In the grand courtroom of Hastinapur, the news of Dronacharya's arrival had stirred the atmosphere. Blind King Dhritarashtra, his wife Queen Gandhari, the virtuous Kunti, wise Vidura, and the venerable Bhishma, along with the council of ministers, were all gathered to hear the announcement. The presence of the royal family and the elders lent an air of solemnity to the occasion.
Dronacharya, respected for his prowess as a teacher, stood before them, his demeanor displaying a sense of accomplishment and pride. He began by conveying the successful completion of the Pandavas' training, which had turned them into formidable warriors. His words filled the chamber with a sense of optimism and hope.
The news of the Pandavas' achievements was met with cheers and smiles. Dhritarashtra, though blind, could feel the vibrations of happiness in the room. Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, beamed with maternal pride. Vidura nodded approvingly, recognizing the importance of skilled warriors in the kingdom.
However, amidst the celebration, Bhishma, the venerable patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, raised a question that hung heavy in the air. He inquired about the Kauravas, the other branch of the royal family. Dronacharya's countenance shifted, and a shadow of concern passed over him.
With a measured voice, Dronacharya began to recount the unexpected departure of the Kauravas from his ashram. He described how Duryodhana, along with his brothers and his own son Ashwatthama, had decided to venture on a path different from that of their cousins, the Pandavas. The news fell like a heavy stone upon the hearts of those present.
Gandhari, her blindfold concealing her sorrowful expression, held her breath as the realization of her sons' departure weighed upon her. Kunti, with her maternal instincts, empathized with the pain that Gandhari must be feeling. Vidura, the wise counselor, contemplated the implications of this division within the royal family.
Bhishma, the grand patriarch and guardian of the Kuru lineage, felt a deep concern for the kingdom's future. He knew that harmony within the family was essential for the prosperity of Hastinapur. The departure of the Kauravas from Dronacharya's tutelage hinted at a growing rift, which could spell trouble in the days to come.
Dronacharya could sense the gravity of the situation as he recounted the departure of the Kauravas. He expressed his hope that time and destiny would eventually bring the two branches of the royal family together again. His words, though well-intentioned, couldn't fully dispel the shadow of uncertainty that had fallen over Hastinapur.
The court was silent for a moment as everyone contemplated the implications of this division. The future of the Kuru dynasty hung in the balance, its fate uncertain as the destinies of the Pandavas and the Kauravas took different turns.
Gandhari, seated with her blindfold tightly fastened, listened intently to Dronacharya's explanation. As he recounted the events leading to the Kauravas' departure, her heart swelled with mixed emotions. The motherly love she held for her sons battled with her sense of justice and anger.
When Dronacharya finished describing the incident with Ekalavya, Gandhari's pent-up emotions erupted like a tempest. She couldn't fathom how a teacher, whom they had entrusted with the education of their sons, could indulge in such an act of injustice. Her voice trembled with anger as she addressed Bhishma, the revered patriarch of the Kuru dynasty.
"Why, lord Bhishma?" Gandhari's voice was sharp, cutting through the stillness of the courtroom. "Why did you choose a teacher who would allow such injustice to befall our sons?"
Bhishma, known for his wisdom and integrity, felt the weight of Gandhari's anger. He had played a significant role in selecting Dronacharya as the teacher for both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He understood that Gandhari's fury was justified, and he couldn't find words to justify the events that had unfolded.
"Gandhari," Bhishma began, his voice tinged with regret, "I believed Dronacharya to be an honorable and skilled teacher. I never anticipated that he would allow such an incident to occur. I, too, am deeply troubled by what transpired."
Gandhari's anger flared as she pointedly asked Dronacharya why he had allowed such an injustice to happen. Her words, though harsh, held the weight of a mother's concern for her children.
Dronacharya, acutely aware of his failure as a teacher and the pain it had caused, hung his head in remorse. "I deeply regret that this happened under my guidance, Queen Gandhari. It was a grave error in judgment, and I am truly sorry."
Gandhari, her anger undiminished, rose from her seat and, guided by her maid, exited the courtroom in a whirl of fury. Her departure left the members of the court in a state of shock. They had never witnessed the queen in such a wrathful state.
Bhishma, too, felt a sense of guilt for his role in selecting Dronacharya as the teacher. He knew that he had to bear the burden of responsibility for what had transpired. In the court's solemn silence, he scolded himself inwardly for the consequences of his choices.
As the courtroom settled into a somber mood, Bhishma turned to Dronacharya. "Do you know where the Kauravas and Ashwatthama have gone?"
Dronacharya, his remorse evident in his eyes, replied, "I am afraid I do not, Bhishma. They left the ashram with a firm resolve, and their destination remained a mystery to me."
Bhishma nodded, his thoughts heavy with concern for the future of the Kuru dynasty. The departure of the Kauravas, and the anger of Queen Gandhari, cast a long shadow over the kingdom, and the repercussions of this division were yet to be fully realized.
In faraway:
In the depths of the dense forest, far from the palaces and politics of the kingdom, the Kauravas and Ashwatthama continued their journey back to Hastinapur. The path they had chosen was arduous, filled with rugged terrain and thick foliage. Yet, the sense of anticipation and reunion with their family members fueled their determination.
As the group made their way through the forest, Duryodhana couldn't help but think about his family, especially his mother, Gandhari, and his family. He realized that they had been absent for a significant period, and their sudden return might cause concern. He turned to Ashwatthama, his close friend and companion through their educational journey in Asura Lok.
"Ashwatthama," Duryodhana said with a hint of worry in his voice, "I think it's time to send a message back to Hastinapur. Our family must be anxious about our whereabouts. They need to know that we are on our way back."
Ashwatthama nodded in understanding. He, too, was aware of the mounting concern their absence might have caused. "You're right, Duryodhana. It's best to inform them of our return. But how shall we send the message swiftly?"
Duryodhana contemplated for a moment and then suggested, "Let's use an arrow. We'll tie a message to it and shoot it in the direction of Hastinapur. With your archery skills, you can make sure it reaches its destination."
Ashwatthama agreed with the plan, and together, they searched for a suitable tree to carve an arrow. Finding one, Ashwatthama meticulously crafted the arrow with care, ensuring it was perfectly balanced for flight. Duryodhana took a piece of parchment and penned a message that would reassure their family and the kingdom of their safe return.
With the message securely tied to the arrow, Ashwatthama took his bow in hand. He was known for his exceptional archery skills, a trait passed down from his father, Dronacharya. He drew the bowstring with precision, his focused gaze locked on the distant horizon where Hastinapur lay.
As Ashwatthama released the arrow, it soared through the air like a comet, disappearing into the thick canopy of trees. Its flight was swift and sure, guided by the skilled hands of Ashwatthama. The arrow's journey was accompanied by a sense of hope and relief, carrying the news of the Kauravas' imminent return.
Back in Hastinapur, the royal court had been enveloped in a somber mood since the departure of the Kauravas. News of their absence had reached Gandhari, and she had been deeply distraught. The sudden disappearance of her sons had shaken her, and she had retreated to her chambers, her heart heavy with worry.
As the courtiers continued with their duties, the unexpected sound of an arrow piercing the air reverberated through the palace. The arrow, guided by Ashwatthama's skill, hurtled toward its destination—the heart of Hastinapur.
Within moments, the arrow arrived at the palace, and it was intercepted by a vigilant guard. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he swiftly delivered the message to Bhishma and Vidura, who were discussing matters of governance in the court.
Bhishma took the parchment and carefully unrolled it. His eyes scanned the words written by Duryodhana, and a sense of relief washed over him. He turned to Vidura, his voice filled with gratitude. "The Kauravas are on their way back. This message brings good tidings."
Vidura, too, breathed a sigh of relief. He had been concerned about the consequences of the Kauravas' sudden departure and the worry it had caused Gandhari. With this news, some of that worry would be alleviated.
Word quickly spread throughout the palace that the Kauravas and Ashwatthama were returning. Joyful whispers and smiles replaced the earlier atmosphere of concern. The news reached Gandhari, who, upon hearing of her sons' imminent return, felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude.
As the Kauravas and Ashwatthama continued their journey through the forest, they were unaware of the ripple of happiness their message had sent through the kingdom. Their path was now set, leading them back to Hastinapur, where a joyous reunion awaited them after their long and eventful absence.
In hastinapur palace:
In the dimly lit chamber of Bhishma, a sense of relief lingered in the air. The news of the Kauravas' return had lightened the heavy atmosphere that had settled upon Hastinapur with their sudden disappearance. Bhishma, Vidur, and Dronacharya were gathered to discuss the current situation and what lay ahead.
Bhishma, the venerable patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, sat at the head of the chamber, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. Although the news of the Kauravas' safety had eased his heart, he remained concerned about their recent actions. His deep-set wisdom had taught him to look beyond the surface of events.
"Vidur, Dronacharya," Bhishma began, his voice carrying the weight of his years of experience, "I am relieved to hear of the Kauravas' safe return. However, their sudden departure from Dronacharya's tutelage raises questions in my mind."
Vidur, the astute minister known for his wisdom, nodded in agreement. He had been equally puzzled by the Kauravas' hasty decision to leave their guru's guidance. "Indeed, Bhishma Pitamah," Vidur replied. "It is a cause for concern. The Kauravas are known for their sharp intellect, but their actions at times baffle us."
Dronacharya, the teacher who had once guided the Pandavas and Kauravas, weighed his words carefully. "I understand your concerns, Bhishma. As their former guru, I, too, am puzzled by their actions. It is not in their nature to make such impulsive decisions."
Bhishma, his gaze penetrating, continued, "Vidur, we must not forget the influence of their childhood companion,don't forget who they spend most time with in their childhood and don't forget about the name who is reason for now they exist and don't forget who warned you don't touch Kauravas and don't forget the name,Karna. He has played a significant role in their lives, and I have sensed a growing connection between them. Karna's name has echoed through the annals of our life, a constant reminder of his presence."
Vidur, ever perceptive, felt a shiver run through his spine as Bhishma mentioned Karna's name. The mystery of Karna's birth, his lowly caste contrasting with his kingly demeanor, had intrigued and unsettled him for years.
"You are right, Bhishma Pitamah," Vidur acknowledged with a hint of unease. "Karna is a name that has defied convention. Despite his origins, he has the bearing of a king, a warrior of unparalleled prowess. He cautioned us not to harm the Kauravas, and it is a warning I dare not forget."
Bhishma's eyes held a sense of foreboding as he looked into the distance. "Karna's presence in the Kauravas' lives is a force that cannot be underestimated. His shadow looms large over them. We must tread carefully in the days to come, for there are bonds that transcend birthright and caste."
The mention of Karna's name had cast a palpable unease in the chamber. The enigmatic warrior, with his regal demeanor and celestial aura, remained an enigma that both fascinated and disconcerted those who knew of him.
As the trio contemplated the complexities of their world and the mysterious connection between Karna and the Kauravas, they understood that there were forces at play that surpassed the ordinary rules of society and lineage. The Kauravas' actions, as puzzling as they might be, hinted at a deeper narrative that would continue to unfold in the kingdom of Hastinapur.
TO BE CONTINUED....