Ever since Sahira had told him about his future when she first met him, Sahira noticed that he has always been having a hard time reconciling his inner turmoil.
Karn was scared of what he could become and started meditating regularly when he wasn't working. On one hand, there was his anger that he decided he would keep a limited leash on unless the situation demands otherwise. On the other hand, he was scared of the feelings that would tag and stray him from his path, hurting his loved ones.
Sahira felt saddened to see him like this. The guy was dealing with a lot and blaming himself for what would have happened to Devrya for the actions of his alternate self, his need to be recognized, which would have unknowingly led to the loss of his sister.
He was also horrified by the Draupadi Vastraharan he would become a part of, if he had stayed on his path.
It turns out that her presence changed a lot of things but some stayed the same. It was Ashwatthama who had taken part in the Panchal war from the Kauravas' side and defeated Drupad. To her surprise, Arjun failed to identify Drupad clones. It seems like Subhadra had a change of heart after seeing the mess in Kuru sabha that day.
Another change was Ashwatthama not becoming King of half panchal and choosing to become a teacher. It was a positive change.
Sahira saw Karn meditate once more. Sometimes it would go on for days. She felt saddened to think that he thought so low of himself. However, she couldn't regret telling him the truth as he had been changing for the better.
" Sahira, where's Karn ?. His mother is calling ".
Krishna's lost love Radha, the incarnation of Devi Lakshmi. Karn had encountered her while he was bypassing Vrindawan. She had been living alone in the woods, mourning her lost love and praying for his safety.
Karn had met her and offered her to come with him, claiming her as his sister when she was alone and had no one.
She agreed after some reluctance, but never regretted her decision ever again after meeting his parents who treated her like their own daughter.
Radha saw Karn's meditation and sighed " he's still doing this ".
Radha was another person who knew Sahira's secret beside Karn's family. Hanuman had literally fallen on her feet and cried 'Sitama' happily, and Sahira was forced to tell her the truth.
Radha knew she was the incarnation of Devi Lakshmi as Krishna was the incarnation of Narayan, so she believed them instantly, since they had told her things about the future.
" Sahira, he hasn't eaten for days. His ribs are near showing ! ".
" He has been punishing himself for things he hasn't done yet. Sometimes, he gets nightmares " Sahira said with a disturbed expression before marching to Karn's side.
Karn was knocked out of his meditation as he was slapped and glared at the one who did it, only to see it was Sahira.
" Sorry about that. You haven't eaten for 9 days. How long are you gonna torture yourself like that ? ".
" The things I am capable of doing, Sahira " Karn had tears in his eyes " I had a nightmare again..... in there, I saw myself encouraging Dushasana to disrobe Draupadi and called Draupadi a Vaishya, just like in the history you told me of, I stabbed Abhimanyu brutally ... I deserved my death.... I ripped Jarasandh to pieces.... How can you even stand to look at me ? ".
" Enough already ! " Sahira said, with her own voice breaking from sadness as she yelled at Karn " the visions you saw will never be your future, you hear me ?!... if you encouraged her disrobing, then it will be Yudhishthira who shamelessly spoke of her beauty while betting her, and long before that was Bhishma who killed Gandhari's brothers and humiliated Amba by dragging her by her hair into the Kuru sabha..... what kind of Dharma was established?!!..... why I can't look at you ?!... I have been where you are...This caste system tortures so many people ..... it destroyed my life ... ".
Karn looked at Sahira with shock on his face. She had tears in her eyes and looked devastated as she fell on her knees " what was my parents' fault ?... why did I watch them be burned alive ?... just for wanting to send me to school ?.... those people BURNED THEM ALIVE !!. I was 6 years old when the high caste people in my village labeled my mother a Dayan for being educated ..... because she was a dhobi's daughter..... and they burned her alive in front of me... and my father died ".
Karn looked horrified, and Sahira then spoke in a dark tone " I grew up and came back... I burned them alive in their homes without mercy !. I hacked them and their sons to pieces in front of them so they could know my pain !..... I RAN FROM MY CRIMES AND HID BEHIND A VENEER !!!!.... I am a worse coward than you ! ".
" Nahi, Sahi, nahi .... tune mera jeevan badla hai " Karn said with remorse.
" I embraced the monster inside of me... and now you embrace yours. What use is Dharma if it protects the criminals instead of the victims ?.... you asked why I can still look at you ?..... because I have been where you are. I know your pain even better ..... and I ask you to accept all parts of yourself. Jarasandh deserved his fate, but your work is not done. There are more Jarasandhs to be killed !, more daughters to be avenged, more fathers to be given justice and more mothers to know their daughters will walk in the streets safely !. Yeh log ek hi bhasha Samajhte hai ... rakt ki bhasha " Sahira said with a voice of steely determination " if you falter today, you will always falter !. Get up and fight, Karn !. GET UP AND FIGHT !!!! ".
Karn stood up with determination in his face and fire burning in his eyes.
Sahira smiled tearfully and raised her hand.
Karn grasped her elbow as she did his and nodded at each other.
Radha watched it all with a tearful smile. She knew love when she saw one. She hoped they would always stay together.
-
" There are many people leaving Hastinapur " Vidhur grimaced while informing Dhritarashtra " we have had a loss of labor and merchants both ".
Dhritrashtra grimaced as Pandavas held back scowls while the Kauravas and the other ministers were in the assembly.
This has been going on for months now. Many people of Sura and Vaishya caste have been leaving Hastinapur ever since the news of Karn ending Jarasandh spread.
They had been migrating North and the Hastinapur soldiers, on Bhishma's orders, have been stopping them from leaving. Dhritarashtra put an end to this order as he didn't want to force people to stay, much to Bhishma's anger.
" They were leaving Hastinapur, Maharaj " Shakuni smiled " par mere priye bhanje, apke putra, yuvraj Duryodhan ne sab theek kar diya hai ".
It was true.
Duryodhana, in his power as Yuvraj, has brought the same changes to Hastinapur that have been happening in Magadha. He has been making pensions for the soldiers' families while decreasing the taxes and fixing homes of different communities himself along with his Kaurav brothers. This has earned him love and respect among many low castes and hatred among the more traditional Brahmin and Kehatriyas. He even passed laws benefiting everyone.
However, Duryodhan has proved himself a more capable administrator than Yudhisthira, a fact that angered the Pandavas.
" Kya theek kiya hai bratha Duryodhan ne ? " Nakul fumed " he has destroyed our traditions. Why should soldiers sell their Dharma for money ?. You made Kshatriyas into Vaishyas !".
" If only you could see beyond your mirror, dear Anuj. There is a change coming and it started in Magadha. For the betterment of society and Kingdom, change is needed. Our Kingdom is already being abandoned and by getting rid of unnecessary rules and passing new laws for the betterment of all castes, we can progress further " Duryodhan said " and besides, that Karn has already proven twice now to never underestimate people by their caste, it would be better if we all take that lesson to heart ".
The Pandavas looked furious at the mention of Karn, and so did some of the other ministers. That Sutputra had cost them their reputation, the Pandavas their honor and Kuruvansh its respect.
" You are an adharmi, Duryodhan !. No wonder you're praising someone who is your equal in being an adharmi " Bheem looked red faced.
Before Duryodhan could insult back, Bhishma yelled " Silence !... you have not been called to fight like children. There is another matter that is to be raised here. The matter of your marriages ! ".
" Pitamah is correct " Dhritrashtra said calmly. He loved Pandavas and Kauravas equally as he did not want to discriminate between his deceased beloved brother's children and his own " You are of an age to be married..... and it has been a long time since there have been children running in these halls. I am getting older and wish for grandchildren to play with before I pass away. It is also your duty to further our lineage, putro ".
" According to Dharma, Jyesht Yudhisthira should be married as he is the firstborn of this generation and eldest amongst us all " Bheem said in support of his brother.
" My brother is the Yuvraj. He will be married first ! " Dushasana protested.
" Marriage is for humans, not Rakashas ! " Nakul shot back.
" It's not for animals either, you peacock ! " Vikarna scowled and Nakul was red faced.
" You called Nakul an animal ?! " Bheem growled.
" We did, you Buffalo face "
" We are at least handsome ! " Arjun shot back.
" You have a face only your mother can love ! " another Kaurava spat.
" SILENCE !!! " Bhishm roared and they all went silent.
Not for the first time, he regretted not taking the throne himself. He feared for Kuruvansh if these Nalayk's were left in charge.
" Kakashree " Vidur said " king Chitrangada is holding a Swaymvar in Kalinga for his daughter Princess Bhaumati..... and we have not been invited ".
" This is an insult to Kuruvansh " Bhishma said " Duryodhan, you will go to Kalinga and abduct Princess Bhanumati, and marry her ".
" Old man, didn't you learn your lesson from Kashi and Karn already ?!. You're putting us on thin ice here " Duryodhan protested.
" Obey your elders, Duryodhan ! " Bhishm roared.
The Yuvraj walked away while gritting his teeth.
Bhishm then instructed the Pandavas and Kauravas to go to different kingdoms to form alliances, and instructed them on which ones.
-
" I am disappointed with all of you " Radhama said to her children at the dinner table.
2 weeks have passed since that incident, which ended up with Karn and Sahira growing closer. Karn had recovered quickly and went back to training the people and also continuing the training of Sahira in Shastra vidya.
Hanuman was doing tapasya while chanting Ram's name.
As they were having dinner, they paused while staring at Radhama in shock.
" Amma, what did we do ?! " Devrya was shocked.
" It's about what you didn't do " Radhama said while having a distressed face.
" What did we not do ? " Karn was confused and his mother was getting irritated. Adhirath was searching for an escape route while Radha was amused.
" I got it !.... " Devrya said with a smile and Radhama had a wide smile on her face " we forgot to wash the clothes today ".
Radhama again looked irritated and Karn smiled " don't worry, mate. We will wash them at first light ".
" Yehi !!!... yehi wajah hai ki mujhe is ghar mein mata aur Radhe bulane wale sab hai, par dadi aur nani bulane wala koi nahi (This !!!.... this is why I only have people who call me mother or Radhe, but no one to call me grandma !) " Radha said in anguish.
Karn and Devrya blanched, almost spitting out their food and coughing while Radha and Sahira were amused.
" Ma, meri umar hi Kya hai ?. Itne jaldi shadi mat karvao, please ! " Karn begged his mother and everyone were confused at the word 'please', and looked at Sahira who was trying to stifle her laughter. She sometimes used English words and Karn had caught onto them.
" Ma, Mai bohot javan hoon !. Thoda time de doh, please ? " Devrya said and Sahira had to wonder if she listened in on her conversations sometimes.
" Doosri bhasha mat bolo " Radha sternly said " agar mere pothe aur pothi na hue, toh Mai apni Jan de doongi ! " Radha cried and both were horrified along with others.
" MA, NAHI !!! "
" HAM SHAADI KARENGE !!! "
" JAN MAT DO APNI !!! "
Karn and Devrya panicked.
Radha's tears vanished and she had a wide smile on her face.
Sahira laughed at Radhama's acting 'Dwapar Yug ka ghar bhi Kaliyug se kam nahi ! (Dwaparyug or Kaliyug, drama is the same)'.
" Devrya, you marry Eklavya ! " Radha quickly said and smiled at her daughter's blush as others were shocked " I know how you look at him, my daughter ! ".
" Amma, I don't even know him that well !..... I mean he is handsome but - " Devrya quickly blushed from what she said, and Sahira laughed.
" Pakdi gayi " Sahira laughed.
" Karn, you will marry Sahira ! " Radhama said.
Sahira choked on her laughter and coughed while Karn stared at his mother in shock. Radhama continued " I know how you 2 look at each other !... Karn, you have been blessed to have Sahira in your life. She is the epitome of everything I wanted in a wife for you. She has changed so much and has helped protect your sister..... Sahira, I would be glad to call you my bahu. You have guarded this family and stopped my son from making horrible mistakes. I do not wish to pressure you and I will understand if neither of you accept ".
" I will marry her " " I will marry him ".
They both said at the same time and looked at each other in shock, with blushes on their faces.
-
Karn and Sahira had both decided to go on a walk after dinner outside their home in the forest nearby.
There was an awkward silence between them.
And they both decided to break it at the same time
" I love you " " I know this is uncomfortable - "
Sahira paused and looked at Karn in shock at his words and he continued " I love you..... I have always loved you in my heart since the day I met you. I was scared that you wouldn't return my feelings so I kept quiet ".
Sahira, however, cut him off by kissing him. She was only a head shorter than him so she had no problem reaching him.
Karn was surprised at her move and she broke the kiss to say " you have no idea how long I have wanted to do that .... ".
Karn smirked at her and kissed her. He then kissed her neck and removed the back of her clothes while Sahira pushed down his Dhoti.
Karn kissed and positioned his cock in her clit, moving inside her and making her moan
They explored each other that night and truly became one.
-
The next morning, Karn had gone off to work with a smile on his face when his senses kicked off and he caught an arrow
The strange thing was that the arrow was not aiming on him, but at the tree next to him.
He saw that there was a scroll tied to an arrow and unfolded it.
He read " For liberating and returning my childhood home to me, I am very grateful to you, Radheya Karn. I know someone who can help you in yours and Sahira Nagir's goals and be a teacher for your people as well as ally. His name is Guru Vardev, a renowned Brahmin living in Kalinga's forests. Yours sincerely, Makhanchor ".
He saw the morpankh attached to the letter and it was enough to confirm the identity of the sender.
Sahira told him about how he had him killed by deceit, but he had deserved it at that time, and Krishna had to stop Kalipurush's influence from growing. Karn didn't blame Krishna, considering what Sahira had told him about the worst things happening in Kaliyug.
" Mitr " Eklavya found him and spoke " Bechand needs lesson in archery. He's getting scared of firing the bow again ".
Karn smiled at him and handed him the scroll.
Eklavya read it and his eyes widened " when are you leaving ? ".
" Tomorrow... I will marry Sahira today "
-
Karn had reached the forests of Kalinga after a few weeks of travel.
A girl almost bumped into him coming from the side tree but he stopped.
He looked into her eyes, and then her face as he noticed that she was beautiful.
" Are you here to meet my pitashree, Guru Vardev ? " she said, looking him up and down.
" yes..... "
" I am Vardha " she introduced herself " you don't look like you're from Kalinga ".
" No. I am Karn " he introduced himself and her eyes widened.
" As in that Karn who killed Jarasandh ?!!! " there was awe in her surprised voice " You also forced his son to return Mathura back to Dwarka, to Shri Krishna, who is rumored to be an avatar of Vishnu ! ".
" He is an avatar of Vishnu " Karn confirmed nd there was a sudden joy in her eyes. She reminded him of Sahira.
Damn, Karn was already missing her.
Karn saw Varadha's joyful expression as she talked about the newest avatar and what would it be like to meet him. If Sahira was here, she would say that this girl is 'fangirling'.
His senses came on alert and he pulled Varadha back just in time as a horse rushed in.
Varadha was shocked and looked at Karn, because she started blushing when she noticed that she was in his arms protectively and how strong they were.
" HEY, WATCH WHERE YOU'RE RIDING !!! " Karn growled once he let go of her.
The cart suddenly stopped, and its driver wearing a dark brown armor turned to Karn, staring at him in shock.
" Duryodhan ? " Karn looked surprised, and the next moment, a girl wearing a bridal saree came from the cart as she looked at everyone scared
" Rajkumari Bhanumati ?! " Vardha exclaimed.
" What the hell is going on ?!! " Karn was irritated until he remembered the stories Sahira told him " ... is this bride abduction ?! ".
" Help me !, he abducted me from my Swaymvar ! " Bhanumati exclaimed as she looked at Karn with pleading eyes.
" I am not doing this on purpose, Princess. My Pitamah Bhishm ordered me to do it for Hastinapur not being invited into your Swaymvar " Duryodhan grit his teeth.
" Wait, Mahamahim Bhishm ?! " Vardha was stunned.
Karn scowled " Woh buddha kabhi nahi sudhrega. Javan jaye par akal na aye ".
Duryodhan then burst out laughing, to the others' surprise.
" Karn, you cannot insult an elder ! " Vardha looked scandalized.
" No, that scoundrel deserves it " Duryodhan said " good insult, Karn... but you cannot stop me. Not without a fight ".
" A fight it is, then " Karn removed his bow from his back, keeping it on the ground as Duryodhan removed his armor, tossing it into his carriage.
Duryodhan came to tackle Karn to the ground, who caught him and tossed it over.
Karn received a kick to his face for that, but retaliated with a punch to Duryodhan's face, and caught his arm, snapping it.
Duryodhan yelled in pain while clutching at his right arm and used his body to slam Karn to a nearby tree.
Karn was now furious and punched him in the face, before kneeing him in the chest, and kicked his knees before finally slamming him to the ground.
Bhanumati and Vardha were shocked but relieved for Karn.
Duryodhan looked resigned " you are a great warrior and it was my honor fighting you... but I will lose my Kshatriya honor amongst my own prejudiced people if I go back. You kill me here and now ".
" If I kill you.... then I will be condemning your parents into performing your last rites " Karn said solemnly, shocking all 3 present " when a parent dies, it's their children's duty to do their Antim Sanskaar. A parent who has to lose their child and light their pyre is a horrible thing to even imagine... Duryodhan, you have 99 brothers who love you to death, and if I kill you here and now, they will come after me and I will kill them. If I kill you, then that gambling idiot Yudhisthir would become Yuvraj and would come at me with an army who I will also kill.... This will only end in mothers having to light their children's pyres, including your own... your mother who has already suffered so much in life. Do you want that ? ".
" NO ! " Duryodhan looked horrified with every word spoken. Even Vardha and Bhanumati felt sorry for him, but their respect for Karn grew.
" You are wise for your age, Karn " A voice commented and a Brahmin stood nearby, watching the scene with folded arms and a slight smile on him.
" Pitashree, when did you come here ? " Vardha was surprised.
" I have been here since that carriage was and saw everything " Vardevacharya said as he then turned to Duryodhan " you have a good heart, Duryodhan, but you never listen to it. I cannot blame you, considering the bias you and your brothers lived with, while your Pandav brothers were favored for being Devputra..... there comes a time when you have to make your own decisions. That is the sign of a good King, otherwise Bhishm will control you his whole life ".
Duryodhan looked at the Gurudev, as he nodded and bowed to him with respect, even as he felt pain and groaned from it.
" Rajkumari Bhanumati.... I have committed the sin of kidnapping you from your Swaymvar and wish to marry you to redeem myself. I promise to treat you well ".
Bhanumati looked teary eyed " I cannot. I forgive you, Yuvraj, but I cannot live in a Kingdom where people like Bhishm would mark my children as Bad omens just for being yours. Even I have heard the stories. I cannot trust you for kidnapping me either, and neither can I go back... the only way left for me is to regain my honor by burning myself alive ".
Vardha looked horrified " WHAT ?!!! ".
Even Karn was disturbed, but closed his eyes in resignation.
" Marry him then " Duryodhan turned to Karn, who looked stunned.
Even Bhanumati stared at Karn who protested " I am neither a Kshatriya, nor a prince. I just live a simple life with my family. I love someone else !. Her name is Sahira and I have already married her ".
" I don't mind living as a second wife, even if you don't love me. I can live with it.... Karn, I have heard of you. You have fought Jarasandh and killed that monster, avenging innocents and bringing justice to them.... I don't mind living a simple life as long as it is with a good man like you " Bhanumati said with pleading eyes.
" But you don't know what I am capable of, the things I am capable of doing... only Sahira does and she has accepted me. Forgive me, but I cannot marry you. I am a coward at the end of the day " Karn said with remorse.
Bhanumati again looked devastated, and Guru Vardev intervened " you are not a coward, Karn..... the one who sees others' pain and helps to ease it is no coward. If you don't marry Bhanumati, then she will kill herself.... I promise you that if you marry her, I will help Sahira understand why you did what you did..... A woman's honor is on the line, and you know what society is like ".
There was a moment of silence, until Karn sighed " Alright, I will marry her.... Sahira will kill me for this later... but I will marry Bhanumati ".