The clash of weapons had ended, yet its echo refused to fade. The smoke of lightning and fire had dissolved, but the tremor it left in the hearts of men lingered like a ghost across the land.
The villagers who had hidden in fear beneath the clouds were the first to speak. Their words carried like wildfire. From village to village, from city to city, the tale spread:
A man had fought Indra, the King of Heaven.Not a rishi, not a deva, but a mortal son of earth.
They whispered of the bow that shone like the sun, of a warrior who stood unmoved against storms that could destroy kingdoms. They spoke of Indra's thunderbolt breaking upon him, and of Karna's fire defying the very heavens.
By the time a week had passed, all of Bharat buzzed with the tale.
In Hastinapura
The court of Hastinapura rippled with murmurs. Courtiers and generals gathered in secret groups, debating what it meant.
"If he could withstand Indra himself," said one, "who among men can stand before him?""Surely the gods must favor him," said another.But others shook their heads. "No, this is dangerous. A mortal who dares raise weapons against the heavens invites ruin. Indra will not forget this."
In Guru Drona's Ashram
The tale reached the gurukul as well. Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Yudhishthira listened as their fellow students recounted what the travelers had said.
"A single man withstood Indra's Vajra!" cried one."They say flames of Surya poured from his arrows, and serpents of fire swallowed the storm!"
Arjuna's jaw tightened. His hands unconsciously went to his bow. For long, he had been called the greatest archer of Bharat, the chosen one of Guru Drona. Yet now, another name was whispered with awe.
Yudhishthira frowned, thoughtful. "If it is true, then that warrior is blessed indeed. To defy Indra himself and live—such destiny is not common."
Bhima snorted, fists clenching. "If he can withstand Indra's storms, I would like to test his strength with my mace. Let us see if his arms are as mighty as his bow."
Drona, who sat silent until then, finally spoke. His voice was calm, but his eyes glinted with unease."You do not understand, my pupils. This is no ordinary tale of valor. To battle Indra is not merely to fight a god—it is to disturb the balance of heaven and earth. Whoever this Karna is, he walks a dangerous path. Glory may follow him, yes, but so will wrath."
The students exchanged glances. Arjuna's pride burned quietly within him, but Karna's name had been etched into his thoughts.
Among the Kauravas
News reached the palace chambers of Duryodhana as well. Shakuni leaned close, his smile sly and serpent-like.
"Do you hear, my dear nephew? A man who fought Indra himself. And do you know his name?"
Duryodhana's eyes gleamed. "Karna."
"Yes. Karna. He is no mere warrior. With him by your side, even the gods will tremble. Do you not see? If he could face Indra and live, then what chance do the Pandavas have against him?"
Duryodhana's heart thundered with ambition. He saw in Karna not just a friend, but a shield against fate itself."Let Arjuna boast of his skill. Let Bhima roar of his strength. None of them fought a god. But Karna has. And Karna is mine."
Shakuni's smile widened. "Indeed, nephew. With Karna's arm beside you, Hastinapura itself may bow at your feet."
Karna Himself
But Karna, far from the noise of kingdoms and whispers, walked the quiet forests near Parashurama's hermitage. He had no pride upon his face, no boast upon his lips.
He remembered Indra's words:"The armor that shields you is not yours to keep forever. One day, I shall take it."
And in his heart, Karna knew this was true. Fame spread across Bharat, yet he remained calm, even sorrowful. For he understood that the more his name grew, the more the gods themselves would rise against him.
Still, he smiled faintly as he looked to the horizon."If this is the burden fate has chosen for me," he whispered, "then let it be. I shall not turn away. Let all of Bharat know my name—so long as I stand, they will know that a son of the Sun once walked among them."
And so the tale of Karna's duel with Indra became not just a story but a legend—one that would inspire some, frighten others, and set the course of destiny upon a path no man could yet foresee.