The next day, Karn went to the river bank to pray... He offered his prayers to Suryadev. His first day as king! He let his beautiful brown eyes around only to see blue Lotus on the edge of the pond. He was in his own world of admiring the flower when he felt someone behind him. He turned around only to see Prakriti standing there with a smile.
An automatic smile paved way towards those lips of Vasusen and he looked around before asking,"Hey Prakriti! You here at this time? What are you doing here??" Prakriti shrugged saying,"I just want to see you, Vasu! What happened to you? You seem to lost in your thoughts!? You didn't even hear me coming here?"
He smiled saying,"My apologies! I saw this flower and I couldn't help but..."
Prakriti chuckled saying,"If you want you can take it!!" She was about to pluck, but Karn stopped her saying,"No no! You mistaken me! It is beautiful because it is there. If I pluck it, it will lose its life, which I never want. Moreover my lover does not like Blue Lotus, Aren't I right??"
Prakriti exclaimed,"How would you know??" Vasusen looked at the beautiful flower saying,"You once threw away the flower when I gave you, thinking I didn't see that. But in reality I saw you throw the flower outside!"
Prakriti paled completely and she fearfully looked at him who smiled at her assuredly saying,"It's okay, Prakriti. I understand. I should've tried to ask you what's your favourite instead of giving you my favourite!!" Prakriti gulped thickly but asked,"So your favourite is blue Lotus??" Karn smiled softly saying,"I love its smell. Something about Blue Lotus attract me always. It makes me feel peace!"
Vrushali who was taking water from nearby river saw both of them. She called out "Vasu! I invited you and your friends for breakfast. I hope you didn't forgot it!!" Vasusen slapped his forehead before excusing himself saying,"Oh got some work to do, Prakriti. We'll meet soon! And Vrushali, I need Pedhas in breakfast. See you!"
Vrushali shook her head in amusement before looking at the girl who glared at her with frevor asking,"Are you sure you're married? Why are you behaving that much close with him??" Vrushali didn't say anything. She just shook her head, royally ignoring the Kishkinta Princess, went to her house and began to prepare food for the three warriors...
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When Karn reached the palace, he took a good bath and went to his friends chambers. Both were in deep sleep and hence not to disturb them so early, He put extra blankets on them and decided to take a walk around the Capital. Though bit rural, Magath inside Maitri is quite richer than Hastinapur. He looked at the fields but no crops have been grown. His face scrunched in confusion. Why though???
He looked through the fields penesievely. The land is completely fertile and even the soil had the good texture. Suddenly he heard," Greetings Maitriraj Karn!!" Karn turned around only to see Sahadev, the 5th pandava smiling at him nervously. He smiled back saying,"Hello Prince Sahadev! How can I help you??"
Sahadev said, "No no! I just couldn't sleep properly. So thought of going around the capital..." Karn's face mirrored into concern and he asked,"What? Are you uncomfortable? Doesn't the palace rooms good?? Why couldn't you sleep??" Shahadev's heart warmed hearing the concern.
He don't know about his other brothers. But for him, Radhey had given a big brother vibes always. He hurriedly said,"Oh! It's nothing. I just have sleeping problem always...that's completely normal"
Karn shook his head in negative saying,"No that's not completely normal. You are a warrior. You should sleep whenever you get time. Come here!!" Shahadev reached near and Karn kept his three fingers on his forehead. After few moments, he said,"You are under lots of stress. Don't overthink anything! Just keep it cool. You'll get sleep!!" Shahadev looked at him in surprise. He asked,"Are you good in medicine??"
Karn chuckled saying,"Well not good as you, but I'm good at medicine. My Gurudev grinded my brain quite well!" Shahadev asked,"So you studied medicine too??" Karna taking few Sand In his fingers muttered,"Ofcourse!! You didn't think I learnt only weapons for 10 years right??" Shahadev was seriously impressed. He asked,"What are you doing now??"
Karn still checking the soil said,"Oh! I'm just wondering why no one has done farming here??" Shahadev raised his eyebrows asking, "And why would you assume that?? Maybe they have harvested already??"
Karn shook his head saying,"No! Wait...come here! No no don't go that side.. come here! Yeah, Take some sand...This type of soil indicates that the soil was not harvested because see though it is very dry you can feel the moistness underneath which indicates that the sand still has nutrients in it... And smell it! It's raw mud smell not some grass or other because if it has been harvested, the sand will contain the harvested plant smell... That's why I asked!!"
On the other hand, Sahadev was completely bewildered by Karn's intelligence and the way of interpreting. He looked at the man before him in wonder. Is the man before him really a son of charioteer?? The morning sun fell on Karn's face which glowed brightly. A small calm smile, And Sahadev remembered Kavach and Kundal too, the brain of Pandavas concluded that Radhey is not an ordinary person...
He sat bit closer to Karn hesitantly who noticed the youngest Pandav in peripheral vision but didn't say anything. Though he wouldn't admit, but he always have the soft corner for this Little Sahadev. The breeze of Maitri washed over their bodies refreshing Vasusen and he asked,"So, what do you think about Vasudev Krishna?? Will he help me as neighbouring king?? Though he is very distant neighbour??"
The awkwardness flew away and Sahadev exclaimed,"Oh he is our elder cousin. Ofcourse you should be friends with him except for the fact he's also a prankster like you. You both will get along well! Hmm... What to say? He still sometimes steal butter from his favorite ladies houses. Such a troublemaker!!"
Karn chuckled when he saw Sahadev narrowing his eyes in disapproval of his cousin. He patted the boy saying,"God Sahadev!! Live a life a little, Kid!! Being a prankster has its own ways of being closer to others and will say about one's character easily!" Shahadev nodded but rubbed his eyes sleepily.
But suddenly a rich music of Flute filled his ears and he looked around only to see Vasusen playing with it. Aah ok! Wait WHAT?? Sahadev exclaimed,"Where did this Flute come from??" Vasusen chuckled saying,"Calm down kid! This is gift from my Mata Dharani. I can summon it. It has a bit not so good personality unlike your cousin's, this is bit dangerous!!"
"Danger, what?? What...y-you...", Shahadev's eyes closed involuntarily and his head fell on the shoulder of the King of Maitri while Vasusen kept on playing it. It's the most dangerous possession that Vasusen have.
The flute he have now is 'Maya!' Unlike Vasudev Krishna, he's not prodigy in it, but he have saw the people completely mesmerised by his music, later only realised the capacity of this Flute. It was given to Mata Dharani by some Asuras for giving them best hospitality. While he play this, he can control the nearby person totally. The way he made the kid near him sleep...
He looked at the boy and stopped playing when he saw the boy clutching his arm tightly lulling peacefully like a baby. He gazed the sky and realised he still have lots of time. So, he played a soothing music for the people of his kingdom to get some inner peace and calmness. The sound of music ringed throughout the kingdom travelling like ripples of waves reaching Shani, Yama and Lord Parashuram who were talking with each other in the banks of Yamuna.
Shani exclaimed,"Lord... L-Lord isn't that Maya??" Lord Parashuram nodded his head saying,"Yes Shani!!" Yama pulled up his shield to not be affected by the music and asked,"How?? How did he get it?? It belongs to .... Don't say Mata Dharani gave to him. It's very dangerous flute, Lord Parashuram!!"
Lord Parashuram sighed in defeat. He said,"Ofcourse I know! But you know the power of mother in a woman. I can control Dharani as my wife but not when she behave as Vasusen's mother. She is the one who taught him complete controlling of 5 senses, music and dance. I don't know she gave him Flute until the last week where she admit that she had transferred her power to control Maya to Radhey! I thought of protesting but no use. Not when it comes to Radhey!"
Shani gulped saying,"But Lord, if he used it in a bad way, then... I myself has to punish him brutally!!" Ofcourse, because Shani is the one who created the Flute filled with dangerous capabilities and offer to Asuras who prayed and pleased him. Yama continued,"We know about his temper and his flaws. Even his friends are not like they will be in righteous path for sure. Both his best friends are easily manipulative, even if they find Vasusen wrong they wouldn't protest but instead join with him and perish!"
Lord Parashuram closed his eyes in peace on hearing the melodious tune from the flute. His wife's favourite tune. She would often play this to calm him down.
His eyes opened and asked,"Where is that Vasudev? I personally invited him and he didn't come?! Does he still going around dancing with gopikas??" Yama and Shani chuckled. Yama said,"Maybe or maybe not! But if he didn't come, then there must be a reason. Eventhough he play around with gopikas, I'm sure, he's responsible when it comes to duties!!"
Lord Parashuram rolled his eyes saying,"Vasusen Karn, the prankster of east, Vasudev Krishn, the prankster of west!! Nice thing he didn't come. Otherwise I'm sure Vasusen will be busy playing hide and seek with Vasudev rather becoming a King. And they both have no habit of hearing elders. They'll do whatever they want with innocent smile on their face. Such a brats!!" The three men laughed together enjoying the flute music of Maitriraj.
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When Yudhishthir searched for his last brother in the palace, he couldn't find him in his chamber. He know about Sahadev's not so sleeping state, that too if they change the places, it will take 2 days for him to get accustomed to the new place. He heard the flute music and involuntarily his heartbeat calmed down and he felt like he was floating. He composed himself and walked towards the music and he blinked.
WAIT...DID HE MISS SOMETHING??
Sahadev's head was on Maitriraj's shoulder and he was very comfortably sleeping which is a great miracle because recently he even don't be this much close to other Pandavas. He was avoiding the other four including the twin Nakul. Though he talks good with Yudhishthir, there will be the tone which would clearly say,"I'm talking because unfortunately you became my elder brother"
And none of the brothers confronted him because Sahadev might be younger but not have such a temper that will make him glare the others like they'll be ashes if it held fire.
He saw two servants trying to remove his grip from Vasusen who was laughing because Sahadev only tightened his grip around him. Deciding to intervene, he pulled his brother gently away from the King but this little human.. only hugged Maitriraj more.
He tapped Sahadev's cheeks calling out,"Dev, Dev.. come on. Get up! Sleep in your room!!" Vasusen held Yudhishthir hand saying,"Don't wake him up. He seem to have not slept properly for 3 days. Let him sleep. I played a whole song so that he'll not get up until he feels his tiredness gone. So carry him to his chamber. And if he wakes up, give him the herbal medicine of his, before asking him to sleep! He'll become weak!"
Yudhishthir nodded his head and he carried Shahadev in his arms. He saw the soft look of Maitriraj towards his brother who ruffled the boy's hair saying,"Sleep well, Little Kid!" He patted Yudhishthir, smiling but it was not soft, it was rather formal and forced. The guards began to say something which made Karn to give his total attention towards them leaving Pandav brothers alone.
When Yudhishtir reached Shahadev's chamber, he placed his brother comfortably on his bed and sat beside him. He looked at his brother for one long time before whispering,"Don't be far from us, Shahadev! Stay with us! Stay close to us!"
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When Karn reached the palace, the first thing he saw is Kunti walking towards Kitchen. He looked around before asking,"Rajamata! You already up!? But it's too early. But anyway, do you need anything??"
Kunti silently watched him walking towards her, oh the first time she took him in her arms, how little he was. Now so majestic, tall and masculine! She shook her head saying,"Nothing Putr! I just want to prepare sweet for you!"
Karn gave one confused look but he chuckled embarassedly saying, "Rajamata! According to Maitri tradition, The first sweet should be done either by my mother or wife. Since, I'm not married, my mother should do that! I think you can be guest and enjoy. You no need to work. Please consider my request"
Saying so, he moved politely the other side leaving Kunti in pool of tears. Her hands trembled and she looked at his retreating figure saying,"I'm your mother, Karn. I'm your mother. How can I be a guest after knowing you're my son!?"
Karn felt bad for stopping Rajamata Kunti but he couldn't help. It's his mother's right to prepare sweet for him and he won't let any other to take her rights away. Already his mother was distant that he became royal, and now not this too. He was in deep thoughts when he felt weight on body. He looked at the person and saw it's Ashwathama.
He rolled his eyes asking,"What in the name of God is the problem now??" Ashwattama pouted saying,"Duryodhan is dusturbing me... Lord Shiva! This boy is a cuddler! That's why I slept in separate chamber but he disturbed me in early morning!" Duryodhan bursted into laughter while Karn coughed uncomfortably...
Duryodhan took a deep breath controlling his laughter saying,"You are complaining to him?? Huh!! He is worse than me!" Ashwattama sarcastically said, "Wonderful!! But I should say...maybe your wives will be so lucky! But imagine those poor girls will probably crushed by....Ouch SORRY!! NO!! VASUSEN...STOP HITTING ME. I'M SORRY"
All the three boys were laughing when they heard,"Boys, you don't want Vrushali to come here and drag you by ears, right?? She is waiting for yo...." But Karn was already running towards Mahamantri house pulling Ashwathama and Duryodhan not to get beatings from Vrushali.
Daksh shook his head. However great king you're, Vrushali, his wife will overpower everyone. See, how fast Karn, the king of Maitri was running... He shook his head following the boys politely bowing to the guards who returned his gesture with a smile. Afterall, Daksh is one of the famous businessman who was liked by everyone...
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Hey all! New chapter! I hope you like it!
And everyone asked me about Jaiveera and his plans... Guys no worries... I'll explain soon..
Karn and Prakriti are getting closer but Vrushali stopped them?! 😬
Karn have soft spot for Little Pandav and vice versa. Ofcourse you can expect more cute interactions from them...😊😊😊
Have you wondered?? Vasusen and Vasudev have many similarities. They are pranksters, never obey until they feel it'll be right!! Let's wait for their meeting! They also have flute...😊😊
Maya, the flute of illusions is in the possession of Karn. It was built by Shani and was given to Asuras who begged him to bless them. Shani gave them but didn't say it's powers, hence thinking that he didn't bless them, they gave the valuable and dangerous Flute to Dharani who with her intelligence found the use. Now the owner is Karn and are you eager to see whether it'll create problems or solve the problems??🤔🤔
Karn stopped Kunti from preparing sweet. Is he rude or anything? 🤔🤔
Thus, comment your thoughts about the chapter and any doubts ask me.. this is completely my imagination and maybe I'll give you small spoiler...
Dushala marriage is going to occur soon... Enjoy!!💛💛💛
Until then,
Yours,
Shruti 💜🥰