Karna turned his head to see a woman standing before him in the moonlight, her presence carrying an air of regality and grace. She introduced herself as Kunti, and there was a certain familiarity in her voice that struck a chord in Karna's memory.
The name Kunti stirred something deep within him, a recollection of past encounters and connections. That fateful day became clear as day just after seeing her once, Like how justified she had to abandon him as an infant in the raging Ganga river.
Karna's gaze locked onto the woman before him, and his expression remained composed, though a whirlwind of emotions churned within him.
Karna rose to his feet, his eyes never leaving Kunti's face. The moonlight painted her features in a soft, ethereal glow, and he could see the years that had passed etched in the lines on her face. She was no longer the young woman he had seen years ago just after his birth.
Kunti's gaze remained locked with Karna's, and there was a deep sadness in her eyes. She had carried the weight of her past decisions for years, and now, facing the son she had been forced to abandon, those choices hung heavily in the air.
"Angraj Karna," Kunti began, her voice quivering with emotion which she hid immediately. "What are you doing here this late at night?"
Karna met Kunti's gaze with a calm and measured demeanour, though the emotions churned within him. He could sense the turmoil in her voice, the unspoken regrets that hung heavy in the air.
"I was taking a walk in the palace gardens, seeking some moments of solitude and reflection," Karna replied, his tone gentle. "The night often brings clarity and peace."
Kunti nodded, her gaze still filled with a complex mix of emotions. She seemed to struggle with her words as if grappling with the weight of the past and the presence of the son she had long ago abandoned.
'I shouldn't ask for his help in my son's ascension to the throne for now.'
Kunti's internal thoughts remained her own, and she didn't voice her thoughts about her son's ascension to the throne. Instead, she shifted the conversation to a less weighty topic.
"I hope you find solace in these gardens, Angraj Karna," Kunti said, her voice softer now. "The beauty of the night can offer moments of respite from life's complexities."
Karna nodded in agreement, appreciating the shift in conversation. "Indeed, these gardens are a sanctuary of tranquillity amidst the grandeur of the palace. They provide a welcome escape from the demands of the day."
Kunti seemed to visibly relax, and a faint smile touched her lips. "I'm glad to hear that. It is a rare gift to find such moments of peace in our tumultuous world."
Their conversation continued, turning to less personal matters, such as the palace gardens, the beauty of the night, and the intricacies of life in Hastinapur.
*ROAR*
But in the midst of all this, A deafening roar shattered the tranquillity of the night, echoing through the palace gardens and sending a shockwave of surprise through both Karna and Kunti.
The source of the roar was unmistakable - it was Shaurya, Karna's celestial lion, whose presence had been a silent but watchful companion during their conversation.
Kunti's eyes widened in alarm, and she took a step back, her composure momentarily shaken by the unexpected roar.
She had not been aware of the celestial lion's presence until that moment, and the sheer majesty and power it exuded were awe-inspiring and, at the same time, intimidating.
Karna quickly moved to calm Shaurya, placing a reassuring hand on the celestial lion's massive mane. "Easy, Shaurya," he said in a soothing tone. "There's no danger here."
Shaurya's growls gradually subsided, and he regarded Kunti with an unwavering gaze. It was clear that the celestial lion was protective of Karna and had reacted to any perceived threat to his master.
Kunti, although taken aback by the lion's roar, quickly regained her composure. She understood that Shaurya was Karna's guardian and companion, and his protective instincts were natural.
"It seems your celestial companion is quite formidable," Kunti remarked with a mixture of awe and want for having such a creature for her other sons too. "I've never encountered such a magnificent creature."
Karna nodded with a proud yet reassuring smile. "Indeed, Shaurya is a loyal and formidable guardian. He has been by my side for as long as I can remember."
Shaurya, sensing that there was no immediate threat, settled down beside Karna though his vigilant gaze never left Kunti. Like he can sense the massive darkness within her.
"What do you want in exchange for him-"
Kunti's question trailed off as she realized the implications of what she was about to say. She had started to inquire about obtaining a celestial guardian like Shaurya for her other sons, but her words had taken on a different meaning.
But the damage was done because Karna's expression shifted from one of calm to a steely resolve, his eyes narrowing as he perceived the implications of Kunti's words. The idea of trading Shaurya, his loyal and cherished celestial companion, in exchange for something else, especially for the sons of Kunti, struck a nerve deep within him.
His voice was firm and unwavering as he responded to Kunti's incomplete question. "Shaurya is not a commodity to be traded, Lady Kunti. He is my trusted companion and guardian, and our bond goes beyond any exchange."
Shaurya, who had been sitting regally beside Karna, let out a low growl, his eyes locked onto Kunti. It was a warning, a clear indication that he would not be used as a bargaining chip.
Kunti immediately recognized the gravity of her words and the offence she had unintentionally caused. She lowered her gaze, her voice filled with remorse. "I... I did not mean to suggest such a thing, Angraj Karna. Please forgive my thoughtless words."
"If there is nothing else then I will take my leave, Lady Kunti, Subh Ratri."
Kunti, chastened by her unintentional words, nodded with a deep sense of regret. "Subh Ratri, Angraj Karna. Please accept my apologies for any offence I may have caused."
Karna left immediately after saying 'Subh Ratri' without waiting for her response, Karna's departure from the palace gardens was swift, leaving Kunti to contemplate the implications of her thoughtless words. She watched him go with a heavy heart, regretting the unintended offence she had caused.
What she didn't notice were creaks on the ground following the direction in which Karna formed in his anger by using more power in his steps.
As Karna made his way through the palace gardens, his steps were heavy with the weight of anger and frustration. Kunti's thoughtless words about trading his loyal companion, Shaurya, had struck a deep chord within him. The idea of someone attempting to use his celestial guardian as a bargaining chip was unacceptable to him.
His steps echoed through the tranquil night as he moved with purpose. His thoughts were a tumultuous mix of emotions, from anger and indignation to a lingering sense of hurt. Karna had always been protective of Shaurya, and the bond between them was unbreakable.
But as he walked, he noticed something peculiar—the sound of faint creaks on the ground, following his path. Karna's senses sharpened, and he became acutely aware that he was not alone in the darkness of the palace gardens.
Without breaking his stride, Karna continued to walk, but his heightened senses were on full alert. He could hear the soft, deliberate footsteps following him, and it was clear that someone was attempting to maintain a discreet distance.
As he reached a particularly dimly lit section of the gardens, Karna decided to confront whoever was tailing him. He abruptly turned and faced the direction of the approaching footsteps, his eyes narrowing with determination.
"Show yourself," Karna commanded in a firm voice, his celestial aura flickering to life around him, casting an otherworldly glow in the darkness.
There was a moment of tense silence, and then, from the shadows emerged a figure. It was Bhishma, one of the most respected and revered figures in the royal court of Hastinapur. Bhishma was known for his unwavering commitment to duty and honour, and he was regarded as a wise and virtuous statesman.
His expression was one of calm and respect as he stepped into the moonlight, revealing his elderly yet imposing figure. Bhishma had been following Karna, not out of malice or suspicion, but out of a sense of duty and curiosity.
"Angraj Karna, please forgive my intrusion," Bhishma said with a respectful bow. "I did not mean to intrude upon your privacy. I was merely concerned when I heard the commotion in the gardens."
Karna regarded Bhishma with a measure of respect, recognizing the elder's reputation and integrity. "No apology is necessary, Bhishma. Your concern is appreciated. The commotion was the result of an unexpected encounter."
Bhishma's eyes held a deep understanding, and he nodded in acknowledgement. "I see. The palace gardens can be a place of reflection and solitude, and such moments are precious."
Karna's celestial aura began to recede as he relaxed his guard, understanding that Bhishma meant no harm. "Indeed, they are. Is there something you wish to discuss, Bhishma?"
Bhishma paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Angraj Karna, I have been observing the developments of your diplomatic mission here in Hastinapur with great interest. I will try to help you because 'if I don't Mother will beat me' her words, not mine hahaha!"
Karna couldn't help but smile at Bhishma's lighthearted comment, which provided a brief moment of levity in the midst of their serious conversation. Bhishma's reputation for unwavering honour and duty was well-known, but this glimpse of his sense of humour was unexpected.
"Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Mahamahim Bhishma," Karna replied, his tone sincere. "Navigating the complexities of diplomacy requires wisdom and guidance, and your experience is invaluable."
Bhishma nodded, his expression becoming more serious once again. "Angraj Karna, the political landscape of Hastinapur is intricate and often treacherous. I have seen many diplomatic missions come and go, and I sense that yours carries great significance."