Karna's POV – Hastinapur:
I was really missing Radha ma and pitashree today.
Without them, this grand palace in Anga feels more like a decorated prison than a home. I've grown up in a humble house, one filled with laughter and the smell of warm food. This place—though majestic—feels cold. Hollow.
My parents had refused to move here. They wanted to stay back, close to our roots, close to the people who knew us before the title of Angaraj ever existed.
Honestly, I didn't want to live here either.
Today, I left for Hastinapur early. I told myself I was going to meet mitra, but perhaps I just needed a familiar road beneath my feet. Something to quiet this ache in my chest.
As I was walking, lost in thought, I unexpectedly came across Rajmata Kunti.
I bowed instantly and touched her feet.
She looked at me, eyes soft, as if she could see more than what I showed.
"Is something troubling you, son? You looked so lost just now."
I hesitated, then spoke with a half-smile. "Nothing serious, Rajmata. I was just… missing my parents. I spent most of my life training, far from them. And now I've left home again, this time for royal duties. I suppose... I just haven't had enough time to be with them."
She paused, studying me for a moment. Then her voice turned gentle.
"They must be so proud of you, Karna... Oh—I called you by your name."
"It's alright, Rajmata," I said softly. "You are like my mother."
Something in her expression shifted—just for a second. Her eyes widened faintly. It was subtle, but I noticed it.
Then she smiled, a little shakily.
"Then son, can you call me Kunti ma? I'd love to hear that instead of 'Rajmata.' And from now on, if ever you feel alone... or troubled... come find me."
There was warmth in her voice. A strange familiarity, too.
I nodded. "Okay, mata. I will come to you if I need advice."
She blessed me again, then walked away.
There was something comforting in her presence. Her eyes... her smile... even her words—they reminded me of Radha ma. Gentle. Steady. Always giving more than they received.
I feel for her. Despite everything, she stands strong. Her sons—whoever they are—should be proud to have such a mother.
And now, more than ever, I knew—
I could not let Shakuni kill her sons. I couldn't allow such evil—not while calling myself a warrior. Not while calling myself a friend to Duryodhan.
I couldn't bear to see tears in those kind eyes.
No, I have to stop Shakuni. One way or another.
Just then, a servant approached, bowing deeply.
"Angaraj, Rajkumar Arjun wishes to meet you."
Arjun? That surprised me. He had been ignoring me ever since the royal banquet... ever since that cursed moment that lit our silent rivalry into open flame.
Now he wants to meet?
"Tell him he may come. I also have something very important to say."
"As you wish, Angaraj."
So, fate moves its pieces again.
Perhaps this was the moment—to warn him. To end this wicked game before it begins.
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