The guests made their grand entrance through the massive palace gates, which swung open with a resounding proclamation of their arrival. Upon the plush, crimson carpet, they strode with unwavering poise and an unmistakable air of royalty. At the forefront of this distinguished assembly stood the very instigator of the ancient Kurukshetra war, a man whose unyielding ambitions had cast a crimson shadow across the entire Aryavarta. He was none other than Duryodhana, the eldest scion of the Kauravas and the reigning crown prince of the venerable Kuru dynasty.
Nestled within the heart of the opulent palace, amid a tapestry woven with intrigue and ambition, Duryodhana commanded attention. He embodied a formidable figure within the enduring epic, the Mahabharata.
Adorned in regal attire befitting a Kshatriya prince, Duryodhana's robe shimmered with intricate patterns and jewelry that bespoke of his lofty lineage and aspirations. A crown, or at times a royal turban, graced his head, a tangible emblem of his elevated status.
Yet, it was his robust physical presence that set him apart. Duryodhana bore a muscular and imposing frame, a living testament to his warrior heritage. His very being radiated strength and martial prowess, embodying the essence of the warrior code. Towering with unassailable authority, his every movement conveyed the confidence inherent in one born to rule.
His complexion, often described as darker than his contemporaries, lent an enigmatic allure to his persona. In battle, he donned the garb of war – armor that gleamed with an aura of indomitable defiance, weapons such as a mace or sword firmly gripped in his hands.
But it was through his piercing eyes that his true character found expression. Sharp and intense, they mirrored an inner fire, a reflection of his relentless ambition and unwavering determination. His gaze possessed the power to pierce the hearts of rivals and ignite the fires of rivalry that would ultimately shape the destiny of nations.
In that pivotal moment, as Duryodhana stood unwavering, his countenance unveiled the intricate depths of his character. He was more than a mere prince or warrior; he was a man driven by ambition, prepared to confront the formidable challenges and far-reaching consequences of his choices. In the enduring pages of the Mahabharata, his appearance served as a mere glimpse into the intricate tapestry of his character—a symbol of the unceasing struggle for power and ambition that would resonate through the ages.
To the left of Duryodhana, Dushasana's presence asserted itself without question. Among the formidable Kaurava brothers, he ranked among the most formidable. His prowess as a warrior was beyond dispute, earning him a place among the esteemed Atirathis. While he stood just slightly below the unparalleled might of his elder sibling, Duryodhana, who could single-handedly overcome eight Atirathis, Dushasana remained a formidable opponent in his own right.
Dressed in a harmonious blend of regal opulence and practical battlefield attire, his robe bore meticulously crafted patterns and ornate jewelry, leaving no doubt about his noble lineage. He walked a pace behind his elder brother, a silent affirmation of his profound respect and unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana.
Dushasana's character was a complex tapestry, marred by cruelty and corruption. He bore the stain of heinous crimes, yet amid the shadows of his malevolence, one commendable trait shone through—the unwavering devotion he harbored for his brother. He embodied the essence of brotherhood, a steadfast ally who would confront even the gods themselves if commanded by his elder sibling.
With a towering, muscular frame, he exuded an air of arrogance, his haughty demeanor and sinister aura following in the wake of his elder brother.
Dushasana's unexpected arrival hardly registered in that moment, for my full attention was entirely fixated on the third individual within the group of guests. If it weren't for the benevolent grace of Goddess Saraswati, who artfully guided my facial expressions and demeanor into those befitting a monarch, I shudder to imagine how differently I might have reacted.
Without her guiding influence, I am certain my eyes would have widened to the brink of nearly bulging from their sockets, my jaws would have dropped low enough to graze the ground, and my profound respect would have manifested as an unmeasurable bow before this extraordinary figure. He was the very person, unburdened by trickery or underhanded methods, who possessed the potential to turn the tide of the entire Kurukshetra conflict. He was the esteemed son of Suryadev, the Sun God himself—Karna.
In the heart of the assembly, Karna stood as a figure of captivating intrigue. His appearance bore the hallmark of an enigmatic hero, one whose origins were shrouded in mystery and whose destiny was bound to the epic tapestry of the Mahabharata.
Karna's attire, while noble, held a certain simplicity that set him apart from the traditional Kshatriya nobility. His robe, though not as ornate as those of some of his contemporaries, still carried a sense of regal dignity. It was adorned with subtle patterns and a few modest pieces of jewelry, a reflection of his restrained elegance.
Physically, Karna was a striking presence. His build was robust and powerful, befitting a warrior of his stature. Yet, his demeanor exuded certain calmness, a tranquility that contrasted with the often fiery personalities of his peers. Standing tall and composed, he carried himself with a quiet confidence that bespoke his inner strength.
Karna's complexion could be described as radiant, almost golden, a testament to his divine parentage. His eyes, however, held a depth that spoke of both sorrow and resilience. They were windows into a soul marked by adversity and the unwavering determination to rise above it.
On his chest, the armor he wore gleamed with a unique aura, bearing the mark of his divine lineage. His weapons, too, held a distinct allure, a testament to his prowess as a warrior. Among them, his bow was a thing of legend, capable of striking down foes with unparalleled precision.
But it was Karna's character, his sense of honor and his loyalty to his chosen path that truly set him apart. In that moment, as he stood amidst the grandeur of the assembly, his appearance was but a glimpse into the intricate layers of his persona—a symbol of the complex choices, unwavering resolve, and the indomitable spirit that would define his role in the unfolding saga of the Mahabharata.
I made a concerted effort to regain my composure as swiftly as possible, and by the time I managed to do so, the three of them stood before me. My gaze locked onto Duryodhana's, and after a brief pause, our faces broke into broad smiles, culminating in a warm yet firm embrace. I glanced around, as if searching for someone, and inquired of Duryodhana, "Where is Gandhara Raj (Shakuni)? He didn't come?" Duryodhana replied, "No, he wanted to come, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he couldn't."
A sigh of relief escaped me inwardly. I had prepared extensively to confront him, for in the blood-soaked battle of Kurukshetra, one could argue that he emerged as the true victor. The venom he possessed in his words was beyond ordinary, something only a divine being could counter, and I, in my current state, fell far short of that. I wished to avoid him as much as possible.
Upon turning my attention to Dushasana, I greeted him, saying, "It's a pleasure to see you, Dushasana."
"Of course, esteemed brother-in-law, the pleasure is all mine," he responded with a wide grin, and a slight nod of his head.
Next, I shifted my gaze to Karna, who stood beside Duryodhana in silent dignity. I offered him a smile and nodded in acknowledgment, to which he replied with a nod of his own.
"I can see you've grown stronger, Sindhu Raj," he inquired, his discerning gaze focused on me. "By the way, where is Dusshala? Why isn't she here to greet her brothers?"
I replied, "She's awaiting your presence in the dining hall, where a lavish feast has been prepared. It has been quite some time since you gentlemen last paid her a visit, so she may be nursing a grudge."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's not delay any longer. I haven't savored Sister Dusshala's culinary delights in quite some time," Dushasana responded enthusiastically.
With a shared sense of anticipation, we proceeded to the dining hall, where an opulent feast had been meticulously arranged to welcome our guests. As the brothers reunited with their sister, Dusshala after more than a decade, her demeanor appeared warm and welcoming. Both brothers enveloped their sister in affectionate embraces, exchanging heartfelt sentiments about how much they had missed her. Although her response was accompanied by a bright smile, a closer look into her eyes revealed a certain absence of the genuine joy one might expect in such a reunion. Let's have another chat with her sometime.
The feast commenced with a delightful array of colorful and vibrant dishes, each as delicious as the next. Duryodhana and I engaged in light conversation, occasionally drawing Karna into our discussion. Dushasana, on the other hand, was engrossed in a nostalgic exchange with Dusshala, reminiscing about their childhood.
As our conversation progressed, Duryodhana eventually broached the main topic at hand. "Sindhu Raj," he began, "almost a year has passed, and there's now only a month remaining before the period of agyatvas ends. Despite our extensive efforts to locate the Pandavas, we haven't been able to uncover even the slightest clue regarding their whereabouts. Therefore, I would like to ask for your help. Can you please check if they are hiding in your kingdom?"
I replied, "Don't worry, brother Duryodhana. I can assure you they are not in my kingdom. But if they are, they will be standing in front of you within 10 days."
"Of course, we all know how capable Sindhu Raj is," Duryodhana praised, a sly smile on his face. Suddenly, Dushasana intervened, saying, "Speaking of capability, I heard our esteemed brother-in-law recently received a boon from Mahadev. You must be quite strong now, right? How about a Mallayudha (Hand-to-hand wrestling) with me?"
Crafty bastards, I cursed inwardly. So, that was the purpose of bringing Dushasana here. Previously, one could argue that Jayadratha and Dushasana were evenly matched in strength, but now, after the boon, it was uncertain. Shakuni must have sent Dushasana with Duryodhana to assess my strength and determine my position within their group for the upcoming war. So, they sent Dushasana here, and Dushasana was like a junior to me. If I didn't accept his challenge, it would be considered a disgrace to the king. Now, I had no choice but to accept this challenge.