Destiny or Accident?

Episode: 15 || First Impression

Double updates! Cause I'm happy.

"And the day came
when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than
the risk it took to blossom."

It was about three hours past sunrise when Duryodhana paced anxiously in his chambers, waiting for the guard to inform him of his friend's arrival. It had been too long since they last met, and despite the demands of running a kingdom, Duryodhana had sent a letter requesting Karna's presence. Though Duryodhana was in Hastinapur, Karna was busy transforming Anga, a kingdom Duryodhana had gifted him—something his brothers had never quite understood.

Duryodhana never regretted giving away his promised kingdom. In fact, he felt a sense of pride every time he heard rumors about how the war-ravaged Anga had flourished under Karna's rule. It was as if he had won a great victory through his friend's deeds. He valued Karna's friendship deeply, even though his other brothers saw their bond with suspicion.

In the arena that day, Duryodhana had boasted about what others lacked, about the value of being born into royalty, though even he took great pride in his royal status. However, when he witnessed Karna's unmatched skill, especially his potential to surpass Arjun, Duryodhana knew this friendship would be more than just a means to an end. What started as a tactical alliance to gain an upper hand on the Pandavas had grown into a genuine brotherhood, a rare and real connection.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Duryodhana grew restless. Karna had promised to arrive before sunset, and though there was still time, it felt like an eternity. Unable to wait any longer, Duryodhana decided to go check for himself. It was only a few hours before dusk, but there had been no sign of Karna yet. Exiting his chambers, he spotted his uncle, Gandhar-raja Shakuni, and his brother Dushasan approaching.

"Why do you even want to meet that sut-putra anyway?" Shakuni sneered, his distaste evident in his voice.

Duryodhana paused, feeling the weight of his uncle's words. Dushasan, walking beside him, raised his eyebrows in agreement, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world to question Karna's worth.

"I haven't seen him in many days," Duryodhana replied, more eager to find Karna than to entertain their cynicism. "He's been busy. I invited him here."

He stopped briefly, turning to face his uncle. His expression was firm as he added, "He is my friend. And he is Angaraj."

With that, he resumed his quick stride. Shakuni muttered something under his breath but reluctantly followed. The three of them made their way toward the guest chambers where Karna usually stayed.

Just as they neared, a guard informed them that Karna had arrived and was in the garden. Dushasan suggested they check the garden at the back of the palace, where Karna and Duryodhana often sat and talked during his visits. They followed his suggestion, anticipation growing in Duryodhana's chest.

As they entered the secluded garden, they all froze at the sight before them.

There, standing near the fountain, was Karna. His golden armor glistened faintly in the fading sunlight, but something was terribly wrong. A woman in what appeared to be a servant's attire was gripping Karna's angavastra with a fierce, almost desperate hold. The garment, meant to drape around his torso, now hung loosely around his neck. A young man stood nearby, his eyes wide in astonishment, as though unable to comprehend the scene unfolding before him.

But what truly made Duryodhana's blood boil was the sight of Karna's bleeding nose. And the woman—her posture rigid, her body language seething with anger—was the one confronting him.