The collective exclamations and protests from Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Scáthach, and Radha Maa made it clear that Karna's attempt to simplify the situation had not succeeded.
Karna scratched his head, realizing that this was indeed a complex matter. "Alright, perhaps 'simple' was an oversimplification. There's more to it, but I promise to explain all the details later. For now, let's focus on welcoming Mandodari and enjoying our time together."
Kamini, Brinda, Kali, and Scáthach exchanged knowing glances, understanding that Karna would provide a more detailed explanation when the time was right. They decided to let the matter rest for the moment and turned their attention to their new guest.
"Mother, where is Ganga Maa? Is she not here?" Radha Maa's expression turned sombre as Karna inquired about the absence of Ganga Maa. She placed a hand on Karna's shoulder, her voice filled with gentleness and understanding.
"Karna, my dear, Your Ganga Maa has to return to Divine realms but before that, I heard her say, 'Stupid cowardly god-king, What do you want now?'."
Karna couldn't help but chuckle at the mention of Ganga Maa's spirited words. Her straightforward and unfiltered manner had always been a source of amusement and comfort for him.
"It sounds like Ganga Maa," Karna replied with a fond smile. "Must be talking about our certain god-king."
Radha Maa laughed heartily at Karna's response, her eyes filled with maternal warmth. "Indeed, she never minced her words. But she always had your best interests at heart, even if her delivery was... colourful."
Karna nodded in agreement. "She guided me and protected me throughout my life. I owe her a great deal."
As they continued their conversation, Mandodari observed the interaction between Karna and Radha Maa with a sense of warmth. It was clear that their bond was strong and filled with affection. She felt grateful to be welcomed into this loving family.
"Your family seems wonderful," Mandodari remarked with a smile.
"They are," Karna replied, his gaze filled with love as he looked at his mother and then at his fiancées. "I am blessed to have such amazing people in my life."
Radha Maa placed a hand on Mandodari's shoulder with a warm smile. "And now, you are a part of our family too, dear. We may be a bit unconventional, but we are united by love and loyalty."
Mandodari's heart swelled with gratitude for the acceptance and kindness she had received from Karna's family. It was a feeling of belonging that she hadn't expected, and it touched her deeply.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. "I am truly honoured to be a part of this family."
"Let's go, I am hungry." Kamini, who had been eagerly waiting for a chance to dig into the delicious food that was surely prepared for Karna's return, wasted no time in grabbing his arm. She grinned mischievously.
"Food sounds like a great idea!" she exclaimed. "I bet they've prepared a feast fit for a king, or in this case, a king and his lovely companions."
Brinda, Kali, and Scáthach chuckled at Kamini's enthusiasm and joined in the excitement. It was clear that they were all looking forward to the hearty meal that awaited them.
Karna couldn't help but laugh at their antics. "Alright, alright, let's head to the dining hall. I'm sure the chefs have outdone themselves today."
...
After dinner, as Karna walked through the grand hallways of his palace, his mind was filled with a sense of contentment. The dinner had been a lively affair, with laughter, stories, and the joyful presence of his fiancées and his newfound friend, Mandodari. It was moments like these that reminded him of the blessings in his life.
His thoughts also drifted to the events of the day, the revelation of his connection to Ravana's bloodline, and the warm welcome Mandodari had received from his family and loved ones.
While there were complexities to address in the days to come, he felt optimistic about the future and the bonds that continued to strengthen.
As he approached his chamber, he noticed a soft, flickering light emanating from within. It was a warm and inviting glow that piqued his curiosity. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside to find the source of the light.
To his surprise, the room was adorned with an array of lit candles, casting a soft and romantic ambience. The sight that greeted him warmed his heart even further.
Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Scáthach, and Mandodari were all gathered in the room, each holding a candle, their faces illuminated by the soft glow.
Kamini stepped forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Welcome, Swami," she said with a playful smile. "We thought you might need a little extra light to brighten your evening."
The other fiancées nodded in agreement, and Mandodari's eyes sparkled with amusement. It was clear that they had orchestrated this surprise together.
Karna couldn't help but chuckle at their efforts. "You all never cease to amaze me," he said, his voice filled with affection. "What's the occasion?"
Brinda stepped forward, her expression soft and earnest. "No special occasion, Karna," she explained. "We just wanted to create a warm and memorable atmosphere for you."
Kali chimed in, "And to show our appreciation for having Mandodari as part of our family."
Scáthach nodded, her eyes holding a hint of mischief. "Plus, it's a lovely way to end the day."
Mandodari smiled warmly, touched by the gesture. "I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people."
Karna was deeply moved by the thoughtfulness and warmth of his fiancées and Mandodari. The romantic atmosphere created by the softly flickering candles and the sincerity in their words filled his heart with joy and gratitude. He realized once again how fortunate he was to have these remarkable women in his life.
Approaching Kamini, who had initiated the surprise, Karna took her hand and leaned in to plant a tender kiss on her lips. It was a silent expression of his love and appreciation for her and their special bond.
"Thank you, Kamini," he said softly as he pulled away. "You always know how to make moments memorable."
Kamini blushed at the kiss but responded with a mischievous grin. "Well, what's the point of having a romantic surprise if you don't take advantage of it?"
The other fiancées chuckled at Kamini's playful comment, and Brinda stepped forward, holding her candle close to Karna. "And we're not done yet," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
Karna raised an eyebrow in curiosity, wondering what else they had in store. "Oh? What's next?"
With a shared look among themselves, the fiancées began to sing a soft, melodious song, their voices harmonizing beautifully in the quiet room.
It was a song filled with love, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection. As they sang, they swayed gently, their candles casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Mandodari joined in the song, her voice blending seamlessly with the others. She may have been a newcomer, but she felt the love and acceptance in their music, and it touched her deeply.
Karna listened to the sweet melody, his heart swelling with emotion. The song was a heartfelt expression of their love and unity, a reminder of the bonds they shared. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by a sense of belonging and happiness.
As the song came to an end, Karna embraced each of his fiancées and Mandodari, holding them close and planting kisses on their foreheads. "I am truly blessed," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for being a part of my life."
Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Scáthach, and Mandodari returned his embrace, their hearts filled with love for the man who had captured their hearts. They created this beautiful moment not only to express their appreciation but also to reinforce the strength of their bond.
"Let's sleep otherwise, Kamini will devour everything edible in the palace," Brinda teased, her voice carrying a playful note.
Kamini playfully pouted at Brinda's remark. "Hey, I have a high metabolism, okay?"
Karna laughed heartily at their banter. "Alright, let's get some rest then. We've had quite the eventful day, and I want to make sure we're all well-rested."
As they prepared to retire for the night, the candles were extinguished one by one, leaving the room in the gentle embrace of darkness.
Karna took his central place on the bed while his fiancées and Mandodari settled around him. It was a moment of closeness and intimacy, and the bonds between them felt stronger than ever.
Karna couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the love and companionship he had found in each of them.
Mandodari, lying beside Karna, gazed at him with affection in her eyes. "Today has been a day of surprises," she said softly. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. I am grateful for the warm welcome and the beautiful moments we've shared."
Karna turned to Mandodari and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I'm glad you're here with us, Mandodari. Your presence has brought even more joy to our lives."
Kamini, who was lying on Karna's other side, chimed in playfully, "And now, we have another person to help us handle this stubborn king."
Karna chuckled and gave Kamini an affectionate nudge. "Hey, I'm not that stubborn."
Brinda, on the other side of Kamini, spoke with a gentle smile, "We know, Karna. But a little teasing keeps things interesting."
Kali, who was beside Brinda, nodded in agreement. "Teasing is part of the package when you have five fiancées."
Scáthach, lying at the foot of the bed, added with a smirk, "And now, we have a sixth member in our teasing squad."
Mandodari laughed softly at their banter, feeling welcomed and included in their playful dynamics. She had expected some initial reservations from Karna's fiancées, but their open-hearted acceptance had been a pleasant surprise.
As they settled into the comfortable silence of the night, Karna turned his gaze to the ceiling, his thoughts drifting. He couldn't help but reflect on the twists and turns his life had taken, from his upbringing as the son of a charioteer to his current role as the King of Anga and the beloved of five incredible women, with Mandodari by his side.
The love and acceptance he had found in his fiancées, the unwavering support of his family, and the unexpected bond with Mandodari were all testaments to the unpredictable nature of destiny.
He knew that challenges and adventures awaited them in the future, but he felt ready to face them with the strength of his loved ones by his side.
Mandodari, sensing Karna's contemplation, leaned over and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. "You have a lot on your mind," she whispered. "But remember, you don't have to face it all alone. We're here for you, always."
Karna turned to Mandodari, his eyes filled with gratitude and affection. "I know, and I'm thankful for each one of you. Together, there's nothing we can't overcome."