The sun hung high in a clear sky, casting a warm golden hue over the waters of Champa, the glistening ribbon of azure. The river meandered gracefully through the land. Its waters sparkled like diamonds under the sunlight, providing not only sustenance but also a vital trade route for the bustling capital city of Anga.

Fishermen cast their nets while merchants skillfully navigated the river on ornate boats, laden with goods that reflected the wealth of their kingdoms. The capital itself was a marvel of architecture and culture, with intricately carved stone buildings standing proudly alongside vibrant marketplaces.

Vibrant market stalls lined the bustling streets, their colorful awnings fluttering in the gentle breeze. The air was infused with the rich aromas of exotic spices and freshly baked breads, as traders shouted their wares, from silk and precious stones to rare herbs. As merchants from distant lands converged, the city pulsed with life.

On the outskirts of the city, a group of young boys and men-relatives of the royal family of Anga-gathered beneath the shade of a sprawling banyan tree. Their eyes were transfixed on a clearing where a young mleccha warrior showcased his remarkable archery skills.

Though his shaved head and ragged clothes suggested a humble origin, his precision was extraordinary. With each draw of his bowstring, an arrow soared effortlessly through the air, finding its mark with unerring accuracy.

"Dekha, kitna saral hai !" he declared, his voice ringing with confidence.

The princely boys exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and intimidation. The mleccha reveled in their discomfort, a smirk playing on his lips as he expertly nocked arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark with unparalleled precision.

Glancing at the princely boys with a challenging smirk, he proclaimed, "Mujhse shresht iss Rajya mei koi dhanurdhar nahi."

As he basked in their intimidation, an unexpected twang echoed through the air. An arrow whizzed past him, thin and sleek, grazing his shoulder. The mleccha's bravado faltered, his pride momentarily eclipsed by shock. He turned sharply, eyes wide, to see the source of the arrow.

Emerging from the shadows of the trees stood a youthful man, fair-skinned and godly handsome. His rich garments, adorned with intricate patterns, contrasted sharply with the mleccha's ragged attire. The man held a gleaming bow, its craftsmanship unmistakably regal. A proud smile graced his lips, revealing a hint of superiority.

But what truly captivated the onlookers was the golden armor he wore, radiating light as if the sun itself had been forged into the metal. His resplendent earrings sparkled with divine brilliance, catching the eye of every beholder.

"Radheya !" the noble boys exclaimed in unison, their voices rising in excitement, recognising their cousin, the adopted son of Adirath and Radha, famous in the kingdom by the name of Vasusen.

He moved forward with an air of undeniable superiority, each step resonating with power. He glanced down at the mleccha, a mocking smile curling on his lips.

"Toh tumhe lagta hai ki tum iss rajya mei sarvashresht dhanurdhar ho ?" Vasusen queried, his tone dripping with condescension. "Chalo dikhao mujhe, tumhare Guru ne tumhe kya sikhaya hai."

The mleccha's bravado faltered beneath Vasusen's penetrating gaze, the young warrior's heart pounding, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected challenge. The mleccha hesitated, an unsettling knot forming in his stomach, but pride compelled him to raise his bow defiantly.

Before he could nock an arrow, Vasusen's fingers danced gracefully over his own bowstring. In an instant, he released, the arrow slicing through the air with lethal precision. It struck the mleccha's bow, splintering it with a sharp crack and grazing his fingers painfully.

Humiliated, he stared at the ruined bow, heat rising to his cheeks. Vasusen stood tall, laughter spilling from his lips, rich and mocking, echoing in the stillness of the forest.

The mleccha glared at him, swallowing his pride amidst the sting of humiliation. "Aap mujhse aayu mei bade hai, Kumar. Mujhe parast karna kaunsi badi baat hai ?"

Vasusen smirked, dismissing the excuse with a wave of his hand, "Tumne swayam ko sarvashresht dhanurdhar kaha, iske anusaar koi bhi yoddha tumhe dwand ki chunauti de sakta hai."

The mleccha's gaze fell to the ground, rage smoldering within him as he processed the derision behind Vasusen's words.

The son of Adirath, stepped closer, his eyes glinting with arrogance, "Dukhi na ho. Tum jaise mlecch ko toh prasann hona chahiye, ki parajit huye bhi toh ek Arya ke haatho."

His laughter rang out once more, a triumphant note of superiority as he turned away, his princely cousins joining him, as they followed him, their praise echoing in the forest, leaving the mleccha alone in his shame.

"Accha paath padhaya uss mleccha ko tumne !"

"Sab satya kehte hai, Radheya. Tumse shreshth dhanurdhar Anga mei koi nahi."

"Anga kya, aapse shreshth, sampurn Bharatvarsh mei koi nahi hoga !"

Each compliment wrapped around him like a fine silk robe, amplifying the warmth of pride that swelled in his chest. He raised his head high, allowing himself a smug smile, reveling in the glory of their praise.

In the kingdom of Anga, he was unmatched-no other could match his striking features or the elegance with which he wielded his bow. He was the sun, radiating brilliance, while others were mere planets, forever orbiting his grandeur. His hair glimmered like spun gold in the sun's light, and his piercing gaze could ensnare the heart of any maiden. Tales of his feats echoed through the villages, and even the most seasoned archers dared not challenge him.

However the world extended far beyond the verdant borders of Anga.

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A/N

Karn casteism ka shikar tha ? Arrey Mahabharat ka sabse bada casteist yeh khud tha ! I suggest you check what he says about Mleccha men and women, especially about the women of Madra to Shalya. And how he makes a casteist remark at Dron being a Brahaman.

Also me and _RulerOfHearts_ in our usual discussions, made an interpretation why Karn was so envious of Arjun.... We believe perhaps it was because Karn easily would've been the best in Anga where he grew up, and he was loved and dotted by his parents very much, so there's a high chance he grew up believing he was best and was unmatched.

But then he comes to Gurukul, and sees Arjun, a boy half his age, doing much better, getting all the praise. I think it snatched the high pedestal Karn was standing upon. Bande ke paero tale zameen khisak gayi~

It's hard to digest the fact that someone is better than you, and clearly Karn didn't have the grace to accept it... 🙃