"That is indeed, a very bold assumption to make Guru Drona."

Everyone looked in the direction from where the voice came.

The crowd is hushed in collective reverence, their eyes locked on this enigmatic figure at the entrance of the arena. The man's imposing stature demands respect, and his presence commands attention. He exudes a captivating blend of power, charisma, and mystery that casts a spell over all who have the privilege to witness his entry.

He moved with a dignified grace, a blend of strength and poise, marking him as a warrior who stands at the pinnacle of his art. He made his way to the centre of the arena.

His warm Amber eyes held a depth of his strong character, an unyielding determination and the weight of unspoken wisdom. Long, flowing hair, the colour of midnight, cascaded down his back suggesting both grace and an untamed spirit. His face has a divine radiance. His golden kundal only increases the shine and beauty.

The sun shone brightly, casting an ethereal glow upon him, the anticipation reached its peak. At that moment, he stood as a symbol of both enigma and valour. But he was dressed like a commoner: iron jewellery and a simple yellow dhoti.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting. Tiasha stood up and reached the edge of the balcony.

It was not unknown to her who this mysterious warrior was. Two more people in the crowd recognised the figure and looked at each other with fear and worry.

Drona looked at the young man with sceptical eyes, "And who would you be?"

-"I am Parasuraman Shishya Radheya Karna. And I am willing to prove your claim wrong guru Drona."

A flash of recognition appeared in Drona's eyes. Twelve years ago when he started to teach the Kuru Kumaras a young boy came to seek his guidance as a guru. He remembered the same fiery amber eyes and the hurt in them as they filled with tears when he refused to teach him because he was the son of Mahamahim Bhishma's charioteer.

-"I only teach the Rajkumars in here. A suta can never become a part of a gurukul where the princes are prepared to become future kings. I cannot accept you as a student." were his exact words.

He saw the determination in his eyes as he retreated without a single word.

That same boy from all those years ago, now all grown up stood in front of him with the same determination blazing in his eyes.

His thoughts were interrupted when Kula guru Kripacharya asked, "You don't seem to be a king or a prince. Only a Kshatriya king or prince can be challenged in this competition. State your birth status and identity, if you are a king or prince then only you can challenge."

-"I am Vasusena, the son of Mahamahim Bhishma's charioteer Adhiratha Susena."

A mocking smile appeared on both Kripa's and Drone's face. The crowd buzzed with murmurs.

-"You are a Suta Putra?"

-"And you dare to challenge a prince?"

-"Go back and help your father clean the wheels of the chariot, your hands are not made to wield a weapon. Let alone challenge and defeat my brother", Bheema sena mocked eyeing Karna up and down.

Karna's head hung low and his face became red in embarrassment.

Tiasha who was standing at the edge of the balcony heard Kunti say, "How dare he?".

Tiasha turned towards Kunti, bewildered. She noticed Subhadra was also looking at him with distaste. Dushala and Gandhari remained silent but despise was evident in their eyes. At this point, Tiasha was losing her patience. The hurtful and mocking words, nobody deserves this. She clenched her fists and closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself.

How can someone's birth status be a representation of who they are? They are practically humiliating him even before they know what he is capable of Just because of his caste. This was straight away unfair. Tiasha was fuming seeing the man's head hanging low as the hateful words continued.

She failed to go back to her composer and was about to shout something but Duryodhan beat her in that.

When they were mocking Karna Shakuni whispered in Duryodhan's ears, "Putra, look at that warrior, what do you see?" Duryodhan looked at his mama questioningly.

-"Look at his build, he may be a Suta Putra but he screams power and valour. Make him join our side, he can come in handy."

Duryodhan smirked.

-"He looks like a capable warrior Gurudev. At least we should give him a chance."

Karna looked up shocked at Duryodhan.

-"You heard him, Putra Duryodhan, he is a low born, it is disrespectful to Kuru prince Arjun to engage in a duel with him."

-"If that hurts the honour of the kuru prince to engage in a duel with someone just because he is not a king, then I, Rajkumar Duryodhan announce Karna as the king of Anga. Now I don't think the challenge will be a problem anymore."

Karna looked at Duryodhan shock evident in his eyes. A Rajkumar standing up for a mere suta? Him? Declaring him as a king? But he doesn't want a kingdom. He wants to prove his worth. Show everyone that he is capable of wielding a weapon. He just wants respect as a warrior nothing else.

Hearing him Bhishma and Vidur stood up. "Kururastra is not yours to give away Duryodhan. you have no right to declare him as the king of Anga and give him the land."

Karna's lowered his head again getting ready for another round of humiliation coming his way. This has been his life from his very childhood. No one ever stood up for him. This time when Duryodhan did he saw a small ray of hope but that went off as he heard Mahamahim Bhishma.

Tiasha felt like she just wanted to run to Karna and engulf him in her embrace and hide the man from this cruel and unjust society. He didn't want any of this. He wants to prove that he is capable. Is that too much to ask for? Her heart broke when she saw tears filling his warm amber eyes. One group was humiliating him while the other one who was seemingly supporting was planning on using him for their benefit.

Shakuni came beside his nephew, "Yes Putra Kururastra is yours to give away."

Duryodhan looked at Shakuni bewildered, "But Mamashree..."

-"Putra you are not the king, but your father is, you can always ask him for a gift." Shakuni said in a low voice so only Duryodhan could hear.

Duryodhan smirked, "I am sorry Pitamah, I perhaps have crossed my line."

Bhishma nodded and Vidur looked at him skeptically.

Duryodhan walked up to his father and touched his feet. "Pitashree I have come back from Gurukul after so long. If I ask you for a gift will you give me?"

The blind king couldn't deny his son's request, "Whatever you ask for Putra."

-"I want you to declare Karna as the king of Anga."

Karna looked up in disbelief towards the prince. He is trying to help him. A sense of gratitude filled his heart.

Dhritarastra was in a dilemma. But his love for his son overpowered all other scenes as he said, "Putra can't you ask for something else?"

-"No Pitashree this is the only gift I ask for. but you don't seem willing." he coated his voice with fake sorrow.

Vidur and Bhishma looked at each other. They know for a fact that Dhritarastra would never decline after this. They sighed in defeat.

-"I King Dhritarastra of Hastinapur, Declare Adhiratha Putra Radheya Karna as the king of Anga."

Duryodhan grinned, "Thank you, father."

He walked towards Karna and stood in front of him. Karna was about to kneel in front of him when he said, "No you don't kneel in front of anyone now, you are a king."

-" Then how do I show my gratitude, Rajkumar? I have nothing to repay your kindness." Karna asked in a tear-filled voice.

-"Yes you do, be my Mitra (friend), that would be enough for me." Duryodhan said as he set a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

Karna too smiled, "I Radheya Karna, vow I will forever be your Mitra and never leave your side."

Tiasha sighed, the drama had begun.

-XX-

Hi everyone. I am in dire need of three more votes to reach a hundred votes. Please, guys, help me out. Thank you so much for showing me support. I appreciate your comments.

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