The morning sun glistened upon the sacred waters of the Ganga. Mahapitamah Bhishma, clad in white, stood at the riverbank, his expression somber. His silver beard swayed with the breeze as he stepped into the shallow waters, calling upon his divine mother.
A swirl of mist and divine light rose from the river, and from it emerged Ganga Devi, radiant and calm.
Bhishma bowed deeply. "Mother, I seek your guidance. There is a boy... a child with power in his eyes and fate carved into his steps. Who is Aryan?"
Ganga's eyes shimmered as she looked toward the eastern horizon.
"Do not walk against his path, son," she replied. "He is rebirth wrapped in innocence. He will be the end to those who wrong him and a shield to those who walk beside him. His destiny is not of this age—it is eternal."
Bhishma's eyes narrowed, taking in her words with reverence and caution. He bowed once more.
**"Then I shall watch, not interfere."
---
Return to the Palace
Later that morning, Aryan and Karna arrived at the royal palace, welcomed by the guards and led through the lotus garden. Aryan's face lit up upon seeing Duhsala, who ran toward him with cheerful laughter.
"Aryan! You came again!" she beamed.
"Of course," Aryan grinned. "We didn't finish our game of pakdam-pakdai!"
Karna chuckled as Aryan ran off with Duhsala, the two vanishing behind flowering hedges.
From a separate corridor, Gandhari entered the garden, her steps calm, guided by her attendant. Her face held a warm curiosity.
"He feels just like Vasumati… my dearest friend," she whispered to herself. "Even in his laughter, I hear her voice."
Not far behind, Kunti walked silently, her gaze locked on Karna. She watched him as he stretched beside Duryodhan, preparing for another friendly combat bout.
When Karna paused, breath catching from fatigue, Kunti stepped forward and silently offered him a copper cup filled with cool water, followed by a banana from a silver plate.
Karna accepted it, surprised but grateful.
"Thank you, Maharani," he said softly.
Kunti only smiled and sat a short distance away, watching with eyes full of both pride and sorrow.
---
The Games Begin
In the center garden, Aryan and Duhsala dashed among the trees, joined now by several young girls and palace servants' children.
"Tag! You're it!" Aryan shouted, tapping one boy and darting away.
Laughter exploded as more joined. Even some royal guards cracked a smile as the palace filled with the joy of innocent play.
"Let's form teams!" Aryan called. "Boys vs Girls! Or better—royals vs villagers!"
"What about mixing both?" Duhsala giggled.
Moments later, Karna and Duryodhan approached, sweat glistening from their sparring.
"What are they doing now?" Duryodhan asked, wiping his brow.
"Looks like tag," Karna smirked. **"Let's show them how warriors run."
He and Duryodhan joined the children's game, drawing even more attention. Soon, Gandhari and Kunti sat together on a swing bench beneath a banyan tree, quietly watching the mingling of noble and humble blood.
Kunti's eyes never strayed far from Karna. Gandhari tilted her head toward Aryan's laughter and smiled deeply.
---
Eyes in the Shadows
From the temple balcony overlooking the gardens, Acharya Drona stood beside his son, Ashwatthama.
Ashwatthama frowned. "They play without care. Royals mixing with the commoners. And Karna… outshining Arjun at every step."
Drona's gaze was sharp, fixed on Aryan.
"That boy... he is no ordinary child. His energy, his balance, the way he leads—even in play. And Karna… he fights like one born to the bow."
Ashwatthama scowled. "They laugh while I stand here in silence. I wish—"
"Envy has no place in a warrior's heart," Drona interrupted coldly. "But vigilance does. Keep watching. Our true rivals often come smiling."
---
[SYSTEM ALERT – ARYAN]
> New Attribute Unlocked: "Leader of Many" Bond Strengthened: Duhsala +15, Karna +25, Duryodhan +10 Hidden Affection Triggered: Kunti (Maternal Bond: 5%)
As the sun began to set, the palace gardens rang with laughter and joy. But beneath that joy stirred whispers of fate, envy, and longing.
And far above, watching it all, destiny smiled.