Destiny or Accident?

Episode: 14 || Collision

"They expect to break me,
to see me surrender,
but they don't know that
I've made a home in the battle."

Angaraj, the newly appointed king of Anga, was making headlines—not for his status, but for his deeds.

Upon arriving in Anga, instead of basking in the glory of kingship, Karna immediately engaged in discussions with the kingdom's ministers. He sought to understand the intricacies of governance and identify areas for improvement. Unlike many rulers, he stepped down from his rath, asking the people directly what they wanted and needed. With unwavering determination, he addressed their concerns, providing essential resources without hesitation. Within just a month and a half, Anga—still recovering from the ravages of war—began to flourish. The once-struggling kingdom, deprived of medical facilities and basic necessities, was now on the path to recovery.

Previously, if anyone had been asked about Karna, they might have described him as Duryodhana's friend who received a kingdom as a gift. Now, however, they sang praises of his efforts, marveling at how he revived a kingdom stuck in time. Royals and commoners alike recognized Angaraj as a leader of caliber, equal to Arjun, someone capable of turning the tide if given a chance.

Karna had just returned from Anga to Hastinapur, where his friend awaited him. Arriving at noon, he was greeted by Mata Kunti, who was busy instructing servants. He touched her feet in respect, but before she could speak further or her sons could accuse him of any wrongdoing, he slipped away to the garden at the back of the palace. There, he sat on the steps, gazing up at the bright sun—its rays affecting everyone around him, yet leaving him untouched.

His thoughts turned to Advika. He longed to share his journey with her—his new friends, his kingship, and the thrilling match with Arjun that had frustrated Bhishma and Guru Drona. But the joy was overshadowed by the disappointment he felt from his parents, who scolded him for raising weapons in front of royals. Their words cut deep; they didn't understand the struggles he faced. He had tried to convince them to move to Anga, but their refusal stung.

Karna's upbringing in a humble hut with his parents had instilled in him a disdain for extravagance. The opulent palace at Anga—with its glittering gemstones, endless rooms, and lavish feasts—was overwhelming. His parents had visited often but resisted leaving Hastinapur, perhaps because they knew he would spend considerable time there as well.

Yet, what truly mattered to Karna since becoming Angaraj wasn't the glamour or the opportunities for charity—though he cherished the chance to help his people—but rather the friendship he shared with Duryodhana. Duryodhana had been sincere when he claimed he was not just a prince to Karna, but a true friend.

As he sat lost in thought, his left hand brushed against the ring on his ring finger, and suddenly, the world around him shifted. He welcomed the change, thinking only of Advika.

When he opened his eyes, it was night, and he found himself alone. Instinctively, he turned in a full circle, only to spot a figure by the fountain, adorned in a beautiful lehenga. In an instant, he knew—it was her.

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Advika wandered through the garden of the banquet hall, her steps heavy as if the weight of her heart was dragging her down. The sounds of Gauri's wedding—laughter, music, voices—faded into a distant hum, a dull background to her swirling thoughts. Everything felt distant, like she was watching life unfold from the other side of a window. She wasn't really there—not the way she once had been. Her mind was consumed by a single thought: Karna.