Karna's POV:
Mitra Suyodhana invited me to the royal banquet.
I am grateful to him—for standing up for me when no one else did. For declaring me Angraj, when the world tried to push me back into shadows. For giving me what no one else ever even offered: dignity.
I was still simmering with rage from this morning. Being insulted by Bheem didn't surprise me—I've learned to expect arrogance from the Pandavas, especially when it concerns Arjun. But what hurt me… what really stung... were Guru Drona's words.
I was his student. Even if briefly.
I respected him deeply.
I trained under Lord Parashurama—endured pain, betrayal, rejection. I mastered every technique he offered, fought tooth and nail to earn every ounce of skill I have today. And yet… here, everything is about birth, not merit. Favouritism rules over fairness.
The hypocrisy of it all is unbearable.
Since arriving, Suyodhana has barely left my side. I don't mind his presence—it's comforting, grounding in its own way. But Gandhararaj Shakuni… being around him too long makes me restless. There's a cunning glint in his eyes I can never trust.
So I politely excused myself.
> "Mitra, I need a moment. I'll just look around the palace a bit."
I needed air. Space. Silence.
This palace, though grand, feels like a web—golden threads of formality wrapped around hollow relationships. Everyone plays a part here. Smiles are often masks.
As I walked through the corridors, I came across Rajmata Kunti.
It wasn't the first time I'd seen her. I've caught glimpses before, from a distance.
But this... this was different.
The moment she saw me, she stopped.
I walked over, instinctively, and bent down to touch her feet.
And then… I don't know why…
My eyes began to water.
She gave me her blessings—soft, warm—and gently caressed my hair.
Just like my mother used to do.
The touch… the warmth… the peace.
It felt like home. For a fleeting moment, I felt like a son again.
I stood up slowly.
Her eyes were glistening too.
There was something strange in the way she looked at me. A recognition, maybe? Or… guilt?
I couldn't make sense of it. So I just bowed and left with a quiet nod.
Even a brief escape from Mama Shakuni's gaze felt like a blessing.
I finally began to feel a bit more like myself again.
And then—
> "Angraj, may I speak with you?"
A voice called from behind.
I turned.
And what I saw…
Was entirely unexpected.
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