karna's struggle: fulfilling the destiny

Duryodhana's Promise

The news of princess Dushala's swyamvar was the talk of the town , everyone wanted to know who will their beautiful princess choose ,shakti was also curious to know who this prince was ,whom Dushala has told her about earlier, would he even come to the swyamvar,does he also liked Dushala ,but she had no way of knowing, atleast Dushala will have a chance to choose what she wanted.she thought. So ,she went on with her simple and happy life.
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Dushala was happy but also little sad,after what happened with Shakti ,she was feeling guilty but had not contacted her in any way ,now she wanted her to be present at the swyamvar and help her with the preparation ,as a friend.
Maharani Gandhari felt that something was on Dushala's mind other than swyamvar,so she asked her.
Dushala told her that she wants Shakti to be with her , help her with preparations,but was unable to ask out of guilt.
Gandhari understood and added that since that day neither nor karna has put foot in the palace, may be they are not allowed to visit palace anymore,which was not at all surprising.
Duryodhana, who was coming to his mother's chamber to ask for special guests list,heard this conversation.

He told his mother and sister that he will personally go to karna and shakti's house and request them to come,he also wanted to apologise to them.
Hearing their Dushala was very happy as this was the first time her brother, though loving, has decided to do something for her in such a way.
Gandhari thought that karna would be a good influence on her son and permitted him to go and fetch the siblings.

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"You have taken the right step ,mere bacche.bring karna to our side now by any means as he is the only one who could fight against that Arjun and Mahamahim and be Victorious. Now , we would not want such an ace to go to the enemies side,would we?" Said sakuni enticing Duryodhana to use any means necessary to get karna on their side and fight the Pandavas.

Duryodhana nodded and went towards adhiratha home, vikarn and yuyutsu accompanied him.
Dushashan did not go with him because he was scared after what happened to Jayadrath as he also had wrong intentions towards Shakti,but now he thought that he should give up on that thought altogether or atleast plan properly before doing anything.He was evil like that.

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Karna and Shakti were not home ,when Duryodhana went to meet them, his arrival became the instant talk of the neighborhood.

"Pranipat Shreeman adhiratha ,Shrimati Radha."

"Pranipat prince, welcome to our humble home, to what do we deserve this honour? If you wanted something done,you could have asked us to visit you , prince?"said adhiratha calmly. After the prince has been seated and Radha had brought them refreshments.

"Thirsty goes to the well not the other way around, Shreeman.
Today ,I am here to request you and your family to take part in the preparation of my sister's swyamvar."

"Is that an order prince?" Asked adhiratha.

"It's a humble request, I know after what happened you would not want your daughter and son to go to the palace but I can assure you nothing like that happen again.my sister wants Devi Shakti to be present as her friend and I want karna to help me in all the arrangements."

"If you want servents ,you have many at the palace ,please leave my children out of this ,I request you, prince." Said adhiratha joining his hands.

"The safety of my children is of utmost importance to me and I will not allow them to go to the palace,if something happens again ,what would  this mother do, prince?" Radha exclaimed.

At this point karna and Shakti entered and were surprised to see three kaurav princes seated,by the look of it , a serious discussion was going on.

"Pranipat, princes "said karna and turned to his father and asked,
"What is the matter ,baba?"
Shakti was standing behind her brother also did pranipat and turned toward her parents.

But ,it was Duryodhana who spoke,
"First ,I want to apologise to you ,Devi Shakti ,please forgive my ignorance that day. I also want to say sorry to you karna,sorry for not being able of give that Jayadrath proper punishment.., because of the political reasons.
It is because of you two that my sister is safe from the wretched person. Thank you."

"If you are truly sorry prince than don't do it let anything like this to happen to anyone in future." Shakti challenged ,truth be told she had never thought that Duryodhana could apologise to anyone but clearly ,he is not as bad as portrayed.

"I promise you ,Devi Shakti that I will not do or let anyone harm the honour of any woman in such a way."Duryodhana said humbly ,re assuring shakti that he was truly sorry.

Shakti nodded.She has asked for such a promise knowingly.

"What is it you want ,prince ?" Asked karna Directly.

" We are here to take you and Shakti to the palace as guests and help in the preparation of swyamvar."said yuyutsu.

"Please come with us,it is our sister and Mata's desire," said vikarn.

"And I have already said no, putra."said adhiratha.

"Shreeman,shrimatiji..it is my promise to you that as long as I am present in the palace ,no harm will come to your children,not that they need my protection ,they are more than capable themselves but as my duty,I will not let anyone disrespect them either or I will take any punishment you want me to, I pledge it on my vansh's honour. Please allow me to take them." Duryodhana pleaded.

Listening to this adhiratha felt conflicted,should he allow his children to go or not.he looked at Radha ,who gave him a relieved expression.

"What do you think , Putra,putri? "Adhirath asked.

"We will do what you order ,baba."said karna .

"Ok,you two can go....prince Duryodhana always remember ,what you promised today."

"I will,thank you." Duryodhana smiled,and took Shakti and karna with himself.

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This chapter may look repetitive but just wear with it ,some important plot twists are coming up.
Thank you.
Smile alot.
Live life to the fullest.
Bye😀☘️❤️