Arjun's POV :
"I will help you. You are my favorite Anuj, after all."
And just like that, he agreed to help me. Well… that was quick.
I wanted to be sure. So, I asked again.
"You agree? You're serious, right?"
"Of course, I'm serious. I don't want to see my siblings fighting with my best friend and his brothers. Well… they're technically my cousins now."
His tone was still odd—too calm, too detached from the situation. It didn't sit right with me. It didn't match the Karna I thought I knew.
But now that he had explained, I thought I understood. Of course, he wouldn't want to see his best friend standing against his own blood brothers.
We just needed a plan now—to end this long-standing hatred.
"How are you planning to convince Bhrata Duryodhana, Jyesth? Do you need my help? Ending this rivalry won't be easy." I asked.
He paused, thinking.
"Yes… you can do something. Go to Varnavat, along with your brothers. While I'm working things out, it's best if you five stay out of Mitra's sight. He'll get angry if he thinks I'm on your side. Go there for five days, maybe."
Varnavat.
I know the cruel tale of Varnavat. My grandmother once told me everything.
Why would he ask me to go there?
I fell silent, staring at him. I began to judge him. Was this friendliness a lie? Did he actually hate me that much?
I was heartbroken, to say the least. Karna was my favorite hero—after Krishna and Arjun himself. He felt like the elder brother I never had.
But I didn't want to jump to conclusions. I chose to confront him directly.
"Varnavat? Why, Jyesth? We could just go to Dwarka and stay there for a few days."
Now it was his turn to go quiet.
His silence scared me.
What if my suspicions were right?
Still, I waited.
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Karna's POV:
I already felt horrible. My senses were finally returning, and I was starting to think clearly again.
No… this can't be happening.
That Gandharraj Shakuni really managed to manipulate me, even if only for a moment.
But it was too late. I had already spoken of Varnavat. And now Arjun was suspicious.
Honestly… a part of me had been hoping he wouldn't listen to me.
Because if I truly led my five brothers to their death—it would haunt me forever. I'd never be able to look Mata Kunti in the eye again.
But I had made a promise to Mitra—to convince Arjun to go.
If Arjun rejected my suggestion, I wouldn't have to break my word.
"I heard it's a beautiful place. I just wanted you to get away from this chaos for a while. That's all…"
I'm terrible at lying. And that excuse wasn't convincing at all. No wonder he looked unconvinced.
He seemed… hurt. I couldn't read him.
What's going on in his head? Why won't he just say no?
The silence between us grew too loud, too heavy.
So, I tried to break it.
"Arjun—"
"So, you really want me to go to that place? Please, be honest, Jyesth. I need to know."
He cut me off, eyes stern and searching.
"Well, I was only suggesting. Maybe… maybe you should go to Dwarka instead…"
"No. I'll go to Varnavat, just as you said. But I'll go alone. My brothers have been wanting to visit Dwarka for a while. This is a good chance for them—and for our Mata."
No. No, no…
I wanted to protest, to scream—but the words wouldn't leave my throat.
I was still bound by my promise to Suyodhana.
But I couldn't let my brother die. Not like this. If Arjun is meant to die, it should be like a warrior—on the battlefield.
"I'll leave for Varnavat tomorrow, Jyesth. But don't forget your promise. You must end this destructive rivalry. You should head back to your palace now."
His words broke through my thoughts.
Did I just push my brother to his death?
"Arjun… shouldn't you reconsider your decision?" I tried my best. I really did.
"No, Jyesth. I trust you. You'll always give me the best advice. You can stay longer, but I need to go find Bhrata Bheem now."
He excused himself and walked out, leaving me standing alone in his room.
I don't know how long I stood there, frozen.
Eventually, I turned to leave too.
But before I stepped out, I made myself a promise:
I will not let him die.
It's not his fault. It's not the fault of the other brothers either.
It was our mother's decision.
Even if Arjun is trying to break me mentally—I will not play dirty.
I have my own morals.
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