Arjun's POV:
I wanted to be on friendly terms with Angraj Karna.
But first, he needed to be crowned king of Anga—only then would he be allowed into the palace of Hastinapur.
According to what I'd read, Duryodhana truly treated Karna as his closest friend. So I figured... if Karna could gain influence among the Kauravas, maybe he could help calm things down from their side.
Besides, now that I think about it... Angraj Karna is also the eldest Kaunteya. I will try—no, I have to try—to help him get the respect he deserves in this palace.
That's my eldest brother, after all.
So, I stayed silent.
But then, my second-eldest brother, Bhrata Bheem, spoke up.
> "You, a Sutputra, dare to challenge my brother? He doesn't need to prove anything to the likes of you. You're outrageous."
Oh no.
That's all I could think.
My grandmother had once told me how Karna was cruelly insulted during this competition. But she didn't say it would come from his own younger brother.
My jyesth, Karna, looked stunned. His fists were clenched, his jaw tight. I could see the fire building behind his eyes.
And then…
> "I, Yuvraj Duryodhana, hereby crown Karna the King of Anga. This was a gift from my father. Now there shouldn't be any issue with him participating, right, Gurudev?"
The crowd gasped. Even Karna looked stunned.
> "Then there is no problem," Guru Dronacharya declared.
> "From now on, Karna is my closest friend. If anyone dares to insult him for his caste, they will be insulting me as well. So, mitra... do you accept my offer?"
Karna hesitated. But the heat of the moment consumed him, and he nodded.
Everything was happening so fast. Too fast.
And once again, no one bothered asking me what I thought. Decisions were made around me, above me—without me.
But I'm not the original Arjun.
I'm a boy from the 20th century, and I don't take kindly to people deciding my life for me like I'm some kind of doll.
>' This is the turning point. I can't let it go the same way again.'
So I spoke.
> "Wait. I didn't agree to fight yet.
I don't want to fight him at all."
And just like that, silence crashed down on the arena.
Did I say something wrong?
Before I could figure that out, Karna stepped toward me. His gaze was sharp, cold, almost... betrayed.
He towered in front of me, his voice thunderous:
> "Just because you're born into royal blood, you Pandavas think you can insult a warrior like me?!"
What?
> "What do you mean? I didn't insult anyone!" I protested.
> "And now you're lying!"
"Stop, both of you!" came Pitamaha Bhishma's voice.
> "Arjun, it's only morally correct for you to accept this challenge now. And Angraj Karna, please respect the elders around you.
This is an order. Both of you—take your positions."
And just like that, it was too late. The duel had begun.
---
Third Person's POV:
The duel began.
To everyone's surprise, Karna gave a fair, fierce competition to Arjun. The crowd, which had initially sneered at Karna, was now cheering for him as loudly as they did for Arjun.
Both archers moved with unmatched precision. Their arrows split the sky like lightning, and neither one yielded.
It became increasingly clear—they were equals.
As the sun neared the horizon, the duel still raged on. But neither had drawn blood. Not a single wound. It was a test of skill, not rage.
Then, just before the sunset—
Karna deliberately dropped his bow.
He walked forward, unarmed, and stood in front of one of Arjun's incoming arrows.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
But before the arrow could strike, a divine kavach shimmered to life on Karna's chest. The arrow disintegrated upon contact.
The audience lost it. Cheering, screaming, stunned admiration.
No winner had emerged from the duel, but Karna's divine armor had stolen the show.
Hidden in the crowd, Shakuni narrowed his eyes in curiosity. This armor was something to keep an eye on. And he silently praised Duryodhana for securing such a powerful ally.
Even the Pandavas looked at Karna with a new sense of awe.
All except Arjun, who stood with a quiet, unreadable expression.
That calm unnerved Karna more than anything.
He had expected arrogance. Frustration. Surprise.
But Arjun's stillness?
It triggered something deep within him.
Duryodhana walked up and embraced Karna in a loud show of friendship. Arjun, meanwhile, silently exited the ground with his brothers.
---
Meanwhile…
> "Dhatri, am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" Kunti asked in a daze.
> "What are you talking about, Kunti? Arjun seems completely fine," Gandhari said beside her.
> "I think Rajmata Kunti is just overwhelmed by her son's performance, Maharani," Dhatri added quickly, covering for her mistress.
> "Yes… Arjun has grown into a magnificent warrior and such a charming prince," Gandhari agreed. "But come, Kunti. We must prepare for the welcome ceremony and tonight's royal banquet."
Kunti only nodded, her mind far away, her heart weighed down by the truth she could never say aloud.
---