"How... how am I the real Arjun, Madhav?"
I was confused, to say the least.
What exactly did he mean just now?
> "Bhrata Arjun! Why didn't you wait for us?"
Sahadev entered my room.
> "Sahadev, meet—"
I turned around.
But there was no one there.
Madhav had vanished—like smoke into thin air.
He came… just to confuse me more?
> "Meet who, exactly? You look completely lost right now.
But I get it… they invited us here just to humiliate us."
> "It's okay, Sahadev. They're our cousins.
And Angraj Karna… he's older than all of us.
So, in a way, he's like our Jyesth…"
Sahadev gave me that 'I'm done with you' expression.
> "I'd rather have only four brothers. No thanks.
And don't mind me, but sometimes it feels like you're not you, Bhrata.
You act like someone else altogether."
> "I agree."
Nakul appeared out of nowhere, as usual.
Soon, Jyesth Yudhisthir and Bhrata Bheem joined us.
> "Enough, both of you," Jyesth said firmly.
"You should learn from Arjun. He did the right thing back there.
I'm proud of you, Arjun. Yes, you lost your temper—but it was understandable."
> "Jyesth is right. You two talk too much. Be more like Arjun," Bhrata Bheem added, taking the chance to scold them.
> "Bheem," Jyesth turned to him, "what you did this morning wasn't right either.
You should apologize to Angraj as well."
Bhrata Bheem had no words to answer that. Jyesth always had the final say.
> "Let's all get some rest. Tomorrow is important—we must be present in the royal court for the first time."
And just like that, everyone left the room.
Leaving me alone. Again.
That's when Mata walked in.
I smiled without even realizing it.
I had never seen her before… but somehow, it didn't feel awkward.
It felt like I had known her forever.
> "You've grown up so much… and now you don't even remember your mother, do you?"
I rushed into her arms.
She sat on my bed, cradling my head in her lap.
She softly caressed my hair.
The comfort it gave me was indescribable.
> "Nope, doesn't seem like you've grown up at all," she teased.
"That's good. I never want any of you to grow up."
> "Mata! I'm already nineteen! I'm not a kid anymore. Don't say things like that in front of others!"
> "Okay, okay, I'm sorry."
Then her voice turned serious.
> "Son, I need to talk to you about something important.
I've already discussed it with your Jyesth.
Please listen carefully…"
I sat up, focusing completely.
> "Please don't hate Karna. He's a very well-mannered boy.
I know there's a fierce rivalry between you two…
But avoid conflict with him if you can."
> "Mata, I promise—I'll never initiate a fight with him.
But… maybe you should also tell your other son to behave properly."
Her eyes widened slightly.
> "What? Putra Arjun… do you know something?"
And that's when I knew—I messed up.
I was supposed to act like I knew nothing about Angraj's truth.
> "I mean… I saw him touching your feet.
And you… you caressed his hair like you would with me.
You treated him like your own.
So I thought—why not ask the other son to do the same?
Why, Mata?
Am I supposed to know something?"
I covered my slip pretty smoothly. Or… did I?
They say mothers always know.
Did she believe me?
> "No, son. You're not supposed to know anything.
I'll leave now—get some rest after such a long day.
Just remember what I said… for the future."
And with that, she left the room.
---
Well…
My first day in Hastinapur was definitely eventful.
I wonder what tomorrow has in store…
---
Karna's POV:
I stood still for a while after the banquet ended.
The sound of laughter and music had faded... but his silence lingered.
I didn't even get to see his face after that incident.
> "I did not like the outcome either, Arjun...
It was against my will."
I had said those words—but I don't think he heard them.
Honestly, I didn't expect mitra Suyodhana to demand that punishment.
And yet… I didn't stop him either.
Why?
Was it pride? Loyalty? Or something else?
I have been insulted many times before—for my birth, my caste, my status.
I have endured it all. But watching him, the great Arjun, kneel before me—
It didn't make me feel powerful.
It made me feel…
small.
He didn't look defeated. He didn't look angry.
He just looked...
hurt.
And somewhere deep inside, that unsettled me more than anything else.
He doesn't know me. But he fights like me. Thinks like me.
And for a moment…
When he held that dagger with trembling hands—
I saw myself.
The same rage. The same fire. The same wounded pride.
Why does he feel so familiar?
Why does his voice echo in my head—like a forgotten memory?
> "Even if he learns about his real identity…
He will choose them over his own blood brothers."
Who said that?
Why did those words cross my mind?
I pressed my palms against my head.
No.
I must be imagining things again.
This place, this palace, these people—
They twist your mind, make you doubt yourself.
Only one thing is certain:
I chose Suyodhana.
He gave me my dignity.
And I will stand by him, always.
Even if the past tries to return in whispers.
Even if the truth claws its way to the surface.
I can't go back.
I won't go back.
---