The days following Karna's discovery of his origins were marked by a quiet transformation within him. His love and respect for Radha ma deepened immeasurably, and he insisted on being called Radheya—a tribute to his amma (mother), who had raised him with unwavering love and care. Vrushali, understanding the significance of this, began calling him Radheya as well. Each time she addressed him with that name, Karna felt a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
As time passed, a new determination began to grow within him. Karna resolved to leave the comforts of his home at the age of sixteen to seek a guru who could guide him in mastering the knowledge of Shastras and Astras. One evening, as the household settled into its usual rhythm, Karna approached Radha and Adhiratha with his decision.
Karna (hesitantly, looking down):
"Ma... Baba... I have something to tell you."
Radha and Adhiratha exchanged a glance, sensing the weight in Karna's voice.
Radha (gently):
"What is it, Vasu?"
Karna (pausing, then speaking firmly):
"I've decided that when I turn sixteen, I'll leave home to search for a guru. I want to learn everything I can about warfare and strategy. I want to make you proud, but I know I need to step beyond this home to do that."
Radha's heart clenched at his words. She had feared this day would come, yet she had always hoped it might be delayed. She had expected tears to spill from her eyes, but instead, a soft smile formed on her lips.
Radha (smiling, though her voice carried a tinge of sadness):
"Although I am sad that you're leaving, Vasu... I'm not afraid. You once promised me you would always stay by my side. And I have complete faith in you. I know you'll come back after completing your education. You're my pride, my light... my Radheya. I'll wait for the day you return as the great warrior I know you're destined to be."
Karna's chest tightened at her words. He reached out and held her hand tightly.
Karna (softly):
"Ma, I'll come back to you, I swear. No matter where life takes me, this will always be my home. You will always be my mother."
Radha embraced him tightly, her love a silent reassurance. Adhiratha placed a hand on Karna's shoulder, pride evident in his eyes.
Adhiratha:
"Go with our blessings, Radheya. Learn everything you can, but never forget the values we've taught you. Your mother and I will always be here, waiting for your return."
At this time Vrushali stepped forward, her voice steady and determined.
Vrushali:
"I will go with him too."
Karna turned to her in surprise.
Karna:
"Vrushali, you don't have to—"
Vrushali (cutting him off):
"No, Radheya. If you're stepping out into the world, then I'll step with you. Together, we'll find your path. And I'll make sure you never feel alone in this journey."
Radha looked at Vrushali with gratitude and admiration.
Radha (smiling):
"Then I can rest easy, knowing you'll be by his side. Thank you, Vrushali."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, but the weight of the impending journey lingered in the air.
A Shadow Revealed
One day, during their training, Karna noticed Amrit's absence. Concerned, he decided to check on him. As he approached Amrit's locality, a disturbing scene unfolded before his eyes.
Amrit stood amidst a group of younger children, striking them with a stick. There was a strange glint of satisfaction in his eyes, a smile that didn't belong to the Amrit Karna thought he knew. Karna froze, unable to process what he was witnessing.
As Amrit walked away, Karna broken from shock approached the children.
Karna (kneeling, his voice calm yet firm):
"Why was he beating you? What happened?"
The children, initially hesitant, exchanged nervous glances before one of them spoke.
Child:
"He beats us often. At first, we made fun of him, but one day... he just snapped. He beat us so badly, and there was this... smile on his face. Since then, we've been too scared to talk to him or even play near him."
Karna's disbelief deepened, but he knew he needed to confirm this.
Karna:
"Are you sure this is the truth? Don't lie to me."
Another child:
"It's the truth, Radheya bhaiya. He doesn't just beat us for no reason. Sometimes, he asks why we don't include him in games, but it's the way he enjoys it... it scares us."
Karna, troubled by this revelation, left the locality in silence. He discussed the matter with Vrushali that evening, and together, they decided to incorporate meditation into their training to help cultivate peace and focus.
As the day of Karna's departure neared, his anxiety grew. However, he resolved to address the situation with Amrit before leaving. During training, Karna found an opportunity to confront him.
Training grounds, early morning
Karna and Amrit sparred, their movements swift and calculated. As the session ended, Karna approached Amrit, his expression stern.
Karna (firmly):
"Amrit, I need to talk to you."
Amrit looked up, sensing the tension in Karna's voice.
Amrit:
"What is it, Vasu?"
Karna (serious):
"I saw you yesterday, in your locality. I saw you beating those kids. Is it true what they say? That you've been doing this often?"
Amrit's face darkened, and a flicker of guilt crossed his features before being replaced by defensiveness.
Amrit (sharply):
"So what if I have? They deserve it. They used to mock me, call me names. Now they know better than to mess with me."
Karna (sternly):
"Is this how you deal with your pain? By inflicting it on others? That's not strength, Amrit. That's weakness. You can't let your anger control you like this."
Amrit (angrily):
"You think you understand me, Vasu? You don't know what it's like to be laughed at, to feel powerless. This is the only way to make them respect me."
Karna (calm but firm):
"Respect doesn't come from fear, Amrit. It comes from how you treat others. You're better than this—I know you are. But if you keep going down this path, you'll lose yourself."
Amrit's jaw tightened, his anger simmering just below the surface.
Amrit (bitterly):
"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think. Not everyone can be as perfect as Radheya, the golden boy of Hastinapur."
The words stung, but Karna held his ground.
Karna:
"I'm not perfect, Amrit. But I know the difference between right and wrong. And this... this isn't right."
The tension between them grew unbearable. Amrit's eyes flashed with resentment.
Amrit (coldly):
"Maybe it's best if we go our separate ways, then. You walk your path, and I'll walk mine."
Karna (quietly):
"If that's what you want. But I'll still hope you find your way back."
With those parting words, their friendship fractured. Karna walked away, his heart heavy with disappointment, while Amrit stood alone, his anger masking the pain within.
As the final week approached, Karna threw himself into his training with renewed focus. He and Vrushali began doing meditation daily, a practice that not only sharpened their concentration but also brought them a sense of inner peace. Yet, as the day of their departure drew near, Karna couldn't shake the lingering sadness over his falling out with Amrit.
One evening, as Karna sat by the Ganga, staring into its flowing waters, Vrushali joined him.
Vrushali (softly):
"Radheya, don't carry this burden alone. Amrit will find his way, just as you're finding yours. Trust in time."
Karna nodded, her words offering him some solace. Together, they watched the sun dip below the horizon, its golden light reflecting off the river—a symbol of the journey ahead.