The rising sun cast golden hues over the lush fields of Vrindavan. Birds chirped in melodious rhythms, and the breeze carried with it the scent of wildflowers and fresh earth. It was the day Aryan and Karna would leave for their most important journey yet—to seek training under the legendary warrior-sage, Parshuram.
The household stirred early. Vasumati was already awake, packing food and carefully stitching a sacred thread into Aryan's tunic for protection. She moved gently, her eyes moist, her lips constantly chanting soft prayers.
"Maa," Aryan said softly, entering the kitchen. "Are you sure you're okay with me leaving?"
Vasumati looked at him with deep affection. "No mother is ever ready to let her son go into the world of danger. But I know you were born for something far greater, Aryan. Your path is chosen by the gods themselves. I will cry when you leave—but I will cry with pride."
Aryan hugged her tightly. His sister, standing nearby, came forward and hugged him too.
"Don't forget us," she said, teary-eyed.
"Never," Aryan replied. "I'll return stronger, and I'll bring you stories of valor and glory."
---
As the sun climbed higher, Radha Maa and Pitashree also arrived from Hastinapur to bid farewell. Karna stood beside Aryan, dressed in warrior's cloth, his eyes burning with anticipation. Vasumati, Radha Maa, and Pitashree all stood as one family, giving their blessings.
"Take care of each other," Radha Maa said, placing tilak on both boys' foreheads. "You are brothers by fate and by soul."
Pitashree handed them each a handcrafted blade, symbolic and sharp.
"This may not be your greatest weapon, but let it be your first. Respect it, and it will respect you."
---
Before leaving, Aryan and Karna went into the village one last time. Children ran to them, tugging at their robes.
"Bhaiya, you'll come back, right?"
"You'll make us proud?"
Aryan knelt to their level. "I promise to return not just stronger, but wise and worthy. Keep practicing your aim and running fast—I'll test you when I return!"
As the crowd cheered, Krishna toddled in with butter smeared on his cheeks. Aryan chuckled and knelt to hug him.
"Little one, stay naughty. But also grow strong," he whispered.
Krishna touched his forehead and giggled. "Go, go, warrior! Come back and play more!"
---
Back in Hastinapur, news of their journey had reached the royal palace. A farewell was arranged.
Gandhari and Kunti were both present, standing in the courtyard with the young princes and princess.
"Why must you go to this dangerous place?" Gandhari asked Aryan gently.
"Because the path to strength is always lined with trials, Rajmata," Aryan answered with a bow. "And this is my dharma."
Kunti stepped forward and silently handed Karna a bundle—dried fruit, sacred herbs, and a small cloth she had woven.
"I cannot stop you," she said, voice trembling, "but I can send my love with you."
Karna bowed silently, deeply moved.
Duryodhan stepped forward and grabbed Karna's hand.
"When you return, we'll duel again. Stronger. Faster. And you'll lose again," he smirked.
Karna grinned. "In your dreams, Rajkumar."
Dushala ran up to Aryan, holding the tricycle he had crafted.
"Don't forget your promise," she said with tears.
"I'll be back before you know it. And I'll make you a flying cart next!" Aryan promised, ruffling her hair.
Even Bhishma came to see them off, his presence towering yet serene.
"Parshuram does not take students lightly," he said gravely. "You must win his respect with your soul, not just your sword."
"We will, Mahapitamah," Karna said, eyes steely.
Drona, from the shadows, merely observed. His expression was unreadable—but his envy wasn't.
---
As Aryan and Karna began their journey, leaving behind the grandeur of Hastinapur and the serene beauty of Vrindavan, they crossed meadows, forests, and rivers. Each step took them deeper into unknown territory—and closer to the destiny that awaited.
They rested at night by firelight, speaking of the future.
"What will he be like? Parshuram?" Karna asked.
"Ruthless. Fair. Divine. And maybe even broken," Aryan replied.
"Think he'll accept us?"
Aryan smiled. "He will. We're not ordinary boys. We're destiny's answer to a world needing heroes."
Above them, the stars shimmered, and somewhere in the heavens, Shiva and Parvati looked down with smiles.
The road was long. But the journey had truly begun.
> SYSTEM UPDATE – QUEST ACTIVE Reach Sage Parshuram's Ashram (4 Days Remaining) Bond Progression: Karna +30% | Destiny Path: Diverging to Legendary Line
The fate of kingdoms, gods, and mortals now stirred in the footsteps of two brothers walking into legend.