guru Dron... A Guru's behaviour fuels his/ her students in a positive or negative way... Today u have imparted this greed for power and revenge to ur students... Hope this doesn't bite u back...

Nakul:Who even invited a lowlife like u?

Suyo, Ashwatthama, Yudhi , Satyavati , Gandhari and Devrat: Nakul!!!

How dare he? Who does he think he is?

I was about to march and punch him when....

Satyavati:(Venom dripping voice) Is this the way a Kuru Prince speaks Prince Nakul?

Apologise otherwise the prison cells are always open for u ...

Sahdev: Par-Pitamahi will u send us to prison for him?

The Devputras.... Ugh!!! Where is my mace??

Devrat: Yes... That him is a King ... An independent Powerful King ... And he has been invited to the court. This is breach of code of conduct of the court .... U aren't supposed to use any offensive words against each other and Nakul just did it... If he doesn't apologise now.... He would have to spend 2 nights in prison.

Bheem: He just offended Gurudev... This is partiality...

Sushasan: But he didn't use any offensive words...

Chitrasen: Anything that doesn't happen according to u Pandavas is partiality right?

The royal court now seems like a fish market... Well this Palace was always inhabited by animals in form of humans. Although animals are better....

First time in my life have I heard Gandhari's voice in such a high tone or Bhishm punishing Pandavas!!! This feels too much like a dream ....

Lemme check .... I pinch Vidur standing next to me to see if it's real and immediately feign innocence... The way he flinches says it's real ....

Oh my !! Great!!

Bhishm is supporting Karn... Karn's arrival has actually increased Kauravs reputation and Suyo's chance on the throne. I know till the time he is there nothing could go against Kauravs but still I need to make sure that Suyodhan becomes the King.

I'm sure Pandavas would go to war , and therefore Kauravas will also go. I have to make sure they win or atleast stay safe... The rumours about Drupad, present him as cruel and shrewd. Fighting against him won't be easy... And win is quite difficult....

Moreover he is master of illusion and has his daughter Shikhandini , is commander of his forces who is a good strategist and warrior....

Pandavs have Arjun who is the only one trained in illusion among all Kuru Princes, so winning for them is not as difficult as for Kauravs...

To make Suyo , the King , I have to make sure Kauravas win ...... How??

Enough!!! This is not a fish market.... U people are planning to war against Panchal together when u can't even talk to each other; forget fighting alongside... I wonder whether it would be a war against Panchal or between U people!!

We won't fight with them... We Pandavs are alone enough...

Yes we Kauravas will fight alone as well and not with them....