Chapter 16: Chapter No.16 Raj Mahal (2), Unexpected King(Edited)

[Next Day]

“Hurry, Wake up we have to go to Raj Mahal(Royal Palace),”

Radha said to both her husband and son who were sleeping like logs.

“Radha, can’t we sleep a little longer? We can go to the Raj Mahal(Royal Palace) later in the day.”

Adhiratha replied with a drowsy voice.

“Oh, my sleepyhead Arya(Husband). You forget that today is the day the king and queen are going to bless our son, Karna. They specifically requested an early morning meeting, and we don’t want to keep them waiting.”

Radha chuckled softly and shook her head. Adhiratha’s eyes widened as the realization sank in. He quickly sat up in bed, fully awake now.

“You’re right, Radha. I completely forgot about the meeting with the king and queen. We can’t afford to be late.”

With a newfound sense of urgency, Adhiratha and Radha quickly got out of bed and began preparing for the day. Adhiratha washed his face and splashed some water on his sleepy eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Meanwhile, Radha attended to Karna, who was still peacefully sleeping in his crib.

As Adhiratha dressed in his finest attire, he glanced at his son with pride and affection. Karna looked so innocent and adorable and simply divine, unaware of the significance of the day. Adhiratha couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy and anticipation for the blessings that awaited his son.

“Priye(Darling), is Karna awake yet?”

Adhiratha asked, adjusting his clothing.

“Not yet, but I’m sure he’ll wake up soon. We don’t want to rush him. Let him sleep a little longer before we head to the Raj Mahal.”

Radha smiled, gently picking up Karna and cradling him in her arms.

Adhiratha nodded, grateful for Radha’s calming presence. He took a deep breath, preparing himself mentally for the day ahead. Today was a momentous occasion for their family, and Adhiratha wanted everything to go smoothly.

Once they were all dressed and ready, Adhiratha, Radha, and Karna made their way toward the grand Raj Mahal, the royal palace where the king and queen resided. As they walked through the palace gates, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. They were about to meet the highest authorities of the land, who would bless their beloved son.

The corridors of the palace were adorned with intricate tapestries and beautiful artwork, reflecting the grandeur and opulence of the royal family. Adhiratha and Radha exchanged glances, feeling a mixture of awe and gratitude for the opportunity they had been given.

As they reached the grand hall where the king and queen awaited, their footsteps slowed, and they took a moment to compose themselves, Radha held Karna close to her heart.

Adhiratha gently squeezed Radha’s hand, offering her reassurance. Together, they entered the grand hall, their eyes adjusting to the magnificence that surrounded them. The hall was adorned with golden decorations, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and incense. At the far end of the hall, seated on elaborate thrones, were King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari, dressed in regal attire.

As Adhiratha and Radha approached the royal couple, they bowed respectfully, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Karna, still cradled in Radha’s arms, blinked his eyes open and looked curiously at the majestic figures before him.

(A/N: King Dhritarashtra was the elder son of King Vichitravirya and the father of the Kauravas, who were the main antagonists in the Mahabharata. Dhritarashtra was born blind and, despite this disability, he ascended to the throne of Hastinapura. He was known for his wisdom and experience, but his blindness also symbolized his attachment and inability to see things.

Queen Gandhari was Dhritarashtra’s wife and the mother of the Kauravas. She was known for her unparalleled devotion and love for her husband. To empathize with him and share his experience of blindness, she blindfolded herself throughout her life, voluntarily denying herself the gift of sight. Gandhari was highly revered for her compassion and her ability to maintain peace and harmony within the family.)

As Adhiratha and Radha approached the royal couple, King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari acknowledged their presence with warm smiles. The king’s blind eyes seemed to radiate a sense of wisdom and understanding, while the queen’s blindfolded gaze exuded compassion and empathy.

“Welcome, Adhiratha and Radha.”

King Dhritarashtra spoke, his voice carrying a sense of authority tempered with kindness.

“We are honored to have you and your son, Karna, here today. May this meeting be blessed?”

Adhiratha and Radha exchanged glances, feeling a mixture of gratitude and nervousness at the king’s words. They stepped forward, still bowing respectfully, and presented Karna to the royal couple.

“Adhiratha you were saying son is most beautiful in the whole world, Is that true?”(King Dhritarashtra)

“Yes Maharaj(King) what said is truth.”(Adhiratha)

“Is he that beautiful that no one in the world could match him? I don’t believe it. Bring him to me and let me see.”(Queen Gandhari)

Gandhari pretends to not believe Radha and Adhiratha but her main motive was to hold Karna. She also is longing for a child of her own. She remembers the boon she got from lord shiva to have a hundred sons but the problem is even after 2 years of marriage she had not conceived a child.

“Okay, You hold him, Then you will believe it, Maharani(Queen).”

Radha too follows suit and goes toward the throne and hands Karna, Who still was wrapped in white cloth.

Meanwhile, Both men didn’t dare disturb their women, So they were talking to themselves about something.

Gandhari takes Karna in her arms. She started touching Karna all over his face and then his naked body in white cloth. Karna was awake and embarrassed by his situation.

“So she is Queen Gandhari who was so unfortunate after Og Karna(In My opinion), She is so gentle that reminds me of Ganga Maa(Mother) and her care reminds me of Radha Maa(Mother). She is the sweetest.”(Karna’s Inner Monologue)

Karna then eyed the blindfold settled on her eyes.

“That piece of cloth is blamed for most of the misfortune that came her way.”

As Karna settled in her arm, He reached out and removed the blindfold covering Queen Gandhari’s eyes, and a moment of silence fell over the grand hall. Everyone present, including Adhiratha and Radha, held their breath in anticipation of what would happen next.

Karna’s action caught everyone by surprise. The room fell into a momentary silence as all eyes focused on Karna and the blindfold in his tiny hands. Queen Gandhari looked at Karna with a mix of astonishment and curiosity, her blind eyes now exposed to the world. An flesh of light shoot out of her eyes and landed on Karna’s whole body, Which he(Karna) was rolling in her arms in panic. 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝐞𝐥.

[Ding!!!…]

As the light from Queen Gandhari’s eyes enveloped Karna, a sudden surge of energy pulsed through the room. The climate outside began to shift dramatically, with the weather growing more intense and the atmosphere charged with electricity. Thunderclaps reverberated through the air, echoing the powerful awakening that was taking place.

Outside, the Earth rumbled as if celebrating this momentous event. The winds picked up, swirling with a mixture of anticipation and joy. The climate responded to the awakening of Queen Gandhari, its rapid changes reflecting the shifting energies within the grand hall.

Adhiratha and Radha exchanged glances, unsure of how to react to this unexpected turn of events. Adhiratha stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly as he addressed the king and queen.

“Maharaj(King), please forgive our son’s impulsive action. He is just an infant, and his curiosity got the better of him. We did not expect him to remove the blindfold.”

King Dhritarashtra, his blind eyes fixed on Karna, nodded slowly, his expression a blend of surprise and intrigue.

“Asambhav(Impossible), Maharaj this child has humiliated the Maharani(Queen) and her devotion. We must sentence him to death.”(a random courtier)

Adhiratha’s heart sank as he heard the courtier’s words. He looked at Queen Gandhari, who seemed to be contemplating the situation with a calm expression on her face. King Dhritarashtra, however, raised his hand, signaling for silence.

King Dhritarashtra’s gesture commanded everyone’s attention, silencing the courtier and bringing a sense of stillness to the grand hall. The king’s blind eyes seemed to search deep within his soul as he contemplated the situation before him.

“Death is a severe punishment, one that should be considered carefully and with wisdom,”

King Dhritarashtra spoke with a measured tone.

“But punishment must be given to any wrongdoings or transgressions. Let us hear from Queen Gandhari herself before passing judgment.”

All eyes turned to Queen Gandhari, who remained composed despite the unexpected turn of events. She gently took the blindfold from Karna’s hands and held it tightly, her touch imbued with a mix of tenderness and determination.

“Karna, my dear child, you have shown me a glimpse of the world that I have denied myself for so long. Your actions have awakened something within me, a longing to truly see and embrace life.”

Her voice resonated with a mix of vulnerability and strength as she continued.

“While your actions may have been impulsive, they have reminded me of the importance of embracing one’s curiosity and the beauty of discovering the unknown. You have given me a gift, and for that, I am grateful.”

As Queen Gandhari spoke, her words touched the hearts of those present, melting away the initial tension and apprehension. The courtier who had spoken out earlier now looked at Karna with a mix of awe and reverence.

King Dhritarashtra nodded in agreement with his wife’s words, acknowledging the profound impact Karna’s actions had had on them all.

“Adhiratha and Radha, your son has touched our hearts and stirred something within us. We will not punish him for his curiosity but instead, Honor him for the light he has brought into our lives.”

A sense of relief washed over Adhiratha and Radha as they heard the king’s words. They exchanged grateful glances, realizing that their son’s impulsive act had unexpectedly paved the way for a moment of transformation and understanding.

King Dhritarashtra turned to his courtiers and addressed them firmly.

“Let it be known that Karna, the son of Adhiratha and Radha, shall be granted the honor of being the future king of Kingdom Anga. He shall be acknowledged as such and shall receive the blessings that are due to him”

The courtiers, initially taken aback by the turn of events, bowed their heads in acceptance of the king’s decision.

With the announcement made, a sense of joy and celebration filled the grand hall. Adhiratha and Radha were overwhelmed with gratitude.

*To Be Continued*

————————————————————————————————————

Word Count:1835

Please Leave A Review, It Helps.

Comment Your Opinion I Will Take It To Consideration.

Every 250 Power Stone 1 Bonus Chap Will Be Released.

Gifts Are Appreciated Hehe~

Thank You.

Peace Out??