Time flowed like a quiet river, steady and relentless. The days in Hastinapur grew golden and warm, laughter echoing in the courtyards and hearts growing heavier with each sunset. It had been months since Aryan and Karna were blessed by the mysterious sages. Now, only five months remained before they were to leave for Guru Parshuram's gurukul.
One evening, as the sun dipped low, Aryan sat beside Karna under the shade of a neem tree. His fingers idly plucked blades of grass, his eyes watching the sky.
"Bhaiya," Aryan said softly, breaking the silence. "Before we go to the gurukul, there's a place I must visit... a soul I must meet."
Karna looked at him curiously. "Where, Aryan?"
"Vrindavan," Aryan replied, his eyes gleaming. "Shree Krishna is there. I don't know why, but my heart says I must meet him before anything else."
Karna sighed. "You and your strange instincts... But how will you convince Ma and Pitashree?"
Aryan smiled. "With truth."
---
Convincing the Parents
That night, in the warm light of the hearth, Aryan spoke with Radha and Adhirath.
"Ma... Pitashree... please let me go to Vrindavan. I feel like my path leads there first, even before Gurukul. My heart tells me this is part of my journey."
Radha frowned. "It's far... and you're still young. Why now?"
Adhirath added, "Who will take care of you? And why such urgency?"
Aryan knelt before them, tears brimming in his eyes. "You always taught me to listen to my soul. I do not ask for anything else... just this. Please trust me."
The room fell silent for a long moment.
Radha placed her hand on his head. "Alright, my son. Go... but promise you'll return safe."
Adhirath smiled gently. "And Karna will be with you. He is your brother, your shadow."
---
Farewell at the Mahal
The next day, Aryan and Karna arrived at the royal mahal. Aryan wore his simple village tunic, but his eyes burned with purpose. Karna walked beside him, silent but loyal.
Gandhari was first to see them. "Leaving again, little one? Where to now?"
Aryan bowed. "To Vrindavan, Mata Gandhari. I must meet someone... someone divine."
Gandhari's expression hardened slightly. "Vrindavan is not free of danger, Aryan. You are still a child."
Aryan replied calmly, "I may be a child, but my path is guided by forces beyond me. I promise I'll return safe."
Gandhari sighed, shaking her head. "You are wise beyond your years. Vasumati would have adored you." She placed a tilak on his forehead. "Go then, child. But return."
---
Duryodhan and Karna's Parting
Duryodhan approached Karna, arms crossed but a rare softness in his gaze.
"You better come back, Karna. I need someone worthy to defeat. I've not yet beaten you."
Karna smirked, his eyes glinting. "Then keep training. I'll return, and then you'll see who wins."
Duryodhan nodded, trying to hide his growing respect.
---
Duhsala's Tears and the Gift
Duhsala ran up to Aryan, her eyes brimming with tears.
"You're leaving again? You promised to stay this time!"
Aryan gently knelt down. "I'll come back soon, I swear. But I have something for you."
From behind his back, Aryan pulled out a small wooden tricycle—intricately carved, balanced perfectly, with delicate wheels and floral patterns.
Duhsala blinked. "What is this?"
**"It's for you to ride and remember me by. I made it myself."
The moment she sat on it, the tricycle moved smoothly across the floor, delighting everyone. The system had enhanced Aryan's crafting skill to god-level, and it showed.
Gandhari whispered to Kunti, "This boy... his mind was surely gifted by Brahma himself. A creator born to create joy."
Kunti nodded, watching Aryan, her eyes soft.
Duhsala giggled. "Come back soon, Aryan bhaiya. Or I'll come find you myself."
---
Courtyard Awe
Even the Pandavas and Kauravas gathered around the tricycle, amazed.
Yudhishthir: "What... what is this toy?"
Bheem: "Can I ride it too?"
Arjun eyed Aryan, his pride twitching. "How is he always doing things no one else can?"
In the distance, Guru Drona and Ashwatthama watched from the balcony.
Drona's lips curled. "He wastes time with toys. Let him play while others learn."
Ashwatthama mumbled, "But it's still impressive..."
Bhishma arrived, eyes twinkling at the scene. "Innovation and heart... such things can shape kingdoms."
---
The Next Morning — Departure
The sun had barely risen when Aryan and Karna stood at the village border, bags light but hearts heavy. Radha hugged Aryan tightly.
"Eat properly. Sleep on time. Don't wander alone."
Adhirath placed a gentle hand on his son's shoulder. "Return not just stronger—but wiser."
Gandhari, draped in her royal robes, came one last time. "May Dharm and the Devas protect your steps."
Kunti handed Karna a bundle. "For the journey. You've grown... but you'll always be my child in some way."
Karna bowed, deeply moved.
Duryodhan shouted from a distance, "Come back with new skills! I'll be waiting to duel!"
Duhsala waved frantically from her tricycle, "Don't forget me!"
Aryan smiled through tears. "I never could."
---
As they walked away, the wind seemed to whisper blessings, the road stretching out like fate's ribbon.
Above, Mahadev and Parvati watched once again.
Mahadev: "He walks to meet destiny with open arms."
Parvati: "And leaves behind hearts fuller than before."
The gates of Hastinapur faded behind them.
Vrindavan awaited.