The evening sun bathed the golden spires of Hastinapur in a gentle glow as Gandhari held Aryan's hand, walking slowly through the flower-lined corridors of the royal garden. Karna walked beside them, awe flickering in his eyes. For children born in mud and struggle, the marble floors and sweet scents of rose water seemed like something from the heavens.
Gandhari sat under the ancient peepal tree in the palace courtyard. She removed her sandals and motioned the boys to sit close. Duhsala curled beside Aryan, while Duryodhan and Dushasan continued their friendly wrestling nearby.
Gandhari's Voice Turned Soft, Reminiscent:
"When I was your age, I too was a wild-hearted girl with fire in her soul and mud on her palms. My dearest friend was named Vasumati. She was… sunshine in human form. We weren't princesses in our games—we were queens of the sky, warriors of the forest."
She smiled faintly, lost in memory.
"Once, we snuck into the royal granary just to see if we could hide from the guards. Vasumati tricked them with a trail of mango leaves, and I climbed out through the grain chute and landed right in a basket of lentils."
Aryan giggled. Karna's smile crept slowly, respectful.
"That girl was always bold," Gandhari whispered. "She once climbed the palace wall just to pluck a blue lotus for her mother. When caught, she said, 'The flower belonged to the sky. I only returned it home.'"
She turned to Aryan, her fingers brushing his cheek. "You remind me of her. You have her spirit."
Before Aryan could ask more, a gong echoed through the halls. A royal attendant appeared.
"Maharaj Dhritarashtra requests your presence in the Sabha Hall."
---
Inside the Royal Court
The grand sabha echoed with murmurs as Gandhari led the children in. Dhritarashtra, seated on his carved throne, raised his hand in welcome.
"Welcome, sons of Radha and Adhirath," the Maharaj said, his voice deep. "You have brought joy to my children today. For that, I offer you these gifts."
He clapped, and golden trays were brought—filled with toys, coins, silken robes, and fruit from distant lands.
"These are yours. Stay in the palace. Play and grow beside my sons."
Karna stepped forward, bowing low. "Maharaj, your grace humbles me. But I can only stay for ten months. My path lies elsewhere."
A stunned silence fell.
"Only ten months?" a voice from the court mocked. **"You should be thankful you're even standing here!"
"Know your place, son of a charioteer!"** barked another noble.
"He forgets this isn't his jungle," muttered one more.
Murmurs swirled like wind through dry leaves.
Aryan's eyes burned. He stepped forward, voice firm, steady despite his small stature.
"He will leave because he will be going to become the student of Guru Parshuram."
A thundering silence struck the hall.
Dhritarashtra gripped his staff. Even without sight, the name chilled him.
"Guru Parshuram? The same who slew Kshatriya kings in vengeance? The slayer of arrogance itself?"
"Yes," Aryan replied. "And I too shall accompany my brother. We walk the path of fire."
A collective gasp moved through the court.
Bhishma, seated in the shadows, leaned forward. His silver beard glinted as he studied the boys.
**"A son of a charioteer... and another child with eyes older than his age… both aiming for Parshuram's tutelage?"
His voice was low. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed."
Dronacharya stepped into the light, arms crossed. Arjun, Yudhishthir, and Bhim stood behind him, their expressions uneasy.
"Guru Parshuram does not teach easily. Nor forgive lightly. That path may bring pain, not glory."
"Glory is not our aim," Aryan said. "Purpose is."
Arjun scoffed under his breath. "And yet Duryodhan finds a rival only in a charioteer's son."
Karna's face fell for a moment.
Before anyone else could speak, Kunti sat quietly, watching. Her sari rustled slightly as she shifted. Her eyes remained fixed on Karna.
In her heart, a storm brewed.
"He's leaving again," she thought. **"First from my arms, and now from my sight."
She clasped her hands, eyes closed in silent prayer.
"Surya Dev, guardian of light and strength, bless my son. Protect him on his journey, grant him courage to endure, and wisdom to rise beyond the shadows of birth. May he return to me unbroken, and may my heart one day hold him fully."
---
Outside the Court – A Quiet Promise
As the crowd dispersed, Bhishma approached Gandhari.
"Those two boys… one has the rage of a storm and the other, the mind of a sage. Keep them close."
"They remind me of my own children… and my oldest friend," Gandhari replied softly.
"Then we must ensure no one dims their light before it shines."
Overhead, the stars gleamed, as if listening.
---
[SYSTEM ALERT – ARYAN]
> Honor Gained: +500 (For defending Karna) Status: Royal Court Recognized New Tag Activated: "Parshuram's Prospect"
The path had begun. And history, once again, leaned toward the boy born twice.