Chapter 11: The Departure into Silence
A gentle breeze stirred the banners atop the palace of Hastinapura. The scent of summer mingled with the distant sounds of life—horses neighing, soldiers training, children laughing. But within the cold stone corridors of the palace, something quiet and heavy was in motion.
Prince Pandu had returned home victorious from the battlefield, but his heart carried no joy. His footsteps echoed through the hall as he approached the king's chamber. With him walked his two wives: Kunti, dressed in a deep red saree with gold trim, and Madri, cloaked in calm silence, her eyes observing everything without a word.
They stood before King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari, both seated on the dais of the royal court.
> "Brother," Pandu said respectfully, bowing, "I have returned from war with success. Our enemies have been driven back, the border is secure."
The king nodded slowly, his blind eyes turning toward the sound of Pandu's voice.
> "You have done well, Pandu. The people speak of your bravery."
But Pandu's expression remained distant.
> "I did not return for praise. I have made a decision. I no longer wish to live within these walls of politics and endless warfare. I want peace."
Gandhari's head tilted slightly.
> "What do you mean?"
Pandu looked at her, then back to his brother.
> "I will leave the palace and live in the forest. A simple life, free from duty and bloodshed. My wives will come with me."
The words struck the court like thunder.
Queen Gandhari's hands froze in her lap.
Kunti's heart trembled at Pandu's side.
She said nothing. But inside, her thoughts swirled like a storm.
> This was not what I had imagined… I married into royalty. I thought I would live as a queen, surrounded by wealth and comfort. And now… forests? Silence? Isolation?
Her eyes flicked toward Pandu's calm face.
> But I already know. The curse… that sage… Kindama. This was always coming. He cannot live as other men do. I must follow him.
She forced herself to smile, nodding gently, playing her role as the supportive wife.
Madri remained silent but stepped closer to Pandu, her hand lightly brushing his.
Dhritarashtra remained quiet for a moment.
> "If that is what you desire, brother… then I won't stop you. Go and find your peace."
Pandu bowed once more.
> "Thank you."
There was no ceremony, no royal farewell. Only hushed whispers and curious eyes followed the departing carriages a few days later.
As the royal chariots rolled toward the forest, Kunti turned her head one last time, looking back at the towering gates of Hastinapura.
> I was born to serve a kingdom… Now I leave it behind for trees and rivers. Is this what fate meant for me?
She didn't cry. But her heart ached quietly.
---
Far behind them, in the palace of Hastinapura, Queen Gandhari sat in her private chamber, pressing a hand to her abdomen.
A strange warmth had begun to stir within her for some weeks now.
> "You're sure, Devi?" the maid asked gently.
Gandhari gave a rare smile.
> "Yes. I am with child."
The news remained within the palace walls for now, guarded and unspoken.
The scent of sandalwood lingered in the queen's chambers, where soft silks had been draped in preparation for blessings yet to come.
Queen Gandhari sat near her window, hands gently resting on her stomach. Her expression was peaceful, though her eyes hid a deeper resolve.
Across the hall, when the news was whispered into King Dhritarashtra's ears by a loyal servant, a rare light spread across his face.
> "Truly? Is it certain?" he asked, voice trembling with hope.
> "Yes, Maharaj," the servant replied. "The royal physician has confirmed. Queen Gandhari is with child."
A slow, deep breath escaped the blind king's lips. He stood up slowly, his hand reaching out into empty air. Servants rushed to support him, but he waved them away.
> "I… I am going to be a father," he murmured. "I… I will have an heir. A child who will sit on the throne of the Kuru dynasty."
At that moment, Shakuni, Gandhari's brother, stepped into the chamber. His robes were finer than usual, his beard neatly trimmed.
> "So, the gods have smiled upon Hastinapura at last," Shakuni said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Sister, you always bring change wherever you go."
Gandhari nodded softly, her fingers caressing her still-flat belly.
> "It is too early… but I can feel something. A stirring inside."
Dhritarashtra reached out, and Gandhari guided his hand to her stomach. For a few quiet moments, the royal couple stood there, touched by the beginnings of a new future.
---
Elsewhere in the City…
In a small but respected home near the edge of the noble quarter, Adhiratha and Radha were finishing the evening prayers with their young son Karna, who now toddled around with curious eyes and endless energy.
A low knock came at the door. Adhiratha opened it to find a trusted court servant with a wrapped cloth bundle.
> "The palace sends this in celebration," the servant said with a smile. "But it is not yet public news. Only a few loyal families have been informed."
Adhiratha raised a brow. "What news?"
> "Queen Gandhari is pregnant."
Radha gasped softly, taking the bundle—a small basket of sweets and scented oils.
> "Such a blessing… May the child be born healthy and strong," she whispered, looking down at young Karna who clutched her finger.
The servant nodded and left. Adhiratha closed the door, his expression thoughtful.
> "So the king will have an heir at last," he said. "This will change things in the kingdom."
Radha smiled as she lifted Karna into her arms.
> "Our son is already destined for greatness… but it is good that the palace rejoices as well."
Karna, in his toddler voice, giggled as he reached toward a flickering lamp.
Unknown to them, even now, the divine symbol of the sun between Karna's brows remained hidden from all.
---
Back in the palace, as night fell, King Dhritarashtra called his brother Vidura to his side.
> "Send word to the sages and scholars. I want the best astrologers in the kingdom ready. My son will be born under the greatest stars."
Vidura bowed respectfully.
> "As you wish, Maharaj."
Outside, the moon shone brightly over the royal city. The winds carried secrets, destinies, and hopes across the land—some whispered by fate, others carved in the hearts of those yet to rise.