As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Gurukul, Karna found himself in a moment of reflection. Rishi Parashurama, noticing the depth of his thoughts, approached him.
"Karna," the sage began, his voice resonant with authority, "there is something extraordinary about you. You are of divine lineage, yet you remain unaware of your heritage. Why is that?"
Karna took a deep breath, his heart heavy with the truth he had carried in silence. "Master, I was found as a child, abandoned and alone. My parents raised me without knowledge of my birth. I only know that I was discovered by a kind family who took me in."
Parashurama's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "We must seek Surya Dev to clarify your origins."
With a firm resolve, Parashurama called upon Surya, the sun god. In a brilliant flash of light, Surya descended, radiating warmth and power. "You summoned me, great sage?" he asked.
Parashurama nodded. "Karna is unaware of his true heritage. Please enlighten him."
Surya turned his gaze toward Karna, a mix of pride and sorrow reflected in his eyes. "You are my son, Karna. Your birth was destined, and in time, you shall know the significance of your lineage."
Karna's heart raced, a mix of confusion and elation. "But why was I abandoned?"
"To protect you," Surya explained gently. "Your fate is entwined with the world in ways that will unfold as time passes. You are destined to marry three women who are your soul mates."
Parashurama added, "Embrace this knowledge, Karna. Your heritage will become clearer with each passing year."
The End of an Era
After three intense years of education, Rishi Parashurama decided it was time for a brief respite. "You have all worked diligently," he announced. "I will grant you a month to visit your families before your further studies with the Tridevi and Trimurti."
Excitement rippled through the group as they prepared to reunite with their loved ones. Ananta-Hara and Aja-Akshar exchanged glances, their anticipation mirrored in each other's eyes.
"This time apart has strengthened us," Ananta-Hara said. "We shall return stronger and wiser."
With their hearts set on their families, the group split up. Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja decided to visit the Drona Ashram, where the Kauravas and Pandavas were studying.
Sisterly Bonds
As they approached the ashram, Budhl-Padma's heart swelled with pride. "Remember, Ashvi," she said, "we are not just here to visit; we are here to ensure our lessons have stuck."
The soft rustle of leaves welcomed Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja as they entered the Drona Ashram, where their brothers, the Kauravas and Pandavas, were being educated. Both sisters had spent years in intense study with Rishi Parashurama and were eager to see how their brothers had progressed. Their hearts were full of anticipation—not only for the reunion but also to introduce their brothers to one another and strengthen the family ties that had been strained by their separation.
"This visit isn't just about catching up," Budhl-Padma reminded Ashvi-Aparuja as they approached the ashram. "It's about uniting our brothers and showing them that we, too, are a family."
Ashvi-Aparuja, though blind, could feel the energy surrounding the ashram. "I'm ready. Let's ensure they understand the strength that comes from unity."
As they entered, Suyodhana was the first to spot them, his face lighting up in surprise and joy. "Sister!" he called, running toward Budhl-Padma and pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's been too long!"
The other Kauravas soon gathered around, murmuring their welcomes to Budhl-Padma. Meanwhile, the Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, approached Ashvi-Aparuja, curiosity in their eyes.
"Sister, it's good to finally meet you in person," Yudhishthira said, his voice filled with warmth.
Before the two groups could get too comfortable, Budhl-Padma stepped forward. "There's someone you all must meet," she said, gesturing toward Ashvi-Aparuja. "This is my dear sister, Ashvi-Aparuja."
The Kauravas looked at her in awe, their gazes flickering between Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja, realizing for the first time that Ashvi-Aparuja shared something in common with their parents—she was blind.
"She's like our father and mother," whispered one of the younger Kauravas.
Suyodhana, after a moment of surprise, stepped forward and addressed Ashvi-Aparuja directly. "Welcome, sister. Your blindness means nothing to us. You are family, and family is everything."
The other Kauravas, now reassured by Suyodhana's acceptance, nodded their agreement, offering Ashvi-Aparuja warm welcomes. She smiled, her heart swelling with joy at their kindness.
Budhl-Padma then turned to the Pandavas. "And this is my family, the Kauravas. And I, too, am your sister."
The Pandavas exchanged surprised glances, but Yudhishthira stepped forward and embraced Budhl-Padma with open arms. "We are honored to have you as our sister. Family is stronger together."
Bhima, typically more reserved, smiled at Budhl-Padma. "Another sister to keep us in line? I welcome that."
The others laughed, the tension between the cousins slowly dissolving as they began to accept the bonds that tied them together. For the first time, the possibility of unity among the once-divided families seemed real.
A Welcome for Karna
As the introductions continued, Karna stood slightly apart, watching the reunion unfold. His heart swelled with both joy and hesitation, unsure of his place among them. He had always been on the outside, unsure of his true identity, but now, after learning from Rishi Parashurama about his divine heritage, his uncertainty lingered.
But Budhl-Padma was quick to notice his hesitation. With a knowing smile, she turned toward both the Kauravas and Pandavas. "There's someone else you must meet."
She gestured to Karna, who took a hesitant step forward. "This is Karna. He is a brother in spirit, and I trust you will welcome him as you have welcomed each other."
The Kauravas, led by Suyodhana, stepped forward first. "We welcome you, Karna," Suyodhana said warmly, placing a hand on Karna's shoulder. "You are one of us now."
Karna's eyes shone with gratitude, a smile breaking across his face as the Kauravas enveloped him in brotherly embraces.
The Pandavas, despite their own doubts, saw the sincerity in Karna's eyes. Yudhishthira stepped forward, offering his hand. "We welcome you as well, Karna. No matter where you come from, you are part of this family now."
Karna took his hand, relief flooding through him as the weight of his uncertainty lifted. "Thank you," he said quietly, overwhelmed by the warmth and acceptance of his new brothers.
Sisterly Guidance
As the night fell and the group gathered around a fire, the sisters, Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja, shared their wisdom with the brothers.
"We've spent years learning the true meaning of dharma," Ashvi-Aparuja began, her voice steady and calm. "It is not about caste or power. It is about doing what is right, regardless of who you are. We must never look down on others because of their birth. Remember, we are all human, made of flesh and bone."
The brothers listened intently, absorbing every word.
Budhl-Padma added, "Our family is stronger together. We must bridge the gap between us and unite as one. No schemes or manipulations can prevail when we stand together as a family."
She then turned to Suyodhana. "I entrust you with a task, brother. Ensure that no one's honor is lost, and make sure no harm comes to our family's unity."
Ashvi-Aparuja gave similar guidance to the Pandavas. "Ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, is given a fair chance. Be true to what I've taught you—dharma must guide you always."
The brothers nodded, the weight of their sisters' words settling deeply within them. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but with the wisdom of Budhl-Padma and Ashvi-Aparuja guiding them, they felt ready
As the night drew to a close, the siblings knew that their time together had strengthened the bonds between them. The visit had not only reunited them as family but had also set the foundation for unity and mutual respect.