Karna's words were filled with gratitude and appreciation as he walked over to Shaurya and placed a hand on the lion's majestic mane.
Shaurya's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and loyalty, his telepathic connection with Karna allowing him to understand and respond to his companion's emotions.
"Indeed, Shaurya. Your presence serves as a reminder of the strength and unity that exists between us," Karna added, his voice carrying a sense of conviction. "Let us return to the courtyard. There are matters to discuss and decisions to make."
With a nod from Karna, Shaurya turned and led the way, his powerful form gracefully moving through the grand halls of the Anga Royal Palace. Karna followed closely behind, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and considerations.
As they stepped into the courtyard, the soft rays of the setting sun cast a warm and golden glow over the landscape.
The courtyard, adorned with lush gardens and elegant fountains, provided a tranquil backdrop for the discussions that were to follow.
Before Karna and Shaurya could fully settle into their thoughts, another presence made itself known.
A woman, dressed in regal attire, burst into the courtyard with an expression of joy and relief that couldn't be contained. Her eyes shimmered with tears, and her steps carried an air of urgency.
"Karna!" she cried out, her voice a mixture of astonishment and emotion. She rushed towards Karna, her arms outstretched, and in a matter of moments, she enveloped him in a warm and tight embrace.
Karna's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the woman who had hugged him so fervently. It was his mother, Radha Maa who had been unaware of his arrival.
He returned the embrace with equal intensity, his heart swelling with affection and relief as he held his mother in his arms. The emotions that had been building within him ever since he had set foot out of Vrindavan came pouring out in that heartfelt embrace.
"Mother," Karna's voice was filled with tenderness as he held her, his words a soft murmur that conveyed the depth of his feelings.
Radha Maa pulled back slightly to look into her son's eyes, her hands cupping his face as if to assure herself that he was real. "My dear Karna, you have returned to us."
A tear escaped from the corner of Radha Maa's eye, and Karna gently wiped it away with his thumb. "Yes, Mother. I have returned, I have returned to you and our home."
Radha Maa's lips curved into a radiant smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of joy and relief. "Oh, my son, you cannot fathom the happiness that fills my heart at this moment. For years, I longed to see you, to know that you are safe and well."
Karna's expression softened, and he held his mother's hands in his own. "I am here now, Mother. And I promise you, I will do everything in my power to bring prosperity and honour to our kingdom."
Radha Maa's gaze held a deep pride and unwavering faith as she looked into her son's eyes. "I know you will, Karna. The qualities that define your character—the strength, the compassion, the sense of justice—these are the very attributes that will guide you on your path as a king."
Karna's heart swelled with gratitude as he listened to his mother's words. Her unwavering support and belief in him were a source of strength that he cherished deeply.
"Mother, I have returned with newfound powers and responsibilities," Karna said, his voice carrying a note of determination. "But even in the midst of all this, you remain my anchor and my guiding light."
Radha Maa's smile grew even more radiant, her fingers brushing lovingly against Karna's cheek. "You are and will always be my beloved son, Karna. No matter the challenges that come your way, remember that you carry the love and blessings of your family with you."
Karna's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he held his mother's gaze. "I will, Mother. Your love and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today, and I will honour that legacy."
The mother and son shared a moment of quiet understanding, their connection unspoken but deeply felt. The courtyard seemed to hold its breath as if acknowledging the profound bond between them.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm and golden glow over the landscape, Karna and Radha Maa finally pulled away from their embrace.
Radha Maa turned to Shaurya and extended her arms towards him, Who understood the gesture.
Shaurya's eyes held a gentle warmth as he regarded Radha Maa, his feline grace evident even in his movements. With a dignified stride, he approached Radha Maa, his massive form radiating an aura of regal poise.
Radha Maa's smile widened as Shaurya approached, his presence is both awe-inspiring and comforting. She extended her arms, inviting the majestic white lion into an embrace.
Shaurya lowered his head, his gaze meeting Radha Maa's with a sense of understanding. (A/N: Narasimha's Bloodline provide these aura to Shaurya.)
As Radha Maa's arms encircled him, Shaurya leaned into the embrace, his massive head resting against her shoulder. The bond between them was evident in this simple gesture—an unspoken connection that transcended words.
Radha Maa's touch was gentle and affectionate as she stroked Shaurya's sleek fur, her fingers tracing the contours of his powerful form. There was a sense of reverence in her touch, an acknowledgement of the divine presence that Shaurya embodied.
"Thank you, Shaurya," Radha Maa whispered, her voice carrying a sense of gratitude and recognition. "You have been Karna's steadfast companion and protector, and for that, I am truly grateful."
Shaurya's eyes held a depth of understanding that seemed to surpass the boundaries of mere animal instinct. His bond with Karna extended to those whom Karna held dear, and Radha Maa was undeniably an important part of Karna's life.
"Welcome back, Master", A familiar man with pitch-black hair that his shoulder and a pair of sharp deep purple eyes appeared in front of Karna on his knees, More powerful than last time.
Karna's gaze shifted to the familiar man who had appeared before him. His presence held an air of loyalty and dedication that Karna recognized instantly. It was none other than Vritra.
"Vritra," Karna's voice carried a note of genuine warmth and recognition. He regarded his loyal and powerful servant with a nod of acknowledgement. "It's good to see you. Your presence is always welcome."
Vritra's expression remained respectful as he looked up at Karna, his eyes reflecting a deep loyalty and unwavering commitment. "Thank you, Master. I am honoured to be by your side once again."
Radha Maa turned towards them after separating from Shaurya, her gaze shifting between Karna and Vritra. Her eyes held a mixture of curiosity and familiarity which she can't quite place her finger on.
"Vritra," she repeated his name softly, her voice carrying a gentle curiosity. "You are a presence I have encountered before, haven't I?"
Vritra's expression remained respectful as he responded, his words measured and respectful. "Yes, Radha Maa, you have indeed encountered me before, Master left me to protect his family from any harm while he was away. You encountered me when bandits attack your carriages while you all were travelling to Anga."
Radha Maa's eyes widened in recognition as she recalled the incident Vritra was referring to. The memory resurfaced vividly in her mind—the sudden ambush by bandits and the swift intervention that had saved them from harm.
"Ah, yes," Radha Maa's voice held a mixture of realization and gratitude. "You were the one who came to our rescue that day. Your swift and powerful actions protected us from danger."
Vritra inclined his head in acknowledgement, his gaze never leaving Radha Maa's. "It was my duty and honour to ensure your safety, Radha Maa. Your well-being is of utmost importance to Master, and thus, it is my duty to protect you as well."
Radha Maa's eyes shimmered with emotion as she regarded Vritra. The depth of Karna's care and the extent to which he had taken measures to ensure her safety touched her deeply.
"Thank you, Vritra," she said, her voice carrying a warmth that matched her expression. "Your dedication to my family's safety and well-being is truly appreciated."
Vritra just nodded his head in acknowledgement, his loyalty and dedication unwavering. His presence exuded a sense of quiet strength and readiness, a guardian always prepared to stand by his master's side.
"Anyway, Son let's go and meet others in the dining room."
Karna nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting from Vritra to his mother. "Yes, Mother. Let's join the others and share in the joy of this reunion."
Radha Maa's smile brightened, and she linked her arm with Karna's, a gesture of affection that spoke volumes about their bond. "I look forward to it, my dear son."
With Vritra and Shaurya in tow, Karna and Radha Maa made their way towards the dining room of the palace. The sun had set by now, and the gentle glow of lanterns illuminated the path ahead, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As they entered the dining room, they were met with a scene of bustling activity. The companions, along with palace staff, were busy preparing for the celebratory feast that awaited them. The long table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes, and the air was filled with the aromas of spices and freshly cooked food.
"Karna!!!"